Education & Experience
Heather completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina in 2014, having received a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree (Psychology Major) in 2005.
Heather is registered with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologist (SKCP) with Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE), which allows her to diagnose psychological disorders. She adheres to the Canadian Code of Ethics in practicing psychology.
Heather has worked as a psychologist in the public sector for nearly 10 years. During that time, Heather completed hundreds of psychological assessments with children and youth ages 2-17. Much of her work has focused on assessing and diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has also completed assessments for ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive and related disorders, behavioural disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorders, Global Developmental Delays, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, and evaluations to support Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnoses completed by a developmental pediatrician. She has also provided assessments for children with complex medical needs. Heather has supported families through interventions, facilitating groups, and providing consultation to other professionals. Heather has supervised Provisional Psychologists, Psychology Residents, and graduate students studying psychology.
Philosophy
Heather strongly believes that all children are good inside. Her focus in providing services is to provide families with the knowledge and tools to support their children in building on strengths and meeting challenges with resilience. Heather believes it is important that clients’ stories are heard, and she approaches children and youth with a patient and gentle style.
Heather believes a thorough psychological assessment is often the first step to understanding a child’s strengths and challenges. Psychological assessment information can help parents, teachers, and other supportive professionals quickly get on the same page regarding what a child may need to help them reach their full potential. Whether an assessment leads to a diagnosis or not, the understanding gained is always valuable.
Therapeutic Approaches
Heather always tries to find the therapeutic approach that resonates with a family and their current difficulty, drawing on various evidence-based practices. She commonly uses strategies from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but also supports parents in using attachment-based, behaviour management, or mindfulness strategies with their children.
Personal interests
When she isn’t chauffeuring her children to hockey and dance practices, Heather enjoys reading, baking, and going for walks in places with lots of trees. She looks forward to Pumpkin Spice season with excitement every year, and her favourite holiday is Halloween.
