CANOE THERAPY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Training and Support Coordinator
Amanda has an extensive academic background in education and applied behaviour analysis (ABA). She is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). Currently, Amanda is in her first year of the PhD program in Education, specializing in Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership.
She holds a Master of Arts in ABA, a Master of Applied Disability Studies (M.ADS), a Bachelor of Education (BEd), a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA), and a diploma in early childhood education. Amanda is passionate about creating accessible and enriching learning environments for children and adults.
With four years of experience in ABA, Amanda has worked as an Instructor Therapist (IT) and Senior Therapist (ST). She is dedicated to child-centred programming, play-based learning, and building school readiness skills. Amanda is also passionate about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Accepting, Identifying, and Moving (AIM), utilizing these approaches to support families and adolescents through ABA. Her unique combination of teaching, early childhood education, and ABA expertise gives her a well-rounded perspective in supporting families and children.
As a lifelong learner, Amanda continues to engage in research within ABA and education policy. Her current research includes examining diversity, equity, and inclusion trends in ABA literature and the implementation and use of Universal Design for Learning in online higher education.
Outside of her academic work, Amanda enjoys playing hockey, baking, knitting, and exploring Greek mythology.
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Job Titles:
- Social Worker
- Registered Social Worker With the College of Social Service Workers
Amber is a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers. Amber is an Intern and member of the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy and has additional training in Theraplay® I, Trauma/Attachment and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Amber earned her Master of Social Work from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in 2010, which specialized in Play Therapy and Trauma, having completed her Bachelor of Social Work with in 2003.
For the last 14 years, Amber has worked in various settings serving children, youth (aged 6-18) and their families within the Niagara Region, Halton Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and England. Amber has specialized skills and knowledge in the following areas:
Trauma and Attachment
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidality and Self Harm
Adoption/Foster Care
Family Conflict
Parent Coaching
Grief and loss
Separation and/or divorce
Challenges with emotional expression and regulation
Anger Management
Behavioural challenges
Social skills and Interpersonal challenges
Learning disabilities
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Gifted children
Amber offers an eclectic and dynamic approach to therapy in order to help a child and family heal. Amber focuses on trauma/attachment informed therapy, while utilizing directive and non-directive play-based therapies, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural and Narrative therapies. Amber also utilizes principals of Body work and Brain/Body Integration, Emotion Freedom Technique, Meditation and Mindfulness in her practice.
Amber is a resourceful, dynamic and ‘down to earth' therapist who focuses on providing an empathetic, strengths-based approach to therapy and ensures anti-oppressive and LGBTQ positive space within her sessions. Amber also has a strong belief in humor as a healing agent.
On a personal level, Amber is a proud mother of two young boys, a role that has provided her with great insight into the overwhelming, yet rewarding world of parenthood.
Amber is looking forward to meeting with you and your family and work in partnership with you and your child in order to help you regain a sense of balance in your life.
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Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Registered Clinical Psychologist With the College of Psychologists of Ontario
Anita Ramani has been a registered clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario since 2007 and has been a Psychologist in India since 2000. She obtained her Master's and Doctorate from the "University of Madras", India in Psychology and completed a thesis in Stress factors, Defense Mechanism and Values among Headache and Backache groups as well as The Effect of Psychoeducational Intervention of The Learning Disabled Adolescents and their Families. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst- Doctoral since 2012.
Anita's previous work has included working with children, adolescents, adults and families and has worked both in the private and public sector. She was the Associate Director of ErinoakKids' Autism Program, one of the largest continuum of clinical services where she led clinical managers, staff and families through an unprecedented transformational change in service delivery. Through ongoing learning and a commitment to continuous quality improvement, she established an enhanced children and youth service system, ensuring improved accessibility to offer broader range of services.
Anita has also worked as a Psychologist / Clinical Director at Pathways for Children and as well as served as a Psychologist for the DFO teams for the Central East and Toronto Autism programs. She worked closely with colleges to develop curriculum and programs, preparing likeminded individuals entering this growing and evolving field of autism services. She served as faculty in Seneca College for the following programs: Bachelor of Child Development, Behavioural Sciences and The Autism and Behavioural Science Ontario Graduate Certificate program. She also worked as a Clinical Director at Integra, the leading institution for children with Learning Disabilities were she facilitated groups to develop social skills and self-esteem among children with NVLD.
As a member of the Canoe Therapy team, her work involves providing diagnostic assessment, and psycho-educational assessment for children and adolescents. She also provides intervention for children and adolescents who are experiencing learning difficulties, social and emotional difficulties, anxiety, depression, anger and problem-solving. She utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behaviour Modification, Applied Behaviour Analysis and other evidence-based treatments to help children and adolescents with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and adjustment problems, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship problems. Anita is passionate about working with children and their families to help reach their potential.
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Beyond his clinical work, Ash is a passionate music instructor and performer, showcasing
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
- Registered Speech - Language Pathologist With the College of Audiology
Bhumi is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of Ontario (CASLPO). She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and completed a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from McMaster University.
Bhumi has clinical experience assessing and treating preschool as well as school-aged children with a wide range of communication needs. She enjoys providing services in a variety of areas including articulation/phonology, expressive and receptive language, literacy as well as assistive and augmentative communication (AAC).
Bhumi is formally trained in PECS Level 1 (Picture Exchange Communication System). She is committed to continuing education and strives to learn about new ways that can best support her clients' individual needs. She also considers their linguistic diversity and values collaboration with their families as well as other healthcare professionals within their care. Outside of work, Bhumi enjoys reading, skating and baking.
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Job Titles:
- Registered Social Worker With the Ontario College of Social Works
Caitlin Jones is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Works and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Caitlin earned a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Additionally, a Diploma in Child and Youth Care from Sheridan College and an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Caitlin has worked in various settings serving children, youth, and their families throughout the Halton and Hamilton region. Caitlin has specialized skills and knowledge in the following areas:
Anxiety
Depression
Emotion Regulation
Social Skills
Self Esteem
Suicidality and Self Harm
Behavioural Challenges
Caitlin uses a blend of therapeutic modalities when working with children, youth, and families including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy and psychoeducation. She offers an anti-oppressive, strengths based approach and provides a TSLGBTQIA+ positive space within her sessions. She is resourceful and prides herself on her ability to connect with children and youth.
Caitlin looks forward to welcoming you and your child into her space and working together to achieve your counselling goals.
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Job Titles:
- Registered Social Worker With a Master of Social Work
Cassandra is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Work with a specialization in Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, and an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work from Sheridan College. Her career has been dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families through some of life's most challenging moments-whether in the child welfare system, residential settings, hospitals, or community-based programs.
Outside of her professional work, Cassandra is a proud mom of two boys. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, running, practicing yoga, paddleboarding, and exploring nature with her two dogs. These activities keep her grounded and reflect the importance Cassandra places on balance, wellness, and connection both personally and professionally.
Job Titles:
- Social Worker
- Registered Social Worker
Emily is a compassionate Social Worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Emily has an honours B.A. in psychology, neuroscience and behaviour from McMaster University and her Masters of Social Work from Laurier University. Emily has 10 years of experience in the field of mental health.
Fadak has worked in various settings over the past few years serving children, youth, and their families, all over Ontario. Fadak specializes in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Solution Focused therapy. She has experience and knowledge in the following areas: ADHD, ASD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Attachment, Behavioural Challenges, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Parent Coaching, Self-Harm, Suicidality, Social Skills, Self-Esteem, developmental stages and so much more.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist from Quebec City
Gail McCoubrey is a fluently bilingual Clinical Psychologist from Quebec City. She obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education from Concordia University, and completed her Master's and Doctorate degrees in School and Applied Child Psychology at McGill University. The focus of Gail's research is reading development among bilingual individuals, and the role of language skills in reading ability in one's first and second language. Gail's research has led her to work with communities across the province of Quebec, which has contributed to her solid empirical background in reading development, cognitive ability, and language development among bilingual students; she has presented her research at conferences held by The Canadian Society for Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science, and the Society for the Scientific Studies of Reading in Quebec City, Toronto, Chicago, and Amsterdam.
Gail registered as a Psychologist with l'Ordre des psychologues du Quebec in 2007 during her graduate studies and began her career in Psychology as a school psychologist in Montreal while working in private practice. She has trained in the Department of Child Psychiatry Day Treatment Program at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital where the focus of her work centered upon providing individual, group, and family-based assessment and therapy to help school-age children with behavioral disorders and other complex social-emotional and learning profiles. Gail has also worked at Summit School in Saint-Laurent, a school for children and adolescents with a range of cognitive, behavioral and developmental disorders.
Upon moving to Ontario in 2014, Gail registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and she currently pursues her practice in the public and private sectors. As a member of the Canoe Therapy team, her work includes the provision of comprehensive psychological assessments in English or French for children and adolescents who present with academic and behavioral concerns. Gail aims to help her clients understand the underlying factors that contribute to their struggles in school, and to streamline school- and home-based recommendations that are consistent with best practices in her discipline.
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Job Titles:
- Family Coordinator
- Personal Trainer
Hannah graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Hannah is planning to continue her education by pursuing a Masters in Occupational Therapy in the future.
Hannah is a personal trainer with a passion for empowering individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, with family and friends, and exploring new recipes in the kitchen!
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Job Titles:
- Registered Occupational Therapist With the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Heather is a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and the HealthCare Professional Council in the UK. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy.
During her career, Heather has been committed to professional development to ensure children receives the best care and support possible.
Job Titles:
- Social Worker
- Registered Social Worker With the Ontario College of Social Workers
Jade is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Jade holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Children and their Families and a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Job Titles:
- Registered Speech - Language Pathologist With the College of Audiologists
- Speech - Language Pathologist - Burlington
Jelena is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologist of Ontario (CASLPO). She obtained her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Registered Occupational Therapist
Jennifer is a Registered Occupational Therapist who is a member in Good Standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2005. Jennifer has 18 years of clinical experience working in a hospital or community setting in the areas of neurological impairment and traumatic brain injury/concussion, amputation, spinal cord injury, and other medical conditions requiring occupational therapy intervention. She has experience working with clients to improve or restore fine and gross motor skills, executive dysfunction and other cognitive skills, and enabling participation in meaningful activities of daily living.
Jo Arnott is an Accredited Family Mediator (OAFM) and a Registered Social Worker with two decades of experience working with families at different stages of their lives. She approaches her role with compassion, consideration, and creative thinking. Using a collaborative, child-centered and solution focused approach, she aims to reduce conflict and improve communication to support healthier relationships moving forward. She is passionate about creating and maintaining healthy and thriving family dynamics to support healthy and thriving kids.
Jo embraces all family dynamics, whether you are a couple, co-parents, extended family, or choosen family, she celebrates each member and the paths that connect them. She works from a collaborative and cooperative approach, empowering families to improve communication and make decisions that meet the unique logistical and emotional needs of their family.
Jo has had the privilege of working with families at various stages of their lives, including supporting street involved and at-risk youth, providing pregnancy, birth and postpartum support to new and growing families, and working with parents and families navigating separation and/or divorce. As a parent herself, she provides a holistic approach to her work, offering a calm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space to support families' needs.
Jo specializes in providing a collaborative, child-centered, and solution-focused approach with expertise in:
Family Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation
Co-Parenting Mediation
Parenting Plans
Blended Family Mediation
Parent-Teen Mediation
Family Counseling
Couples Counseling
Separation and/or Divorce,
Effective Communication and Healthy Communication
Conflict Resolution
Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Support -high risk births, birth trauma, birth differences, perinatal and postpartum mental health
Addiction, Substance Use, and Harm Reduction
Jo has three amazing kids, a very active dog, and a highly aloof cat. She loves the outdoors and especially enjoys camping. She is honored to join the team at Canoe and looks forward to working with you and your family.
Jo is affiliated with OAFM (Ontario Association for Family Mediation), OCSWSSW (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers), OASW (Ontario Association of Social Work Members), and DONA (Doulas of North America)
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Joanne has been part of the Canoe Therapy team since the beginning and strives to make Canoe one of the top clinics in the Halton area for families looking to receive therapy. Her education and experience make it easy for Joanne to ensure Canoes clients receive the utmost service and attention. She also enjoys planning the many events Canoe holds yearly, such as Sensory Santa as a way to keep it's clients and the community involved in the awesome work Canoe does! When she is not at Canoe, you can find Joanne walking with her dog, Marvin and spending time with her friends and family!
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John is a Registered Social Worker with The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). John completed his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Social Service Work from George Brown College and degrees in Psychology, History, and Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University.
John began his career 10 years ago in Halton region working in children's mental health supporting clients with a range of social, emotional, and behavioural issues. John then moved on to providing specialized trauma-based therapy to children, teens, and families in the GTA. At Canoe Therapy, John continues his work supporting clients, drawing on his diverse knowledge and counselling expertise in:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety
Behavioral concerns
Depression and low mood
Emotional regulation
Family conflict
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Self-esteem
Suicidality and self-harm
School concerns
Social skills
Transition to young adulthood
Trauma
John works diligently to build strong and effective therapeutic relationships - a central tenet to counselling success. He is enthusiastic and passionate about his role as a helping professional and holds himself to the highest professional and ethical standards. John deeply values the privilege to work with clients at Canoe and looks forward to working alongside you as you achieve your counselling goals.
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Katie earned her Honours Bachelor's degree in Human Behaviour from McMaster University and is eager to further her education in the field of counseling psychology. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, she is committed to providing compassionate support and ensuring families are supported every step of the way.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and going to the gym!
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Katrina's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science. She looks forward to gaining experience at Canoe Therapy and continuing her education in Applied Disability Studies in the near future.
Katrina has always had a passion for teaching. Before joining the Behaviour Therapy team at Canoe, she worked as a private tutor, volunteered as an educational assistant and was a mentor for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. After travelling to India and volunteering at SOREM, a school for individuals with developmental disabilities, Katrina has developed a capacity for working within a wide range of family settings and dynamics. This experience truly enhanced her passion for Applied Behaviour Analysis and she hopes to continue exploring the field!
In her spare time, Katrina enjoys going to Flea Markets, bargain hunting and spending time with family and friends.
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Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Occupational Therapist
Kirsty is a registered Occupational Therapist. She obtained her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).
Kirsty is an Occupational therapist that practices psychotherapy. She obtained her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).
In addition to her credentials as an OT, Kirsty has completed training in psychotherapy that includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Kirsty merges counselling with occupational therapy to provide a holistic and personalized approach for each client that includes both mental health support and engagement in daily life skills.
Kirsty's expertise includes:
Anger management
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Emotional Regulation
Learning disabilities
Parent coaching
Peer relationships
Social skills
Laura Churchman is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of
Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO). She is also a member of the Canadian
Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She is trained in Cognitive
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
Job Titles:
- Psychotherapist & Marriage and Family Therapist
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist