Meet the Team
Allison Beckman MSc
Founder and Lead Registered Psychologist
Originally from the Yukon, Allison Beckman has been a registered psychologist in Alberta for 10 years. Her experience working with high-risk children and youth in the Yukon inspired her to continue that work in the capacity of a registered psychologist. Allison has worked in northern communities, on first nations reserves, for public school boards in major city centers and in a variety of private practice settings. Allison currently is a Senior Counsellor and Supervisor for the School and Applied Child Psychology and Counselling MSc and PhD students at the Integrated Services in Education Clinic at the University of Calgary.
Specializing in a wide range of assessment and behavioral consultation services, Allison has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with culturally diverse populations and utilizes a strength-based approach in her work. Allison continues to provide supervision for psychometrists and provisional psychologists to continue to enhance the profession of psychology by mentoring future psychologists entering the profession.
Allison currently lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and cockapoo and enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with friends and family.
MARC POIRIER
Director and Finance Manager
Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Marc Poirier has resided in the Calgary area for 15 years. Marc earned a diploma in Business from Fanshaw College in 2008 due to a longstanding interest in business and finance. Marc has been employed with AXB Psychological Services for 2 years as the Finance Manager and wears many hats to help support the clinicians at the practice. Marc is involved in the development of many programs and practice initiatives.
Marc currently lives in Airdrie, Alberta with his wife and dog, Bella. Marc enjoys hiking, spending time in the mountains, and watching any and all sports.
Rachel Pagaling, MSc
Registered Provisional Psychologist and Clinic Team Lead
Rachel is a PhD/Doctoral student at the University of Calgary where she also earned her M.Sc. in School and Applied Child Psychology. Her current doctoral research focuses on supporting teachers and school staff when working neurodevelopmental diverse students in hybrid learning environment. Rachel has extensive assessment experience and she has received quality training in delivering psycho-educational assessments, social-emotional assessments, and vocational assessments under the supervision of registered psychologists in both private, clinical, and school-based settings.
Regarding intervention, Rachel understands the importance of taking a strength-based and family-centered approach to care. She currently works with FSCD families providing psychological intervention and behavioural consultation services for families with various mental health needs. In her spare time, she enjoys pilates, baking, calligraphy, and playing with her cats.
Sarah Williams
MSc
Lead Psychometrist
Sarah is a Doctoral student at the University of Calgary where she earned her M.Sc. in School and Applied Child Psychology. Her graduate research focused on youth mental health and adaptive functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. She plans to continue to focus on the mental health needs of children and adolescents for her dissertation research.Throughout her graduate program, Sarah has received formal training in the assessment of various standardized measures. She has received quality training in delivering psycho-educational assessments under the supervision of registered psychologists in both clinical and school-based settings. She has experience with the assessment and diagnosis of a wide range of disorders including learning disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, and depression.
Sarah is originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia but currently lives in Calgary. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting coffee shops, reading mystery novels, and spending time with family and friends.
Theresa Siemens
MSc
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Theresa is a registered provisional psychologist with a MSc. degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary, where her research focused on supporting growth mindsets in children with ADHD. Currently, she is stepping into work with FSCD families and is excited about the opportunities this new role presents.
Theresa has received comprehensive training in delivering psycho-educational assessments for children and adults in both clinic and school-based settings. Her training includes the assessment of a variety of conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and depression. Theresa also has experience with group and classroom interventions, supporting students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and Autism in navigating the social-emotional challenges and anxiety associated with their diagnoses.
Theresa holds a deep commitment to fostering understanding among children and adults about their strengths and weaknesses, helping them leverage their strengths to overcome challenges. In her free time, she enjoys climbing, spending time with her husband, and taking their dog, Benji, on adventures in the mountains.
Claire McGuinness
MSc
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Claire is a Doctoral candidate at the University of Calgary in School and Applied Child Psychology where she also earned her M.Sc. Her current doctoral research focuses on building a model of student engagement with protective factors such as resilience, flourishing, and academic motivation. Claire has received quality training in delivering psycho-educational assessments, social-emotional assessments, and adult assessments in both a private practice and school-based setting. She has experience in assessment and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, language disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Claire is passionate about helping kids thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviourally. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, cooking, painting, and rescuing animals.
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ABDULLAH BERNIER
MSc
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Abdullah is a PhD/Doctoral student at the University of Calgary where he also earned his M.Sc. in School and Applied Child Psychology. His graduate thesis was on the experiences of Syrian refugee parents of autistic youth accessing supports/services in Alberta. His doctoral research will continue to focus on autism through exploring the intersection between autism and trauma.
Abdullah has extensive assessment experience and has received quality training throughout his graduate program as well as within his clinical experiences. Abdullah has received formal training in both clinical and school-based settings under the supervision of registered psychologists. His specialized assessment experience has given him experience with the assessment and diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.
Abdullah is currently a service provider with FSCD and has an extensive and longstanding experience working with diverse client needs and family backgrounds in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. Abdullah is able to implement both behavioural and psychological intervention techniques into his practice.
Abdullah is passionate about his work with youth and families. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the mountains, rock-climbing, weight training, and playing boardgames.