We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Johnson, PhD, NCSP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I opened StepStone Psychological Assessment and Therapeutic Services in 2019 after working in mental health clinics for years. In some clinics, I saw how financial pressure affected patient care. Clinics were struggling to provide the myriad services they offered while trying to meet budget and reduce costs as part of a large, complex healthcare system. I knew there had to be a better way. I felt that clients may be better served in a smaller environment offering targeted services.

What should our readers know about your business?
StepStone Psychological Assessment and Therapeutic Services was created to help children and their parents who are strugglng with the learning/educational process. Children become frustrated when they don’t succeed in school despite valiant effort. Parents feel the frustration too, and wonder how to help their child. StepStone is here to guide them through the steps of identifying their child’s personal strengths and weaknesses through comprehensive evaluation. Targeted interventions are then created to help students get the help they need to use their strengths to overcome their weaknesses. At the end of the process, parents often tell me that they feel their child is well-understood, and “seen” in a way that they have not been seen before. Parents know when something is “off” with their child. The evaluation process helps illuminate what needs to be done in order to help the child succeed. I feel good when I know I have helped a child be more successful at school and in life.
One thing that sets StepStone apart from other clinics offering similar services is that I partner with a therapy dog to comfort and support my clients. My 25 lb. hypoallergenic miniature labradoodle, Ziggi, makes special friends with each child and family she meets. It is amazing to see the difference a loving, cuddly pup can make in the office. As the parent of one client shared during an evaluation, “My child was instantly “at home” with Ziggi, and therefore able to relax and focus on the testing.” Another parent explained, “Ziggi is an additional source of co-regulation during the evaluation process, which allows children and adolescents to perform to their full potential.” Ziggi loves coming to work as she gets to help so many kids; she especially loves it when kids get to read to her!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to see and do in Denver, it can be hard to decide what to do with visitors. If they’re up for it, I’d suggest going downtown and visiting its neighborhoods. Denver has a thriving arts and culture scene with its many performance spaces, art galleries, and theaters. Of course, the city also has lots of restaurants and bars, and you can find a good meal almost anywhere. I’d also suggest visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens, taking in the views from the top of Lookout Mountain, and checking out the Museum of Nature and Science.. I live in Boulder, so I can also take visitors to enjoy the outdoors… cycling around town, hiking, and perhaps see a concert at Chatauqua and, of course, visiting the Pearl Street Mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to recognize all my mentors, professors, and colleagues who help guide my personal and professional growth.

Website: https://www.stepstoneassessment.com

Image Credits
Thank you to the parents who have provided permission to use non-identifiable photos of their children.

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