About Palmetto Psychological Associates
At Palmetto Psychological Associates, we provide psychological evaluations and psychoeducational evaluations in Greenville, SC. We serve children, teens, and young adults seeking answers about learning, development, attention, and behavior. Our team specializes in comprehensive evaluations for autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences, intellectual disability, and related developmental concerns.
Our goal is simple: to provide answers, identify strengths, and help families move forward with confidence. Through comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, we help clients understand not only what challenges may be present, but also the unique abilities and strengths they bring to school, work, relationships, and everyday life.
We serve children, adolescents, and young adults through age 30 throughout Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Easley, Travelers Rest, Spartanburg, Anderson, and communities across South Carolina.
Have questions or wondering whether an evaluation is the right next step?
Contact our team to discuss your concerns and learn more about our services.
Our EVALUATION Process
We believe that meaningful recommendations begin with a thorough understanding of the individual, not just their test scores. That’s why every evaluation at Palmetto Psychological Associates begins with a dedicated intake appointment before testing occurs.
During the intake appointment, we take time to learn about developmental, educational, medical, and family history, as well as current concerns, strengths, and goals. This conversation helps us understand the questions that matter most to each individual and family while ensuring that the evaluation is tailored to their unique needs.
Testing is completed during a separate appointment, allowing the clinician to focus fully on assessment and observation. After the evaluation is complete, we meet again to review results, discuss recommendations, answer questions, and identify meaningful next steps.
This three-step process—intake, testing, and feedback—helps ensure that evaluations are individualized, comprehensive, and focused on providing clear answers and practical recommendations for home, school, work, and everyday life.
Why Families Choose Us
Families choose Palmetto Psychological because our evaluations go beyond identifying diagnoses. We focus on understanding the whole person and providing practical recommendations that can be used at home, in school, college, and the workplace.
Our team combines expertise in psychology, education, and school-based practice. This allows us to understand concerns from multiple perspectives. Our clinicians have experience across educational, medical, and community-based settings, providing a unique perspective on learning, development, behavior, and mental health.
We specialize in autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences, intellectual disability, and related developmental concerns. Families appreciate our thorough approach, clear communication, and commitment to helping them understand both strengths and challenges while moving forward with confidence.
Not sure which evaluation is right for you or your child?
Meet Our EVALUTION Team
At Palmetto Psychological Associates, every evaluation is guided by the same commitment to thorough assessment, clear communication, and practical recommendations. While each clinician brings unique training and expertise, we share a collaborative approach focused on understanding the whole person and helping individuals and families move forward with confidence.
Our team includes doctoral-level psychologists and a licensed psychoeducational specialist who work together to provide thoughtful, evidence-based evaluations. Families can feel confident that regardless of which clinician they see, they will receive high-quality care, meaningful answers, and personalized recommendations.
The right provider isn’t always the one with the longest résumé—it’s the one who is the best fit for your needs.
Learn more about the members of our team below.
Elizabeth Shands, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Serves preschoolers, children, teens, and young adults through age 30.
Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Ingram Shands is a Licensed Psychologist. She specializes in comprehensive evaluations for children, teens, and young adults with questions related to autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences, intellectual disability, and related developmental concerns. She is passionate about helping individuals and families better understand their strengths, identify challenges, and access supports that promote success at home, school, work, and in the community.
A Greenville native who was raised in Sumter, South Carolina, Dr. Shands earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education from Furman University and later completed a Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology with a specialization in School Psychology from the University of Memphis. Her advanced training included the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program through the University of Tennessee Center on Developmental Disabilities during graduate school. Dr. Shands also completed an APA-accredited internship with Lewisville Independent School District in Texas and a postdoctoral fellowship at Clarity: The Speech, Hearing, and Learning Center at the Center for Developmental Services specializing in neurodevelopmental assessment. In addition, she has completed Associate-level coursework in the Orton-Gillingham approach, strengthening her expertise in dyslexia and evidence-based reading intervention.
Before founding Palmetto Psychological Associates, Dr. Shands worked as a classroom teacher, school psychologist, clinic administrator, and psychologist in multidisciplinary settings serving neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults. She has served as an adjunct instructor at USC Upstate, teaching courses in school and developmental psychology.
Outside of work, Dr. Shands enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, exploring South Carolina State Parks, and volunteering as a USA Swimming official.
Dr. Megan Trask, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Serves preschoolers, children, teens, and young adults.
Dr. Megan Trask is a Licensed Psychologist. She specializes in comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults with questions related to autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns. She enjoys helping individuals and families gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and needs while providing practical recommendations that support growth, learning, and long-term success.
Originally from Alabama, Dr. Trask earned her Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, from Southern Illinois University after completing her undergraduate studies at Auburn University. She completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and later completed specialized postdoctoral training focused on neuropsychological evaluation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Trask has conducted psychological evaluations in a variety of settings, including primary care clinics, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Her experience includes working with children, adolescents, and young adults facing a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and learning-related challenges.
Outside of work, Dr. Trask enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.
Lauren Zera, SSP, NCSP, LPES
Licensed Psychoeducational Specialist
Serves school-age children and adolescents.
Lauren Zera is a Licensed Psychoeducational Specialist (LPES) who provides psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents with concerns related to learning, attention, executive functioning, behavior, and social-emotional development. She enjoys helping families better understand each individual’s unique strengths and needs while providing practical recommendations that support success at school and at home.
A Greenville native, Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Experimental Psychology, with a minor in Dance, from the University of South Carolina. She later earned both her Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degrees from Winthrop University. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) and has completed additional training in school-based threat assessment, school mental health crisis response, Safety Care practices, and resilient schools initiatives.
At Palmetto Psychological Associates, Lauren conducts comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents and works closely with families to understand concerns related to learning and school performance. During the school year, she also serves as a school psychologist in a neighboring South Carolina school district. Her experience working directly within schools provides valuable insight into classroom expectations, educational supports, and the challenges students may face across academic and social-emotional settings.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, working in fashion, and continuing her lifelong love of dance through line dancing.
Julie Vollnogle, BA
Client Support Specialist
Julie serves as the Client Support Specialist at Palmetto Psychological Associates and is often the first person families connect with when seeking services. Known for her warmth, empathy, and organization, she helps guide families through the evaluation process while ensuring they feel informed, supported, and cared for from their very first interaction with the practice.
Originally from Lexington, South Carolina, Julie earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Elementary Education from North Greenville University. Prior to becoming a mother, she worked as a teacher in a Title I school. Her background in education, combined with years of experience supporting clients in healthcare settings, helps her understand the questions and concerns families often have when pursuing an evaluation.
In addition to her work at the practice, Julie has homeschooled her two daughters for more than a decade and continues to teach children through her homeschool co-op. Families frequently share how cared for and understood they feel after working with her as she assists with scheduling, paperwork, and preparation for appointments.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys reading, traveling with her husband and daughters in their RV, caring for their dog and backyard chickens, and testing her knowledge with 80s music trivia.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are seeking answers about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, or other developmental concerns, our team is here to help. We understand that reaching out for an evaluation can feel overwhelming, and we are committed to making the process as clear and supportive as possible.
Contact us to learn more about our services, discuss your concerns, or determine which evaluation may be the best fit for you or your child.