Approach

Why Lightside?

I founded Lightside Psychology with a clear vision: to make psychological testing a more personalized, flexible, and collaborative experience. My testing process:

  • Is tailored to the unique goals of each individual and family

  • Fosters a partnership between the psychologist and client

  • Focuses on what is best for you, without being limited by traditional time or insurance constraints

Foundational Values

  • I specialize in making complex psychological data easy to understand and apply in practical, meaningful ways. After testing is complete, I take the time to walk you through results so you have a clear understanding of the most effective interventions or treatment strategies for yourself or your child.

    My process is designed not just to identify and clarify challenges, but to also highlight strengths. This helps us work together to build a comprehensive, personalized plan that supports mental health, academic, and/or professional success. I also connect you with helpful resources and supports to ensure your ongoing progress and well-being after your work with me is complete.

  • I believe psychological testing is most effective when it leads to meaningful, actionable support. Throughout this process, I work with you, your family, and any involved therapists, physicians, and/or school teams to make sure the results translate to the right academic and therapeutic interventions. My role does not stop when testing concludes; it includes ongoing advocacy.

    With strong connections to professionals across Florida, Missouri, and nationally, I can also help connect you or your child with trusted resources to support mental health, medical, or academic needs.

  • My testing process is designed to encourage self-awareness, specifically helping individuals and families better understand themselves and more effectively advocate for their mental health and academic needs. After testing, I provide clear, specific feedback that highlights strengths, addresses challenges, and offers practical guidelines so you can take informed action.

  • Successful treatment starts with a strong, collaborative relationship. I work to build trust with each client through empathy, flexibility, and a non-judgmental approach. I always prioritize you or your child’s unique needs and goals. I also help identify and build on personal strengths, which are a key part of growth and success.

    When working with older children and teens, I see ongoing collaboration with parents as an essential part of the process, ensuring everyone is supported and moving forward together in the same direction.

TESTING SERVICES

Psychological & Psychoeducational Testing

  • Why psychoeducational testing?

    A suspected learning problem in reading, math, or writing (e.g., specific learning disorder)

    To identify appropriate academic accommodations and inform learning plans (i.e., IEP, 504-disability plan, private learning plan, giftedness)

    Unexplained academic difficulties or chronic underachievement

    Poor performance on tests/exams

  • Why ADHD testing?

    Problems orienting and/or sustaining focus to activities or tasks

    Difficulties with planning, organization, memory, time management, completing tasks, or meeting deadlines

    Hyperactivity or overactivity, problems with impulse control and emotional regulation

  • Why a psychological evaluation?

    Differential diagnosis / diagnostic clarity; helping determine the core underlying challenges most clearly impacting mental health functioning

    Limited improvements in mental health despite prior/ongoing psychotherapy

    To inform treatment planning prior to initiating a course of psychotherapy

  • Why giftedness testing?

    To determine eligibility for accelerated or ‘gifted’ academic programs

    Learning far quicker and easier than same-age peers

    Mastery of academic skills well above age and grade level expectations

    Boredom with general education curriculum

  • Why evaluation for school and/or exam accommodations?

    You or your child need initial or updated testing to support accommodation requests on College Board (ACT/SAT) or high-stakes exams (LSAT, MCAT, COMLEX, GRE, USMLE, state bar, etc.).

    You or your child need initial or updated testing to support accommodation requests in high school, college, graduate school, or in the workplace.

  • Why an adult autism evaluation?

    Concerns with social communication skills or chronic difficulties relating to/connecting with others.