Meet Nichola
Registered Psychologist
Hello and welcome!
My name is Nichola Cross, and I am a Registered Psychologist who offers support for children, teens, and adults in the Calgary area. I complete a variety of comprehensive assessments to help you or your child understand your learning profile and provide strategies to set you up for success. My aim is to help you expand your knowledge, capitalize on your strengths, and provide evidence-based strategies to support your growth at school, at work, and/ or approaching daily tasks.
I earned my Master’s Degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary, and I am a registered member with the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. Before starting my own private practice, I worked for 4 years in a setting that specialized in LDs & ADHD, while also serving a specialized school. I then worked for several years within a school board where I supported students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities with comorbid disorders. Additionally, I worked for other private practices before starting my own. I’m always honoured when asked to partner with individuals to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to help enhance your success!
I look forward to meeting you!
Meet Melanie
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hello! My name is Melanie, and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies, and a Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology. Alongside my academic background, I have extensive experience supporting high-risk youth with complex needs within the child welfare system.
My current focus is on conducting psychoeducational assessments with children and youth to explore learning, cognitive, and social-emotional challenges. I strive to develop a comprehensive understanding of each child’s learning profile while also recognizing their individual strengths. I prioritize contextualizing assessment results in a practical way and aim to offer meaningful recommendations to help support your child’s growth. Outside of my work, I enjoy embracing my nerdy side through video games, anime, and fantasy novels.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your child!
Melanie is currently available on Fridays.
Meet Sarah
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hi, my name is Sarah! I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a passion for supporting children and youth in reaching their full potential. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary.
I currently conduct psychoeducational assessments to better understand how each child learns, thinks, and experiences the world. I take a holistic approach that focuses on each child’s strengths and areas of support to guide meaningful and practical recommendations.
I have experience working with children, youth, and families across school and community settings, including supporting neurodivergent individuals in developing social skills, flexible thinking, and emotional regulation. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach and enjoy working closely with families to better understand each child’s unique strengths and needs in order to support their growth and well-being.
Outside of work, I love reading, gardening, and taking care of my plant babies. I also enjoy spending time with my cat, Saffron, and have a growing LEGO collection.
I look forward to meeting you!
Meet Ellaina
Counselling Student (seeing age 12+) & Psychometrist
My name is Ellaina, and I am passionate about supporting youth, adults, and their families on their mental health journeys! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Linguistics and I recently completed my Master of Counselling degree. Through my experience with Kids Help Phone, I’ve gained valuable insight into the challenges people face across all stages of life. My current role as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary has deepened my commitment to building strong, trusting relationships with children, youth, and the adults in their lives.
I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. In my work, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where people of all ages can explore their emotions and grow. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each person and family's unique story. I also believe in the power of laughter and in making space for the full range of human emotions.
I will be joining Embark Psychology in administering test measures for assessments.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy hiking, travelling, trying new crafts, and spending time with my partner and our dog.
Meet Alexandra
Counselling Student (seeing age 4+) & Psychometrist
** Picture coming soon!
Alexandra is passionate about creating a space where children feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves. Her goal is to make counselling feel comfortable and fun, using play-based approaches alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help children learn and grow in ways that feel natural to them.
Alexandra has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children and those with more complex behavioural needs, and particularly enjoys working with anxiety and big emotions. She focuses on making feelings and skills tangible and easy to understand, helping children build confidence and feel successful in their progress.
Building a strong, trusting relationship is at the heart of her work. She also offers parent coaching and support, helping caregivers feel more confident in navigating challenges at home. In addition to counselling, she provides academic assessments to better understand each child’s unique learning needs.
Alexandra holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is currently awaiting registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two young children.
Meet Teresa
Clinic Administrator
Hi, I’m Teresa, the Clinic Administrator at Embark Psychology. I bring empathy, positivity, and strong organization to my role, and I am passionate about helping families feel comfortable and confident from their very first interaction with our clinic.
Having been on both sides of the assessment process, I understand what families truly need and how important it is to feel supported every step of the way. I strive to create a calm, welcoming environment where children and caregivers feel safe, respected, and supported.
Behind the scenes, I work closely with the clinical team to help ensure the clinic runs smoothly, allowing our psychologists to focus on providing compassionate, child-centered care. I take pride in supporting families with professionalism, kindness, and care every step of the way.