Avner Stern, Ph.D.

Avner Stern, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist, specializes in the diagnostic and psychoeducational assessment of learning disabilities and ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to private practice, he was director of ADHD & Learning Disability Services at Saint Luke’s Behavioral Health clinics. He is the author of Assessment and Treatment of Adult ADHD in “Innovations in Clinical Practice: A Source Book,” and has presented nationally and internationally on learning, dyslexia, and ADHD issues in children and adults.

Sandi Isaacson, Ph.D., ABPdN

Sandi Isaacson, Ph.D., ABPdN, board-certified neuropsychologist, specializes in assessing children, adolescents, and adults with brain impairments. She has presented nationally and internationally on learning, memory, and attention issues in children and adults. Dr. Isaacson has worked in hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities. She has been recognized as an expert witness in civil and criminal cases in many states. Dr. Isaacson holds both an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT)and Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) from PSYPACT, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, and an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Lauren Spears, Ph.D.

Lauren Spears, Ph.D. A licensed clinical psychologist specializes in the psychological and psychoeducational assessment of ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, anxiety, and depression in children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to working at MNS, she completed her post-doctoral fellowship and was employed at the Kansas City VA (KCVA), where she specialized in the treatment of trauma and became certified in Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She has completed intensive rotations in neuropsychological assessment at both KU Medical Center and the KCVA. She has provided clinical supervision in psychological assessment to doctoral-level clinical psychology graduate students at the University of Kansas.

Abby Knipp, Ed.S., NCSP

Abby Knipp, Ed.S., NCSP - Nationally Certified School Psychologist who specializes in child psychology, psycho-educational assessments, school systems, and special education laws and guidelines. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and an educational specialist degree from Texas State University. Abby has licenses in both KS and MO and over a decade of experience working in local urban public-school districts. She also offers Educational Consultation services to support families and be a bridge between home and school.

Ali Calkins-Smith, Ph.D.

.Licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological and psychoeducational assessment of ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents. She received her doctorate from the University of Kansas and completed Internship and Postdoctoral training at Children’s Mercy Hospital. She provides clinical supervision in psychological assessment and therapy to doctoral-level clinical psychology graduate students at the University of Kansas. Dr. Smith also has experience in providing evidence-based therapy to children and adolescents for a variety of emotional and behavioral disorders. Prior to being in private practice, Dr. Smith provided outpatient services within a pediatric primary care office.