About Us

Sarah Smead, LPA & Taylor Shirkey, LPA - Owners, Mind Mosaic Psychology

The Mind Mosaic Difference:

1. Lifespan Approach: 

Neurodivergence is a lifelong journey, not a childhood phase. Because the expression of a person's profile evolves over time, our expertise is focused on the unique transitions that define each stage of life. Whether you are helping a child enter kindergarten, supporting a student transitioning to college, or seeking clarity for yourself within the corporate world, our specialized focus on differential diagnosis offers precision at any age. We understand that your needs change as your environment changes, and we are here to provide the clarity required to move forward with confidence.

2. Advanced Clinical Expertise: 

Neurodevelopmental differences and neurodivergence are complex. ADHD, autism, learning challenges, anxiety, and mood concerns often overlap. Distinguishing among them requires depth, nuance, and expertise.

• Training & Expertise: Our practice is built on a foundation of specialized clinical practice within the UNC TEACCH Autism Program and NCSP credentials. We provide a level of nuance that allows us to move beyond the administration of a test to the art of clinical interpretation. We specialize in translating complex diagnostic profiles into the specific language that school and workplace systems require—ensuring your results don't just provide answers, but unlock the actual support you need.

• A Resource for the Community: We are proud to support the broader professional community through systems consultation and clinical training. By leading professional development and mentoring other providers throughout our community,  we hope to ensure that neurodivergent-affirming practices are integrated across the field.

3. Systems Expertise:

One of our greatest distinctions is our understanding of the environments where our clients live, learn, and work. Our team brings years of experience as: Independent Clinical Providers, School Psychologists, District-Level Consultants, College Level Instructors, and Trainers.

• We don’t just understand the clinical side of a diagnosis; how systems actually work. This includes NCDPI policies, special education procedures, and the nuances of IEP and 504 meetings. We don't guess at what might work; we prescribe evidence-based strategies we know can be implemented in targeted settings.

• Because we know these systems, we know how to work with them, connecting you to the absolute best partners in the community.

• We don’t just give you a diagnosis.

• We help you make it matter.

4. Curiosity & Respect for Lived Experience:

No two brains are alike, and we believe every evaluation should reflect that individuality. Our work is guided by the principle of neurohumility: the recognition that while we bring clinical expertise to the table, you are the ultimate expert on your own life—or your child’s life. We strive to incorporate this by listening as much as we assess, ensuring our clinical findings are always viewed through the lens of your unique history, values, and goals.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol, we take a highly individualized approach. We carefully design each assessment around the specific questions you have for yourself or your child. With ADHD represented within our own clinical team, we have a personal understanding of the exhaustion that comes with masking and the transformative power of being truly seen. We prioritize creating a space for authenticity—where your narrative is valued as a vital component of the clinical picture.

Our goal is to ensure you or your child leave the process with:

• A Clearer Self-Lens: A deep, affirming understanding of how the brain works.

• Practical Roadmaps: Meaningful recommendations tailored to the realities of daily life.

• Advocacy Tools: The language and confidence to communicate needs to schools, workplaces, and the community.

5. Clear, Empowering Communication:

The evaluation process should feel like a beginning, not a burden. We believe that a report is only valuable if it is accessible and actionable for the people who need it most. We prioritize translational clarity, moving away from dense, technical jargon to provide a document that serves as a functional tool for you and your support team.

Whether the report is headed to a college disability office, a K-12 IEP team, or a corporate HR department, we focus on:

• Integrating findings into a cohesive story of how you or your child navigates the world.

• Explaining the "why" behind the data in plain, relatable language.

• Highlighting strengths as the foundation for all future growth and support.

• Providing specific next steps that can realistically be implemented in your home, school, or professional environment.

6. Deep Community Connection:

Because of our history working within these systems, we know how to collaborate effectively on your behalf—whether navigating IEPs, 504 plans, SSI, or ADA accommodations. Over the years, we have built trusted relationships with schools, medical providers, therapists, and community partners throughout North Carolina and beyond. When you work with us, you aren’t just getting an evaluation; you gain access to a carefully cultivated network of professionals who share our commitment to excellence and neurodivergent-affirming care.

7. Practical Advocacy:

We specialize in Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) and have deep knowledge of NCDPI policies and special education procedures. We offer:

• Consultation for families navigating school systems

• Independent and unbiased evaluation services

• Attendance at school meetings when appropriate

• Strategic guidance to ensure recommendations are implemented

In other words, our work does not stop at the written report.