Allison Asher, Ph.D., NCSP
Dr. Asher is a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her passion lies in helping her clients thrive—behaviorally, emotionally, socially, and academically. She holds national certification in school psychology (NCSP) and has specialized training in working with clients who have ADHD (ADHD-CCSP).
Dr. Asher earned her doctorate in school psychology from the University of Maryland, where she received advanced training in both psychology and education. This unique background allows her to address both clinical and educational concerns effectively. She has gained insights into diverse learning environments while working as a school psychologist in public, charter, and private schools, and she launched her private practice in 2017.
Dr. Asher specializes in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and dyslexia, as well as emotional and behavioral functioning, learning needs, gifted testing, school admissions, and testing accommodations. Dr. Asher also provides parenting strategies and classroom observations to help build supportive environments.
In her therapy practice, Dr. Asher enjoys partnering with her clients to uncover their strengths and support needs. Together, they create personalized strategies to help them reach their goals. Dr. Asher often works with young people on issues like anxiety, depression, friendship challenges, and school stress, using a variety of evidence-based techniques while maintaining a collaborative and compassionate approach. She additionally has a special interest in improving executive functioning skills and ADHD coaching. Her approach centers on creating a warm, engaging space where her clients can feel comfortable and empowered in exploring and managing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Last but certainly not least, Dr. Asher is a proud mother to four wonderful children and one energetic dog, all of whom bring endless joy and a bit of chaos to her life.
Mariel Aken, LPC-S
Ms. Aken is a counselor with 15 years of experience working with children in New Orleans. She has had the privilege of supporting kids both in their homes and in school settings, helping children aged 4 to 16 navigate a variety of challenges.
Ms. Aken specializes in fostering prosocial skills in children facing issues like ADHD, Autism, anxiety, social skills deficits, strong emotions, depression, grief, divorce, and trauma. Ms. Aken strives to help kids and families normalize the challenges they face and build emotional resilience through education about brain development and guidance on skill development. She also believes in the importance of connection before content, prioritizing building relationships through play.
In counseling, her sessions include both structured skill development and play-based techniques to support skill development, including art, role-play, games, acting, and make-believe. Her theoretical focus draws from many sources, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, solution-focused therapy, attachment theory, narrative therapy, and play therapy. Over the years, Ms. Aken has developed a strong skill set that allows her to adapt to the unique needs of each child and coordinate care across different settings. She is excited to partner with families and support them on their journey.