Jessica Klein, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate (She/Her)

Jessica is a psychological assessment practicum student at Flourish and a doctoral student in York University's Clinical Developmental Psychology program. She brings extensive experience supporting autistic youth, alongside a background in special education, parent coaching, and research focused on the well-being of neurodivergent young people. At Flourish, she contributes to comprehensive assessments under clinical supervision, helping families better understand their child’s strengths, learning profile, and support needs.

Jessica’s experience spans elementary and secondary schools, private and community settings, and post-secondary environments. She has provided special education support to students with a range of learning differences and worked extensively with autistic youth in one-on-one settings. These experiences inform her strengths-based, person-centred approach and her appreciation for the importance of understanding how a young person functions beyond the assessment room.

Her work also extends to supporting parents and caregivers. Through The Hospital for Sick Children, Jessica has provided parent coaching to families whose children have experienced neurological or medical concerns. This experience has reinforced her understanding of the importance of listening to families and developing recommendations that are meaningful within the context of their everyday lives.

Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Developmental Psychology from York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her doctoral research focuses on improving support for underserved neurodivergent youth, particularly those with complex support needs and mental health challenges. She is especially interested in how changes to a young person’s environment can better support their well-being, rather than placing the responsibility for change solely on the individual.

Jessica approaches assessment with warmth, curiosity, and a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. She works to understand each child’s experiences alongside their assessment findings, with the goal of helping children and families feel understood and better equipped to move forward.

Outside of her clinical and research work, Jessica enjoys playing piano, painting, and spending time with friends and family.