About Azmaira H. Maker

Dr. Azmaira H. Maker headshot

Azmaira Maker, Ph.D. has been selected four years in a row for the San Diego Awards for Psychologist and now qualifies for the 2022 San Diego Business Hall of Fame.

Azmaira H. Maker, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, and an expert in life-span and child development, parenting, and psychotherapy. She is also the founder and director of Aspiring Families Center for Mental Health and Wellness in San Diego. She has been working with children, parents, and families for over twenty five years and has extensive experience in hospitals, schools, clinical agencies, and nonprofit organizations. She has also taught and supervised graduate and undergraduate students in child development, child therapy, play therapy, family therapy, parent guidance, trauma, and loss, and has published several research and theoretical articles in scientific, peer-reviewed professional psychology journals. She brings a wealth of experience working with families with her award-winning books, Family Changes and Where Did My Friend Go? which are certain to educate, enlighten, and empower children and parents.

“I was committed to writing these books because I love children, and connecting with and helping children makes me feel alive. Sometimes, even the smallest of interventions can profoundly shift a child’s developmental path and life experiences for the better, and when this occurs, my commitment and dedication to my work is reaffirmed. I am passionate about empowering children and enabling parents to be the best parents they can be.”

Dr. Azmaira H. Maker holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College (Phi Beta Kappa), and received her doctoral training at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Maker completed her post-doctoral fellowship training at the University of Michigan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry. Her extensive experience in working with divorcing families, along with her specialized training at the Child Advocacy Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School provides her with extensive clinical skills and expert knowledge that guide the content of Family Changes and Where Did My Friend Go?.

“My draw to my work is the intense relationship and trust I have with each person, each parent, and each child. I experience individuals as unique, a kaleidoscope of characteristics, thoughts, feelings, and ways of being. I thrive on the path of hard work, discovery, insight, and growth. I often use the word ‘transformation or transfiguration’ with my clients.”

Dr. Maker currently resides in San Diego with her family and is the founder of Aspiring Families, Center for Mental Health and Wellness in Del Mar. In her center, Dr. Maker and her specialist team of expert clinicians work with children, adolescents, families, individual adults, and seniors. She work with people presenting with a range of vulnerabilities and stressors, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism/spectrum and developmental difficulties, giftedness, divorce, trauma, loss (including pregnancy loss), infertility, relationship/interpersonal struggles, adoption and attachment.