Goldfinch Neurobehavioral Services was created to simplify the neuropsychological evaluation process and to support all children as they grow. Our primary goal is to provide easy access to high-quality services.
Sheryl Pleiss, Ph.D., L.P.
Owner & Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr. Pleiss is a Clinical Psychologist and Pediatric Neuropsychologist. She provides neuropsychological evaluations, autism evaluations, and fetal alcohol evaluations for children and adolescents. Dr. Pleiss has experience evaluating children with cognitive difficulties secondary to a variety of medical conditions including prenatal exposure to substances, premature birth, birth complications, genetic/chromosomal differences, seizure disorders, and cancer/cancer treatment. She is also a trusted assessment specialist for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADHD, trauma histories, and complex psychiatric conditions. Dr. Pleiss has conducted research in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), working primarily with adolescents with ASD. She has received specialized training allowing her to conduct ‘gold standard’ autism evaluations. She has also developed an area of expertise evaluating children for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Dr. Pleiss relies on scientific research to guide her approach to test selection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. She offers a personable, empathetic approach and is dedicated to helping every child to the best of her ability.
Education:
- 2007- Bowdoin College- Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, Neuroscience
- 2011- Marquette University- Master of Science, Clinical Psychology
- 2015- Marquette University- Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology
Training:
- Internship: University of Minnesota Pediatric Neuropsychology/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Fellowship: University of Minnesota Pediatric Neuropsychology
Richard Ziegler, Ph.D., L.P.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Dr. Ziegler is a Clinical Psychologist and Pediatric Neuropsychologist. He provides neuropsychological evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations, and Independent Medical Evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Ziegler comes to us after retiring from the University of Minnesota, where he served as an Associate Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Training Director of the Pediatric Neuropsychology Fellowship training program, Section Head for Pediatric Neuropsychology and Director of the Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience. He has over 27 years of experience working with children and families. Dr. Ziegler has accumulated vast experience with a host of medical conditions including prenatal exposure to substances, premature birth, birth complications, seizure disorders, cancer/cancer treatment, and metabolic disorders/bone marrow transplantation. He is also well versed in the assessment of children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, ADHD, trauma histories, and complex psychiatric conditions. Dr. Ziegler possesses specialty skills in the evaluation of children with central nervous system dysfunction secondary to rare genetic diseases and neuromuscular disorders. He is also a highly regarded forensic pediatric neuropsychologist with experience completing Independent Education and Medical Evaluations for children throughout the state of Minnesota. Dr. Ziegler takes an evidence-based approach to assessment and treatment planning. He has dedicated his professional career to supporting children in living their fullest lives.
Education:
- 1987- Marywood University – Bachelors of Arts
- 1989 – California School of Professional Psychology- Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
- 1995 – California School of Professional Psychology- Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology – Neuropsychology Emphasis
Training:
- Internship: Cornell University Medical College, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry
- Fellowship: University of Minnesota Medical School, Pediatric Neuropsychology
Lindsay Deling, Ph.D., L.P.
Pediatric Psychologist
Dr. Deling is a Clinical Psychologist and Pediatric Psychologist with training and multiple years of experience in conducting neuropsychological evaluations with children and adolescents. She provides neuropsychological evaluations, autism evaluations, and fetal alcohol evaluations for children and adolescents. Dr. Deling has experience in evaluating children with a range of medical conditions, including: prematurity, craniosynostosis, prenatal substance exposure, epilepsy, and genetic/chromosomal differences, among others. She also has expertise in evaluating children with developmental delays, language disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, adverse childhood experiences, and psychiatric conditions. In addition, she has completed training that allows her to conduct autism evaluations utilizing a ‘gold standard’ measure and to complete Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) evaluations. She has training in early childhood concerns and in completing evaluations with young children. Dr. Deling utilizes an evidence-based approach to conducting evaluations. She is passionate about working with children and their families in order to help each child reach their potential.
Education:
- 2006- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities- Bachelor of Arts, with Distinction
- 2011- University of North Dakota- Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
- 2014- University of North Dakota- Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology
Training:
- Internship: University of Minnesota Pediatric Psychology/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Fellowship: University of Michigan Health System, Joint Fellowship in Pediatric Psychology & Pediatric Neuropsychology
JaNae Teer, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Teer provides comprehensive psychological evaluations to assess for various disorders including learning, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders using a variety of sensitive diagnostic measures. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Fraser, Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and early childhood mental health services. She received specialized assessment training through the University of Minnesota to more effectively assess and diagnose ASD. She is well versed on school processes and enjoys helping families navigate the special education system. Dr. Teer provides an empathic and optimistic approach and strives to respond holistically to the diverse needs and differences of her young clients. She strongly believes close collaboration with families is vital as parents and caregivers know their children best and are essential in achieving the most positive outcomes.
Education:
- 2005 – College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University – Bachelor of Arts, History
- 2014 – Northern Arizona University – Educational Specialist, School Psychology, with Distinction
- 2021 – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Psychology
Training:
- EdS Internship: Onslow County Schools, Jacksonville, NC
- Pre-doctoral Internship: Fraser, Pediatric Neuropsychology, Bloomington, MN
- Post-doctoral Fellowship: Fraser, Pediatric Clinical Psychology, Bloomington, MN
Trevor Thompson
Psychometrist
Mr. Thompson is a Psychometrist providing assistance to Dr. Pleiss. Mr. Thompson is trained to administer and score assessment measures. He also provides an extra set of eyes and ears for clinical observations and holds space for children experiencing anxiety or restlessness during testing. Trevor obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, double majoring in Psychology & Journalism (Strategic Communication). He is currently completing a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler Graduate School with a planned completion date of 2024. Trevor has previously worked as a youth counselor in a residential treatment facility and an employment specialist supporting adults in locating and maintaining gainful employment. Trevor is currently interning with another local practice, where he is developing familiarity with insurance billing practices. Trevor enjoys working with clients at all stages of development from infants to adolescents, and from young adults to seniors. Trevor looks forward to creating a comfortable space that will allow your child to share their skills and abilities with us.
Megan Sides
Clinic Manager & Receptionist
Ms. Sides is a Clinic Manager and Receptionist. She holds an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from North Hennepin College and has over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field. Ms. Sides is a prior authorization specialist with extensive knowledge of the health insurance verification, billing, and reimbursement process. Her background also includes several years of clinic management experience with an adult neuropsychology practice. This experience allowed her to develop strong patient and provider support skills in a mental health setting. Ms. Sides has excellent communication skills, a strong sense of humor, and a passion for facilitating patient access to care. In her free time Ms. Sides enjoys spending time with her family and working on home improvement projects. She is eager to meet you and hopes to make the evaluation process as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved!
Visit Our Office
Our office is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Below are images of our space. We encourage you to share these images with your child if you feel they may be helpful in reducing anxiety about the appointment. We look forward to sharing the space with you!
