Natasha Portela holds a master’s degree in educational psychology with a specialization in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. Natasha worked as a Psychologist in Brazil for several years before relocating to Calgary in 2021.
Natasha is fluent in both Portuguese and English. While in Brazil, Natasha specialized in working with children, teenagers, and the family unit targeting clients with mild social skills challenges to individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Her skill set ranges from utilizing applied behaviour analysis to teaching the very subtle gestures and nuances of social communication.
Natasha is experienced facilitating teams through Family Support for Children with Disabilities, including in home visits. Natasha further specializes in coaching individuals with ADHD to persevere, resist distractions, and manage impulses. She also guides parents to set up their home environment for success through reinforcement and discipline systems. Further, Natasha helps anxious children and teenagers identify their stressful thoughts and set up a strategy to better manage and face their fears.
Natasha is trained in the identification of all clinical issues through comprehensive psychoeducational assessment. The recommendations in her assessment reports are uniquely tailored to each child and her ideas are practical and specific to the child’s home and current classroom. As she in the process of transferring her psychologist designation from Brazil to Canada, Natasha operates under the guidance of the practice owner, Kelly Moroz. Natasha’s personality would best be described as energetic, open hearted, and supportive.