Therapeutic Approach and Philosophy

Marina's area of expertise is psychoeducational assessments supporting children, teens, and adults who experience functioning difficulties across learning, attention, and social emotional domains. Her training in clinical school psychology, combined with a PhD in developmental psychology with a neuropsychological perspective, has given her a deep understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and related profiles.

Her approach to assessment is comprehensive and collaborative. She works alongside families to address the full range of concerns, identify the root causes, and develop recommendations, accommodations, and supports that improve functioning and create lasting change at home, school and work.

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Education and professional associations

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• PhD in Developmental Psychology, Brock University

• MA in Clinical School Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

• PsyD in progress, Adler Graduate Professional School

• Registration in progress, College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)

• President, CircleUp Foundation, a registered Canadian charity supporting newcomer families in the GTA

 

Personal Journey

Marina has always been fascinated by the human mind, and that curiosity has shaped every stage of her career. She has worked in both practice and research, and each has informed the other.

Her commitment to working with children and families comes from seeing, again and again, how much early intervention can change a child's trajectory. When difficulties are understood early and the right supports are put in place, children move through school feeling capable rather than defeated.

She is equally committed to assessment across the lifespan. Assessment practices in earlier generations were narrower than they are today, and many adults reached adulthood without their difficulties ever being recognized. Marina finds real meaning in supporting clients toward that understanding, along with the accommodations and supports that can make a practical difference at work and at home, at any stage of life.

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