Doctor of School Psychology — University of British Columbia
Master of Science, Cognitive Neuropsychology — University of Toronto
Qualified Specialist (QS), BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)

Dr. Alexandra specializes in assessment and consultation for neurodivergent children and teens. She has assessed toddlers, children, and teens for over ten years and has worked extensively in school, community mental health, and hospital settings.

Dr. Alexandra assesses children for learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, intellectual developmental disorders and anxiety. She believes early assessment and intervention are critical to ensuring the best outcomes. Dr. Alexandra enjoys working with educators and other health and occupational professionals to enable a child’s academic and social-emotional success.

A triathlete, traveller, and outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Alexandra cherishes time with family, friends, and her ironically named Great Dane, Peanut.

PhD student, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia

Melissa is an experienced clinician providing psychological, psycho-educational, anxiety and ADHD assessments and therapy to children and youth.

She empowers clients by first understanding their areas of strength and difficulty and then developing appropriate recommendations and support strategies for growth and success.

Melissa speaks English, Spanish, and French. When not at the clinic, she can be found playing board games with friends, watching comedy, or indulging in the perfect espresso.

PhD, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia

Dr. Bethany is experienced in psychological assessments for children and adolescents. She provides individual, parent-child, and group therapy interventions, with a focus on anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, social skills, self-harm, and suicidal behaviour. Bethany specializes in psycho-educational, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and anxiety assessments.

Her collaborative, strengths-based approach is tailored to meet unique needs. She is also fluent in Mandarin and has worked with neurodivergent and multicultural clients across various settings.

Bethany explores mountains and lakes and enjoys the local café scene. She’ll also savour a cup of tea in the backyard, knowing her neighbour’s cat will soon wander over to say hello.

Master of Applied Science, University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (Hons.), University of British Columbia

Selena provides psycho-educational assessments and autism therapy. For over twenty years, she has worked with the families of preschoolers, children, and youth with various needs.

Selena is a member of the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) and provides behaviour intervention and support. She is also a local school district employee, specializing in psycho-educational and behaviour assessments (K-12) and consulting with teachers and school teams on learning, behaviour, and mental health needs.

Selena speaks Mandarin and Cantonese. She teaches fitness to teens and adults and loves experiencing the outdoors with her husband, kids, and dog. When not running, hiking, kayaking, or snowshoeing, Selena recharges with a great book.

PhD, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia
Certified PEERS Trainer
Certified PATH Facilitator

Dr. Darcie-Anne collaborates with families and professionals to foster well-being and manage challenges. Using evidence-based practices, she specializes in comprehensive assessments and support and personalized intervention for children, adolescents, and families.

Darcie-Anne assesses for learning disorders, intellectual developmental disorders, mental health issues, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Her tailored assessments address unique needs and result in practical strategies. Darcie-Anne employs a cognitive-behavioural approach incorporating other modalities such as mindfulness, parenting support, and social skill development.

She enjoys running, hiking, and hanging with friends and family. Darcie-Anne is also an accomplished cook who loves Italian and is in pursuit of Vancouver’s best pizza and pasta.

PhD, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia

Dr. Alexandra Ruddy holds a PhD in School and Applied Child Psychology from University of British Columbia. She currently works as a therapist with Child and Youth Mental Health and also conducts psychoeducational assessments in private practice at Akira. Dr. Ruddy has a particular specialization in childhood anxiety disorders. While completing her registration requirements, she is practicing under supervision.

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in progress
Master of Science/Specialist, School Psychology
Licensed Specialist, School Psychology (Texas)
Licensed Specialist, School Psychology (United States) — National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Jacqueline conducts psycho-educational assessments for the British Columbia school system and autism assessments under Dr. Alexandra Carter’s supervision. She has also worked in the Texas school system with students with autism, ADHD, and emotional disturbance and has developed individualized education plans (IEPs).

Jacqueline is trained in behaviour and academic interventions and helps teachers develop educational, emotional, and behavioural success plans. She identifies at-risk students, creates safe school environments, and provides crisis prevention, social problem-solving, and individual and group counselling.

She is also fluent in Spanish.

Chelsey Chichak, M.S. R-SLP, SLP(C), CCC-SLP, is a registered speech and language pathologist who completes speech and language assessments at Akira. She has numerous specialized trainings and certifications, including HANEN: ABC and Beyond Advanced Workshop, HANEN: More Than Words, and HANEN: Learning Language and Loving It. Additionally, I’m certified in LETRS: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling Training, and have completed LiPS: Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing Program Training, among others.

With a deep-seated passion for Early Intervention, she has also developed a keen interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessments and implementation. I’m proficient in assessing a wide array of AAC systems, including eye-gaze and complex communication systems. As a certified TouchChat Trainer, I’m dedicated to empowering parents, therapy team members, and school teams in better supporting TouchChat AAC users.

When not immersed in her professional world, she has devoted her time to serving as the current Past-President of Speech and Hearing BC (SHBC). She also has a love of horse participates in equestrian activities.

Ph.D. student, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia

Marissa is experienced in psycho-educational assessments and interventions. She supports families whose children face social-emotional and behavioural challenges and neurodevelopmental differences. Marissa’s has worked extensively across diverse settings, including schools, private practice, and the community. She collaborates with parents, teachers, and other mental health specialists.

When not working, you can find Marissa camping or skiing in the backcountry, trail running, or reading a good book.

Ph.D. student, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia

Aisha provides psycho-educational, ADHD, autism, and mental health assessments. She has experience in assessment and intervention for complex neurodevelopmental differences, behavioural difficulties, and mental health challenges. She is in the final stages of her doctorate degree and has worked across private, school, community, and multidisciplinary settings.

Aisha’s assessment approach is collaborative, comprehensive, and strengths-focused, ensuring her client’s individual and systemic needs are understood and thoughtful recommendations are provided.

In therapy, Aisha offers a culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-judgmental space. She uses evidence-based practices flexibly by tailoring them to the unique context of each individual.

PhD student, School and Applied Child Psychology — University of British Columbia

Former Certified School Psychologist

Veronica empowers clients and their families. She assesses children and youth for learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism, anxiety, and ADHD and provides counselling for children and youth between nine and 16 years old.

Veronica has over ten years of experience conducting psychoeducational assessments in schools, the community, and private practice. She understands how learning, emotions, and behaviour intersect. Veronica is caring and curious and considers everyone’s personal experience when tailoring individualized recommendations.

Clients describe Veronica as a warm, understanding, and collaborative partner who helps navigate challenges and celebrates success. As a parent who treasures time with her family, Veronica understands what families face and is driven to provide a safe and supportive space for children and caregivers.

Joyce is a client case manager with Akira Child Development Group. Joyce is a medical office assistant with a strong background in cardiology and youth mental health.  She recently joined Akira Child Development Group, where she supports clinicians and families in providing care for children’s developmental needs.  With several years of administrative experience in healthcare settings, Joyce is known for her calm presence, attention to detail, and commitment to creating a welcoming and organized environment.

Outside of work, Joyce enjoys watching movies, exploring new places through travel, and spending quality time with her family and friends.  She values connection, care, and continuous learning – both professionally and personally.