Shawna MacKellar, M.Ed.
Passion, Experience & Collaboration
‘Miss Shawna’ as her students often call her, is a Psychometrist who provides Psychoeducational Assessment (testing) and consulting services (e.g., workshops, guest speaking, training support, assistance with referrals or resources, etc.) based out of Courtice, ON. In addition to working for the local school board part time, Shawna provides private Psychoeducational Assessment and consulting services under the supervision of several registered Psychologists. Shawna is passionate about making a difference with learners of all ages. Through a positive and encouraging disposition which values 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 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 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
Training & Credentials
Shawna earned her degrees at the University of Toronto and University of New Brunswick, and has a Masters of Education degree specializing in School/Educational Psychology, and a Bachelors 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 needs of children. Shawna is a trained ASIST provider (suicide intervention) and has also completed threat assessment, non-violent crisis intervention, selective mutism, mental health first aid , and literacy training. She is a frequently requested presenter on various topics related to learning and mental health in local schools and in the community. 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 for children; due to the increase in mental health challenges for children during this time, she also created and filmed a professional video series designed to help children with their mental health, in partnership with Their Opportunity (see resource page).
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 (Masters level) license (Michigan). Shawna is a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, and provides Psychological services in consultation with Registered Supervising Psychologists in order to meet the legal and ethical standards in the province of Ontario.
Welcome!
We are so happy to be back providing in-person Psychoeducational Assessment services! Please note that we are presently at full capacity, and booking Assessments for September 2023. If you are looking for as Assessment before then, some trusted and known service providers are cited at the bottom of the Resources page; you may also wish to contact the College of Psychologists of Ontario website, or inquire with your local LDAO chapter. Exploring different resources within your child's school may also be helpful.