What Happens After a Diagnosis? Next Steps for Families
Receiving a diagnosis for your child can be one of the most emotional moments in a family’s journey. Whether your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or
Receiving a diagnosis for your child can be one of the most emotional moments in a family’s journey. Whether your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or
It’s one of the most common, and frustrating, experiences for parents: you’ve tried the charts, the rewards, the consequences, the scripts, the advice from books and social media… and yet,
For many years, autism and ADHD were treated as entirely separate conditions. Clinicians were often trained to diagnose one or the other, and families were left trying to make sense
For many students with ADHD or learning disabilities, the biggest barrier to success is not intelligence or motivation, it is access. Access to the right supports, the right tools, and
Introduction: Why Understanding Trauma Matters More Than Ever When most parents hear the word trauma, they think of extreme, life-altering events, like serious accidents, abuse, or the sudden loss of
For many students, the transition to university is both exciting and overwhelming. Academic expectations increase, independence becomes essential, and support systems often shift dramatically. For students with underlying learning differences,
When children experience emotional distress or trauma, they often lack the words to explain what they are going through. Unlike adults, who can articulate feelings through conversation, children communicate most
Divorce is rarely a single event. It is rather a process that reshapes the emotional, social, and psychological landscape of a family. While younger children often show distress through clinginess
Introduction It can be frustrating for families and students to hear that a psychoeducational assessment is “expired.” After investing time, emotional energy, and financial resources into a comprehensive evaluation, being
Parenting in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world brings both new pressures and new possibilities. Among the most common and emotionally taxing challenges parents face are children’s big feelings; those intense
For many families in Calgary, navigating learning challenges, attention difficulties, or developmental concerns can feel overwhelming. Parents often focus on academic support, emotional well-being, and long-term success, but what is
When a child receives a diagnosis of autism, it often brings clarity and direction for families who have been searching for answers. Intervention begins, supports are put in place, and
By Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) Childhood is meant to be a time of safety, exploration, and growth. But for many children, early experiences include stress, fear, or instability that
When a child begins play therapy, one of the most common questions parents ask is: “How do I know if it’s working?” Unlike academic tutoring or physical therapy, where progress
As winter loosens its grip across Alberta, many families feel a natural pull toward fresh starts. Windows open, closets get cleared, and homes begin to feel lighter. But while we
Cassandra Hillman White is the Owner and Clinical Director of Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS). A Registered Psychologist with more than 30 years of experience, Cassandra works with children, adolescents, parents, and families facing a wide range of developmental, emotional, behavioural, learning, and mental health challenges. She is known for her thoughtful case conceptualization, collaborative approach, and commitment to helping families understand both the challenges they are facing and the path forward.
Cassandra’s career began working with children with special needs and their families throughout Central Alberta. From supporting parents in their homes to consulting with daycare and preschool programs, she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of relationships, developmental understanding, and practical strategies that families and educators can use in everyday life. These early experiences continue to shape her work today.
Throughout her career, Cassandra has pursued extensive training across multiple therapeutic approaches, allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. Her clinical background includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Synergetic Play Therapy, Jungian Sandplay, Neurofeedback, Adlerian Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, and the Play Therapy Dimensions Model. While she draws from a variety of evidence-informed approaches, Adlerian principles and play therapy frameworks have become particularly influential in her current work with children and families.
Cassandra believes that effective therapy begins with understanding the whole person. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, she works collaboratively with clients and families to explore the factors contributing to current challenges, identify strengths, and develop meaningful goals. She values creating clear treatment plans that are reviewed and adjusted over time, ensuring clients remain active participants in their own growth and healing.
As Clinical Director, Cassandra leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families across complex presentations, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, emotional regulation concerns, trauma, behavioural challenges, and family relationship difficulties. She also works closely with schools, physicians, allied health professionals, and community agencies to help families access coordinated and effective support.
In addition to her clinical work, Cassandra serves as President of the Council of the College of Alberta Psychologists and is a Canadian Certified Play Therapist. She brings her commitment to ethical practice, professional excellence, and lifelong learning into every aspect of her work.
Outside of the office, Cassandra enjoys spending time with her four adult children, exploring nature, travelling, and continuing to learn. Her curiosity about people and their stories remains at the heart of the work she has loved for more than three decades.
Leave your contact info and someone will reach you shortly.
Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running.
As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.
Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS.
Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.
Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton.
Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.