Dr. Mikaru Shichi Lasher, Ph.D.
Dr. Mikaru Shichi Lasher, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in independent practice in Wilton, Connecticut. She specializes in neuropsychological assessment and therapeutic supports for children and adolescents, focusing on neurodevelopment, learning, and behavioral health.
Dr. Lasher attended the University of Michigan (B.A.), majoring in psychology and taking part in the Honors College and Residential College programs. She received her graduate education at Wayne State University (M.A. and Ph.D.), studying educational and developmental psychology in the Theoretical & Behavioral Foundations program as well as a minor in biopsychology and neuropsychology in the Clinical Psychology program. Dr. Lasher also received extensive training in pediatric neuropsychology and health psychology at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she worked for several years and completed her pre-doctoral internship. After moving east to Connecticut, she completed a post-doctoral fellowship in neurodevelopmental disorders at the Westchester Institute for Human Development/New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York.
Since that time, Dr. Lasher has worked in clinical private and group practices in Connecticut and New York, as well as a developmental pediatric center at Norwalk Hospital/Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Lasher has held leadership positions in several state and national psychology organizations, including serving as past-president of the Connecticut Psychological Association.
Jenny Andjelkovic
While earning her M.S. in Educational Psychology at Pennsylvania State University with a concentration in learning theory and motivational issues for students with learning differences, Jenny served as a university instructor and researcher. She created and implemented intensive learning theory and study strategy curriculum for disadvantaged college students and also conducted psychological testing and evaluations for a national longitudinal research project examining early intervention for disadvantaged children in the public school system.
After earning her degree, Jenny went to work in non-profit management where she developed an after-school tutoring program for homeless children and served as the Executive Director of Digital Blackboard Foundation in her hometown of Seattle. In this role she implemented, evolved and expanded K-12 educational programs that infused technology for effective teaching and learning in communities at risk.
She ultimately moved to New York City where she continued serving at-risk youth through many roles such as Future Possibilities, Inc. Youth Advocate, Kaplan Inc. Curriculum Developer, Cornell University Bronx Pre-K Research Analyst and ultimately landing back in the rewarding world of non-profit management as the Quality of Life Program Director at Working In Support of Education (W!SE). At W!SE she led a scholarship program for a number of years helping teachers support their students from 100 New York City high schools to conduct college-level empirical research on social issues and implement real-world solutions.
Jenny dedicated a number of years to raising her three children – all teen-agers now – and devoting her time to many causes close to her heart. Few causes are as personal to her as her work in food allergy awareness and Autoimmune Encephalitis. She started a local support group for parents of children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorders and serves on the FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Board of National Ambassadors and the National FARE Grassroots Advocacy Committee. She is currently the Co-Chair of Food Allergy Connecticut, a FARE-recognized support group offering support meetings, family workshops and an annual Speaker Series to provide education and connect Fairfield County families managing complicated food allergies.