A nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP), Dr. Allan P. Gold accrued more than 47 years of professional excellence in the field of psychology education prior to his retirement in 2023. Joining the Reed Union School District in Tiburon, California, in 1976, he served as a district psychologist until retiring, having garnered numerous accolades and honors during his tenure. In his role as a district psychologist, Dr. Gold was responsible for organizing counseling groups for children who were enduring stressful life events, such as parental divorce, parental illness, poor socialization skills and special needs siblings, among other life situations that may require counseling.
In addition, Dr. Gold founded the TEA Club, a schoolwide organization that taught children the significance of acceptance and inclusion during lunch periods, and the Gender Sexuality Alliance, a student organization that created safe spaces for students to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, Dr. Gold has organized several clubs for mathematics for more than 35 years, particularly for high-achieving mathematics students. Adjacent to his primary career, he served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of California Berkeley, between 1980 and 1987 and excelled as the chairman of the board of Being Adept from 2017 to 2021, a nonprofit organization that educated middle school students on substance abuse. Unfortunately, the organization had to close due to COVID-19 in 2021. He also served as the president of his local synagogue from 1991 to 1993 as the first two-year president.
Prior to commencing his career, Dr. Gold pursued formal education at the University of California Berkeley, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics, summa cum laude, and a Master of Arts in statistics. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and in 1978, he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in educational psychology. While studying toward his graduate degree, Dr. Gold joined the United States Army Reserves during the Vietnam War, where he was appointed to the medical unit. Notably, this formative experience ignited Dr. Gold’s interest in psychology, leading him to excel in the specialty throughout his career.
As a testament to his success, Dr. Gold received numerous honors, such as the Outstanding School Psychologist Award from the California Association of School Psychologists in 1991 and 2017. He also received the First Educator Award for Outstanding Educators from the Reed Union School District in 1994 and a Rotary Club Award in 2014. Looking toward the future, Dr. Gold aims to continue enjoying his well-deserved retirement.
