As a mother of three children, I understand the stresses and successes that come with parenting.  I am empathic of parents' concerns and provide a supportive environment for the entire family as the assessment process progresses.   I will make sure to clearly and comprehensively discuss test findings, and provide any follow-up needed after testing is complete.  I work closely with families, schools, and outside professionals to make sure that you walk away from this process with a better understanding of your child and a clear road map.  I am passionate about ensuring educational and life success for children, adolescents, and young adults, taking an active role in pursuing appropriate accommodations in and out of the classroom.  I have conducted over one hundred assessments and I am passionate about helping children and their parents better understand their neurodiversity.

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Professional Qualifications:

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY28947)

• Director of Social-Emotional Learning and School Counselor, Park Century School.

• Past adjunct professor at California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles.

• Graduate of the prestigious Reiss-Davis Child Study Center Psychoeducational and Diagnostic Testing Program, with extensive training in cognitive, academic, attentional, and psychological testing. 

• Assessing children and adolescents in community-based mental health clinical around Los Angeles since 2010 (over 100 evaluations completed).

• Participated in the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Training Award program, and worked with children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior difficulties.  

• Research focused on the effects of worry on academic performance and supporting parents to identify ways they can promote their child's success through their own psychological well-being. 

Catherine Smith is a Licensed Psychologist and recent graduate of the Post-Doctoral Psychoeducational and Diagnostic Services (PEDS) fellowship program at Reiss-Davis Child Study Center in West Los Angeles. In addition to her comprehensive training as a psychologist and diagnostician, she brings with her a background as a classroom teacher (6 years) and private practice Marriage and Family therapist (3 years and counting), along with decades of lived experience as the neurodivergent parent (late-diagnosed at age 33) of a neurodivergent child (now adult). Catherine is as passionate about understanding and celebrating neurodiversity as she is about assisting others to do the same. As such, her assessments are conducted from start to finish with warmth, sensitivity and keen attention to detail, with the aim of providing both accurate diagnosis and effective advocacy for the individuals, families, collaborating professionals and schools involved.

As a first-year clinical psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School, I am dedicated to fostering comprehensive mental well-being. My background includes conducting neuropsychological assessments and contributing to impactful research projects. With experience in clinical internships and research assistant roles, I am committed to evidence-based, personalized, and compassionate care.