Dr. Geraldine Schwartz, PhD

Principal, Senior Psychologist, teacher and mentor to her teaching team, Dr. Schwartz has provided more than three decades of service to the Lower Mainland and BC communities of children and youth and their parents and families.

Dr. Schwartz is a Registered Psychologist in BC and member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.  She holds an interdisciplinary PhD in Psychology and Education, an MA in Educational Psychology, and a teacher’s Diploma, all from McGill University.  She has long-term classroom experience from the primary, secondary and post-secondary levels.

Dr. Schwartz is a scientist-practitioner and applies her understanding of brain function to diagnose and assess learning problems, disorders, strengths and styles. She designs creative, individualized programs to enable students and clients to achieve the best possible outcome. Hundreds of students have achieved outstanding results in the years since 1980 when she founded the Vancouver Learning Centre.

Carla Merkel, MA

A native of Vancouver, Carla Merkel works with Dr. Schwartz as an Associate. Carla holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Victoria and an MA in School Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She is currently completing her PhD in School Psychology at UBC, and has worked with children and adolescents of all ages from diverse backgrounds and their families.

Carla is excited to be working with Dr. Schwartz and believes strongly in assessing and understanding students’ specific strengths and learning needs in order to help them achieve their personal best outcome. Carla is enthusiastic, energetic, and patient in her approach to working with students, and believes in the importance of lifelong personal growth and education. In her spare time, Carla enjoys yoga, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Psychology Services Available

We provide Neuropsychological and Educational Assessment for children, youth and young adults with the following conditions and circumstances:

• Learning Disabilities
• Giftedness
• Giftedness with Learning Disabilities
• Developmental Disabilities
• ADD / ADHD
• Down’s Syndrome
• Autism / Asperger’s Syndrome
• Brain Injury / Traumatic Head Injury
• Underachievement
• Academic Difficulties in Reading and Reading Comprehension, Writing Spelling, Math, etc.

All assessments and programs are designed, supervised and mentored by Dr. Schwartz who has been delivering these services for three decades.

Psychology assessment services are provided by Carla Merkel who has been trained by Dr. Schwartz. Carla has completed all the requirements and internships for her PhD degree.  She is currently completing her doctoral thesis.

Assessments are witnessed (parents may sit in and observe).  All assessments lead to a target designed program delivered by trained and experiences teachers at the Vancouver Learning Centre.  To learn more about Dr. Schwartz and her role as Principal at the Vancouver Learning Centre click here.