Helping our Clients and their Families
Flourish & Prosper
Children • Adolescents • Young Adults • Families
The Tools to Succeed
Get the answers you need to help your child, or yourself, thrive.
We provide expert testing for children and young adults to better understand learning, development, and emotional health. Discover your strengths and find a clear path forward for a successful future.
Our Team:
Elizabeth Shands, PhD
Dr. Shands was born in Greenville and grew up in Sumter, South Carolina. She is a Licensed Psychologist, a Certified School Psychologist III, and a credentialed Health Service Psychologist (HSP). She has over 20 years of experience in psychological testing.
Dr. Shands focuses on testing for concerns related to how the brain learns and develops. She works with children, teens, and young adults. Dr. Shands is also authorized to provide online services to clients in many different states through PSYPACT.
Megan Trask, PhD
Dr. Trask is originally from Alabama. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology and additional training in neuropsychological testing. She is a Licensed Psychologist and a credentialed Health Service Psychologist (HSP).
Dr. Trask specializes in testing and evaluating children and teens. She helps families understand their child’s strengths and needs, and provides clear recommendations for support.
Lauren Zera, SSP, NCSP
Lauren was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She is a Licensed Psychoeducational Specialist (LPES), Certified School Psychologist II, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Experimental Psychology from University of South Carolina and her Master of Science in School Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degrees from Winthrop University.
Lauren provides psychoeducational evaluations to children and teens. Her experience working directly within schools as a school psychologist gives her a strong understanding of how learning, attention, behavior, and emotional needs affect students in the classroom setting.
Julie Vollnogle
Julie is originally from Lexington, South Carolina. She attended North Greenville University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Prior to becoming a mom, she taught in a Title I school and has continued her love of teaching through homeschooling and her homeschool co-op.
Julie serves as the Client Support Specialist at Palmetto Psychological Associates. She works virtually and is often the first person families connect with when they call or email our office. Julie is known for her warmth, empathy, and organization as she helps families navigate scheduling, paperwork, and questions about services.
Psychological Testing and Evaluation
Psychological and psychoeducational evaluations help find and understand learning differences, developmental conditions, and emotional or behavioral challenges.
At Palmetto Psychological, we offer testing to help families learn more about their child’s strengths, needs, and what steps to take next.
We specialize in evaluating learning, attention, and developmental differences, including:
- Autism (differences in social skills and communication)
- ADHD (trouble paying attention or sitting still)
- Specific learning disorders (like dyslexia for reading, dysgraphia for writing, and dyscalculia for math)
- Intellectual disability (challenges with learning and daily skills
- Other behavioral or social-emotional concerns