Tonia is not a licensed therapist or counselor. Sessions are available for consultation regarding assessment, assessment results, education, discussion of recommendations and available resources, etc. If therapies are needed, this can be discussed and recommendations can be made for families.

Our goal is to provide options for families to find tools and resources for their child. Some common reasons to contact us may include:

• There are concerns about your child’s development and you are unsure what to do next

• There are concerns about your child’s academic performance and/or behavior

• You are not sure what may be needed for your child and family and are seeking guidance

• You are proactively seeking guidance, resource, and recommendations as you begin to notice some mild concerns

• You are seeking a psychological/psychoeducational evaluation for educational eligibility and/or diagnosis

As you may have learned already, many providers have lengthy waitlists to be seen to determine if your child even needs ongoing support, therapy, testing, etc. We will strive to get you in for an initial consultation as fast as possible. The goal of that session will be to help determine what you may need, whether that is an evaluation, some suggestions to help you while you wait for other services, referrals to places that can best help you and your child, guidance about school based services, and more.

No, LEAP Solutions, LLC does not take insurance. Please see the Services page for information regarding insurance and payment options.

When there are concerns about your child’s academic and/or behavioral performance in school, caregivers should always begin with the school to express their concerns and determine next steps. Caregivers may choose to come to LEAP Solutions if the school has denied an evaluation of the child (i.e., lack of necessary data, no evidence of need, etc.), if they are seeking more information about the child’s suspected or known deficits, if they are seeking a medical diagnosis for a condition (vs. an educational determination), if the area of concern is not an area of special education eligibility, and/or if they disagree with school results and are seeking an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE). Also, school psychologists have a strong understanding of how assessments are used in the school setting and are trained in making recommendations that are applicable in a school setting. Finally, children are often struggling at home but not at school and caregivers would like to seek more information on how to help them. Our initial consultation sessions will help families discuss these options and what is best for you.

Yes. When private evaluations are submitted to the appropriate school personnel (principal, counselor, teacher), the school must initiate a review of the new information within 10 school days. They will contact you regarding a meeting to discuss the new findings and recommendations. This may or may not result in a special education evaluation, an intervention plan or a 504 plan. LEAP Solutions will not share the report; this is the family’s responsibility.

Tonia is a state licensed school psychologist and is the owner and primary practitioner of LEAP Solutions. Typically, school psychologists work within school settings. In some settings, they are able to practice outside of school under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. In 2018, Tonia earned her Independent Practice Endorsement (IPE) which allowed school psychologists to have more flexibility in their careers. Recently, Indiana granted IPE holders the ability to showcase their skills in more ways, including private practice, without the requirement to work under another practicing psychologist. Tonia’s career has included practicing as a preK-12 school psychologist in multiple school districts in northern Indiana, a preK-12 school psychologist as an independent contractor (public and charter schools), an intake coordinator and behavior support provider for a local private practice, a psychologist for Indiana First Steps, a psychologist for Vocational Rehab and a program coordinator for early learners.

If assessments are recommended during the initial consultation, we will provide you with a tailored action plan to address your concerns and will provide you with the fees before you commit. Most evaluations can be completed in one session; depending on the age and the tests needed, as second may need to be scheduled. Caregivers must remain present on the premises during the evaluation. Testing is completed one on one; therefore caregivers are asked to wait in the waiting area. Families with other children may utilize the play area while you wait. Breaks are given accordingly as children need or want them. We do not use the word “test” with her clients. We make sure the child feels comfortable before beginning; depending on their age this may be through play or casual conversation. If you’d like to talk to your child about the evaluation process, here are some fun ways to talk about it: We are going to learn the way your brain works best; We are going to learn about your strengths and weaknesses; We are going to learn better ways to help you learn better/feel better/gain confidence about school, etc.

We appreciate at least a 24 hour cancellation notice so that others may be able to take an open appointment slot. Repeated cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee (half of the session fee). A deposit may also be requested after multiple cancellations or no-show

Psychoeducational evaluations are educational assessments used to consider whether a child may have a disability that is impacting their education performance. Evaluation results can be used to determine if children meet criteria for areas of special education under state and federal guidelines (Article 7). The results, whether a child is eligible for special education or not, are helpful in designing interventions and recommendations based on the child’s learning and/or behavioral profiles. These evaluations can help us consider the following: academic and cognitive strengths and weaknesses, reading disabilities, math disabilities, writing disabilities, processing deficits, nonverbal learning disorders, language deficits, intellectual impairments, adaptive behavior/independent living skill deficits, emotional/behavioral impacts on learning and more.

Many people have never heard of a “school psychologist”. Check out this great description of what we do here: Who are School Psychologists

Tonia is owner and operator of LEAP Solutions. The practice is fortunate to have a number of independent contractors that assist with community events, groups/classes and more. Tonia also works closely with many pediatric professionals that may be called in to assist when needed. LEAP Solutions will also invite guest hosts that provide our community with plenty of resources and opportunities.

Current LEAP Solutions partners include:
Amy Curtis
Sarah Lerch
Katie Hall
Michelle Dziezak

Call or email us to get started. Information gathered in the initial call may include a brief discussion about our concerns and what you are seeking, child’s age and grade and contact information. Once the appointment has been set, you will be sent a link to your client portal which will include required paperwork. This must be completed before your initial appointment. Please be sure to read the practice policies and client expectations. Tips for your visit: Prepare a list of questions and/or concerns ahead of time; think about examples of behaviors or observations you wish to share; and bring any pertinent school documents that may be helpful such as an IEP, prior reports, assessment data, etc. Don’t be nervous! We will work together to help you and your child. LEAP Solutions is an inclusive and inviting space with comfortable areas for talking and a large play area for the kids. Please note that evaluation appointments are generally offered after school due to the length of time and the desire to have the child’s typical attention and energy levels.

At this time, Tonia will see clients weekdays, typically between 8am and 4:30pm. Evening hours may be offered based on availability and circumstances of the client’s needs. School excusals can be provided when needed. As Tonia also works in schools and for Vocational Rehab, her hours will not be the same each week. Availability will be offered to families upon their initial call.

In the event of inclement weather or emergencies, LEAP Solutions will follow emergency weather recommendations. Be sure to check the LEAP Solutions Facebook and web pages for closures or adjustments to the schedule. If you have a scheduled appointment that day, you will be contacted to confirm or reschedule. If LEAP Solutions is open but you are unable to get to your appointment, please call or text to 219-786-1582.