Hi, I’m Dr. Dodd!
Child Psychologist in WA and OR
In a world that often asks neurodivergent children to fit into boxes that weren’t created for them, I believe the most powerful thing we can do is slow down and allow kids to show us who they really are — honoring their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. As a child psychologist serving families in Greater Seattle and Portland, my goal is to help you navigate this process with evaluations that feel attuned and deeply human.
My approach to assessment isn't necessarily about assigning labels. It’s about truly taking the time and care to understand your child as a whole, as I’ve seen how easy it is for children to feel misunderstood or overlooked by big systems. I am especially passionate about supporting bilingual and Spanish-speaking communities, ensuring that families have access to thorough and culturally responsive care. We’re not just looking for answers; we’re looking for the path that helps your child thrive exactly as they are.
Types of Evaluations I Offer
Every child experiences the world through a unique lens, but sometimes challenges with focus, learning, social situations, or big emotions can make daily life feel more taxing than it should. I partner with families who are seeking clarity around ADHD, autism, and learning differences, as well as those navigating more complex neurodevelopmental or medical journeys, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or in-utero substance exposure.
I believe that a child can never be fully understood in isolation; they exist within the rich context of their family, culture, and community. My assessment process takes a whole-child perspective, looking beyond a simple diagnosis to identify the strengths, patterns, and challenges that show up at home, in the classroom, and everywhere in between.
Neuro-Developmental
Emotional & Behavioral
Learning & Academic
How I Got Here
My journey into this field actually started thousands of miles away, teaching English to elementary-aged students in South Korea. I didn’t expect it at the time, but those two years changed everything.
I found myself drawn to the kids who were struggling beneath the surface. Children who were bright, curious, and creative, but overwhelmed by big emotions or challenges that made classroom participation difficult. I loved working with them one-on-one, helping them feel more grounded and confident, and watching how their whole experience shifted when someone finally slowed down long enough to really understand what they were going through and what they needed.
When I came back to the U.S., I pursued a Master’s degree in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology at the University of Washington, where I completed an internship in an outpatient community mental health clinic. I loved that work so much that I continued my studies, earning my second Master’s and then my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University.
Throughout graduate school, I completed dual emphases in child/adolescent psychology and Latino/bilingual mental health, training for several years with Spanish-speaking families. I have since worked alongside county-based developmental disabilities programs, providing neurodevelopmental assessments in English and Spanish.
Professional Background & Training
-
Pacific University
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)Master’s in Clinical Psychology
University of Washington
Master’s in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & TreatmentBachelor's in Spanish
Bachelor's in Political Science
-
Dual emphases in Child/Adolescent Psychology and Latino/Bilingual Mental Health
Predoctoral Internship (APA Accredited): Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic; primary care behavioral health & pediatrics
Postdoctoral Residency: Parry Center for Children (Trillium Family Services); child assessment in psychiatric residential treatment
Extensive experience supporting neurodiverse youth, including those with autism, ADHD, specific learning disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, in-utero substance exposure, and other neurodevelopmental conditions
Several years of Spanish-language clinical training, including assessment with monolingual and bilingual families
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—teachers, specialists, therapists, and medical providers
Strong background in early childhood and school-based mental health
-
PsyD, Licensed Psychologist in Washington (PSYC.PY.70068470) and Oregon (3925)
Locations
I offer comprehensive evaluations and assessments to children and families in the Pacific Northwest (PNW).
-
Initial consultations are typically held by phone, giving parents a low-pressure space to talk through concerns, ask questions, and determine whether an evaluation feels like the right next step.
All testing sessions are completed in person, which allows me to get to know your child, observe learning and communication styles directly, and adjust the pace as needed. Assessments may take place in one longer session or across multiple shorter visits, depending on what feels most manageable and supportive for your child.
The final feedback appointment and report review can be completed virtually or in person, based on your preference. During this session, I’ll walk you through results, diagnoses (if applicable), and practical recommendations in clear, understandable language.
Greater Portland
1500 NW Bethany Blvd, Suite 200
Beaverton, OR, 97006
-
I commonly serve families from Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Shoreline, and surrounding communities.
Popular Neighborhoods:
Downtown Bellevue
Bridle Trails
Juanita/Kirkland
Redmond Ridge
Mercer Island
Nearby Cities & Suburbs:
Seattle
Bothell
Issaquah
Sammamish
Renton
Commonly Served School Districts:
Bellevue School District
Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District
Seattle Public Schools
Northshore School District
Highline Public Schools
Greater Seattle
1400 112th Ave SE, Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
-
My Oregon office is located in Beaverton, OR, serving families throughout the west side of Portland and the greater Portland metro area.
Beaverton & Nearby Communities
Beaverton
Hillsboro
Tigard
Aloha
Cedar Mill
Portland Neighborhoods Commonly Served
Southwest Portland
Sellwood-Moreland
Beaumont-Wilshire
Laurelhurst
Commonly Served School Districts
Beaverton School District
Hillsboro School District
Tigard-Tualatin School District
Lake Oswego School District
Portland Public Schools
Get in Touch
Curious if I might be a good fit for your child? Let’s connect and see how we can work together to support their strengths and challenges.