Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Heather Arduengo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?

After obtaining my PhD, I began working in the public school setting. I loved working with children and being a part of a team that focused on increasing student success within the school setting. I never thought I’d leave the schools, and I worked in the public school setting for over ten years. Each year grew increasingly more challenging. My caseloads grew. The amount of support students, teachers, and other school professionals needed increased, and I found myself wondering if there was a better way for me to help children and their families. In 2021, I decided to open my own private practice that focused on psychological testing and assessment services with children and adolescents. Looking back, I do not have any regrets about the decision I made. I am still able to help children. I love being able to help families better understand their child’s unique brain style, and I have been able to continue my passion through my own private practice.

Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I often tell people I took “the scenic route” through college. I actually started as a business major but quickly changed to psychology after taking my first General Psychology course. I was not sure what I wanted to do with a degree in psychology, and I was lucky enough to have an advisor who also worked as a school psychologist. After learning more about school psychology and the roles school psychologists play in the school setting, I knew I wanted this as my career. My graduate school training focused heavily on psychological assessments, and I found joy in learning how to help others determine their own strengths and weaknesses. I view psychological evaluations as an empowerment tool for helping individuals learn more about themselves. My licenses as a psychologist and a school psychologist allow me to provide targeted support for children within the educational setting. While many psychologists are able to provide families with a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, I can provide that AND school-based recommendations. This is especially helpful for those seeking additional accommodations/modifications within the school setting.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have been told that my “bedside manner” is what sets me apart from others in my field. I currently work for myself and by myself. This allows me to interact and be involved with the families every step of the way from their first initial contact with me/my private practice to the final feedback/results meeting. When individuals or families reach out to me, I listen to their concerns and help them better understand what services they are needing. I schedule each appointment, walk them through each step, and devote the necessary time needed to address their concerns. I will spend additional time meeting/talking with teachers, counselors, or other providers as needed. I have also attended school meetings when necessary. It is important that I am able to collect as much information as I can to better assist others.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a small business owner who is also a wife and mother, it can be very difficult to find a good work-life balance. I chose to leave the stability of a salaried position in a public school setting to embrace the unknowns of a small business. Growing my private practice came with some sacrifices. I spent more hours working in my private practice when compared to the school district. I felt like I had to devote 100% of my time and energy in one area of my life in order to be successful, but this often came with neglecting other areas. I did not want to fail, and there were times that I felt like I was failing in every area of my life. Setting boundaries, focusing on aspects within my control, and finding moments to engage in self-care activities have been what helps me stay resilient.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pearspllc.com

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