Lighthouse Neuropsychology specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children and adults, guiding families through every step.
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn? To learn more, take a look around or contact us.
Meet Dr. Finley
Welcome! I am a licensed, fellowship-trained clinical neuropsychologist in Athens, Georgia, helping children, young adults, and families uncover the driving forces behind behavioral, emotional, and learning challenges and chart a clear path forward.
Whether you’re navigating school difficulties, managing emotional ups and downs, or seeking a diagnosis, you’re not alone.
My evaluations combine scientific precision with deep compassion, helping you move from uncertainty to understanding.
OUR SERVICES
Every client is different. So is every evaluation.
Autism Spectrum Evaluations
Explore Autism Evaluations
Each autism evaluation offers a detailed understanding of your or your child’s communication style, sensory experiences, and cognitive profile. The assessment includes a full developmental history that explores early milestones, repetitive movements, sensory imbalances, focused interests, and social communication patterns.
For child evaluations, parents complete questionnaires that capture daily living skills, emotional and behavioral functioning, and observable signs of autism. Direct testing measures intellectual development (using Wechsler tests), social communication style, understanding of social norms, emotional processing, executive functioning, attention and processing speed.
Standardized diagnostic tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2), Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, (MIGDAS) and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3) provide data-driven insight. You’ll leave with a comprehensive report that clarifies your child’s diagnosis, outlines personalized recommendations, and, for children, connects you with local school and community resources for continued support.
ADHD & Executive Functioning
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ADHD and executive functioning evaluations help you understand how attention, focus, organization, and emotional regulation affect daily life. The process begins with behavioral and emotional checklists completed by the individual, parents, and teachers (when applicable). These help identify real-world patterns of distractibility, impulsivity, and self-management.
Direct testing evaluates cognitive and intellectual development, attention span, academic achievement, processing speed, and visual-motor coordination. Detailed behavioral observations during the sessions reveal how attention and motivation fluctuate across tasks.
The evaluation also screens for conditions that commonly occur alongside ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation. In some cases, additional testing such as the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) or MMPI may be used to clarify personality and mood-related concerns. The final report provides specific, actionable strategies for improving focus, building structure, and managing energy—at school, at work, and at home.
School Readiness / IEP Planning
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School readiness evaluations and IEP planning assessments help parents make informed decisions about education and classroom supports. These evaluations address common questions such as:
- Is my child ready for daycare, preschool, or kindergarten?
- What if my child has been dismissed from daycare or struggles to adapt?
- Does my local school system offer programs for neurodiverse children?
- Should we consider homeschooling or specialized education settings?
The evaluation provides diagnostic clarity and practical recommendations for school participation. Reports are written in language that is clear and actionable for IEP committees, allowing school teams to “plug and play” areas of focus for accommodations and interventions.
Teachers also receive practical strategies that can be implemented immediately in the classroom. The final report empowers parents to advocate confidently for their child’s needs and to collaborate effectively with educators and support staff.
Learning Disabilities
Assessing for Learning Disabilities
Evaluations for learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia provide clear diagnoses and practical recommendations for school participation. Reports are written in language that is clear and actionable for IEP committees, allowing school teams to fluidly implement accommodations and interventions.
Teachers also receive practical strategies that can be implemented immediately in the classroom. The final report empowers parents to advocate confidently for their child’s needs and to collaborate effectively with educators and support staff.
General Neuropsychological Evaluations
What is a General Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation helps clarify the underlying cause of many types of problems that may be lifelong or that may have just developed. This type of evaluation explores thinking, memory, problem-solving, processing speed, mood, and personality to understand how brain functioning may be affecting daily life.
It is often recommended for individuals experiencing problems with memory or attention, disorganization, behavioral and emotional control issues, head injury, post-concussion symptoms, stroke, developmental delays, or cognitive decline. Evaluations may also help identify overlapping emotional conditions such as anxiety or depression that impact attention or learning.
You will receive a detailed report explaining your results in clear, practical terms, with recommendations for medical treatment, therapy, educational planning, or accommodations as needed. These evaluations are an essential first step toward personalized care and lasting improvement in daily functioning.
Legal Services
Forensic and Legal Expertise
Dr. Finley provides independent medical examinations (IMEs), forensic neuropsychological evaluations, and expert witness testimony and in civil and criminal cases. Evaluations are conducted with objectivity, precision, and professionalism, offering courts and attorneys clear, evidence-based insight into cognitive and psychological functioning.
Reports are written to withstand legal scrutiny and are supported by current neuropsychological research and clinical best practices. Attorneys, judges, and legal teams rely on Dr. Finley’s expertise to interpret complex findings and present them in understandable terms for legal proceedings. Dr. Finley has experience in expert witness testimony, conducting neuropsychological and psychological assessments in prisons, and providing depositions remotely and in-person.
Inspiring Stories from Those We’ve Helped
Hear from clients and families who trusted us on their journey
Explore Valuable Resources and Articles
Discover a variety of downloadable materials and insightful articles designed to enhance your understanding of neuropsychological assessments. Our resources aim to empower you with knowledge, ensuring you feel informed about the evaluation process for both children and adults. Each resource is crafted with care, reflecting our commitment to clarity and support for your journey.
Find Us Here
We encourage you to reach out for any questions or to schedule an evaluation. We understand that navigating the journey of assessment can be complex, and we are here to help. Our clinic prioritizes a compassionate approach to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.
- 706-850-9339
- hello@athenslighthouse.com
- 575 Research Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30605
No Surprises Act:
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills. When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.