Melisa is a dedicated registered Social Worker with over 8 years of invaluable experience specializing in supporting children and families in various community mental health settings. With the application of a trauma-informed lens, Melisa adopts a strengths-based and client-centered approach to empower individuals and families on their journey towards healing and growth. Melisa supports children and adolescents who are coping with various mental health experiences such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem and peer-related challenges.

Melisa is currently completing her certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C), bringing understanding and compassionate care to the perinatal population, drawing from her own lived experiences. Her commitment to providing holistic support extends to integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Melisa’s every interaction is guided by empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to foster resilience and well-being.

Melisa is a dedicated registered Social Worker with over 8 years of invaluable experience special... Read More

There is currently a short wait list to work with Laura.

Laura is a registered psychotherapist who has been working in children’s mental health for over 10 years at accredited children’s mental health centres and in private practice.

She supports families with children and teens who are struggling with issues like anxiety, sadness, feelings of anger, social struggles, attention and learning difficulties, family conflict, behaviour challenges at home and school, and parenting challenges and insecurities. She has specialized experience in supporting mental health challenges related to learning disabilities and neurodiversity.

Laura explores how “big feelings” contribute to problems and challenging behaviors. She works with children and teens to better understand their emotional experiences, tolerate their feelings, and use coping strategies to regulate their emotions and behavior. Laura appreciates that it can be hard for kids to engage in traditional therapies and she is playful and creative in adapting her strategy and approach.

Laura recognizes that parents are a key factor in promoting children’s mental health. She knows how intense, complicated, and emotionally vulnerable it is to be a parent. She approaches parenting with compassion and without judgement. Laura works with parents to better understand their children’s emotions and to respond in ways that promote coping and parent-child relationships. She supports parents to explore their own experiences as parents and to manage their own stresses and triggers. It’s her goal for parents to feel confident in their parenting approach and their relationship with their child.

There is currently a short wait list to work with Laura. Laura is a registered psychotherapist w... Read More

Melissa is currently accepting new clients.

Melissa is a registered social worker with 20 years of experience supporting the mental health and well-being of infants, children, youth, and families in a variety of community and education settings. She is passionate about helping clients navigate a range of life challenges and emotions such as anxiety, low mood/depression, behaviour concerns, and other parenting concerns.

With specialized training in infant and early childhood sleep and well-being, Melissa is also equipped to work with families to address sleep difficulties from a holistic perspective that centers connection and goes far beyond bedtime.

With a non-judgmental stance and a collaborative approach, Melissa strives to build a strong therapeutic relationship, in which clients feel their stories are heard and their concerns and goals are understood. She draws from a variety of evidence-informed treatment modalities and tools, such as Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Her approach is tailored to the unique needs of each family and is always grounded in attachment theory.

In addition to her formal training, Melissa’s approach is inspired by the countless families she has had the privilege of learning from as well as her own lived experience as a parent of two young children.

• Please note that if your child attends the Catholic School Board we will look at matching you with an alternative associate due to potential professional conflict of interest.

Melissa is currently accepting new clients. Melissa is a registered social worker with 20 years ... Read More

Cathy is currently accepting new clients.

Cathy is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Music Therapist who specializes in supporting children, youth and adults’ mental well-being through integrating music into conventional talk therapy. As a musician and certified yoga instructor, she strongly believes in the healing power of music and mindfulness for people at all ages.

Cathy has experience providing services to a wide range of populations in both community and hospital settings. She has supported children with developmental diagnoses who were undergoing postoperative rehabilitation, supported infants, caregivers and families at the Neonatal-ICU, and provided mental health support to children, teens and adults in an acute psychiatric setting that focuses on crisis stabilization.

While working with Cathy, music may or may not be used according to the needs and interest of the clients. When music is incorporated into the therapeutic process, clients may engage in a variety of music therapy interventions such as music listening, mindfulness-based music relaxation, song discussion and instrument playing. There is absolutely no prior musical experience required to engage in such interventions; music is more about providing an alternative way for creative self-expression and gaining deeper insights about our feelings. With a client-centered, humanistic and resource-oriented approach, Cathy believes that collaboration is key in therapy and she is eager to optimize clients’ overall well-being through incorporating music therapy and mindfulness-based interventions into her sessions when appropriate.

Cathy is currently accepting new clients. Cathy is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and... Read More

Eje is currently accepting new clients for: Parent Coaching and Youth aged 15+

Ejemen (Eje) Iyayi is a Registered Social Worker with over 11 years of experience working with children, youth, and families within a variety of community and hospital-based settings. She has worked on multi-disciplinary teams in in-patient and out-patient mental health services, has a certificate in mediation from the Justice Institute of British Columbia, and has done extensive group facilitation work with youth and caregivers.

Grounded in attachment theory, oriented towards trauma-informed care, and equipped with an anti-oppressive lens, Eje has an appreciation for the nuances in people’s life stories. As such, she incorporates a balance of compassion, collaboration, and creativity into her approach. Whether it be a young child, teenager, parent, or family unit, Eje is dedicated to seeking out strengths because she believes this to be both a launching pad for growth and a window into the possibilities of change.

With her warm, grounded, and genuine spirit, Eje works hard to foster - and remain accountable to - safety, trust, and authenticity at every point during her therapeutic work alongside clients.

Eje is currently accepting new clients for: Parent Coaching and Youth aged 15+ Ejemen (Eje) Iyay... Read More

Dr. Labao is currently accepting new clients.

Dr. Labao believes the best approach to client care involves a thorough and sound understanding of both psychological and neuropsychological factors that contribute to individual health. For this reason, he values the assessment process and utilizes theoretical assessment knowledge to provide the best care and evidence-based services for his clients.

Dr. Labao has extensive experience in psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments, including training at academic medical centres, private practices, school boards, and college counselling centres. He brings a strengths-based approach to his work with clients and values evidence-based practice. His background in brain-based behaviour, knowledge and application of various neuropsychological/ cognitive theories, and dedication to client-centered assessment ensures comprehensive testing of clients’ needs.

His theoretical approach to his work includes using Integrated School- Neuropsychological/CHC, Lurian, Boston-Process, PASS, and Cross Battery methods/approaches. He values the quantitative EEG process in supporting treatment approaches for his clients. Therapeutically, he uses Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused (SFT) modalities.

Dr. Labao is currently accepting new clients. Dr. Labao believes the best approach to client car... Read More

Christina is currently accepting returning clients only.

Christina Lanteigne is a Registered Social Worker with over 9 years of experience supporting infants, children, youth, and parents in various community settings. Certified in both Perinatal (PMH-C) and Infant Mental Health, she supports clients with worries involving: adjusting to parenthood, maternal mental health, infant mental health, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and parent/child relationship troubles.

With warmth and compassion, Christina gets to know your children, family dynamics, and your hopes for outcomes of therapy. Christina is highly trauma-informed and committed to healing within relationships, meaning that she will work diligently to ensure that her relationship with your family will be a place of comfort and safety.

Christina is currently accepting returning clients only. Christina Lanteigne is a Registered Soc... Read More

MSW Placement Student

Sophia is a registered social worker with 2 years of experience, working with children with behavioural concerns and autism in childcare settings. Sophia is passionate in supporting children to navigate their emotions and environment, promoting connection within their families and relationships.

Sophia understands complexities of social, emotional, and environmental barriers that contribute to one’s circumstance. Sophia works with children to help them recognize their strengths and supports them in overcoming challenges.

Sophia is currently completing a Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto where she is committed to growing her knowledge and skills in clinical social work.

MSW Placement Student Sophia is a registered social worker with 2 years of experience, working w... Read More

There is currently a short wait list to work with Ankita.

Ankita is a Registered Social Worker with 4 years of experience working with children, youth and families, in community mental health and education settings. Ankita has a strong understanding and knowledge of common social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties children, youth and their families struggle with. Ankita works closely with children, youth and families to help navigate life’s challenges, and to support them in recognizing their strengths and in reaching their desired goals.

Ankita understands that it can be difficult to share personal feelings and experiences. Ankita’s gentle and patient disposition makes her easy for children and youth to connect with. In recognizing the importance of building a relationship with clients, she creates a safe, therapeutic environment based on trust, support, positivity, and mutual respect.

There is currently a short wait list to work with Ankita. Ankita is a Registered Social Worker w... Read More

Emilie is currently accepting new clients.

Occupational Therapy supports us in the success of life’s everyday activities; from dressing, eating, sleeping, toileting, and school, to each routine and transition that comes in between.

Emilie is a provisionally licensed Occupational Therapist with the ability to support children and their families to thrive in their everyday routines. She comes with experience supporting children and families from preterm infants to later teenage years. Emilie offers a family-centered approach, by focusing on the family and child’s goals and values in her interventions.

Emilie’s experience within the Neonatal-ICU and follow up clinic has equipped her to support in early motor skill development, such as rolling, crawling, and hand movement. She comes with interventions to support both cognitive and social skills as well as feeding and ‘picky eaters.’

She also has direct experience in supporting children who are preparing for school as well as older youth both within school and at home. She can implement strategies related to attention, writing, learning, memory, and sensation.

Emilie’s professional background of working with people of all ages with various chronic conditions such as traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and chronic pain management has equipped her with the knowledge, resources, and empathy required to support individuals in the functional impact of many diagnoses.

Emilie values keeping parents informed and educated on their child’s growth and challenges. Using a warm, collaborative, and strength-based approach to her care, Emilie aims to provide manageable interventions for both within sessions and outside sessions to support your child’s development.

Emilie is currently accepting new clients. Occupational Therapy supports us in the success of li... Read More

Julia Swaigen has 15 years of rewarding experience working with children, families and schools to address a wide range of difficulties. She is also currently parenting her own two children and understands, first hand, the complex challenges parents face. Her passion is to empower grown-ups to create the conditions necessary for children to reach their full potential.

Julia Swaigen has 15 years of rewarding experience working with children, families and schools to... Read More

Tin Wing is currently accepting new clients.

Tin Wing (Lydia) Tam is a Registered Social Worker with over 6 years of experience working with toddlers, children, youth, parents, and families in community mental health and school settings. As a therapist who is passionate about providing child-centered play therapy, Tin Wing is looking forward to connecting with children and parents through play as well as including creative arts. She has experience integrating emotion focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused therapy in her work.

Tin Wing draws on her experience in supporting individuals and families with a wide range of emotional, social, relational, and behavioural needs. Using a child-centered, relational approach, Tin Wing is willing to walk with individuals with emotional needs, social difficulties, behavioural challenges, school concerns, relationship issues, family conflicts, life changes, and grief and loss. She hopes to walk with children and families through their difficult moments with gentleness and thoughtfulness.

Tin Wing connects naturally with children and families, and she is a constant source of stability and empathy for them. She offers unconditional acceptance for feelings because she believes that feelings are neither right nor wrong. What matters is to embrace one’s feelings and emotions. With her warmth and insight, Tin Wing actively creates a safe and comfortable space for children and families in her practice.

Tin Wing is currently accepting new clients. Tin Wing (Lydia) Tam is a Registered Social Worker ... Read More