Director of the Westcoast Child Development Group and the Spectrum Works Consulting Group.
Dr. Worling has worked extensively with individuals on the Autism Spectrum for the past 25 years. In addition to providing diagnostic and learning assessments, he has developed innovative treatment protocols for social competence, self-coping, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Worling established the Westcoast Child Development Group as a full time private practice for children on the Autism Spectrum in 2003. As his clinical population matured and encountered new challenges entering the job market, he began advocating for Autism employment issues and developed the intervention protocols now offered by Spectrum Works Consulting. Dr. Worling currently supports a number of employees and employment firms as they navigate Autism in the workplace.
Dr. Worling holds academic affiliations with the Psychology Clinic at SFU and teaches a course on Autism as a Sessional Instructor with the Psychology Department at UBC. He is also Qualified Specialist affiliated with the British Columbia Autism Assessment Network and has given a number of workshops and presentations regarding ASD.
Leah provides a holistic approach to her clients grounded in theories of positive psychology, human development, mindfulness, and cognitive behaviour therapy. Her approach is also informed by current research in decision-making, motivation, self-regulated learning, executive functioning, couples counselling, and career development.
She enjoys guiding adult clients to explore their strengths and opportunities for growth and to build hope and momentum – especially in times of transition.
Leah began her career over 30 years ago as an educator, teaching post-secondary students and as a teacher therapist designing individual education plans for children on the Autism Spectrum, with ADHD, and with Learning challenges and consulted to their parents and teachers. She now focuses her parent consultation work with parents of older teens and young adults and specializes in supporting individuals through life decisions, relationships, and navigating the world of work and school.
Leah’s post-secondary academic counselling draws on several years experience as an Academic Advisor and researcher in academic persistence at The University of British Columbia. She has assisted hundreds of students to navigate rigorous academic demands and chart viable career paths. Through her training and work with the UBC Life and Career Centre; the Centre for Student involvement and Careers; and Alumni UBC, Leah has assisted a wide range of clients in designing and achieving personal, academic, and career objectives. Leah has completed levels 1 – 3, and practicum training in Gottman Methods Couple Therapy and provides evidenced-based relational therapy for couples.
Leah Marks completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
Dr. Kimberly Armstrong has provided services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families since 2004. She has worked and trained in a number of different setting, including the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, the Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab at SFU, the Queens University Developmental Disabilities Consulting Program, BC Children’s Hospital, and Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH).
Dr. Armstrong has published research in a number of peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Autism Research, and Molecular Autism. She is currently a Clinical Faculty member of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Program with the Department of Psychiatry at UBC. She is also a Clinical Associate with the Department of Psychology at SFU. Dr. Armstrong’s clinical work includes providing diagnostic assessments, consultation, and therapy for adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, with a focus on individuals born female.
Ameera supports the clinic front desk and administration at Westcoast Child Development group on Thursdays and Fridays. She provides information to clients about services at the clinic, provides referrals, schedules assessments and therapy appointments, helps with invoicing, and supports the daily front desk procedures.
Ameera completed her Bachelor of Arts with a focus on psychology and criminology at Simon Fraser University and is currently pursuing a career in the field of counselling psychology at Yorkville University.
In her spare time, Ameera plays soccer and reads a myriad of books.
Krista supports the clinic front desk and administration at Westcoast Child Development group on Wednesdays. She provides information to clients about services at the clinic, provides referrals, schedules assessments and therapy appointments, helps with invoicing, and supports the daily front desk procedures.
Krista is currently studying psychology, among other social sciences at Simon Fraser University, and is interested in pursuing a career in the field. She graduated high school in 2020 with her double dogwood and can speak both English and French.
She has a drive to assist others and create a positive and uplifting environment for everyone.
In her spare time, Krista enjoys listening to music, getting outside, and spending time with her friends.
March 20, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear valued families and clients of Westcoast Child Development Group and Spectrum Works Consulting Group, As a result of directives from the government and health officials regarding the global health crisis, we have decided to take measures to guard the health and safety of our clients, staff, and clinicians while continuing to provide support and […]
February 12, 2016 | For Employees , For Employers
While many treatment protocols and supports for individuals with ASD are geared to reduce symptoms–to help them ‘fit in’ to society–it is important to note that there are many ASD symptoms that could (and should) be adopted by the larger society. Listed below are some general traits that have been associated with ASD and that we […]