Dr. Spira is the founder of The Talking Place, LLC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). During her time at UNH, she tutored low income students, focused on experience-oriented education, led outdoor leadership groups and was a member of the Crew Team.

Dr. Spira earned her Masters and Doctoral Degrees from the University of Oregon, Eugene. While at the U of O Dr. Spira engaged in numerous research-oriented endeavors, published articles and facilitated application of the research-based practices in the natural setting. Her dissertation was: A Cross-Situational Analysis of Antisocial Behavior Exhibited by Boys in Three Settings.

With the north calling, Dr. Spira worked over 20 years in Alaskan Schools from Ketchikan to Barrow as a School Psychologist and a Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities Consultant. During this time, she provided a variety of services such as: counseling, social skills groups/instruction, positive behavioral intervention programs, assessments and evaluations.

In 2008, Dr. Spira established The Talking Place, LLC. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Dr. Spira’s approach is patient centered, strength based and solution focused. She employs numerous modalities and therapeutic approaches. Some examples are: Family Systems Approach, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT). At The Talking Place, LLC, our focus is on providing positive solutions to support and assist your child in succeeding at home, at school and in the community.

Now retired, Dr. Spira spends time reading current research in her field of practice, autobiographies and biographies. One of her main hobbies is gardening. She enjoys traveling, outdoor actives, time with family and friends and activities to support a sound mind and body.