Clarity for your child's unique journey.
If school feels frustrating, progress has slowed, or something just doesn't feel right, you're not alone. We turn worry into a clear, actionable plan through comprehensive psycho-educational assessment.
Ready to understand your child's strengths and learning needs?
If you're wondering whether your child is struggling with attention, learning, behavioral, or emotional challenges, you're not alone. Many parents seek answers when school becomes frustrating, progress slows, or something just doesn't feel right.
Pivotal Pathways specializes in psycho-educational assessments for children and teens. Dr. Kandece Skinner works closely with families throughout the East Bay to provide clarity, guidance, and a clear path forward, whether your child is showing signs of ADHD or dyslexia, or you're navigating the IEP/504 process.
Parents often seek support with
- ADHD & attention challenges
- Learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
- Executive functioning challenges
- Academic underperformance
- Anxiety or school-related stress
- Depressed mood
- Behavior challenges
- Independent Educational Evaluations
Psychoeducational evaluations, designed for clarity.
Comprehensive testing for children and teens across the East Bay. Choose a focus area to learn more, every path begins with a free consultation.
A thoughtful path from worry to roadmap.
- 01
Connect With Our Team
The intake process is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. To begin, reach out to schedule a free consultation, we'll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide whether an evaluation is the right next step.
- 02
Evaluation
You'll bring your child to the evaluation appointment, where our team conducts a comprehensive, child-centered assessment to identify learning or behavioral challenges. We know this can feel overwhelming, we're here to support you every step of the way.
- 03
Results & Answers
Our evaluator meets with you to review the results in detail and provide expert recommendations for next steps. You'll leave with a comprehensive understanding of your child's strengths and opportunities for growth, and a plan to support their journey.
10+ yrs
Supporting families
Dr. Kandece Skinner
Licensed Educational Psychologist #4539 · Owner & Founder
Dr. Kandece Skinner is the owner and founder of Pivotal Pathways and a highly experienced Licensed Educational Psychologist (#4539) in Walnut Creek, CA. She has dedicated over a decade of her career to providing psychoeducational support to children. She has lived and worked across several states, but is happy to call the beautiful state of California home.
Her unwavering passion for helping children navigate their learning challenges and achieve their full potential is evident in her compassionate approach. She has successfully assisted numerous children and families in navigating the complex world of education and mental health, and will continue to partner with families for years to come.
Dr. Skinner earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and subsequently completed her Master's, Specialist, and Doctoral degrees in School Psychology. In addition to her work with children and families, she previously devoted time to working as an adjunct professor, training the next generation of School Psychologists.
When not at work, Dr. Skinner enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
- Doctoral, Specialist & Master's degrees in School Psychology
- B.A. in Psychology
- Licensed Educational Psychologist #4539
- Former adjunct professor of School Psychology
- 10+ years supporting children & families
“Pivotal Pathways made a significant difference in my child's life. The comprehensive assessment and personalized support have been invaluable.”
Pivotal Pathways parent
Answers, before you ask.
Still have questions? A free 30-minute consultation is the easiest way to get clarity for your family.
Schedule a ConsultationWe are considered "out of network" by insurance carriers. However, we can provide a SuperBill to present to your insurance company for possible reimbursement as out of network.
We charge a flat fee for our evaluations. The cost varies by the area(s) of concern. To best understand the needs of your child, a complimentary 30-minute consultation is provided.
We want your child to show up as they are and not feel the pressure to perform or hide what is going on with them. Before the evaluation, let your child know they'll be meeting with a specialist who will ask them questions and give them some tasks to complete. You can share that our job is to understand how they learn and what they might need to do better in school. It's an opportunity to share what is going well and what has been tough. It's okay to feel nervous, remind your child that the specialist is there to help them.
We understand that schedules can change. We ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a cancellation fee.
Let's find the right path, together.
If you're feeling unsure about whether your child needs an evaluation, you're not alone. During your consultation, you can expect to:
- Share your concerns and observations about your child
- Receive professional input from Dr. Kandece Skinner
- Ask questions about the evaluation process
- Gain clarity on whether testing is recommended
- Understand possible next steps
Call or Text
Office
1460 Maria Ln, Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Hours
Monday – Friday · By Appointment Only
Serving the East Bay & beyond
- Walnut Creek
- Concord
- Pleasant Hill
- Lafayette
- Danville
- San Ramon
- Lamorinda
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Martinez
- San Francisco
1460 Maria Ln, Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Monday – Friday · By Appointment Only
Get directions1460 Maria Ln, Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Monday – Friday · By Appointment Only
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