Marie Hooper, Ph.D. (She/Her)

Director & Founder

Marie, a Beaches mom to Sloane (11) and Ashton (9), completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University, where she also earned her B.A. and M.A. Her approach is strengths-based, evidence-based, neurodiverse-affirming, gender-affirming, relational, and integrative, reflecting her commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for diverse individuals and families.

As a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) clinician, Marie integrates both lived experience and clinical expertise into her work, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual. Her personal journey has further strengthened her commitment to ensuring autistic girls, women, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals receive the recognition, support, and validation they deserve. While her experience enhances her empathy, her approach remains rooted in objectivity, best practices, and a dedication to individualized care.

As the founder of Flourish Health Services, Marie provides comprehensive assessments and therapy for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. Flourish is also a teaching clinic, and Marie is deeply committed to training the next generation of clinicians. She serves as a contract undergraduate professor at York University’s Glendon Campus, ensuring that emerging professionals are equipped with neuroaffirming and gender-affirming approaches that honour the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals.

As a co-creator of Club Au-Some, Marie has been instrumental in fostering affirming spaces for autistic girls and LGBTQIA2S+ youth. The group provides opportunities to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and develop self-advocacy skills in an environment that celebrates individuality and diversity.

Marie is also leading a groundbreaking initiative to open North America’s first school exclusively for autistic girls, inspired by Limpsfield Grange School in the UK. This school will feature a therapeutic, sensory-friendly, and neurodiverse-affirming environment while incorporating specialized supports for LGBTQIA2S+ and transgender students. As both a clinician and an autistic individual herself, Marie is dedicated to building an educational space where neurodivergent girls can truly thrive.

Marie’s Ph.D. research examined the psychosocial outcomes of siblings of children with disabilities, adapting the SibWorks intervention into a virtual format, iSibWorks. Her study demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing distress, improving resilience, and fostering social connectedness, highlighting the need for accessible, sibling-focused supports. Her work underscores the importance of tailored, family-centred care, which continues to inform her compassionate and relational clinical practice.

Her advocacy also includes promoting flexischooling options for children with trauma-assumed PDA profiles, working to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by children with PDA and collaborating with families, schools, and clinicians to create environments that prioritize trust, reduce anxiety, and encourage collaboration. Her approach emphasizes flexibility, understanding, and reducing unnecessary demands to help children with PDA feel safe and supported.

Beyond her clinical, research, and advocacy work, Marie actively fosters community partnerships with organizations such as Strides Toronto, the Bloorview School Authority, and the Children’s Aid Society.

While wrapping up the final stages of her training as a clinical psychologist, Marie works under the supervision of Drs. Alex Porthukaran and Stephanie Lavoie, ensuring the highest standard of care for her clients. Marie’s dedication centres on empowering diverse and marginalized populations to thrive in ways that honour their unique identities and strengths.

As a clinician, educator, and advocate, she is committed to creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals are not just supported—but truly celebrated.