ABOUT US
Lorraine Smyth-Cassidy
M.Ed., R.Psych. Registered Psychologist
“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.”
– Cheryl Richardson
In my almost twenty years of practice as a registered psychologist, I’ve learned that human beings need to be seen, to be heard, and to have a sense of connection and belonging. Whether you are seeking greater understanding of your cognitive profile and learning needs or therapy for a variety of life adjustment and mental health issues, I want you to know that you are not alone.
My journey as a psychologist has taken me from undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Calgary (M.Ed. Counselling Psychology) to work with non-profit and government child protection and mental health agencies, to employment in primary, secondary, and post-secondary educational institutions, to the operation of a private practice. I specialize in the provision of specialized assessments for adult learners and evidence-based counselling for adolescents to seniors. In both areas, I utilize a client-based perspective; I respect that you are the expert on your own life and consider it my job to create a safe space for you to share your story, to draw meaning, and to identify your strengths so you can use them to make lasting changes. It’s important to me that the work we do together is what works best for you so I integrate a variety of assessment tools and counselling techniques including cognitive behavioral, humanistic-existential, feminist, narrative, attachment, and dignity therapy approaches, among others. I’m a wife, mother, runner, reader and farm girl with an appreciation for diversity. I believe that helping one person might not change the world, but it will change the world for that one person.
“We are a small interconnected world, that we are all safe or none of us are; that we are all well cared for or all at risk.” – Mary Pipher
Megan Munro
M.Ed., Registered Psychologist
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it was stupid” – Albert Einstein
My area of specialization is psychoeducational assessments. I complete comprehensive and holistic assessments that can be used within school boards, post-secondary institutions, or in the workplace to accommodate clients based on their strengths and weaknesses. I believe in utilizing a strength-based approach: seeing clients for what they can do, not what they cannot. I do not believe assessment to be a one-size-fits-all method, thus I take care in understanding client differences and tailoring the assessment process to fit the needs of the client. In completing psychoeducational assessments, I am sure to perceive the client from a “bigger picture” perspective by gathering information from multiple sources and inquiring about the client’s usual pattern of behaviour to ensure accurate diagnosis. I am passionate about providing services that increase the client's access to interventions and accommodations so they can be successful academically, socially, and occupationally.
I completed my M.Ed. in School and Child Applied Psychology in 2019 through the University of Calgary. Throughout my studies, I have enhanced my learning and understanding of child-based assessments through coursework and practicums. During my eight-month internship at Core Psychology, I had the opportunity to expand my scope of practice, assessing post-secondary students and adults. My education, training, and work experience have provided me with enriched opportunities to work with students from diverse backgrounds and that present with varying strengths and areas of need. Within the field of psychology, I am passionate about child development, particularly early identification/intervention to mitigate the cumulative effects of an undiagnosed disability. I take pride in serving my surrounding rural communities and am happy to be improving the access to psychological assessment services within Central Alberta. When away from the office, I’m kept busy as a wife and mom but fill my free time with being outdoors, reading, travelling, or fishing.
Meagan Margetts Vandermost
M.A. Counselling Psychology, Registered Provisional Psychologist
“The hardest part of learning something new is not embracing new ideas, but letting go of old ones.”
– Todd Rose
I began working in the mental health field over eight years ago, and during this time I discovered that relationship and connection is the start of making positive change. Beginning with connection creates a non-judgemental and trusting environment for you to feel safe in sharing your thoughts, difficulties, and goals. Together we will learn about your functioning, emotions, and relationships, ultimately leading to growth, change, and resiliency. You are the expert on your life. I'm here to listen and help you reach your potential.
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Red Deer Polytechnic in 2018 and my Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2022. My education has provided me with opportunities to work with people in a variety of capacities. I have worked in group care for adolescents facing behavioural, psychological, and neurobiological difficulties, as well as with families needing support in reunification or parenting skills, and most recently in a specialized school setting. These experiences have enhanced my appreciation for diverse populations including a variety of ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and functioning capacities. I completed the eight-month practicum component of my graduate program with Core Psychology. I use evidence-based counselling techniques to support individuals across the life span (ages five and up). These techniques derive from person centered, cognitive behavioural, humanistic, emotion, and solution-focused therapies. I believe in a positive psychological lens--using individuals’ strengths to enable their flourishing. On a personal note, I am a wife and dog mom who enjoys golf, Pilates, and travelling.
“The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive.” – Scott Barry Kaufman