About Us
Brandi D. Smith, Psy.D Licensed Psychologist
Brandi D. Smith, Psy.D. is a Georgia licensed psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Smith specializes in clinical child psychology and the evidence-based assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She has experience evaluating for autism in children 12 months of age through adulthood and is clinically trained to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2). Her assessment experience also has included training and work in a range of settings including hospitals, universities, specialized treatment and evaluation centers, community mental health centers, and private practice. While her primary interest is in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders, she also has experiencing assessing for a variety of medical, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric concerns. Dr. Smith experience also includes providing therapeutic services to children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD. This has contributed to her current focus on providing individuals and their families with community supports to address co-morbid difficulties commonly associated with ASD (e.g., feeding and nutrition, sleep, toileting, challenging behaviors).
Dr. Smith earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology through the Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Atlanta. She completed an American Psychological Association accredited internship in clinical pediatric psychology with the May Institute in Massachusetts and her Postdoctoral Fellowship at Georgia Pediatric Psychology. Dr. Smith has since been in private practice since 2018. Dr. Smith is a member of the Georgia Psychological Association and Society of Pediatric Psychology within the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Smith’s interest in assessment with children emerged while she was an undergraduate student earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. There, she received her initial introduction to assessing for autism and contributed to research for early developmental screening. As she went on to become a graduate student, she continued training in the assessment of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and evaluated children with genetic conditions, epilepsy, cancer, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, spina bifida, and congenital heart conditions. While in school, she worked at Emory University for several years evaluating children exposed to substances neonatally as part of a research study investigating the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. In addition to assessment experience during her graduate program, Dr. Smith was trained in the evidence-based treatment of ASD symptoms through providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy at the Marcus Autism Center and through leading social skills groups at a private practice.
In her spare time, Dr. Smith enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and anything outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her best friend and dog, Luna.
Spensor D. Rayetparvar, Office Manager
Spensor has been a part of Dr. Smith’s team for over a year. She was born in Dallas, Texas but has lived in Georgia for 15 years. She works incredibly hard during the day as CAAC’s office manager and is also currently enrolled in a college program to become a surgical assistant in orthopedic surgery. She has over 10 years of customer service experience and is passionate about ensuring her clients have the best care possible. Always eagerly learning and generating ideas about how to best support CAAC clients and their families, Spensor strives to make everyone feel like they are a part of the family. She is also known for enjoying sweets and her willingness to share (with parent permission)!
Spensor spends most of her time with her five-year-old son, Atticus, her partner, Adrian, her dog, Phoenix, and her bearded dragon, Typhon. When she has free time, Spensor enjoys hiking, tubing, or just dancing in the rain. Spensor brings energy, professionalism, warmth, and tons of smiles to the office. Feel free to email her or call with any questions you may have regarding your visit to Children’s Autism Assessment Center.
Mikayla Dittman, Psychometrist
Mikayla Dittman, MSW is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia School of Social Work and new addition to our team. Mikayla has over a year of experience conducting assessments with children on the autism spectrum. When she is not here with us, Mikayla is a therapist who specializes in working with children who have experienced trauma. She is currently pursuing her clinical license and intends to continue serving children and youth throughout her career.
Mikayla has lived in the metro-Atlanta area for eight years. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting museums, hiking, reading, and spoiling her dog, Marshall. She loves spending time with friends and family, especially when she gets to show them around her favorite places in the city.