Our Team/Associates
Dr. Barbara Mancini, Ph.D., C.Psych., Psychologist/Clinic Head
Dr. Barb Mancini is Step Stone Psychology's Clinic Head and Clinical Director.
click here to move to her full bio page.
Phone: (416) 551-PATH (7284)
Fax: 844 966 0732http://www.stepstonepsychology.com
Email: bmancini@stepstonepsychology.com
Dr. Nina Vitopoulos, Ph.D., C.Psych., Psychologist/Associate, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: ninav@stepstonepsychology.com
Nina places strong emphasis on developing supportive and collaborative relationships with each of her clients to create a safe, empathetic and respectful environment in which to foster personal growth and support clients in meeting their therapeutic goals. Nina also provides supervision and training to psychology/counselling students.
Dr. Laura Gollino, Ph.D., C.Psych. Psychologist/Associate, Clinical and Counselling Psychologist (She/Her Pronouns)
Dr. Laura Gollino is a clinical and counselling psychologist working with adults and couples. She works with a broad range of mental health challenges and has a particular interest in helping with issues of anxiety, interpersonal problems, and emotion dysregulation. She provides both assessment services and psychotherapy, taking the time to understand what’s going on today within the larger context of your life and your goals. Dr. Gollino received training in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospital, university counselling centres, and in private practice. Her focus has been on deepening her knowledge and application of Emotion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. She has a strong interest in what is effective in psychotherapy and has investigated factors that contribute to change in the treatment of depression as part of her Ph.D. research at the University of Toronto; this work received a Canadian Psychological Association Certificate of Academic Excellence. As a result of her training, research, and over a decade of providing psychotherapy, Dr. Gollino believes a strong working relationship forms the basis of change, regardless of whether one is processing painful past experiences, developing new ways of being, or learning new skills. She has a warm interpersonal style that fits her collaborative, inclusive approach to psychotherapy. Dr. Gollino also provides supervision and training to psychology/counselling students and candidates seeking registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Dr. Marie Faaborg-Andersen, Ph.D., C.Psych., Psychologist (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: marie@stepstonepsychology.com
Dr. Marie Faaborg-Andersen completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Ryerson University. She is an experienced clinician who specializes in working with adults with issues related to anxiety, low mood, trauma, gender-identity related issues, sexual dysfunctions, and relationship concerns. Marie is skilled at providing both psychodiagnostic assessments and psychotherapy, building on clients’ unique set of skills and strengths to help them to overcome personal barriers. Her research has focused gaining a better understanding of sexual dysfunctions among the 2SLGBTQ+ population.
Marie has received training from a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals and counseling centres, which has informed her integrative psychotherapeutic style, drawing from evidence-based treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and attachment-informed therapy. Marie is a warm and genuine individual, who provides a welcoming and collaborative space for clients to experience personal growth, while supporting them in achieving their goals. She is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Dr. Vicky Lishak, Ph.D., C.Psych., Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: vlishak@stepstonepsychology.com
Dr. Victoria Lishak is clinical child psychologist and neuropsychologist. She provides services in both English and Russian. Dr. Lishak completed her PhD in Clinical and School Child psychology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Lishak completed her predoctoral internship at Hamilton Health Sciences where she provided assessment and intervention to children in the regional autism program, inpatient and outpatient mental health as well as neurology and developmental pediatrics. Dr. Lishak’s postdoctoral fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children focused on executive functions and cognitive rehabilitation of children with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr Lishak has experience with children and adolescents with attention and learning, behavioural difficulties, autism, tics and Tourette syndrome as well as epilepsy, leukemia and genetic conditions.
Dr. Lishak provides comprehensive psychological, neuropsychological and developmental assessments to children and adolescents with a variety of mental health and learning concerns. She offers intervention and parent consultation for emotional, behavioural and academic difficulties. In her work with children and their families, Dr. Lishak uses an integrative approach that takes into the account their individual context, development as well as their unique strengths and needs.
Stella Dentakos, Ph.D., C.Psych. (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: stella@stepstonepsychology.com
Dr. Stella Dentakos is a Clinical and Health Psychologist who leads our Health Psychology Service at Step Stone. Dr. Dentakos is an experienced clinician who has worked with children and youth presenting with various needs including mood, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, trauma, chronic illness, health anxiety, needle phobias, disruptive behaviors, learning and attention difficulties, amoung other concerns. Dr. Dentakos also provides comprehensive parenting and caregiver support.
Dr. Dentakos endeavors to provide an open, safe, and non-judgmental environment to all her clients in which to explore individual thoughts, feelings, and needs. Her therapeutic style is warm, accepting, collaborative, and inclusive. Dr. Dentakos approaches treatment from an evidence-based framework while also considering individual trajectories and goals. She is primarily trained in acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and behavior modification.
Dr. Dentakos completed her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University. She then completed a pre-doctoral residency and postdoctoral fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, where she remains employed as a staff psychologist. Dr. Dentakos has also received training at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the York University Psychology Clinic (YUPC) and in private practice. Dr. Dentakos is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Na Zhu, Ph.D., C.Psych. (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: nzhu@stepstonepsychology.com
Dr. Na Zhu completed her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent Track) at the University of Windsor, as well as MEd in Counselling Psychology at OISE, University of Toronto. She primarily works with children, adolescents, and adults with challenges related to mood, anxiety, phobia, obsessions-compulsions, and emotion dysregulation.
Dr. Zhu uses evidence-based approaches, with a focus on cognitive-behaviour therapy, integrating motivational interviewing techniques, dialectical behavioural therapy techniques and brief psychodynamic psychotherapy. She has a warm and collaborative approach and places emphasis on developing strong working relationships and meeting people where they are at in therapy.
Dr. Zhu is experienced in assessment in the areas of learning, ADHD, mood, anxiety, behaviour, trauma, substance use, and complex mental health concerns. Her research focuses on the narratives of childhood trauma and its impact on psychological functioning. Dr. Zhu completed her training in multiple settings, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Markham-Stouffville Hospital, as well as other community organization, university clinic, and private practice settings in the GTA and Windsor. She is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Dr. Azin Taheri, Ph.D., C.Psych. (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: azin@stepstonepsychology.com
Dr. Azin Taheri co-leads Step Stone’s Autism Mental Health services. Dr. Taheri completed her MA and PhD in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where she provided inpatient and outpatient services to children and adolescents with autism, neuromotor disabilities, and those who have sustained a concussion. She also received clinical training at the Toronto District School Board, and various mental health agencies, including Surrey Place and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Taheri is trained to provide diagnostic and intervention services for children and youth with learning disabilities, attentional difficulties, anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, and those experiencing persistent difficulties following a concussion. She has over 8 years of specialized clinical and research training in the assessment, consultation, and intervention of autism spectrum disorder.
At Step Stone Psychology, Dr. Taheri is committed to building strong therapeutic relationships drawing on the strengths of clients and their families. Her goal is to use evidence-based approaches to meet the unique needs of her clients in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. In addition to her role at Step Stone, Dr. Taheri current holds a position as a psychologist at Holland Bloorview. She is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Bhisham Kinha, M.Ed., Ed.D. Candidate, Counselling Associate/Registered Psychotherapist, (He/Him Pronouns)
Email: bk@stepstonepsychology.com
Bhisham Kinha is completing his Doctorate of Education in Counselling Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. He holds a Masters of Education degree in Counselling Psychology from the same program.
Bhisham is a skilled and empathic therapist who honours the unique and dynamic identities of all clients and celebrates the many ways in which they navigate life and experience the world. This means that he works openly with clients on the LGBTTQQ2SIA spectrum, clients with varying gender identity and cultural backgrounds, unique abilities, histories and spiritualities. Bhisham’s experience also includes working with individuals affected by trauma, clients from various cultural backgrounds negotiating the stressors of immigration, academia, and adjusting to new experiences and spaces. He approaches his work from a stance that is gentle, curious and non-judgmental. The relationship that he offers is caring and respectful.
Bhisham’s approach integrates principles and techniques from multiple therapeutic modalities including Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and trauma-informed practices. He incorporates a critical multicultural lens wherein he works with clients to consider how social, cultural and systemic factors contribute to their experiences. Bhisham is also influenced by theories of attachment and research on the effects of difficult experiences on the brain and body.
Arlene Vandersloot, M.A., R.P., Counselling Associate/Registered Psychotherapist, Supervisor (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: arlenevandersloot@rogers.com
Arlene Vandersloot provides individual therapy and parenting support to young families and expectant parents. Her approach includes a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, an engagement in exploration of patterns from your past, as well as research-based skill-building techniques. She draws from the extensive research that has been done on attachment. She also uses techniques from psychoanalytic psychology. She weaves in neurological and evolutionary explanations for behaviour to help clients understand some of the reasons they experience difficulties in their relationships and with parenting, and works with them to build on their natural strengths. Arlene helps parents and co-parenting couples to understand some of the ways that successful parents succeed in their relationships, aiding them to master proven techniques that deepen respect for each other and facilitate loving connection and a sense of belonging together as they raise their children or await the birth of a new child.
Arlene has an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto as well as Post-graduate certificates in Psychotherapy and in Couples and Family Therapy from the Universities of Sheffield, U.K., and Guelf, Ontario. She has received specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Marriage Therapy and in Gottman technique from the Gottman Institute, and Infant-Parent Psychotherapy and Infant Mental Health at the SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (formerly the Hincks-Dellcrest Center). She is also trained as a Perinatal Mood Specialist through Postpartum Support International. She has completed two years of intensive study in psychoanalysis with the Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. She has been providing psychotherapy services for 10 years with skills complimented by her 25+ years of care-giving experience as a Registered Midwife and midwifery educator.
Armita Hosseini, M.Ed., M.A., C.Psych. Assoc. (Supervised Practice)
Armita Hosseini is a Psychological Associate (In Supervised Practice) who is currently registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario under Dr. Barb Mancini's supervision and is also a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is a skilled clinician with a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from University of Western Ontario (2013) and a Master’s of Arts in Clinical-Developmental Psychology from York University (2015). Throughout her clinical training, she has worked for publicly funded mental health agencies including Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, East Metro Youth Services, Aisling Child and Family Discoveries Centre and has been involved in private practice working with various mental health difficulties and populations. Currently, she conducts psycho-educational and psychological assessments to children, adolescents and adults with learning, attentional or mood difficulties. She also assesses individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle or industrial accidents. She is specialized in short-term, cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy for children, adolescents and adults.
Armita is warm, compassionate and highly collaborative in her approach to treatment. Therapy begins with a thorough psychological assessment to understand your life and the context of your concerns, as well as to develop the most effective and tailored treatment plan. Armita maintains a focus on the core concerns that impede your goals. She is sensitive and gentle in her approach and focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship. Currently, she is navigating her registration as a psychological associate in the province of Ontario under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Mancini.
Armita Hosseini, M.Ed., M.A., C. Psych. Assoc. (Supervised Practice) (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: armita@stepstonepsychology.com
از اینکه پروفایلم را مطالعه میکنید، ممنونم. رویکرد من به درمان روانشناسی، تلفیقی و بر اساس شواهد است. هدفم ایجاد فضایی امن برای توانمند کردن مراجعین است که در آن احساس کنند درک و حمایت میشوند تا بتوانند دشواریهای زندگی را به چالش بکشند و درنهایت شکوفا شوند. معتقدم اگر روابط، مبتنی بر اعتماد و صداقت باشد و نقاط قوت، کشف و به رسمیت شناخته شوند، تغییر ممکن خواهد شد. امیدوارم در روند شناخت چالشهایتان بتوانم در کنار شما، کودک یا خانوادهتان دلسوزانه به شما گوش بسپارم و کمک کنم.
من در مدت 10 سال آموزش بالینی و پژوهشی با چندین سازمان دولتی سلامت روان ازجمله مرکز اعتیاد و سلامت روان (CAMH)، مرکز کودک و خانواده آیزلینگ دیسکاوریز، EMYS و مراکز خصوصی متعدد کار کردهام. در حال حاضر با کودکان، نوجوانان و بزرگسالانی کار میکنم که چالشهای هیجانی گوناگونی دارند.
من به مسائل مرتبط با تبعیض و به حاشیه رانده شدن، علاقهمندم و با اعضای جامعه LGBTQ هم کار میکنم. خیلی علاقهمندم با اعضای اجتماعات متفاوت که با عدم پذیرش از جانب دوستان، خانواده و جامعه دستوپنجه نرم میکنند، کار کنم. خوشحال میشوم که با یک جلسه مشاوره تلفنی کوتاه مطمئن شوم که خدماتم جوابگوی نیاز شماست.
تخصص:
ADHD
کودک و نوجوان
اضطراب
مشکلات:
اوتیسم
درد مزمن
افسردگی
طلاق
سوگ
ناتوانی ذهنی
اختلال یادگیری
فرزندپروری
روابط همسالان
مشکلات رابطه
مشکلات مدرسه
عزتنفس
خواب یا بیخوابی
استرس
Mariam Ayoub, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Psychology Resident, (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: mayoub@stepstonepsychology.com
Mariam Ayoub is currently a doctoral student in the Clinical and Counselling Psychology program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto in her final year. She has been trained as a researcher and clinician in working with diverse populations of youth and adults, including marginalized communities (e.g., Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+). Mariam operates from a scientist-practitioner lens wherein her clinical training is informed by empirically-supported treatments. In her clinical work, she integrates evidenced-based interventions (EFT, CBT) within a client-centered and culturally sensitive framework, while also tailoring the interventions to suit the needs of each individual client.
Joanne Seel, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: jseel@stepstonepsychology.com
Joanne Seel is a clinical social worker with over ten years experience providing counselling to youths, adults and families. She works with people who feel stuck and overwhelmed by stresses in their life and relationships, whose feelings take over at the worst possible moments, and who have experienced pain and loss. Providing a supportive framework for clients to build on their strengths, Joanne uses evidence-based techniques that help individuals improve their lives and assist couples in connecting more deeply with one another.
Joanne has experience working with a broad range of mental health and substance use concerns. She graduated with a Masters of Social Work from Michigan State University, with a specialization in addiction and youth. She also works at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in the outpatient Child, Youth and Family program. Joanne has completed trainings in Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy for couples and families, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
Adina Hauser, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: ahauser@stepstonepsychology.com
Adina Hauser is a clinical social worker with over ten years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. Adina specializes in complex mental health, emotion dysregulation, addictions and concurrent disorders, parent coaching, and family therapy. Adina has also counselled parents whose children are experiencing early psychosis.Adina’s goal is to support parents and families as they navigate challenges due to mental health and/or substance use. Using principles of attachment, DBT, and Emotion-Focused Therapy approaches, Adina supports families in strengthening their connection to weather the storms that come with life’s interruptions and challenges. Adina’s expertise with youth / adolescent development provide a unique lens to understanding how family relationships change as youth transition to independence and assist families in sticking together during the hard times.
Adina completed a Bachelor’s of Arts (Honours) degree at the University of King’s College and a Master’s of Social Work at the University of Toronto, as well as a post-graduate fellowship at the Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (formally the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre), specializing in family therapy. Adina has trained in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural therapy, smoking cessation, motivational interviewing. Adina also currently works as the Clinical Lead for the Transitional Youth Program and Outpatient Mental Health Services at Michael Garron Hospital.
Adina gives psychoeducational webminars, trainings, and presentations on youth mental health, youth substance use, and how to support families through these difficult life moments. Adina was one of the first facilitators of Family Connections ™ in Toronto and has supervised peer facilitators for many years. Adina also teaches family therapy to students and psychiatry residents.
Adina is a warm and skilled clinician who creates a welcoming environment within which to build skills, process feelings, and help clients become more effective in their relationships and lives.
Brenda Danso, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: brenda@stepstonepsychology.com
Brenda Danso is a clinical therapist with over ten years of experience providing counselling to youth, adults, couples, and families. Brenda specializes in emotion dysregulation, family therapy, life transitions and couples counselling.
Brenda uses evidenced based counselling methods with a strong focus on motivational interviewing techniques to help people find the internal motivation needed to change undesired behaviors. Using principles of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches, she works from a collaborative approach with a deep respect for her clients' autonomy in decision making while helping them improve quality of life.
Brenda completed a Masters Social Work from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix. Brenda provides training and supervision in Motivational Interviewing and workshops supporting BIPOC mental health.
Her primary focus is to help individuals and families develop skills to better manage day-to-day stressors.
Jessica Furman, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Worker (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: jfurman@stepstonepsychology.com
Jessica Furman is a clinical social worker with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from McMaster University and Ryerson University respectively. Jessica has been a practicing social worker for 15 years and has therapeutic experience working in children's mental health settings as well as working with adults and couples in social service and community settings. Jessica has specialized knowledge and experience working in and alongside the child welfare system and worked for many years running group programs for women and children exposed to domestic violence.
Jessica offers client-centered therapy from an attachment-informed lens. This means that Jessica values your opinions, thoughts and beliefs and that she sees you as the expert on your life and lived experience. Working from an attachment-informed lens means that Jessica values relationships and connection. She works with Individuals (adult), couples and children (with their caregiver), youth and families, to address various stressors impacting relationships. She specializes in helping to address challenges including expressions of anger, anxiety, depression, stress, parenting challenges, self-esteem and relationship issues.
Understanding and gaining insight into the forces that drive our decision-making can help us to create long-lasting changes and take control of our lives in a meaningful way. Jessica utilizes various modalities to help you make meaning of your experiences. Modalities include, Narrative, Cognitive Behavioural, Solution-Focused, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness.
Jessica has lived and worked all over the world including Sweden, Israel, Ireland and Finland. She understands the challenge and gifts that come with leaning into change and is equipped to help you navigate the ebbs and flows of challenging times. Jessica understands that connection is one of the underlying foundations that drive us in our day to day lives. Whether we are having difficulty regulating our emotions, trusting ourselves or others, or staying "present" in the here and now, we are all seeking loving connections. Building a loving relationship with yourself is the first step in this process together.
Shaylea Badovinac, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Associate (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: shaylea@stepstonepsychology.com
Shaylea is currently completing her doctoral studies in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University and specializes in working with children, youth, and families. She completed her Masters degree at York University and her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Toronto. Shaylea has trained at a number of children’s mental health agencies including The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, an outpatient mental health clinic of McMaster Children’s Hospital. She has also trained at the York University Psychology Clinic, and provided assessment and treatment as part of that training as well as for various research studies at the university.
At Step Stone Psychology, Shaylea provides evidence-based therapies to children, adolescents, and their families. Specifically, Shaylea has experience dealing with issues related to anxiety, depression, learning and attention difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, behavioural and social challenges, as well as parenting issues. Shaylea provides a warm and supportive environment to all of her clients, tailoring her therapeutic style to meet the unique needs of each of her clients.
Rivka Levin, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Associate (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: rivka@stepstonepsychology.com
Rivka holds a Masters of Arts and is currently completing her doctoral degree in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. Rivka brings a genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to her work with individuals with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and parenting issues. Depending on what best suits the individual client, she integrates several evidence-based approaches, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Rivka has trained in a variety of mental health settings, including the Hospital for Sick Children, Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), and the York University Psychology Clinic. Academically, Rivka’s research focuses on emotion regulation among young adults. At Step Stone Psychology, Rivka provides comprehensive psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational assessments and evidence-based therapies to children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Elizabeth Wanstall, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: ewanstall@stepstonepsychology.com
Elizabeth Wanstall is currently completing her doctoral studies in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. She specializes in working with children, youth, families and parents. Elizabeth has received clinical training in the Tourette Syndrome Neurodevelopmental Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital, the Better Behaviours Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the York University Psychology Clinic. At Step Stone Psychology, Elizabeth provides evidence-based psychological assessments and therapies to her clients. In particular, she has experience dealing with anxiety, depression, learning and attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, behavioural challenges, Tourette syndrome and selective mutism. She aims to create a safe, collaborative and warm environment to support all her clients in meeting their individual therapeutic goals. Elizabeth is fluent in English and French and can offer services in both languages.
Elizabeth est une étudiante au doctorat à l’Université York dans le programme de psychologie clinique-développementale. Elle se spécialise à travailler avec des enfants, des jeunes, des familles et des parents. Elizabeth a reçu sa formation clinique à l’hôpital Toronto Western dans la clinique du syndrome de la Tourette, au centre de toxicomanie et de santé mentale (CAMH) dans la clinique d’amélioration du comportement, et à la clinique de psychologie à l’université York. À Step Stone Psychology, Elizabeth fournit des évaluations psychologiques et des thérapies à ses clients. Plus spécifiquement, elle a de l’expérience à traiter l’anxiété, la dépression, les difficultés d’apprentissage et d’attention (ex. TDAH), les troubles du spectre autistique, les difficultés comportementales, le syndrome de la Tourette et le mutisme sélectif. Elle vise à créer un milieu sécuritaire, collaboratif, et chaleureux qui supporte tous ses clients à atteindre leurs objectifs thérapeutiques personnels. Elizabeth parle couramment le français et l’anglais, et peut offrir ses services dans les deux langues.
Joanna Collaton, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: jcollaton@stepstonepsychology.com
Joanna Collaton is a Doctoral student in the Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology program at the University of Guelph, having received a Master of Arts from the same program, as well as a Master of Public Health from the University of Toronto. She has worked and trained in a number of settings including mental health hospitals, school boards, and community psychological practices in Toronto and Guelph.
Joanna has experience working with children, youth, and adults who have difficulties with emotion regulation, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns. She incorporates components of several evidenced-based therapies (ACT, DBT, CBT, EFT) in her work.
Joanna strives to use an anti-oppressive and culturally-informed framework in working with clients of diverse gender identities and cultural backgrounds. She works to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment for clients by meeting them where they are and working together to meet their therapeutic goals.
Rachael Lyon, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her Pronouns)
Email: rlyon@stepstonepsychology.com
Rachael is a doctoral student in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology program at York University. She works with children, youth, and families with various presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, learning and attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), emotion dysregulation, perfectionism and behavioural challenges. Rachael also has particular experience working with autistic children and youth, as well as children with brain injuries and neurological conditions (e.g., Epilepsy, stroke, prematurity).
Rachael’s training and experience includes variety of mental health settings, including the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto Western Hospital and the York University Psychology Clinic.
At Step Stone, Rachael provides evidenced-based psychological assessments and therapies, and aims to create a warm, empathic and non-judgmental environment to support clients in working towards their therapeutic goals.
Nicholas Ostapchuk, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student (He/Him Pronouns)
Email: nicholas@stepstonepsychology.com
Nick Ostapchuk is currently completing his doctoral studies in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. He specializes in working with emerging adults and adults. Nicholas has received clinical training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and the OISE Psychology Clinic.
At Step Stone Psychology, Nick provides evidence-based psychological assessments and therapies to his clients including, EFT, ACT, and CBT. In particular, he has experience dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and sexual behaviour problems. Nick firmly believes that his clients are the experts on themselves. Therefore, Nick constantly works towards reducing any power-dynamic between therapist and client, and strives to meet his client wherever they are at. Nick’s therapeutic practice is rooted in safety, non-judgement, and empathy.