GET TO KNOW ME

I am a Kellogg Fellow, registered trauma-informed social worker, psychotherapist, and transformational educator consultant. I specialize in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds using culturally appropriate approaches and understandings of mental health and well-being to personalize therapy. I work with the individual and/ or couples to work through their difficulties by integrating Emotion Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectical Behaviour and Mindfulness Therapies.  My approach is multidisciplinary and anchored in the values of resilience, and a strength-based client-centered framework.   I strongly believe that every person has the ability and strength to work through difficulties with help. I provide psychotherapy for couples and individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, shame, trauma (intergenerational and vicarious), life transitions, grief, and loss. 

My international work included providing therapy to couples and individuals living with HIV/AIDS focusing on guilt, shame, and betrayal.  I also provided organizational training and community capacity building on issues related to human rights, newcomer integration, health and mental health.  My approach is one of supporting relationships by fostering change and risk-taking associated with personal, organizational relational transformation.

I have had a long academic career which has included teaching social work part-time at both York and Ryerson Universities, and most recently, as a former faculty in the School of Social and Community Services at Humber College.  My publications include writings in the areas of youth issues, violence against women, diversity, and inclusion.  In my community work, I collaborated with a group of women to advocate for a shelter for women and children survivors of family violence which led to the establishment of Interim Place, the first shelter in Peel Region. Most recently, in collaboration with Humber College and community-based partnerships, I  initiated a Mental Health Community of Practice for staff working with youth to enhance support, knowledge, skills and provide networking opportunities. I have received several awards for advocacy, social justice and education including the 2015 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Education.