Professional Experience

With 27 years of experience and over 28,500 clinical hours, I have counselled people facing complex health, occupational, and life challenges, including transitions, relationships, crises, trauma, addiction, and grief.

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Helping people overcome adversity and enhance well-being is my passion. I have dedicated my entire career to supporting individuals as they move towards a more stable, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

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Since 2014, I've provided psychotherapy and counselling in full-time private practice to individuals, couples, and families. I am a mental health service provider for various large and small insurers and organizations and previously specialized in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and rehabilitation from 1999 to 2013.

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Professional Development​

• ​DBT Crash Course for Clinicians, Lexi Mulee, LMHC, C-DBT - Pesi Canada (2024)

• Mastering Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & More, Dr. Richard Schwartz & Dr. Frank Anderson - Pesi Canada (2024)

• Grief Counseling and Treatment Certification Training, Tiffani Dilworth, MA, LCPC,CAGCS, FT - Pesi Canada (2024)

• Level 1 Trauma Counselling Certification, SickKids - Learning Institute (2019)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy training, SickKids - Learning Institute (2019)

• Teenagers Today - Suicide & Psychotherapy, SickKids - Learning Institute (2019)   

• Registered Social Worker, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (2014) 

• Masters of Social Work/Juris Doctor, University of Windsor (2011 to 2014) 

• Cogntive Behaviour Therapy training, Dr. Christine Padesky, Cognitive Workshops, Toronto (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)

• Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), Dr. Michael Sullivan, University Centre for Research on Pain and Disability, Montreal (2009)

• Complex Disability Management & Behaviour Therapy Program, Dr. Harvey Anchel, King's Health Centre, Toronto (1999)

• Certification in Lifestyle Counselling, York University (1998)

• Bachelor of Science, Specialized Honours Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University (1994 to 1998) 

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Volunteering and Personal Interests

Community Engagement and Support

Outside of my professional work, my passion for helping, motivating, and inspiring others led me to volunteer at the Oshawa YMCA as a group fitness instructor with focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, hosting free mental health group workshops and participating in fundraising activities to support children's programs and provide individuals and families in need with membership assistance, access to activities and sports, and life-enhancing supports such as camps, employment programs, and housing initiatives.

Personal Growth Through Sport

On a personal level, I challenge myself to overcome adversity through sport, using these experiences to enhance my well-being, enjoyment of life, and sense of empowerment. I find value in the journey and process of training (which can be full of both hardships and successes), have learned to accept and appreciate needed support along the way, and always cherish the experiences and memories that come with training, trying and race days.

Sporting Achievements

My sporting history includes completing several marathons—Chicago, Boston, Toronto Waterfront, Mississauga, Muskoka, and Niagara Falls—along with duathlons, running races such as the Sporting Life 10k, Toronto Harbourfront 10miler, and Harry's Spring Run Off 8k, mountain bike races, multi-sport adventure races including Storm Racing and Wilderness Traverse, and the Untamed New England expedition race.  More recently, endeavours turned to completing Ironman triathlons, happily crossing the finish line at Ironman Canada (Whistler), Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman Canada (Ottawa) so far.  Presently I am training for my first half Ironman race to take place in June 2026. Wish me luck!

Philosophy and Approach

Overall, I believe in embodying the principles I promote: facing fears, setting goals, making consistent efforts to achieve change, and accepting the ups and downs as part of any journey. Recognizing and taking pride in achievements is crucial. I understand that courage, effort, dedication, commitment, strength, and resiliency are essential to making meaningful changes in life, sport, and wellness alike.

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