Authorities: Fraud shrink treated kids at Perkins
By Kevin Rothstein, Boston Herald, Thursday, January 6, 2005

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A woman who counseled children as a neuropsychologist at the renowned Perkins School for the Blind is facing criminal charges for allegedly practicing without a license for some 15 years.
A Waltham District Court clerk magistrate found probable cause yesterday to charge Veronika Bernstein, 58, of Somerville with unlicensed practice. She could face up to a $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment.

``This person was working at the Perkins School for the Blind and was holding herself out as a psychologist and a neuropsychologist, which she's not,'' said Linda Grasso, general counsel for the state Division of Professional Licensure, which sought the charges.

A spokeswoman for the Watertown school, best known as the alma mater of Helen Keller, said Bernstein is not currently practicing psychology at the school, though she couldn't say if she had practiced psychology in the past.

She described Bernstein as a developmental specialist treating deaf and blind students.

``She is not practicing psychology at the school. The school is in compliance with all state special education licensure requirements,'' said spokeswoman Barbara Castleman.

Bernstein and her lawyer declined comment after the hearing.

Activist Andrea Watson, co-founder of Parents for Residential Reform, called licensing a crucial component to a professional's credibility.

``If they're not licensed, that's not only a huge betrayal, it leaves things open for questions. If they're not licensed, were they educated? Did they know what they were talking about?'' she said.

The case came to light after a parent complained about Bernstein's treatment of their child. Investigators soon found she had no license.

``That was a misrepresentation and children and families were receiving services from her that she wasn't qualified to provide,'' Grasso said.