Our Approach
Sound Psychology Services
Helpful, Genuine & Honest
Dr. McDonald helps families and kids understand their strengths and where they need more support.
Viewing the assessment process as a therapeutic intervention, Dr. McDonald helps people find out how they learn best and what makes them unique.
Our goal is to help families and students get what they need from their education. As a mom of a child diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, Dr. McDonald understands the questions and concerns parents have, and believes in incorporating that understanding into her services.
Meet Dr. McDonald
Pictured above: Dr. McDonald, of Sound Psychology Services, PLLC located in Olympia Washington.
“I strive for honesty and transparency in my work and want the families that work with me to know there will not be any judgment. I want them to feel seen, heard, and understood, and most importantly I want them to have restored hope and understanding of their child’s profile of challenges, strengths, and path forward.”
Dr. Jennifer McDonald is a Board Certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist. She has over a decade of experience working with children, college students, and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, twice-exceptionality, giftedness, and other learning differences. She is also a mom who has been in your shoes, navigating the ins and outs of public education with a kid who doesn’t fit that mold. Most importantly, she helps people figure out where their strengths are and where they need more support.
Dr. McDonald specializes in:
Comprehensive testing for ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and accommodations for high-stakes exams (ACT/SAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc).
Consultation for professionals and educators who want to improve their knowledge in the areas of working with people with learning differences and/or learning about social emotional learning.
Please note, she does not offer custody evaluations.
Dr. McDonald started out her professional life working with adults with developmental disabilities and preschool children with behavior disorders. During graduate school, she completed multiple rotations in testing for ADHD and learning disorders. An internship in Alaska gave her more neuropsychology testing opportunities, after which she worked in a private neuropsychology practice doing even more testing. She is a board certified pediatric neuropsycholpogist.
Dr. McDonald has worked as a clinician in a variety of settings, including private practice, a university counseling center, a sleep clinic, and an eating disorder clinic. Her passion is in helping people find their strengths and understand how the brain works. She has a son with dyslexia and their path has been filled with things to learn along the way, figuring out accommodations, and working to build community support and relationships to help him succeed.
On a personal note, Dr. McDonald is a mom to three kids, an Army spouse, a school board member, and an appointee to the Washington State Dyslexia Advisory Council. She loves animals, podcasts, books, and trails. She is well-versed in Dungeons & Dragons, X-Men, Percy Jackson, and so many other areas that showcase the beauty of diversity and differences. She has a sarcastic wit and a gentle demeanor, and makes testing and therapy fun. Who knew that could happen?!
Education
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
BA, Spanish and Psychology, 1999
Licensure
Washington State PY 60302960
Idaho State PSY 203756
Colorado State PSY 0005156
Board Certification: American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology; Diplomate #2154
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
PhD, Clinical Psychology, 2010
MS, Experimental Psychology, 2004
Meet Abby…
Abby is a golden retriever/poodle/St. Bernard mix who hails from the pages of southwestern Washington’s Craigslist ads. Her main purpose is to hang out as Dr. McDonald’s sidekick and to remind her to take breaks and to have fun. Abby has a knack at bringing a smile to your face and appearing out of nowhere to steal a tissue or be pet. Generally, she hangs out under the desk, just snoozing - she gets a lot of dog park time.
Abby is never in the office for testing appointments as her presence makes it difficult for people to think about anything but how adorable she is.
Certifications & Accomplishments
Other Accomplishments
Champion Digger
Best Friend Maker at the dog park
Abby currently doesn’t hold any formal certifications but does have future plans to be come a certified therapy dog.
Pictured above is Abby of Sound Psychology Services. Abby is a golden retriever that belongs to Dr. McDonald.