Hi! I’m Dr. Alexandra Carter. I am a Registered Psychologist who specializes in assessment and consultation for neurodivergent children and teens, and I am the director at Akira Child Development Group. For over 10 years I have been providing comprehensive assessments of toddlers, children, and teens and have worked in various settings (e.g., public school system, community mental health, hospital). In my private practice I assess children for learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, or mental health concerns like anxiety. I believe that early assessment and intervention is critical to ensuring the best outcomes for my clients. I embrace opportunities to consult with educators and other professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and paediatricians before, during and after an assessment to ensure a child’s academic and social-emotional success. I no longer see children for therapy/counselling. If you’d like to learn more about assessments, please  visit services.

I have a doctorate in School Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a masters degree from the University of Toronto in Cognitive Neuropsychology. I have been classified as a Qualified Specialist (QS) in autism assessment through the BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN). I previously worked as a consultant for the provincial government, providing support in designing programs for children with autism.

Hi, I’m Dr. Darcie-Anne Bailey. I have a PhD from UBC in School and Applied Child Psychology Program and am currently finalizing my registration as a psychologist. I have diverse experience to collaborate with families and professionals, fostering wellbeing and proactively managing challenges.

I specialize in conducting comprehensive assessments and providing support and intervention to children, adolescents, and families. I provide assessments for learning disorders, intellectual developmental disorders, mental health issues, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Each assessment is tailored to address my clients’ unique needs, offering practical strategies and understanding.

When providing interventions, I use a personalized approach, blending evidence-based practices with clients’ individual goals, strengths, and developmental needs. I primarily employ a cognitive-behavioral approach, while incorporating other modalities including mindfulness, parenting support, and social skill development. I hold certifications as a PEERS trainer and PATH facilitator.

Hi! I’m Sarah Stacey, client case manager at Akira Child Development Group. I’m a Registered Holistic Nutritionist(R.H.N) and after years of working with clients to help them reach their health goals, I made the transition into health management. I really enjoy working with Dr. Alexandra and her team, assisting families in getting the support needed for their child.

Hi! I’m Melissa, a School and Applied Child Psychology PhD student at UBC. I am experienced in conducting assessments and providing therapy to children and youth with neurodevelopmental (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Specific Learning Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder) behavioural, and mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, OCD). I have worked with youth, families, and school staff, as well as part of an interdisciplinary team across various settings including schools, private clinics, and university-based clinics. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours) with a minor in French Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. I received my Master of Arts in School and Applied Child Psychology at UBC. I am fluent in English and Spanish and am intermediate in French. At Akira clinic, I complete psycho-educational, ADHD, and autism assessments for children and youth. My assessments use a collaborative and individualized approach to gain a better understanding of the client’s strengths and unique needs, as well as make recommendations that will support their independence, development, and well-being.

Hi! I’m Marissa, a 3rd-year Ph.D. student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at UBC. I bring several years of knowledge and experience in conducting psychoducational assessments and interventions. Specifically, I have supported children, youth, and their families with social-emotional and behavioral challenges and neurodevelopmental differences. Throughout my education, I have spent a lot of time working in diverse settings, including schools, private practice, and the community, collaborating with parents, teachers, and other mental health specialists. When I’m not working, you can find me camping or skiing in the backcountry, trail running, or reading a good book.

Hi! I’m Veronica Shim. I was a Certified School Psychologist for over 10 years, conducting completing psycho-educational assessments and working in the public school system. For the last few years I have been completing my PhD in the School and Applied Child Psychology Program at UBC. I also work privately at Akira, completing psycho-educational assessments with Dr. Alexandra Carter. In addition to working in the public and independent school system, I worked on a multi-disciplinary team at the Maples Adolescent Treatment Center where the approach was Trauma-Informed-Care. My approach to assessment is holistic and child-family focused. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family and friends.

Hi! I’m Jacqueline Pelayo, I work in the BC school system conducting psycho-educational assessments and private I complete autism assessments under Dr. Alexandra’s supervision. I am also a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas, and across the United States under the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). My graduate degree is a master’s and specialist in School Psychology, I’m currently working on my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. While working at schools in Texas, I specialized in working with students with Autism, ADHD, emotional disturbance, and developing individualized education plans. I worked for Houston Independent School District and Dallas Independent School District, mainly identifying children with autism and emotional concerns. Working in the school system has allowed me to communicate with teachers to develop adequate plans for children to succeed academically, emotionally, and behaviourally. I was trained to implement behaviour and academic interventions, monitor progress, promote positive behaviour support and mental health, create safe and positive school climates, identity at-risk students, provide crisis prevention, reinforce positive peer relationships and social problem solving, and provide individual and group counselling. I’m currently completing my doctoral trainee experience with Akira. I love working with children, and I’m particularly drawn to working with children on the autism spectrum.

Hi! I’m Aja Battie, a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist in Vancouver, BC. I use a positive approach to speech-language pathology that focuses on building communication skills through a child’s strengths and interests, empowering families, and making learning fun, motivating, and rewarding. I’m currently working in a variety of settings such as schools and client homes providing speech and language therapy, and with the Akira Child Development Group conducting speech and language assessments.

I completed my Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western University. Since then I have worked in both public and private settings with children and teens aged 1-18 with a wide range of communication challenges. I have special clinical interests in early intervention and working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am certified in the Hanen “It Takes Two to Talk” program for children with language delays, the Hanen “More Than Words” program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or social pragmatic disorders, and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and outdoor activities like cycling, running, snowboarding, and playing soccer.

Hi! I’m Bethany Ee. I have completed my doctoral residency program and will be graduating from UBC with a PHD in school and applied child psychology. I am experienced in conducting assessments and intervention for children and adolescents with developmental, learning, attention, behavioural, and mental health challenges. At Akira clinic my focus is on psychoeducational, ADHD, anxiety and autism assessments. I take on a strengths-based approach in my work with families and have worked with students, families, and school teams across a variety of settings, including schools and private- and university-based clinics. I completed my Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary and my undergraduate degree with a major in Psychology and minor in Family Studies at UBC.

Hi! I work in the school system completion psycho-educational assessments as a Licensed School Psychologist for the College of Health and Care Professionals. I am also a Behaviour Consultant and provide autism therapy. I am fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese. I have a Masters of Applied Science from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology from the University of British Columbia. My passion is in child development and I have always enjoyed working with children, especially supporting children with needs. That’s why I entered the field of Behaviour Consulting more than 20 years ago. I have worked with families who have preschoolers, children and youths with a variety of special needs and am on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) list providing behaviour intervention and support to families. At the same time, I am employed by a local school district to complete assessments. In schools (Kindergarten to Grade 12), I specialize in psychoeducational assessments, behaviour assessments, providing consults to teachers and school teams to address children’s learning, behaviour, and mental health needs. I have been working with Dr. Alexandra and at Akira in private practice since 2021.