Meet Our Team
Dr. Carolyn James Ph.D., C. Psych
Co-Director
Dr. Carolyn James is a registered psychologist who works with adult clients (18+ years) facing a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviour, relationship challenges, adjustment difficulties, and eating disorders. She has training in various evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and trauma-focused approaches.
She continues to focus on professional development by participating in training geared toward understanding and supporting diverse clients using a number of different therapeutic modalities. In recent years, Dr. James has focused her development on advanced training in the treatment of trauma and has a particular interest in supporting clients with complex trauma and attachment disruptions.
Dr. James strives to provide a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment. She will work collaboratively with you to understand your concerns and work toward your treatment goals. Her aims are to be approachable and authentic and give you a space to explore and work through your concerns.
Dr. Kelty Berardi, Ph.D., C. Psych
Co-Director
Dr. Kelty Berardi is a registered Clinical Psychologist licensed to work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has clinical expertise in a variety of areas including Child and Adolescent development, Eating Disorders and Body Image, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, OCD, PTSD and trauma-related disorders and diagnostic and personality assessment. She has training in a variety of therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders and various trauma focused interventions.
Dr. Kelty Berardi completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor in 2008. Dr. Berardi has several years experience working in hospital-based eating disorders programs providing assessment and treatment to clients presenting with Eating Disorders across the lifespan. Dr. Berardi has provided consultation and in-service presentations to other treatment providers and helped develop and implement treatment programming for Eating Disorders. Additionally, Dr. Berardi has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including general and child hospitals, community centres, and mental health facilities. She has experience treating and assessing children, adolescents and adults presenting with a range of psychological difficulties and disorders.
Dr. Berardi aims to provide clients with evidence-based treatment that is tailored to meet their unique needs, and as such, focuses initially on developing a comprehensive conceptualization of her client’s presenting difficulties. She endeavours to create a safe collaborative and empathic therapeutic environment focused on building resiliency and fostering meaningful change.
Dr. Sandra Mansour, Ph.D., C. Psych
Associate
Dr. Sandra Mansour is a registered Clinical and School Psychologist, licensed to work with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, emotion dysregulation, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She has training in a variety of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), CBT Enhanced for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, and Mindfulness.
Dr. Mansour completed her Doctorate degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from McGill University in 2014. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of motivation for treatment and therapist’s support of client autonomy, on treatment outcomes in individuals with eating disorders. She has over ten years of experience working in outpatient and live-in hospital-based eating disorders programs. As well, Dr. Mansour has training and experience in conducting psychoeducational assessments to diagnose attention, behavioural, and learning disorders.
Dr. Mansour’s treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practice to assist clients in developing and achieving their therapeutic goals. She believes strongly in the benefit of building a positive and trusting therapeutic relationship. She aims to provide this through a supportive, collaborative, and client-centered environment.
Dr. Emily Simkins-Strong Ph.D., C. Psych
Associate
Dr. Emily Simkins-Strong is a registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist licensed to work with children, adolescents, and families. She has clinical expertise providing assessment and treatment for children and youth struggling with a range of difficulties, including depression and Mood Disorders, anxiety and OCD, emotion regulation struggles, learning difficulties, and parent-child or family relational difficulties. Dr. Simkins-Strong has specialized experience in the treatment of trauma-related struggles, including complex / developmental trauma, PTSD, and attachment disturbances. Dr. Simkins-Strong has training in a variety of treatment modalities, including psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), family therapy, and various trauma- and attachment-focused interventions.
Dr. Emily Simkins-Strong completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from York University in 2013. Dr. Simkins-Strong has over 10 years experience working in a hospital-based children’s mental health program, providing assessment and treatment to children and youth struggling with a wide range of mental health concerns, as well as their parents, caregivers, and families. Dr. Simkins-Strong enjoys providing clinical supervision, consultation, and education to graduate students and other mental health professionals. She has been involved in leadership roles to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based treatment programming. In addition to her work in hospital settings, Dr. Simkins-Strong has previously provided services in children’s mental health centres, secure treatment / youth justice facilities, and private practice.
In treatment, Dr. Simkins-Strong believes that it is important to begin with a thorough assessment to develop a strong understanding of the layers of a child’s or youth’s struggles, and how their difficulties fit within the environments in which they live, learn, and play. Dr. Simkins-Strong aims to create a safe, warm, playful, and accepting space in the therapy room. She believes that family and caregiver involvement is crucial in some form for treatment to be successful, whether that is through caregivers’ involvement as supports to their child’s individual therapy, or through their direct participation in parent coaching and / or family therapy sessions. Overall, Dr. Simkins-Strong strives for therapy to be a space to foster curiosity and empathy, to help young clients and their family members learn more about themselves, their relationships, their challenges, and their strengths, and then use this understanding to try out new ways of acting to create meaningful change.
Dr. Michelle O’Brien, Ph. D., C. Psych
Associate
Dr. Michelle O’Brien is a Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologist of Ontario. She completed her graduate studies in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology at York University (2006). Dr. O’Brien completed a Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship in Clinical Neuropsychology at SCO Ottawa. She specializes in working with clients who have sustained an acquired or traumatic brain injury and neuropsychological assessment of adults and older adults presenting with complex psychological and neurological disorders. She also works clinically within Lakeridge Health across both inpatient and outpatient programs. In this role she consults to various medial and rehab programs, conducting assessments for diagnostic clarification and neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with diverse presentations, including acquired brain injuries, stroke, neurodevelopmental issues, and dementia.
Dr. O’Brien’s general approach to clinical care is aligned with a biopsychosocial model. She formulates an understanding of her clients by striving to understand the multitude of biological, psychological, social, and developmental factors that affect a client’s functioning. She approaches case conceptualization in a collaborative and individualized manner, and tailors her services to the client’s unique circumstances.
Jessica Shock, MSW, RSW
Associate
Jessica is a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW). She works with youth, adolescents, and adults facing a range of difficulties, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Jessica has worked with individuals and families in various school, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings.
Jessica obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor and her undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care from Humber College. Prior to this, Jessica received her advanced diploma in Child and Youth Work from Humber College. While completing her undergraduate and master’s degree, Jessica worked in various inpatient and school-based children mental health settings. Jessica has training in various evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness and harm reduction.
Jessica truly focuses on building a therapeutic relationship that celebrates individual strengths and collaborates with clients to foster their mental well-being while working on the courage to face life’s difficulties. She works with individuals to build practical coping strategies while focusing on building inner clarity of your life experiences. Jessica understands that therapy is not a one size fits all approach, due to this she uses various modalities to help you reach your goals. She will support you in your personal journey by offering compassion, goal-oriented treatment that builds on your strengths to allow you to discover your best self.
Jincy Joy, MSW, RSW
Associate
Jincy is a social worker registered with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Jincy earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from Osmania University, India followed By Certificate Course in Social Work at Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University.
Jincy has been practicing counselling for 8 plus years with various population and different ages groups. Her practice focuses on providing services to individuals, couples and families from ages 7 and up. Her
work with children involves working with parents as well. Her approaches for therapy include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour therapy skills (DBT), Solution Focused Brief therapy (SFBT) and Systemic and Structural Family Therapy to work with couples and families. Jincy has a special interest inworking with teens, young adults, and families.
Jincy is ardent in supporting and working with her clients in every possible way to help them move towards their desired outcome. She has expertise treating anxiety, depression, grief, conflicts, and relationship and family issues. Jincy enjoys her work and looks forward to providing her services to the best of her ability.
Riley Sinnott, MSW, RSW
Associate
Riley is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She has five years of experience providing therapeutic care in community health settings, and in both inpatient and outpatient care settings. Currently, Riley works in the field of Mental Health and Addictions, but also has experience in Critical Care and Emergency Care.
Riley completed her Master of Social Work from the University of Waterloo, specializing in healthcare and the Social Determinants of Health. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Trent University, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University.
Riley practices from a supportive lens and holds great importance on building therapeutic relationships. She uses a mixed modalities approach, to support her clients’ needs. Riley has experience using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and Strength Based Therapy.
Riley focuses on supporting individuals from adolescence to adulthood, with grief and loss, PTSD/support with First Responders, life transitions, coping with new medical diagnosis/caregiver supports, addiction and family coping with addiction.
Riley facilitates collaborative approaches to healing, and treatment plans that are goal oriented in nature. She is approachable, relatable, and dedicated to the wellness of others.
Erin Clarke, MSW, RSW
Associate
Erin is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image issues, trauma, anxiety related disorders and mood disorders. She has experience providing therapeutic care in both outpatient and inpatient mental health facilities working with individuals and their families.
Erin obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria, and possesses an undergraduate Social Work degree from Laurentian University. Both degrees were completed with an Indigenous specialization. This specialization supports her culturally safe practice that is rooted in non-judgmental holistic care. She has experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples as clients and within the community as a mental health practitioner.
Erin works with her clients using blended modalities in her approach to determine the best strategies for you to improve and sustain your wellbeing. She provides holistic and client-centered support, incorporating concepts from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT & CBT-E), Emotion Focussed Family Therapy (EFFT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness and harm reduction.
As your , Erin will work alongside you, in a therapeutic alliance, as you discover how to create effective and lasting change in your life. She will help increase your self-awareness, improve your relationship with food and reconnect you to your whole self; mind, body and spirit. She will support you in your personal journey of healing with compassion and curiosity; gently challenging you when appropriate.
Deanna Fetter, MSW, RSW
Associate
Deanna is a registered social worker and psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW). She has experience working with adolescents with eating disorders, as well as individual of all ages experiencing anxiety and mood related disorders, stress, and addictions. Deanna has experience supporting parents and family members to become their loved ones’ emotion coach and behaviour coach. Deanna works with families and parents looking to improve communication and connection with their loved ones. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in psychology, Deanna completed a post-graduate certificate in addictions and mental health. She then earned her Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor while working full-time in adolescent mental health in both inpatient and
outpatient settings.
Deanna uses an integrative therapeutic approach and has training in a variety of modalities, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT & CBT-E), Dialectical Behavioural Therapies (DBT & RO-DBT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Family based treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT), and exposure therapy.
Deanna places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and endeavours to be welcoming, empathetic, and creative in her approach. Deanna strives to create a safe space for children, adolescents and families to work towards their individual treatment goals and to create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.
Susan Russell, MSW, RSW, CPT
Associate
Susan is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo (1992), a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto (1995) and a PostGraduate Fellowship Certificate in Family Systems at C.M. Hincks Institute, currently known as SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (1996). Susan is a Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy, a Foundational Level I Theraplay Practitioner and an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Trained clinician (EMDR Certification in progress). Susan is also a co-developer of a children’s anxiety program (2005) which incorporates components of yoga, CBT and expressive arts.
Susan has over 25 years’ experience in a hospital outpatient clinic assessing and treating children and adolescents struggling with symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, suicide ideation, self-harm, trauma, grief and loss, separation and divorce, selective mutism, OCD, ADHD and ODD. She uses an eclectic evidence-based approach to therapy blending CBT, DBT, family, play, sand and attachment-based therapies, expressive arts and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve their goals.
Susan strongly believes that early intervention in a child’s life is essential to their growth and development. Through the therapeutic relationship, and with parents’ support and involvement, children and adolescents can learn to regulate their emotions, increase their self-esteem and confidence and develop a sense of mastery to navigate life’s many challenges. Susan strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for all her clients by meeting them at their level to understand, validate and support them in an empathetic, non-judgmental and playful way.
Kristy Day-Robson, MSW, RSW
Associate
Kristy is a social worker and psychotherapist who is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). After completing undergraduate degrees in psychology/criminology and social work, Kristy earned her Master of Social Work degree from the clinical program at
Wilfred Laurier University.
Kristy’s practice focuses on providing individual therapy and support to women aged 16 and up. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT, CBT-I, & TF-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT & RO-DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), mindfulness, and other modalities. She uses an integrative approach and has a special interest in feminist-informed trauma work, mood disorders, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, grief, and maladaptive perfectionism.
Kristy’s approach is best described as non-judgmental, authentic, and empathic. Her sessions sometimes feel less formal, yet they are knowledge-driven and often involve “homework”. She builds a sense of safety and uses humour, energy, curiosity, and warmth to support clients in meeting their goals.
Tyler Tompsett, MSW, RSW
Associate
Tyler is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Tyler has expansive social work experience spanning his time at Ontario Tech University, McGill University and the University of Toronto. Tyler completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) at Ontario Tech University, followed by a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at McGill University and a Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Toronto.
Tyler has extensive experience working with children, youth, families and adults. In addition, Tyler has experience using a wide range of treatment modalities, such as, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy and Strength Based Therapy.
Tyler’s area of focus includes mental health, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, grief, relationship issues, disability and 2SLGBTQI+. Tyler has a passion for advancing the importance of inclusive education. Tyler is approachable, caring and dedicated to the wellness of all clients.
Natasha Gordon, MSW, RSW
Associate
Natasha is a compassionate and dedicated Social Worker and Psychotherapist with a focus on providing comprehensive mental health support to individuals. Natasha earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor and Bachelor of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
Natasha specializes in working with children, youth and young adults facing a spectrum of challenges, including mood and anxiety disorders, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal relationship issues, and stress management. Natasha has experience in various settings, primarily in school based mental health settings including elementary, secondary and post-secondary. With a commitment to cultural competency, Natasha has experience working with multicultural and ethnic populations.
Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, Natasha employs a person-centered approach complemented by training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills (DBT) and Exposure therapy.
Through individualized and collaborative treatment planning, Natasha aims to facilitate meaningful change and promote overall well-being for her clients. Natasha is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life's challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. She believes in utilizing the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for growth and healing. As such, she aims to create a supportive and safe therapeutic environment characterized by genuineness, non-judgmentalism, compassion, and empathy.
Bhavna Verma, Msc, CCC, RP
Associate
Bhavna Verma is a Registered Psychotherapist who works with adult clients (18+) struggling with various concerns including trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, mood related disorders, addictions, life transitions and relationship challenges. She utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach encompassing therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Mindful Self-Compassion
and Gestalt Therapy.
She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy and completed her Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counselling at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
Bhavna believes in a collaborative approach to create a treatment plan that is goal oriented by providing a safe space to navigate
the counselling journey.
Thurca Sivakumar, M.Ed., RP
Associate
Thurca is Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO). She works with adults (18+) struggling with a range of difficulties including mood and anxiety disorders, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal relationship issues, trauma from work or motor vehicle accidents/injures, pain management, stress management, and school/employment difficulties. She has experience working with multi-cultural and ethnic populations as well as some experience providing therapy in Tamil.
Thurca obtained her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto - Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour at McMaster University.
Thurca uses a predominantly person-centered approach combined with her training and experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness therapy, and Exposure therapy. She strives to create a supportive and safe environment for her clients by being genuine, non-judgmental, compassionate, and empathic. Thurca believes in using the therapeutic relationship to support the client through their challenges and individualizing therapy for the client’s specific needs.
Nick Daze, M.Ed., RP
Associate
Nick is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO). After completing his Undergraduate with an Honors degree in Psychology he went on to get his Masters in Counselling Psychology.
Nick works with adolescents and adults facing a variety of challenges including life transitions, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, stress, mood disorders, grief, and men’s issues. He uses an integrated approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Person Centered Therapy.
Nick is dedicated to creating a warm, non-judgemental, and honest environment for clients. Additionally, he seeks to create a safe space and a strong alliance; meeting clients where they are and working collaboratively to define goals and explore how to achieve them.
Peggy Sam, M. Psy
Associate
Peggy Sam is a Clinical Associate at Durham Psychology Wellness Centre. She completed her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and a certificate in Trauma Psychotherapy. She is in the process of registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Her clinical work with adolescents and adults is supervised by Dr. Carolyn James and
Dr. Kelty Berardi.
She has experience working with a variety of concerns such as ADHD, ASD, stress, anxiety, depression, emotional issues, self-criticism, negative communication patterns, and life transitions. In addition, she has training in a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and trauma-informed approaches.
Peggy employs an integrative, reflective and client-centered approach that best fits the clients’ needs, values and strengths. She strives to facilitate self-awareness and change with individuals through empathy, trust, respect and compassion. Peggy believes that a non-judgmental, genuine and compassionate therapeutic relationship is the foundation of therapy and works to provide a safe and empathic space.
Koren Hobbs, RD
Associate
Koren Hobbs is a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Koren graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science from Queens University followed by her Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition from Ryerson University. She completed her Graduate Dietetic Internship Program from The Moncton Hospital in New Brunswick.
Since 2014, Koren has been working in Ontario as a dietitian providing Outpatient Eating Disorder treatment for Adults and Paediatric clients and their families. Koren is experienced working with eating disorders, disordered eating and general healthy eating. She has received ongoing training in Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT), Family Based Therapy (FBT), and Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).
Koren is passionate about helping individuals develop a healthy relationship with food, through a weight neutral, anti-diet approach.
Kristy Lynch
Office Administrator
Kristy will likely be your first point of contact. She has several years of office administrative experience in a healthcare setting. Kristy will work with you in regards to connecting you with a member of our team who is suited to meet your treatment needs. She will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have in relation to initiating services.
Stephanie Reid
Intake Coordinator
Stephanie is a mature student who recently decided to return to school to complete a Social Work Degree at Trent University. Her journey has been motivated by her deep commitment to helping others and a personal understanding of life’s challenges. As part of her studies, she completed a practicum with Durham Psychology Wellness Centre. She has decided to stay on with the team in her role as Intake Coordinator. Specifically, Stephanie is currently working along side Kristy, our office administrator, completing clinical intakes to match clients with prospective therapists that are best suited to meet their needs. She looks forward to the opportunity to help clients get their therapy journey started.