ElevateMinds Collaborative Practice

04/29/2026

Dr Julie MacDonald (psychologist) is accepting new clients. Located with Dr Reginald Dr. Reginald Landry Psychological Services Inc. call 902-564-4477 for more information

One of our psychologists, Dr. MacDonald is accepting referrals. Please share.

04/12/2026

Assignments causing stress?

Many students aren't falling behind because they can’t do the work; they are having trouble getting started, and as tasks build up, it can quickly become overwhelming. If your teen is experiencing this, you’re not alone-this is one of the most common challenges we see.

Keeping up with assignments requires effective executive functioning skills. It involves planning, prioritizing, getting started, and following through…skills that don’t always come naturally.

Once work starts to accumulate, it can quickly become overwhelming. Your teen may avoid it, feel stuck, or shut down altogether. It is important to remember that it is generally not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know how to get started and stay on track.

Here are a few small ways to help at home:
Encourage a quick daily check-in on what’s due (rather than waiting until the end of the week)

Break larger assignments into smaller, more manageable steps

Focus on getting started, not finishing everything at once

Consider use of a visual timer to support task initiation

Use visual supports (lists, post-it notes, whiteboards, planners) to make tasks more concrete

Keep expectations realistic (momentum matters more than perfection)

Remember: helping them stay current is less about working harder and more about building systems that support follow-through.

04/12/2026

“Sleep is essential, but many of us, kids and adults alike, don’t get enough of it. One of the best ways to get back on track is through better sleep hygiene. This means establishing habits that promote a good night’s sleep, like setting a routine.”

Tips for helping kids fall—and stay—asleep. Getting enough rest is important for mental health and well being. Encouraging good sleep habits.

04/07/2026

We are honestly blown away by the support over the past month.

To everyone who has shared our page, recommended us, or reached out-thank you! Your support has helped us connect with so many individuals and families in our community, and it truly means so much.

It’s been an incredible time for our team at ElevateMinds, and we feel very grateful to be building something that allows people to access support when they need it, without long waits.

We’re just getting started, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of this with us 💙

04/06/2026

Do you have a documented disability such as ADHD or Dyslexia? With spring/summer courses starting soon, remember to reach out and register with the Jennifer Keeping Centre for Accessible Learning at CBU (Cape Breton University)to ensure you can access the supports you are eligible for. If you are not sure if you qualify, you can make an appointment by calling 902-563-1208 or emailing jkc@cbu.ca.

The Jennifer Keeping Centre works to provide the necessary supports and accessibility accommodations for students with a medically documented disability.

If you’re a student with a disability, visit cbu.ca/current-students/student-services/accessibility-support-services/ to find all the services you need to get the most out of your classes.

04/01/2026

What is ADHD Assessment?

Many individuals wonder whether an ADHD diagnosis is necessary.

While some feel comfortable understanding their challenges without a formal label, others find that a comprehensive assessment can open the door to meaningful supports.

ADHD cannot be identified through a single test. Instead, it involves a thorough, evidence-based evaluation completed by a qualified mental health professional.

At ElevateMinds, ADHD assessments include gathering information from multiple sources, including:
• Standardized ADHD rating scales
• A detailed developmental and current history through interview
• Input from parents, caregivers, or other informants who know the individual well

Diagnosis is guided by the DSM-5 and considers three presentations of ADHD:
• Predominantly Inattentive
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
• Combined

A diagnosis is not based on one score or checklist. It is determined by carefully considering:
• The number and severity of symptoms
• How long symptoms have been present
• The extent to which they impact daily life (home, school, work, and relationships)

When might an ADHD assessment be helpful?

Individuals often seek assessment when challenges are affecting day-to-day functioning.

An assessment can provide clarity, direction, and a pathway forward with practical recommendations tailored to support success across settings.

ElevateMinds is now accepting referrals for ADHD assessments.
If you’ve been waiting for answers, you may not have to.

Reach out to learn more or book an appointment.

04/01/2026

We’re pleased to share that counselling and therapy services are available at ElevateMinds Collaborative Practice.

Our therapist brings over 20 years of experience and offers a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where individuals and couples can feel heard and understood. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy, helping clients reconnect with their values and move toward meaningful change.

She also incorporates trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and is trained in the Gottman Method for couples seeking to strengthen communication and connection.

Support is available for those navigating anxiety, loss, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

If you’ve been considering therapy for your family, yourself or your child, this can be a good place to start.

Reach out to learn more or to book an appointment.

03/30/2026

Meet Kim!

Kim MacDonald is one of our literacy/math interventionists. Kim is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of classroom experience. She has spent her career helping children develop strong skills in reading, writing, and math. Her teaching is grounded in evidence-based practices, including structured literacy and explicit phonics instruction, to ensure students build solid academic foundations.

Her experience allows her to approach tutoring with patience, structure, and a deep understanding of how to help each child succeed.

If you’re noticing that your child is having difficulty in any area, now is a great time to put support in place to help them feel more confident and successful moving forward.

Limited spots available. To book a session with Kim, give us a call 902-500-1601 or email us at contact@elevateminds.ca

03/29/2026

Meet Kristen! Learning Strategist and Math/Literacy Interventionist!

Kristen is our Learning Strategist with 26 years of experience. She provides individualized, evidence-based intervention for students with reading disorders/disabilities (including dyslexia) as well as math difficulties. Using research-supported approaches, she helps build foundational skills while also supporting confidence and independence.

In addition, Kristen works with students on organization, time management, and study strategies, supporting not just what they learn, but how they learn.

Whether your child needs academic support, skill-building, or confidence growth, each session is tailored to promote lasting progress and independent learning.

If this sounds like something your child could benefit from, contact us for more information (contact@elevateminds.ca or 902-500-1601).

03/27/2026

03/26/2026

Call or email today to book:
contact@elevateminds.ca
902-500-1601

03/23/2026

Meet Kelsey MacNeil, our behavior specialist!

Kelsey is a behaviour specialist at ElevateMinds with 12 years of experience supporting children and youth from grades P–12. Kelsey has a Master’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis and a Master’s in Inclusive Education, with a focus on children’s mental health and trauma. Kelsey offers both in-clinic and in-home behavioural assessments and programming. She helps families implement practical, evidence-based strategies to support their child’s learning, development, and emotional well-being. Kesley is passionate about working collaboratively with families, tailoring supports to each child’s unique needs, and creating positive, sustainable change.

Kelley has immediate openings.