Amanda is registered with The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) as an RSSW. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology, having already earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a diploma in Mental Health and Addictions. She specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and CBT for those experiencing Anxiety/Depressive disorders, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. With her diverse academic background and therapeutic expertise, Amanda is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including substance abuse management, developing SMART goals, addressing interpersonal relationship conflicts, and improving day-to-day life quality.
Amanda is committed to providing a safe and comfortable space for exploring life’s challenges, with a dedication to improving emotional literacy, regulating emotions, and achieving self-actualization. She connects Drawing from her own experiences coping with mental illness, intergenerational trauma, and exposure to the relational impacts of familial alcohol/substance abuse disorders. Amanda is devoted to developing genuine connections with her clients, while providing supportive, empathetic, and informative care. She is passionate about healing through mindfulness practices and is eager to accompany you on your journey to enlightenment and inner peace.
Amanda is registered with The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWS...
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Welcome!
As a compassionate and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Leona is honoured to support children, youth, and adults on their unique journeys. Drawing from her personal experiences as a Second Generation Canadian, her lived experience with mental health, and valuable insights gained from supporting loved ones and serving others in her community, Leona brings a profound understanding and empathy to her work.
With a strong foundation in delivering hybrid counselling services as an intern, blending in-person and virtual support, Leona has developed flexibility and adaptability in meeting clients’ diverse needs. Additionally, her extensive experience as an online chat responder has equipped her with the skills to provide emotional support to various age groups, from youth to adults, in a digital landscape.
Her experience with bilateral hearing loss has gifted her with a deep understanding of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing communities, allowing her to bridge gaps and foster genuine connections. With creativity and empathy, she integrates evidence-based therapies to:
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Highlight your strengths
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Acknowledge your resilience
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Cultivate self-discovery
Her approach draws from:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Person-Centered Values
- Humanistic Principles
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
Together, Leona would like to create a safe, inspiring space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. She is here to support your growth, celebrate your successes, and navigate life’s challenges alongside you.
Welcome!
As a compassionate and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Leona is hono...
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As a psychotherapist, Shawna Akerman uses her life experiences as a special education teacher, life coach, and day camp founder to support and guide children and families toward positivity and a balanced life. Her continued passion for bringing youth together for social experiences, honest conversations, and emotional regulation
She believes it takes a community to raise your children and has been grateful for the opportunity to raise and guide two incredible children with profound hearing loss and cochlear implants, a supportive network of organizations and friends, and a refined ability to think outside the box. Her experience navigating her family through the challenges of life - divorce, bullying, disabilities, and the suicide of her brother - has empowered her to never lose touch with herself. Shawna has an endless supply of ideas and a vast network to help navigate the systems of life and help her children and others like them find success in their experiences.
Shawna takes pride in sharing her story, experiences, and tools to inspire action on a global scale that will forever change the lives of individuals and families the way it’s changed hers.
Shawna balances life with anxiety, ADHD, and Dyslexia and works well with the neuro-spicy brain. She is a lover of life with the belief that there is HOPE for any changes and healing you desire. She believes therapy is an opportunity for change; it could be a great conversation or exploration of one’s self. Therapy allows for an understanding of different perspectives to shift life patterns. Finding your voice and value of self is paramount. Life is affected by a multitude of events, both positive and negative; building a toolbox of skills allows one to travel on a path of positivity and self-acceptance. It won’t always be easy but it will be well worth the effort. She is committed to impacting change with my clients to find joy, emotional stability, and balance in our challenging world.
As a psychotherapist, Shawna Akerman uses her life experiences as a special education teacher, l...
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As a former video game addict turned Mental Health Advocate, Steven strives to promote wellness with his skills and knowledge in Counselling Psychology, seasoned by his Gamer roots. Steven is a registered member of the OCSWSSW as a Social Service worker, with a diploma in Addictions/Mental Health from Centennial College, and a wide history of Counselling Psychology courses to support his knowledge. At the end of the day, Steven is here to guide you through your goals with both a sympathetic heart and an optimistic smile at his side.
As a former video game addict turned Mental Health Advocate, Steven strives to promote wellness w...
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Jacqueline’s Motto: See The Bigger Picture!
“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone”. - Lisa Olivera
Jacqueline is an incredibly empathetic therapist who is no stranger to therapy. She knows exactly how it feels to be sitting in the client’s seat! As a ‘well-seasoned’ client, her desire to help others with what they are going through has propelled her forward through some of her own difficult life challenges, to a place where she is ready to walk alongside others on their own healing journeys.
After many years of attending therapy, Jacqueline has now got to a place where she considers the life and mental health struggles that she has experienced herself as blessings and something that she is grateful for. Each struggle and unfortunate circumstance she has encountered have all led to Jacqueline becoming a healthier, more compassionate, and forgiving version of herself. Jacqueline expresses that without those hard life lessons, she wouldn’t be the therapist she is today, nor would she be able to relate to clients on such a deep level, like she does now.
Jacqueline values honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity, both in and out of the therapy room. She believes in being a human first and approaches her clients from a personable perspective. If you are looking for a safe space to confide and process your hurts, habits, and hang-ups, Jacqueline will hold that space for you gracefully. She loves all things real and raw and will be as patient as necessary, encouraging you to take the lead with how much and how fast you choose to open up and be vulnerable. Jacqueline holds space and grace for one and all and would be honoured to walk alongside you.
Jacqueline is currently accepting new clients and has immediate availability. Please book in her calendar directly or email her at: jacqueline@karmacares.ca to schedule an initial free 15-minute phone consultation to see if the two of you would be a good fit working together.
Jacqueline’s Motto: See The Bigger Picture!
“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner...
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As a Behaviour Specialist, I focus on creating individualized therapeutic intervention programs for children, teens and young adults with mild to severe Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Behaviour Disorders. Using a holistic approach to both assessment and intervention, the ECMI team assists individuals to grow in their behaviour awareness and control, emotional reasoning and other executive functioning skills needed to feel regulated and productive.
Using a multidisciplinary approach which considers the individuals needs in all areas (cognitive, behaviour, biomedical, sensory and more) an individualized 1:1 therapy plan is created using principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis, Sensory Integration, Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Yoga and Mindfulness. Connecting to parents and caregivers to provide coaching and counseling is also an important part in Jill Naftolin’s services.
In creating a plan, no stone is left unturned - all variables contributing to behaviour; sensory processing, sleep, prior consequences/rewards, cognitive skill development, diet (incl food intolerances and allergies, heavy-metal toxicity, vitamin and mineral deficiencies).
Referrals can also be made to the following Specialists; Naturopathic Dr, Occupational Therapy, Osteopaths, Speech-Language Pathologists, Vision Processing Specialists and Audiologists.
Clients: ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, Anxiety Disorder, Gifted, Hyperlexia, Sensory Processing Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome and more!
Cant wait to hear from you:)
As a Behaviour Specialist, I focus on creating individualized therapeutic intervention programs f...
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I have worked with children, teens, and young adults with different kinds
of challenges (including autism) for over 20 years. My journey started
with my own child and now I work with other families.
My experience tells me that there is a strong connection between the
challenges that autism presents and what is happening in the body. I
work with early reflexes and those early developmental movements that
are critical to brain and body development.
When I understand which steps in development have been missed, I
create customized programs to facilitate true developmental progress. I
work in different ways:
• one-on-one with individuals
• training parents and monitoring home programs
• using specific remedial training for individuals with sound sensitivities
As a parent, you are the expert on your child. You know your child’s strengths and challenges
and are committed to helping him or her succeed. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience
in determining the underlying problems and creating plans to address them. Together, we will
help your child make true developmental progress.
Paulette Cormier, B.A., B.Ed.,
www.rainbowconnec-ons.ca
Qualifications/Certifications:
• Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education (Mount Saint Vincent University)
• Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) several areas of study
• Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT) Consultant
• Quantum Reflex Integration (QRI) Training
• Neurodevelopmental Movement Program Consultant
• Brain Gym Instructor/Consultant (past certification)
• Filtered Sound Training (FST) Practitioner
• Feuerstein Method (Cognitive Modifiability Program) Training
• Newborn Movement Assessment (NMA)
• Amazing Babies Academy (ABA) Pre-Locomotion Program
• National Institute for Learning Development (NILD)- Level 1 Certification
• Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Consultant (past certification)
• Search and Teach Instructor
I have worked with children, teens, and young adults with different kinds
of challenges (includin...
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With a degree in Human Behaviour from McMaster University, and over a decade of dedicated experience working directly with neurodivergent children and teens, I bring a compassionate, expert-level understanding of diverse neurological profiles and developmental pathways. I pride myself on expert communication skills and positive growth for everyone seeking my expertise. I am a positive person who loves a good laugh.
With a degree in Human Behaviour from McMaster University, and over a decade of dedicated experie...
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Shayla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with honours from Thompson Rivers University, and is a Master’s in Counselling Psychology practicum student at Yorkville University. She is qualified to practice onsite under clinical supervision. Throughout her studies and following graduation, she worked with folks involved in the justice system and supported them in numerous areas, including mental health, substance abuse, and trauma.
Shayla utilizes an integrative approach to counselling with a focus on solution-focused and narrative therapy. Shayla believes in her client’s innate capacity for growth and will support clients through the counselling process to build upon their natural strengths. Shayla is committed to inclusivity, and practicing neurodiversity and disability-affirming care. In her free time, Shayla enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book, and getting out into nature.
Shayla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with honours from Thompson Rivers University, and ...
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Our Mission
We provide parents and children alike with individualized strategies, carefully selected tools, and resources to help them succeed at school and home. Through guidance and a better awareness of your child’s strengths, educational needs, and preferred learning styles, you will become
empowered to make informed decisions for your child and effectively advocate for their needs.
Michelle Aptekar has over 20 years of experience working for the York Region District School Board and the Prairie Spirit School Division in Western Canada. She has obtained three degrees including a Bachelor’s of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s of Education and a Master’s of Education with a focus in Special Education. As a parent of 4 children with special education needs, Michelle has successfully navigated both the private and public school systems. Michelle is passionate about advocating for children with diverse backgrounds and loves working with families and children to help them be successful at school.
Samantha Barkin-Budd has over 15 years of experience as a
educator working for the Toronto District School Board. She has obtained an Honors Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, and a Bachelor’s of Education and has received a Specialist Certificate in Special Education and Literacy from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). As a parent of children with special education needs and diverse learning styles, including a child with complex needs, Samantha understands firsthand the challenges that come from advocating on behalf of exceptional children. No stone should be left unturned and Samantha will do everything in her power to help your child reach their greatest potential Services
● Advocacy Support
● Attend School Meetings (team meetings, IPRC, IEP, SST, transition, conferences etc..)
● Executive Function Development
● Documentation Review, Analysis & Recommendations (IEPs, Report Cards, Psychoeducational Assessments, and specialist reports)
● School Selection
● Community & Resource Support
● Workshops
● Academic & Recreation Profile
● Goal Setting
● Transition Planning
● In-school team meetings
Our Mission
We provide parents and children alike with individualized strategies, carefully selec...
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