Chess board, books, and study materials on a warm wooden table

Uncovering the whole person.

Empowering your educational and vocational journey.

Understanding how you learn and work is the first step toward meaningful progress and growth. I offer both comprehensive psychological assessments and individual counseling to address the unique strengths and challenges of my clients. I work closely with preschool through high school students, college students, and adults who are experiencing disabilities and/or social-emotional difficulties that actively interfere with their education, training, or career advancement.

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Who I Serve

Finding Clarity for School, Work, and Life

Navigating educational or vocational challenges can feel overwhelming without the right support and direction. I support individuals across multiple stages of life to uncover the root of their academic or workplace barriers. Through comprehensive psychological evaluations or targeted individual counseling, we identify your unique strengths and specific areas for growth. My ultimate goal is to equip you with the insights and evidence-based strategies needed to move forward with confidence.

Children & Adolescents

I work closely with younger students to identify and address learning differences, developmental delays, or social-emotional challenges. Referrals typically come from parents, guardians, or school districts seeking clarity. By collaborating with families and educational teams, I provide assessments and/or counseling that help establish effective support systems, accommodations, and a foundation for academic and personal success.

College Students & Young Adults

The transition to higher education brings a unique set of academic and personal demands. I support college students, whether referred by their parents or self-referred, who are facing obstacles that hinder their college/university experience. Through focused evaluations and counseling, we can work to develop effective study strategies, manage stress and anxiety, or build the resilience needed to successfully navigate college life.

Adults in the Workforce

Educational and learning barriers do not disappear after graduation. I assist adults with disabilities or social-emotional challenges that are actively impacting their vocational training, career advancement, or day-to-day workplace performance. Together, we identify the root of these work-related hurdles and develop practical, actionable strategies to help you thrive in your professional environment.

Services

What I do

Every individual, every challenge, and every situation is unique. Here is how I can help.

Psychoeducational & Psychological Assessments

Focus: Uncovering learning profiles and providing actionable insights

Comprehensive evaluations designed to identify cognitive, academic, and/or social-emotional strengths and barriers. Whether determining special education eligibility for a young student, supporting a college student's need for university accommodations, or helping an adult understand workplace hurdles, these assessments provide a clear roadmap for success.

IEP Consultation & Educational Advocacy

Focus: Navigating support systems to ensure appropriate educational access

The special education process can be highly complex. I partner with families of preschool through high school students to help clarify Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), review school-based assessments, and provide professional advocacy to ensure your child receives the targeted, effective support they need to thrive in their learning environment.

504 Plans & ADA Accommodations

Focus: Securing equal access and level playing fields across all environments

Securing the right accommodations is vital for equitable access. I assist individuals at all stages of life, from developing K-12 504 plans, to guiding college students through university disability support services, to consulting with adults to identify and advocate for reasonable, effective workplace accommodations.

Individual Counseling & Coaching

Focus: Building resilience, managing stress, and developing practical life strategies

Tailored, one-on-one support focusing on bridging the gap between mental health and your educational or vocational performance. Utilizing evidence-based approaches, we work together to uncover your innate strengths, overcome social-emotional hurdles, and build practical tools for long-term growth and confidence.

Assessment Areas

What I evaluate

If something is getting in the way of learning or working, let's uncover the reason.

ADHD & Attention Challenges

Evaluating focus, impulsivity, and sustained attention to develop practical strategies and accommodations for the classroom, study or office environment.

Specific Learning Disabilities

Identifying root challenges with reading, writing, and/or mathematics to ensure individuals receive targeted interventions and equal-access accommodations at every stage of their education and career.

Autism Spectrum

Exploring social communication differences and neurodivergent profiles to foster deep self-understanding and guide effective support systems in academic and professional settings.

Cognitive & Gifted Testing

Assessing innate intellectual strengths and cognitive potential to inform specialized educational placements and personal insight.

Social-Emotional & Mood Challenges

Understanding how anxiety, stress, or mood impact daily performance, allowing us to build resilience and effective coping tools for school and work life.

Executive Functioning

Analyzing critical skills such as organization, time management, and working memory to create personalized systems that boost productivity and reduce overwhelm in both academic and vocational settings.

About

Meet Dr. Skaff

Understanding Your Path to Meaningful Progress

Welcome! As a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) based in the South Bay (including San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Torrance, etc.), I am dedicated to helping students and adults navigate their educational and vocational journeys. I believe that understanding how you learn, work, and interact with the world is the first step toward lasting, meaningful progress.

In my clinical practice, my approach is centered around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Core Self Theory to help clients build resilience and uncover their unique strengths. Whether I am providing a comprehensive assessment or ongoing individual counseling, my goal is to offer a collaborative, evidence-based environment where you feel truly seen and supported.

In addition to my private practice, I have served as an Assistant Professor where I teach graduate-level education and practicum courses. Training the next generation of educators and practitioners keeps me deeply connected to the latest research and best practices in our field. I have also practiced as a School Psychologist within both Los Angeles County and Tulare County school districts.

When I am not working with clients or teaching, I love spending time with my husband and our three children. You can often find me cooking traditional recipes for family and friends, catching a local concert, baseball or basketball game, playing chess or tavloo (backgammon), or exploring the community with an iced vanilla coffee in hand.

Ed.D Ed.S. LEP #3990 NPI #1447862669

Ready to take the next step?

I want you to feel empowered to uncover your full potential. By taking this next step, we can begin to identify the root of your educational or vocational challenges and build practical resilience for the road ahead. Whether you are advocating for a student or seeking support for yourself, I am here to partner with you in creating meaningful progress.

Contact Dr. Skaff