Get to Know Dr. Gardner

When I think about the work I do, I don’t start with titles or credentials—I start with people. Children who are struggling to understand why school feels harder than it should. Adolescents trying to make sense of their emotions and identity. Adults seeking clarity after years of feeling misunderstood or mischaracterized. Families who are doing their best and simply want answers they can trust.

My path into psychology—and eventually neuropsychology—was shaped by a deep curiosity about how people think, learn, and grow, especially when the world doesn’t quite meet them where they are. Over the years, that curiosity evolved into formal training, research, and clinical work, but the core motivation has remained the same: helping people understand themselves more clearly so they can move forward with confidence.

I completed my doctoral training in clinical psychology with a strong emphasis on comprehensive assessment, research, and integrated care. Along the way, I had the opportunity to work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, multidisciplinary medical clinics, private practices, and academic research environments. These experiences reinforced an important lesson early on—good psychological care is never one-size-fits-all. It requires careful listening, thoughtful integration of information, and a willingness to look beyond surface-level explanations.

Much of my clinical work has focused on pediatric and adult neuropsychological evaluation, particularly with individuals presenting with autism, ADHD, learning differences, executive functioning challenges, giftedness, and emotional concerns. I’ve also maintained an active psychotherapy practice, which I believe is essential to doing good assessment work. Sitting with people over time—hearing their stories, struggles, and strengths—grounds evaluation in real human experience rather than abstract data.

In addition to clinical practice, I’ve been deeply involved in professional education and service. I currently serve in leadership roles within the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology, where I help develop and deliver continuing education programs for psychologists across the country. I’ve also presented nationally and internationally on topics such as giftedness, autism across the lifespan, diagnostic complexity, and the ethical use of emerging technologies in clinical practice. These roles keep me connected to the broader field and ensure that my clinical work remains current, reflective, and evidence-based.

Research has also played an important role in my professional development. My work has explored how complex systems—biological, cognitive, emotional, and environmental—interact to shape behavior and development. While research can sometimes feel far removed from everyday life, I see it as a foundation for asking better questions in the therapy room and during evaluations. It informs how I think, not just what I measure.

Despite these professional pursuits, what ultimately matters most to me is how people experience care. Many families I meet come in feeling overwhelmed by previous interactions with the mental health system—confused by conflicting opinions, unclear processes, or reports that don’t translate into meaningful next steps. The Modern Psychologist was created in response to that reality.

This practice is intentionally designed to be different. My goal is to serve as a central hub for individuals and families—a place where questions are welcomed, information is shared openly, and recommendations are grounded in both science and practicality. I believe deeply in transparent processes, clear communication, and collaborative care. Psychological services should feel supportive and empowering, not intimidating or opaque.

I also believe that understanding—true understanding—can be transformative. Whether through evaluation or therapy, the aim is not to define people by their challenges, but to help them recognize their strengths, understand their differences, and develop strategies that allow them to live full, healthy, and meaningful lives.

If you’re reading this, my hope is that you come away with a sense of who I am and what I value. More importantly, I hope you feel that this is a place where you—or your child—would be met with curiosity, respect, and care.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. When you’re ready, I’d be glad to get to know you as well.