Parenting Kids Who Don’t Fit the Mold: About Whole School Psych

Meet Kayla

Hi, I’m Kayla!

I’m a school psychologist, parent coach, and the founder of Whole School Psych. My mission is to help parents of children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and behavior challenges feel equipped and empowered to support their child’s growth in ways that truly work for their family.

Since the beginning of my career (even when I was “green” and didn’t feel super qualified), I’ve been the go-to person for families and school staff when it comes to understanding learning and behavior. Whether it was teachers asking for strategies to support kids in the classroom, other staff members trying to understand disabilities like ADHD or autism, or parents needing advice on raising children with learning or behavioral challenges, I found myself answering questions often, offering insights in meetings, and sharing solutions for kids who don’t fit the cookie-cutter mold.

Over time, I realized my truest zone of genius isn’t working within schools. It’s supporting kids and their families directly, whether inside or outside of buildings. So I created Whole School Psych (my platform with a purpose) to help parents of children with learning and behavioral challenges beyond what the public school system offers.

My Journey: From Struggling Student to School Psychologist

Facing My Own Third-Grade Challenges

When I was in third grade, I struggled to keep up in school. I had difficulties with memory and needed extra time to process information. My parents worked really hard to find the right resources for me, and eventually, they did. Those supports didn’t just change my education—they changed how I viewed myself and the world around me. That experience planted the seeds for the work I do today.

From College to Career

Fast forward to my first “big girl” job: I earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and began working in education. That eventually led me to graduate school, where I earned my Master’s and Specialist degrees in School Psychology and became a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). While I loved the field and the work that I was doing, I quickly realized there were challenges and things that I was passionate about that I couldn’t address within the system’s constraints.

Bridging the Gaps

In my first year as a school psychologist, I noticed gaps that desperately needed filling. These weren’t gaps teachers or school leaders could easily address—they required someone with both expertise and time. So I tried my hand at it.

I coached school leaders for a while, helping them tackle challenges in their schools. Was I good at it? Yes. But did I enjoy it? Absolutely not. It didn’t feel like me. My heart has always been in helping kids and their families navigate learning and behavior challenges (especially the complex ones like ADHD, autism, and behavior challenges). That’s where I’m truly in my element.

Why I Focus on Families

The 87% Factor

Did you know that by the time a child turns 18, only 13% of their waking hours are spent in school? The remaining 87% is spent outside the classroom, mostly at home. Yet, the education system doesn’t fully equip parents navigating neurodiversity—like ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities—to actively support their child’s growth. Raising kids with executive functioning struggles or emotional challenges often calls for personalized strategies that go beyond the classroom.

A Whole-Child Approach

My work is built on the belief that every child is unique, whether they’re navigating ADHD, autism, or other neurodiverse needs. That’s why I take a whole-child approach, focusing on emotional development, executive skills, and root causes of challenging behaviors.

A Few Fun Facts About Me

  • I’m a total bookworm! You’ll often find me reading or listening to a book in my downtime (to the tune of 15-30 per year).

  • Music is one of my greatest loves. My taste is pretty eclectic, but R&B has a special place in my heart.

  • Growing up, I wanted to be a pediatrician…until I realized I didn’t love hard science. That’s when I stumbled upon psychology. During a very slow summer internship before college, I picked up a copy of Psychology for Dummies to read in my downtime at my desk and was hooked. By the end of my first semester of college, I’d declared psychology as my major. The rest is history!

Let’s Work Together

Whole School Psych is where my journey meets yours. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by your child’s learning challenges, struggling to understand their behavior, or unsure of the next steps, I’m here to help.

Connect with Me:

  • Reddit (I love answering questions and giving away quick tips where I can!)
  • Resources (head here to get some free stuff; no fluff or cookie-cutter advice, I promise)
  • Consultancy (head here to learn how we can work together one-on-one)

Education and Certification:

If you’re curious…

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
  • Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology
  • Specialist in School Psychology (SSP)
  • Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)

I wasn’t kidding when I said psychology has me hooked!

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re still reading this, you’re the best! Here’s a little something you might enjoy:

The Parent’s Clarity Guide: Understanding and Supporting Your Unique Child is designed to help parents of kids with ADHD, autism, or behavioral challenges. With practical tips for raising neurodiverse children and tools like roadmaps, it equips families with actionable steps tailored to their child’s needs. Get your copy here.

Some of my favs