Next Step Psychology
Next Step Psychology

Carolyn Pender Roche, Ph.D., NCSP

Carolyn Pender Roche, Ph.D., NCSP (formerly Dr. Carolyn Cole) is a licensed psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist who has practiced psychology at Silber Psychological Services since 2009 from their Raleigh and Cary office locations until she opened her own private practice in 2013. Dr. Pender has over 10 years experience working with children and their families.

Dr. Pender completed her undergraduate degree at McGill University, Montreal Canada, with a major in the Psychology Honours Program, and a double minor in Sociology and Hispanic Studies. She attended the University of South Carolina where she earned her Master’s (M.A.) degree and Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in School Psychology. While at USC, Dr. Pender was elected as the President of the Psychology Graduate Student Association (PGSA).

Dr. Pender then completed her pre-doctoral internship and a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute where she specialized in Child and Family Therapy and Neuropsychology.

Dr. Pender specializes in the treatment and evaluation of children, adolescents, and families with a wide range of presenting issues. She is also a Parenting Coordinator and assists families in managing high conflict issues, facilitates co-parenting, and addresses general divorce issues. Dr. Pender runs social skills groups for elementary and middle school students.

She also enjoys giving presentations on a range of topics to groups and other professionals across a variety of settings. She is a member of the North Carolina Psychology Association (NCPA) and their Division of Independent Professional Practice (DIPP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).