About Us

Embracing your Uniqueness
HRM's Assessment Specialists
Erica Baker Psychological Services Ltd is a private practice with two locations; one in downtown Halifax and one in Bedford. Our practice is one of few local businesses that specializes in assessment services for individuals with learning, behavioural and developmental differences. We pride ourselves on the comprehensiveness of our assessments. We collaborate with clients, families, educators, and other service providers, to recognize strengths and challenges and to develop a plan for moving forward.
Our Team
*Please note – Although we have a large team of psychologists, many of our team members do not work full time at EBPS and, as such, are not regularly in office.
Dr. Erica Baker is a psychologist specializing in neuropsychological, psychoeducational, ASD, and ADHD assessments. Erica has a particular interest in assessment and programming for children, teenagers, and adults with known or suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities (LD), and other psychiatric conditions. Dr. Baker has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University. Her clinical training was completed at two of Canada’s top teaching hospitals in Montreal and Toronto. Erica has worked as an independent contractor at the IWK, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, and Nova Scotia Hospital. Erica routinely conducts medical-legal assessments and works with physicians and other healthcare professionals. She is actively involved on volunteer boards and committees that assist individuals with TBI, LD, and ADHD.
Bonnie Waugh is a psychologist specializing in psychoeducational assessments and programming, for children (age three and up), teenagers, and adults with learning disabilities (LD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She also provides coaching services for individuals with ADHD. Bonnie graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Masters of Arts in School Psychology. She has provided psychological services at a private non-profit day school for children with learning disabilities, in the public school system, and within a university setting. Bonnie has experience with specialized program plans for students based on their individual learning strengths and needs and with professional development activities for teachers working with LD students.
Dr. Joan Backman [not presently accepting new clients] is a psychologist specializing in neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment and consultation. Dr. Backman completed a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and Neuropsychology at Carleton University, and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at McGill University specializing in learning disabilities. For 27 years, Joan provided neuropsychological assessment, consultation and treatment services for children and teenagers with a wide range of disabilities at the IWK Health Centre. She also has served as Director of Learning Disabilities for the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Joan has a particular interest in assessment and consultation for children, teenagers and adults with acquired brain injuries, physical and developmental disabilities, attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities. Her goal is to provide assessment recommendations which are based on a thorough understanding of the individual’s cognitive and behavioural profile, and developed collaboratively with individuals, families, schools and other care team members in the community to be most effective and helpful.
Rachel Panton is a psychologist specializing in the comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of learning disabilities and ADHD for children, teenagers, and young adults. Rachel graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Masters of Arts in School Psychology in 2005. Since that time, she has been working as a psychologist at the Colchester, East Hants ADHD Clinic. Within this work environment, Rachel has worked in close collaboration with pediatricians, family physicians, teachers and school administrators in both psycho-educational assessment and development of school and home based program plans. This has allowed for the development of a strong background in the assessment and diagnosis of learning disabilities and attentional problems as well as their differential diagnoses.
Dr. April Sullivan [not presently accepting new clients] is a psychologist specializing in assessment and treatment of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. In her role at Erica Baker Psychological Services, she provides consultation and assessment services for those suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. April has a particular interest in treatment of mental health difficulties in individuals with ASD. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical-Developmental Psychology from York University. Her clinical training was completed the IWK Health Centre.
Melissa Jones (née Gendron) is a registered psychologist who conducts comprehensive psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments to explore learning and behaviour for individuals across the lifespan, from preschool to adulthood. Areas of specialty include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD), as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, she conducts comprehensive diagnostic mental health assessments to evaluate an individual’s current mental health functioning and to provide recommendations for potential supports and treatment services. Melissa obtained her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology at Acadia University, and completed her clinical training at the IWK Health Center. As well, she has previously worked at Dalhousie University within a research team where she conducted and published research specializing in ADHD. She has been contracted to conduct psychoeducational and diagnostic mental health assessments for adults and children through various multidisciplinary providers including within the hospital environment, public school systems, and community services. With a background firmly rooted in research, Melissa works collaboratively with families, teachers, social workers, school administrators, physicians, and community organizations. She is committed to ensuring clear communication of assessment outcomes to individuals, parents, and professionals in order to support each individual’s future success.
specializes in assessments for complex learning disorders and ADHD in children and young adults. Sara completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie University, a predoctoral residency in child rehabilitation psychology at Bloorview Kids Rehab (now Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital) in Toronto, and a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Paediatrics at the IWK Health Centre. Sara has extensive clinical experience working in hospital and community settings and is currently Associate Professor and co-coordinator of the Master of Arts Program in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. Her research focuses on social and school functioning in children with a variety of challenges including ADHD, disruptive behaviour disorders, and chronic health conditions.
Rebecca is a registered psychologist specializing in the comprehensive psychoeducational assessment of children, adolescents, and young adults with learning or behavioural concerns. Rebecca’s prior experience practicing in the public school system enables her to develop practical recommendations that can be implemented effectively by teachers and school administrators. She also provides psycho-vocational assessment services to help individuals identify appropriate occupational options that are consistent with their abilities, aptitudes, interests, and skills. Rebecca obtained her Masters of Arts degree in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2011.
is a registered psychologist specializing in psychoeducational assessments to explore learning, attention and behaviour concerns in school-aged children. Caitlin completes assessments for students in the English and French Immersion programs. In addition, Caitlin provides coaching to parents of young children who present with social, behaviour and/or self-care challenges. Caitlin has particular interest and training in interventions for young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior to joining Erica Baker Psychlogical Services Ltd., Caitlin worked for 10 years at the IWK Health Centre on the Autism Team. In this role, she provided provincial training to families and clinicians in the Nova Scotia Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) program. Caitlin graduated in 2005 from Mount Saint Vincent University’s School Psychology program. Caitlin is a level V PRT trainer, certified by Koegel Autism Consultants, Santa Barbara, California.
Catherine Robertson is a psychologist specializing in providing psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments for children (age 3+) and adolescents. Areas of particular interest are the identification of strengths and barriers to learning including Intellectual Disability (ID), Learning Disability (LD), social-emotional difficulties, neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/
Catherine obtained her MSc in Educational Psychology from the University of Dundee, Scotland in 2018. From 2018 – 2022 she practiced as an Educational Psychologist for a Scottish Local Authority, working collaboratively with children, families, educators and multi-agency partners (Health/Social Work) to provide in-depth assessment to inform educational support planning. As such, she has a wealth of experience in ensuring that all recommendations for the child, and the adults supporting them, are both practical and transferable to school and home environments.
Catherine’s practice keeps the child at the centre of the assessment process and ensures that their views are respected throughout. She aims to identify areas of strength in order that these can be celebrated and drawn upon to inform recommendations to address difficulties that the child may experience.
Kristen Coveyduc is a registered psychologist who conducts psycho-educational assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults that have learning difficulties, behavioural concerns, or both. Areas of particular interest include learning disabilities (LD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities (ID), and anxiety. Kristen obtained her Master of Arts in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. Kristen is a strong advocate for students and their learning needs. Kristen also works as a school psychologist in the public system, which has allowed her opportunities to collaborate with school teams including teachers, administrators, speech-langauge pathologists, social workers, and physicians, as well as with families and community programs. She draws from this experience to ensure the recommendations she provides her clients meet both academic and personal goals.
Jessica Waldon is a registered psychologist who conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to explore learning, attention, and behaviour in children and adolescents. Areas of interest include assessment of learning disabilities (LD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders such as Intellectual Disability (ID). Jessica obtained her Masters of Arts in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. Through her experience within the public school system, Jessica works collaboratively with families, school administrators, teachers, social workers, physicians, and community organizations. This has provided Jessica with the experience and skill to communicate assessment outcomes effectively to families and school professionals, and to provide practical, evidenced-based recommendations tailored to support each individual’s future success.
Jennifer Gallant, M.A., is a candidate-register psychologist who conducts comprehensive psychoeducational
assessments to explore learning, attention, and behaviour in children and adolescents. Areas of interest include
assessment of learning disabilities (LD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as other
neurodevelopmental disorders such as Intellectual Disability (ID). Jennifer obtained her Bachelor of Science degree
with Honours in Psychology at Cape Breton University, following which she completed a Master’s degree in Applied
Psychology at Laurentian University in 2017. Jennifer began a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of New
Brunswick in 2017 and is in the final stages of obtaining her degree. Currently, Jennifer is a Candidate Register
Psychologist with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) and is under the supervision of Dr. Jill
Chorney, Registered Psychologist. At Erica Baker Psychological Services, Jennifer works on a part-time basis to
provide comprehensive and high-quality assessments along with targeted recommendations for support within the
home and school environments. Jennifer also works concurrently with IWK Community Mental Health and
Addictions.
Dr. Etta Brodersen is a registered psychologist specializing in the assessment of attention-deficit/
Dr. Jill Glasgow is a psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychoeducational, ADHD, and psychodiagnostic assessments. She has a special interest in assessment and treatment of complex mental health difficulties. Jill completed her Master’s degree and PhD in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor. She finished her clinical training in Toronto at the Toronto District School Board and a specialized private practice (Broadview Psychology). She has worked in many different settings in Ontario including hospitals, schools, day treatment programs, community mental health agencies, and private practice, and enjoys working with children of all ages. In her work at Erica Baker Psychological Services Limited, Jill strives to provide clear assessment feedback that is tailored for the individual and recommendations that make sense for clients and their families. Jill also works at the IWK Community Mental Health and Addictions program.
Meaghan Hymers is a Psychologist (Candidate Register) who provides psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments for adults. Areas of specialty include Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and mental health diagnostics. The goal of these assessments is to evaluate an individual’s current functioning and to provide recommendations for resources and treatment options that will best support the client’s well-being. Meaghan also provides coaching for adults with ADHD to help clients develop positive strategies to highlight their strengths and effectively navigate a neurotypical world. Meaghan strives to take an anti-oppressive and strengths-based approach to psychological assessment, and she is particularly committed to providing culturally competent services for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Meaghan received her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University, and completed her clinical training in both Community Mental Health & Addictions and private practice settings.
Dr. Ainslie McDougall is a registered psychologist specializing in psycho-educational assessments for specific learning disabilities (LD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other related mental health disorders. Dr. McDougall conducts assessment for students in either English or French Immersion streams as well as detailed assessments of individuals across the lifespan. She completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology (University of New Brunswick, 2014) and a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (University of Surrey, 2008). In addition to her work with Erica Baker Psychological Services Limited, Dr. McDougall is employed with the IWK Health Centre Mental Health and Addictions program specializing in completing assessments with youth who are involved with the criminal justice system. She also has experience in providing evidence-based interventions for children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety and/or mood disorders.
Jennifer Denney-Hazel is a registered psychologist specializing in the assessment of children, adolescents and adults. Jennifer graduated from Acadia University with a Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2005. Following her graduation Jennifer worked as a member of a rural multidisciplinary outpatient mental health clinic and was a member of a private psychology clinic. Throughout her career, Jennifer has enjoyed working closely with schools and other health professionals and believes in collaboration for treatment. Jennifer offers comprehensive assessment exploring learning, attention, and mental health issues. She has a particular interest in identifying and addressing barriers that may be interfering with the individual meeting their potential.
Dr. Halina Bruce is a registered psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment with adults and older adults. She conducts medical-legal assessments, often collaborating with other health professionals. Halina also provides coaching for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Concordia University where her research focused on healthy aging. Her clinical training was completed in Ottawa and Montreal, followed by a pre-doctoral residency in Halifax. Her training has included working with a variety of populations including traumatic brain injury, ADHD, neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy and chronic pain.
Dr. Fiona Davidson is a registered psychologist and specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments of children and youth (age 2-18), with particular interests in assessment and programming for children and youth with learning disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Davidson holds a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie University where her research focused on pediatric sleep deprivation and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Her clinical training was primarily completed at the IWK Health Centre, however she also completed training at the Colchester East Hants ADHD Clinic. Prior to completing her Ph.D, Dr. Davidson completed her Master of Arts in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. Dr. Davidson works collaboratively with families, health professionals, and educators for the comprehensive assessment of individuals and for the development of home and school based programs.
Anna Webster is a Psychologist who conducts comprehensive psychoeducational and mental health assessments for children, teens, and adults. These assessments include diagnostic assessments, which can provide recommendations of what supports that may be helpful for service providers in providing the best possible care to an individual. She has experience working within the LGBTQ community with individuals of all ages, is committed to continuing to develop her cultural competence through training opportunities and experience. Anna started her career as a Child and Youth Worker after attending a 3-year diploma program at Centennial College. After graduating, she was employed in settings such as inpatient mental health units, schools, private practice, residential, child protection, and respite-based programs; her role in the settings varied from front-line staff to program supervisor. She returned to school to complete her Bachelor’s degree at Ryerson University in Toronto, before attending Acadia University to complete graduate school.
Nick Ciccarelli is a psychometrist who works alongside psychologists on the assessment team. He provides psychological testing services in both English and French for children and adults. He is a graduate of the Mount Saint Vincent University’s School Psychology Program (1990). Nick also provides psychometric training with practicum students and pre-doctoral residents. He has worked in pediatric health care for 30 years, and has been with Erica Baker’s and associates for 10 years. His clinical interests lie in the areas of neuropsychological follow up of children with closed head injuries, and in the development of remedial strategies for children with learning disabilities.
Sarah Brine is a psychologist on the candidate register who conducts psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults that have learning, attention, and/or behavior concerns. She completed her Masters of Arts in School Psychology (M.A.S.P) degree at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Prior to joining Erica Baker Psychological Services Ltd., Sarah worked as a psychologist in the public school system and in a private practice in Ottawa, Ontario. Through this work she has learned the importance of providing trauma-informed care, collaborating with other professionals (e.g., teachers, school teams, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and physicians), as well as working with families and community programs to ensure that clients receive the best care possible. Sarah completes assessments for students in English and French Immersion programs. She is trained in Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) – Level 1, Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) – Level 1, and in ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training – Level 1.
Ashton Parker is a registered psychologist who conducts comprehensive psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments to explore learning, behavioral, and developmental concerns. Areas of interest include assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disabilities. Ashton also has specialized training and a keen interest in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder.
Ashton received her Master of Arts in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has worked in various settings, including public schools, daycare/preschools, and private practice. Her top priority is to develop a genuine and caring connection and aims to help her clients and their families better understand their individual strengths and areas of need. Ashton is passionate about working collaboratively with families, health professionals, and educators. She is committed to providing high-quality assessments that clearly communicate outcomes.
Olivia Innes is a psychologist on the candidate register who conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents with learning, attention, behaviour, and social-emotional concerns. She received her Master of Arts degree in School Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2022. As a new psychologist, Olivia brings with her a wealth of knowledge surrounding the most current research and best practices in the field of school psychology. She is passionate about collaborating with other psychologists and professionals (including teachers, physicians, speech-language pathologists, and social workers), as well as working with families, in order to ensure that she provides the most useful and practical recommendations for school, work, and/or daily life.
Dr. Christian Hahn is a registered psychologist specializing in adult psychoeducational, ADHD, and psycho-diagnostic assessments. Dr. Hahn completed his M.Sc. and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Ontario in London and his pre-doctoral residency in Halifax. Christian has provided psychological assessments in both inpatient and outpatient hospitals and clinics, and has taught undergraduate and graduate psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island. He is concurrently employed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority in Adult Mental Health and Addictions Program where he is also a representative for the Eating Disorders Network of Nova Scotia and the Early Psychosis Intervention Nova Scotia Network.
Agnes completed her PhD at the University of Alberta in the School and Clinical ChildPsychology program. She completed her doctoral internship at ABLE Developmental Clinic in Vancouver and Surrey Schools in August 2022. She consistently received positive feedback about her warmth and ability to quickly establish rapport and connection with her clients.
Agnes specializes in diagnostic and psychoeducational assessments for a variety of presentations including learning disorders, ADHD, autism, giftedness, intellectual delays, anxiety, and depression. Agnes completes assessments for students in English and French immersion programs. All of her assessments include evidence-based and individualized recommendations.
At EBPS, Agnes works under the supervision of Dr. Erica Baker. Her overarching goal is to help families better understand their child’s unique strengths and needs, and to help her clients reach their goals.
Dr. Sarah Goegan, PhD, is a registered psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment with adults and older adults. Sarah has a particular interest in assessment for adults experiencing suspected cognitive decline, known or suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities (LD), and other psychiatric conditions. Sarah also conducts medical-legal assessments, often collaborating with other health professionals. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from McMaster University where her research focused on cognition in mental illness, including studying the efficacy of a group intervention for military and public safety personnel experiencing cognitive difficulties secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder. Sarah completed her pre-doctoral residency in Halifax where her training included
working with a variety of populations including traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, complex mental illness, and chronic pain. Before completing her doctorate, Sarah spent time working with adults with severe acquired brain injuries providing specialized behavioural rehabilitation.
Blake is a psychologist on the candidate register who conducts psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults that investigate learning, intellectual, behavioural, and social-emotional concerns. He has a particular interest in assessing for learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Blake is currently being supported by Dr. Erica Baker in further developing his interest in assessing for the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Blake has received positive feedback from clients and supervisors on his strong communication skills, relationship and rapport building, and his skills in providing thorough assessments.
Blake completed his masters in counselling psychology at Western University in 2018. He worked at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board from 2018-2021 and moved back to the Maritimes where he currently splits his time between the Halifax Regional Centre for Education and Erica Baker Psychological Services. Blake has gained a unique perspective on students, their diverse ways of learning, and navigating the school system at large. He draws from his education and work experiences to provide targeted assessment information as well as recommendations to support clients in their education and development.
Agnelle Anama is a registered psychologist, offering services in French and in English. She conducts psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments to explore learning and behavior in individuals from early childhood to adulthood. She obtained her master’s degree in clinical psychology and psychopathology in France, with a specialization in childhood and adolescent development. For ten years, she provided psychological support and assessments in a variety of settings (children’s hospitals, group homes, schools, etc.). She has also worked with children, adolescents and young adults with diagnoses of intellectual disability and autism. Furthermore, Agnelle has worked as a school psychologist for several years, and currently divides her time between several CSAP schools and private practice work at Erica Baker Psychological Services Limited, where she conducts psycho-educational assessments. Agnelle also provides specific services in French, including interventions for behavioral challenges for children, parental coaching and individual psychotherapy for emotional challenges. Agnelle is committed to supporting every person who needs guidance on their journey.
Dr. Adri Khalis is a registered psychologist who specializes in adult ADHD, psychoeducational, psycho-vocational, and psycho-diagnostic assessments. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia where his research focused on the links between social media use and mental health. He completed his pre-doctoral residency in Halifax. Dr. Khalis has provided psychological assessments in university, hospital, and private practice settings.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Psychologists are bound by a strict provincial and national Code of Ethics to ensure that clients’ confidentiality and privacy are protected. The Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act also requires that your personal health information is protected by our psychologists and administrative staff. As we regularly partner with local universities in the training of Clinical and School Psychology graduate students, with your permission, graduate students who are training to become psychologists may be involved in assessments. They are also required to comply with our confidentiality and privacy policies.
Confidentiality
We use email to communicate information that is not highly confidential, such as appointment times. Please be aware that email is not a secure form of communication so we cannot guarantee that information you disclose in an email will not be intercepted by a third party.
Privacy
The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal health information and the need for psychologists (or other health “custodians”) to manage clients’ personal health information to provide, support and manage their health care and wellness. The highlights of our policies under PHIA include:
- We comply with PHIA’s requirements for the appropriate collection, use, disclosure, retention and destruction of your personal health information.
- You may request access to your personal health information or request that your personal health information be corrected.
- If you feel that your information has been accessed inappropriately, the law allows you to make a complaint to the custodian of your information. Dr. Erica Baker is the PHIA Contact Person at our practice. Dr. Baker can be reached at 902.445.3851.
- There are safeguards in place to protect information that is kept in electronic information systems as well as paper records.
- More information about your rights and our responsibilities under PHIA is available at www.novascotia.ca/DHW/PHIA or by calling 902.424.5419 or toll free at 855.640.4765.
Consent
We will review an Authorization for Assessment form at the beginning of the first session. This form outlines the services that have been agreed upon by the client and the psychologist.