‘Miss Shawna’ as her students often call her, is a Psychometrist who provides Psychoeducational Assessment (testing) and consulting services based out of Courtice, ON.
In addition to working for the local school board (part time), Shawna offers private Psychoeducational Assessment and consulting services under the supervision of and in collaboration with several Registered Psychologists. Through a positive and encouraging disposition which values evidence based practices, data, qualitative information, and experienced clinical judgement, her goal is twofold: (1) to help each person she encounters learn more about their individual strengths, talents, and areas for growth and (2) to equip parents and teachers involved in a student's life with a greater understanding about how to help them be as successful as possible at home and school.
Shawna is a frequently requested guest speaker and presenter within her schools and the community, is a part-time professor of Child Development with Durham College, and is often asked to consult and collaborate with local Psychologists about complex cases and to assist in various training initiatives. During the Covid-19 pandemic Shawna completed the "Science of Well Being" online course through Yale University with her son Chayce, and also created and ran several online mental health support groups as well as created and filmed a series of professional videos designed to help children with their mental health, with the support of Their Opportunity (see resource page).
Shawna has over 20 years of experience in the field of School Psychology attained Canada and the United States, and is a mother to 3 busy boys. Like most people, she has also faced her own share of family challenges and so she knows first hand how important it is to receive quality care, support, and service.
Outside of work, Shawna loves spending time with her family, reading, meeting friends for coffee, dreaming in Home Sense, travelling, and anything to do with lake life. In 2015 Shawna and her younger boys traveled to Villa Altagracia in the Dominican Republic to meet one of their World Vision sponsor children, Maria, which was a life-changing experience for all. To read about this life-changing experience, check out page 5 of the WV Magazine at http://www.helpmesara.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/World-Vision-Canada-Childview-Magazine-Summer-2015.pdf
Shawna earned both of her degrees at the University of New Brunswick, and has a Master's of Education Degree (specializing in School/Educational Psychology) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (in Psychology and Law in Society). Additional training pertaining to mental health and learning is ongoing as part of Shawna’s commitment to understanding the changing and complex needs of children. Shawna is a trained ASIST provider (suicide intervention) and has completed threat assessment, non-violent crisis intervention, selective mutism, DBT, mental health first aid, and various trainings related to ASD and equity, diversion & inclusion.
Prior to moving to Ontario, all licenses were in good standing which include an Education Specialist Credential in Mild-Moderate Disorders (California) as well as a Clinical Psychologist License (Michigan). Shawna is a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), and provides Psychological services in consultation with Registered Supervising Psychologists in order to meet the legal and ethical standards in the province of Ontario.
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We are so happy to be back providing in person Assessments. Please note that our current wait time for Assessments is approximnately 3-4 months. If you are looking for as Assessment before this time, some trusted providers are cited at the bottom of the RESOURCES page. You may also wish to explore the College of Psychologists of Ontario directory, or the resources within your child's school.