About Palmetto Psychological Associates
Helping Young People Grow and Succeed
At Palmetto Psychological, our psychologists in Greenville, SC specialize in psychological testing to help children, teens, and young adults discover their strengths and overcome challenges. While most of our clients are kids and teenagers, we also support young adults up to age 30.
Our team includes licensed psychologists with doctoral training (PhDs). Drawing on years of experience, our team provides thorough, individualized testing and practical recommendations that make a difference.
We offer assessments to understand how you or your child learns, pays attention, remembers things, and interacts with others. Emotional concerns that may affect learning, such as anxiety or depression, are also carefully evaluated.
We can help with:
- Specific Learning Disorders, including:
- Dyslexia (trouble with reading)
- Dyscalculia (trouble with math)
- Dysgraphia (trouble with writing)
- Autism
- ADHD (trouble paying attention or sitting still)
- Intellectual disability (challenges with learning and daily skills)
Meet the team!
Our psychologists in Greenville, SC, Dr. Megan Trask and Dr. Elizabeth Shands, provide expert assessment and care. Julie Vollgnogle offers personalized support to ensure a welcoming experience for every client.
About Dr. Shands
Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Shands is a Greenville native who was raised in Sumter, South Carolina. She is a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in psychological testing and evaluation. She specializes in neurodevelopmental concerns for children, teens, and young adults. Her areas of focus include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Specific Learning Disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Education and Training
Dr. Shands earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education from Furman University. She later completed a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology with a specialization in School Psychology from The University of Memphis. During graduate school, she completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). Her predoctoral internship with Lewisville Independent School District (Texas) was accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders at Clarity in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition, she has also completed Associate-level coursework at Camperdown Academy in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach. This training enhanced her understanding of dyslexia and effective interventions.
Licensure and Professional Affiliations
Dr. Shands is a Licensed Psychologist through the South Carolina (SC) Board of Examiners in Psychology and a Certified School Psychologist through the South Carolina Department of Education. She is a nationally registered Health Service Psychologist (HSP) and holds Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). This credential allows her to see clients across state lines. She is an active member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Professional Experience
Throughout her career, Dr. Shands has worked with neurodiverse individuals in a variety of setting. Before founding Palmetto Psychological in 2023, she worked as a public school 5th-grade teacher and served as a school psychologist in the Greenville County School District for six years. For over seven years, she held administrative and clinical roles at Clarity, a nonprofit multidisciplinary clinic located at the Center for Developmental Services. Since 2020, Dr. Shands has served as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate, teaching courses in school and developmental psychology.
Personal Life
Outside the office, Dr. Shands enjoys spending time with her husband and sons. Together, they are working toward becoming “Ultimate Outsiders” by visiting all of South Carolina’s State Parks. She is also a Level 2 Nationally Certified swimming official through South Carolina (SC) Swimming and USA Swimming.
About Dr. Trask
Dr. Megan Trask is an Alabama native who specializes in evaluating children, adolescents, and young adults. She helps identify strengths and needs related to neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns. Her clinical background includes extensive work with conditions that affect development, learning, and behavior, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorders (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia).
Education and Training
After completing her undergraduate psychology coursework at Auburn University, 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. She completed an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited predoctoral internship at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Following her doctoral degree, she completed specialized postdoctoral training at an independent practice focusing on neuropsychological evaluations.
Licensure and Professional Affiliations
Dr. Trask is a Licensed Psychologist through the South Carolina (SC) Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. She is also a nationally credentialed Health Service Psychologist (HSP). Dr. Trask is a leader in the professional community, having served on the board of the South Carolina Psychological Association (SCPA). She is also an active member of the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology within the American Psychological Association (APA).
Professional Experience
Throughout her career, Dr. Trask has performed psychological evaluations in a variety of settings, including primary care clinics, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. She has worked with youth and young adults facing a wide range of challenges, including behavioral and emotional concerns, adjustment difficulties, and complex neurodevelopmental profiles. Dr. Trask’s work emphasizes helping families and young people understand their strengths and needs, while providing clear recommendations for support and intervention.
Personal Life
In her spare time, Dr. Trask enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.
Located in Greenville, our psychologists in SC serve families across the region. Reach out to our team to learn more about our specialized psychological testing services.