Carol Shirley M. SP. (Registered Psychologist)

Carol Shirley is experienced in conducting, analyzing and utilizing psycho-educational aptitude and educational tests. Her work often goes beyond merely identifying attitude or achievement levels as Carol’s findings determine the manner in which the child most readily takes in and processes information. By identifying this, Carol can then help parents and educators to construct an efficient approach that enhances the child’s educational achievement by custom-building a strategy and approach that maximizes learning success. Whenever appropriate, Carol is comfortable going to the school and directly communicating her findings to the teacher(s) and resource teacher. Furthermore, her availability doesn’t end when the assessment and meetings are completed. As the year progresses, Carol can serve as an advocate for the child and bridge any misunderstanding between parent, teacher and student. This follow-through is critically important to minimize the chance of misunderstanding, labeling, frustration, acting-out behavior and ultimately long-term failure and deeply entrenched negative self-esteem.

As effective as Carol is in conducting, analyzing and utilizing assessments, her expertise goes significantly beyond this important area. Carol successfully counsels parents, children and families in a wide range of areas including facilitating behavioral changes, reducing sibling rivalry, enhancing low self-esteem and finding alternatives to aggressive or acting-out behavior. She also helps both children and parents cope with the turmoil of divorce, the challenge of single parenting and softening the turmoil associated with moving to a new home or community. Carol works with parents who are seeking to improve the communication, conflict resolution and/or discipline skills. Through all of this, her gentle, accepting and sensitive manner helps make the learning and counselling process feel safe.