ASHEVILLE ASSESSMENT CENTER
Nicole Baker MA, Ed.S, LPA
Amy Fox, MA, Ed.S, NCSP, LPA
Our Team
Nicole Baker
I am a school psychologist, educator, parent, and advocate for schools and children. Unlike many clinical psychologists performing psychoeducational evaluations in Western North Carolina, I am highly specialized in educational and developmental psychology.
I have been very much influenced by Maria Montessori, developer of The Montessori Method of education. I learned from Maria Montessori's principles that academic progress and learning can take many forms. Assessing children's abilities and needs is never a cut and paste process. Each child is evaluated depending on their needs and comfort level. I want them to feel peaceful and supported not poked and prodded.
In my early academic career, I had the opportunity to work at The MTSU Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia under world renowned dyslexia researcher, Dr. Diane J. Sawyer. My exposure to the extremely knowledgeable staff of doctors, educators and psychologists helped develop my knowledge of learning differences, proper assessment methods, diagnosis, and interventions.
I have had vast experience with all types of educational challenges, leaning differences, behavioral concerns and multicultural students as a school psychologist in the public school system. I am well versed in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and working within the parameters of public education.
Amy Fox
I’ve been working as a school psychologist since completing my graduate training in 2005, with experience across a variety of school settings and communities. While I’ve worn many hats in those roles, I’ve always been most drawn to the one-on-one work, such as sitting with children and families, learning their stories, and helping make sense of both strengths and challenges in a way that feels clear, supportive, and meaningful.
My family and I moved to Asheville in 2017 to be closer to extended family and to raise our children in a community surrounded by nature. We were drawn to the area’s beauty, sense of connection, and the opportunity for our children to grow up in such a special place. I feel incredibly grateful to now support families in the same community we call home.
Joining Asheville Assessment Center has been a natural and meaningful next step in my work. I truly value the opportunity to slow down, take a deeper dive, and collaborate closely with families. I am happy to help guide parents through the evaluation process, share thoughtful and individualized feedback, and help identify next steps that feel both practical and doable.
At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to helping children feel understood, capable, and confident in how they learn. Many of the students I meet come in feeling discouraged or unsure of themselves, and it’s incredibly meaningful to help them begin to see their strengths in a new light. I also feel strongly about supporting parents in gaining a clearer understanding of their child’s learning, behavior, and emotional profile, so they can move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.
Wherever you are in your journey with your child, my goal is to meet you there and help you feel more confident in the path ahead.
