Dr. Shannon Ackal, M.Ed, Ph.D, LP
Shannon Ackal is a Licensed Psychologist/Clinical Neuropsychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and families. Early on in her graduate training, she discovered a passion for conducting comprehensive assessments. She was particularly drawn to the idea of using objective data to help answer questions and concerns about a particular individual’s development. Her love for all things assessment expanded when she was introduced to the field of neuropsychology, and the fascinating link between brain and behavior.
Shannon believes that knowing how our brains work is a critical process to understanding the “whole” child. Each of us presents a unique pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses that impacts our functioning across environments. In her experience, understanding the “why” behind certain behaviors, emotions, “hard” things, and “easy” things often helps children and their families to remove feelings of self-blame and doubt. Moreover, she believes that taking into consideration “brain health” is just as important as the emphasis we place on physical and mental health.
Shannon’s Education and Experience
After earning a B.S. in Psychology from Tulane University, Shannon went on to earn a Masters of Education and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia. Shannon then specialized in the field of pediatric neuropsychology. She completed a one-year internship and a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine. At TCH, she conducted neuropsychological evaluations of children and adolescents presenting with a broad spectrum of neurological, psychiatric, and medical conditions. After completion of her post-doctoral training, she moved to a private practice setting where she evaluated children and adults presenting with attention difficulties, learning problems, and common co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Shannon’s Clinical Approach
Shannon enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with families to help them better appreciate how their child’s unique and wonderful brain works, and where to intervene for optimal growth and functioning. Despite her extensive training and expertise in the field, Shannon will tell you that she’s learned the most from being a parent herself. She is the mother of two teenagers and one pre-teen. Although she admits that the teenage years can be a tough stage of parenting, she also believes that this particular age group offers a unique opportunity for connection, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Shannon’s Areas of Practice
Her areas of practice include providing the following evaluations :
On a Personal Note
In her free time, Shannon loves to cook and share meals with friends and family. She enjoys traveling and any opportunity to be outdoors. Perhaps closest to her heart, is her weekly volunteer position at St. Joseph’s Clubhouse, a psychosocial rehabilitation center for homeless and under-served populations with a mental health diagnosis.