About Us

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Embracing your Uniqueness

HRM's Assessment Specialists

Erica Baker Psychological Services Ltd is a private practice in downtown Halifax. 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:

Dr. Erica Baker is a psychologist specializing in neuropsychological, psychoeducational, ADHD, and psycho-vocational 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 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. Dr. Backman is not currently accepting new referrals. ion Content

Dr. Lindsay Bates is the Autism Team Leader at the practice, and specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational and developmental assessment to explore learning, attention, and developmental concerns (including autism spectrum disorders) in children and youth (ages 2 to 18). Dr. Bates completed her graduate training (M.A./Ph.D.) in Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Windsor. With a strong clinical and research background in child and adolescent mental health, Dr. Bates has provided assessment and treatment services across a range of multidisciplinary settings including schools, hospitals, specialty clinics, and private practice. In addition to her assessment practice, Dr. Bates also offers consultation and treatment specific to autism spectrum disorder as well as being actively involved in various community initiatives specific to ASD (IDEAS for Autism, Autism Nova Scotia Professional Advisory Panel. Areas of special interest include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities (both language-based and nonverbal), and autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Kathleen O’Connor is a psychologist specializing in the assessment of children, adolescents, and families. She has experience with a range of learning and mental health concerns, as well as an extensive background working with youth with medical conditions that may impact development and/or adjustment. Kathleen completed a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Western Ontario, a pre-doctoral residency at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta. Prior to moving to Halifax, Kathleen worked as a Team Lead at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, AB providing psychological services on an inpatient rehabilitation unit and via outpatient clinics (e.g., neurodevelopmental assessment, spina bifida, neuromuscular). Kathleen is an advocate for active collaboration with those who play important roles in her clients’ lives – including, for example, educators, allied health professionals, medical teams, and community organizations – and looks forward to the challenges and rewards that each new assessment brings.
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 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.
Neera Datta is a psychologist specializing in psychoeducational and ADHD assessments for adults. Neera graduated with a M.Ed. degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, and with a M.Sc. degree with specialization in the area of School Psychology from the University of Calgary. She has experience working within a hospital environment, the public school system, a private school for students with learning disabilities (LD), and private practice. Neera currently works within a university setting where she provides screening assessments, learning strategies and advocacy services to students with LD and ADHD.
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 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). In her practice, she primarily uses strategies based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), including Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). 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.

Heather Power is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist specializing in diagnostic mental health assessments for adults. Heather graduated from Acadia University in 2007 with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology and has experience working in the public sector as well as in private practice. She has provided psychological assessment services to adults, youth, and families and also has extensive training and experience providing treatment to adults and couples. Heather is actively involved in the psychology community, having served as President of the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia and Vice Chair of the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. Heather aims to ensure a thorough, person-centered assessment process that results in clear recommendations to help her clients.

Kristen Coveyduc is a psychologist on the candidate register 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.
Katie Carroll is a psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatment for preschool and school-age children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her practice is rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA), including strategies based on Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Katie provides coaching to families of young children with ASD as well as to families of children who present with social and/or behavioural challenges. Additionally, Katie conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to explore learning, attention, and behaviour in children and adolescents. Katie graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Master of Arts in School Psychology in 2005. Prior to joining Erica Baker and Associates, she worked for over 10 years as part of the preschool Autism Team at the IWK Health Centre where she supported families and clinical teams around Nova Scotia who were involved in the Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) program. Katie is a Level V PRT Trainer, certified by the Koegel Autism Consultants, Santa Barbara, California. Katie has a strong commitment to family-centered care, and works collaboratively with families, school personnel, and other health professionals to clearly communicate outcomes and develop appropriate treatment plans.

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.

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 psychologist (candidate register) 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. Megan Duffett is a registered psychologist specializing in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents with known or suspected neurodevelopmental disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD). She has a particular interest in working with children with genetic and/or neurological disorders. Dr. Duffett received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor in 2016. She has trained in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, community mental health agencies, and private practices, and completed her predoctoral residency at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto. In addition to her work with Erica Baker Psychological Services Limited, Dr. Duffett is employed with the IWK Health Centre where she specializes in conducting neuropsychological assessments and diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Fiona Davidson is a psychologist (candidate register) 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.
Dr. Julie Wershler is a registered psychologist who specializes in psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults related to concerns of learning disorders, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other related mental health disorders. Dr. Wershler received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of New Brunswick and completed a predoctoral residency at the IWK Health Centre. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings providing assessment and intervention services to youth and adults and individualizes her approach to best meet the needs of the clients and families she works with. In addition to her work with Erica Baker Psychological Services Limited, Dr. Wershler is employed with the IWK Health Centre Mental Health and Addictions program where she conducts comprehensive psychological assessments with adolescents.
Dr. Jackie Normand is a registered psychologist specializing in comprehensive psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments exploring learning and developmental concerns, including autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Normand primarily works with children and youth for such assessments. Dr. Normand completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of New Brunswick. She has trained and worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals and community mental health agencies. In addition to her work with Erica Baker Psychological Services, Dr. Normand is employed with the IWK Community Mental Health and Addictions Outpatient Program where she works with children, youth, and families experiencing a variety of mental health-related challenges.

Dr. Julie Harper is a registered psychologist specializing in assessment and treatment of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. In her role at Erica Baker Psychological Services, she provides assessment services for those suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Lakehead University, 2013), a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (Lakehead University, 2009), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience (University of Toronto, 2004). In addition to her work with Erica Baker Psychological Services Limited, Dr. Harper is employed at the IWK Health Centre Mental Health and Addictions program, specializing in completing assessments and providing treatment with youth who are involved with the criminal justice system. Dr. Harper also has experience providing evidence-based interventions for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and disruptive behaviours (e.g., ODD, anger, conduct issues, etc.).

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.

Written Policy Statement