Josh Applebaum, M.Ed, Counselling
Teen & Adult Services
Josh Applebaum holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master’s degree in counselling. Josh has many years of clinical support services to teens and adults. Josh has offered his services to the public in his private practice, community agencies, and industry.
Hera Baboudjian, BSW, SW, t.s.
Adult Services
Hera Baboudjian is a trilingual social worker who truly believes in the full potential and the resiliency of each being. She’s passionate about accompanying each person to support them through the challenges they may be experiencing, in order to help them attain a well-being and to regain balance once again.
Tina Balazovjech, M.A., CSP
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Tina Balazovjech obtained her Bachelor’s in Arts degree in Psychology from McGill University and Master’s in Arts in Child Study from Concordia University. She successfully completed a board level certification for the profession of psychometry. As a Board Certified Specialists in Psychometry, Tina demonstrates the knowledge and experience needed to administer and score psychometric measures. Over the past 20 years Tina has worked with children in a variety of settings, including at the early childhood, elementary and high school levels.
Irene Beeman, MSW, t.s.
Adult, Individual & Couples services
Christina Benedetti, MSW, PSW, MFT, t.s.
Adult Services
Christina Benedetti is a licensed psychotherapist and social worker. She has a post Masters degree in couple and family therapy. Over the past 20 years, Christina has worked with many people struggling with a variety of issues including: relationship and communication difficulties, depression/anxiety, sexual problems, symptoms related to trauma and loss, workplace and parenting struggles. She strives on providing a safe, caring environment for clients to explore complex and often very painful issues in a contained, constructive manner.
Arielle Ben-Zaken, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Arielle Ben-Zaken received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia University, and her Master’s of Social Work degree from McGill University. Arielle is a member, in good standing, with the Ordre Professionnel des Travailleurs Sociaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). Arielle has over 10 years of experience working with children and adolescents.
Tracy Braunstein, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Child Services
Tracy Braunstein has been a certified pediatric sleep consultant since 2012. She works with families worldwide, helping them achieve the sleep they need . Working with all ages, from prenatal to adolescent, Tracy has the knowledge, tools and passion for proper sleep and helps tired parents everywhere solve their families sleep problems.She genuinely believes that healthy sleep is a pillar of optimal health and wellbeing. Tracy is here to help you with sleep solutions that will fit in with your family’s parenting philosophies and beliefs.
Stephanie Brookman, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Adult Services
Stephanie Brookman is a licensed psychotherapist and social worker who has worked in both the public and private sector for the past 20 years. She has experience working with individuals struggling with depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-confidence, work-related burnout, infertility, post-partum depression/anxiety as well as parenting-related issues. Stephanie strives to offer a warm, nurturing environment whereby her clients can safely explore their feelings, thought patterns and behaviours.
Melanie Caron, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Melanie is a clinical social worker dedicated to helping people deepen their connection with themselves and their lives. She believes that we all possess the power to regain our vitality and heal our past traumas. She has worked in the public sector for 10+ years having worked in child, youth and adult mental health, and with families who have experienced trauma, bereavement and loss and postpartum issues. Melanie is passionate about working with adults and young adults suffering from issues of anxiety/depression, parenting related issues, infertility, postpartum depression, self esteem, bereavement, and work related burnout.
Malina Cipriano, C.C.C
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Malina is a Canadian certified counsellor and Naturotherapist. She completed her Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at Concordia University. Malina first joined the West Island Therapy & Wellness Centre in 2016 and served as a Mental Health Clinical Coordinator on our administration team. She also has many years of experience working with children and adolescents of various ages as a dance teacher.
Rémi Cloutier, MSW
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Rémi Cloutier holds a Bachelor of Social Work (2008), a Graduate Diploma in Gerontology (2014), and a master’s degree in social administration (2022). He is now undertaking courses in health systems evaluation. Remi has a diverse practice, as he provides psychosocial assessments for curatorships, as well as follow-ups using CBT, systemic and biopsychosocial approaches.
Carly Coxford, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child & Teen Services
Carly is a clinical social worker with over 15 years‘ experience working with children, teens and their families. She obtained her Bachelor‘s degree in Human Relations at Concordia University and her Master‘s degree in Social Work at McGill University.
Carly is caring and non–judgmental, and uses a collaborative approach when engaging with her clients in an effort to make them feel safe and comfortable to open up, share and work together to improve their current situations.
Rebecca D’Amico, M.S.W; P.S.W; Certified Clinical Counsellor (C.C.C.)
Adult Services
Rebecca is a Clinical Social Worker registered in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. She graduated from McGill with her Masters of Social Work in 2007. Rebecca has been working in the field of social work and mental health for over 20 years; starting out in Child Welfare and moving into mental health, individual counselling, and clinical supervision.
Andrea Davidson, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Andrea Davidson has over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families. Andrea has particular expertise in areas associated with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, peer relations, parenting challenges, body image, self-esteem, physical abuse, complex trauma, conjugal violence and crisis intervention.
Stefanie Demberg, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Stefanie is a clinical social worker and a licensed member of the Ordre des Travailleurs Sociaux et Therapeutes Conjugaux et Familiaux du Quebec. She has a Masters degree from McGill University and over a decade of experience working in public health. Stefanie has experience working with persons with disabilities of all ages, and can assist both adults and children in navigating life challenges that result in stress/anxiety/ and an inability to cope.
Michael Di Giovanni, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Michael received his undergraduate degree in Social work from McGill University (2014) followed by his masters in social work from Université de Montréal (2016). He is a licensed clinical social worker with the Order of Social Workers, Family and Marriage Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ). He has over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families in the public sector.
Jennifer Dupuis, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child & Teen Services
Jennifer is a clinical social worker with almost 15 years of experience in the helping profession. She is passionate about helping people overcome challenges and become agents of change in their own lives. Her lived experience, down-to-earth nature, non-judgemental approach and use of humour, when appropriate, allows her to connect with people of all ages and establish a collaborative working relationship, to empower each individual to achieve their goals and identify skills and tools that will be useful in all spheres of their lives.
Dena Elgendy, C.C.C
Adult Services
Dena is a Canadian certified counsellor and holds a Master of Arts Counselling Psychology graduate from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University. Dena has a passion for helping others and is dedicated to seeing her clients achieve their goals. She strives to maintain a safe and nonjudgmental atmosphere for her clients. Dena believes fostering a good therapeutic relationship and a safe environment are key aspects of helping her clients move towards psychological health and happiness.
Alexandra Elharrar
Administration
Gina Glidden, PhD, PSW, SCC
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Gina Glidden, PhD, PSW, SCC Gina Glidden is a professional social worker and special care counselor with over 25 combined years of work experience. She works with young adults, adults, and seniors; individually, in couple relationships, or in groups. With her clients, Gina provides support, guidance, and emotional accompaniment related to loss and grief; sadness, depression and anxiety; relationships and communication; transitioning into adulthood; adjustment to new life circumstances; and post-diagnostic parenting support.
Laura Gilbert, MFT
Teen & Adult Services
Laura Gilbert is a licensed MFT and ADHD Coach. She has a MA in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Literature. She has more than 20 years of experience in the practice of psychotherapy and is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology and Literature Online.
Taylor Goodleaf, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Thérèse Gsell, MSW, PSW
Adult Services
Therese Gsell has over 11 years of counseling experience with families, couples and adults who struggle with relationship issues, behavioral issues, crisis, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and systemic violence.
Fluent in French, English and Spanish, she uses mainly cross-cultural, systemic, and solution-focused approaches in her work.
Sherri Gutberg, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Sherri Gutberg is a graduate from McGill University where she obtained her bachelor and master of social work. She has close to 20 years experience working in the public sector and has particular experience in working with children, teens, individuals, couples and families affected by ADHD, school anxiety, low confidence, autism, intellectual disabilities, generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, stress management, relationship issues and life changes.
Jennifer Haydock
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Jennifer Haydock is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She received a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Concordia University. Her professional experience as a bilingual counselling intern, mental health specialist, intake counsellor, and academic youth mentor has shaped her into the helping therapist she is today.
Kathleen Kelly Special Care Counsellor
Child & Teen Services
Katie is presently a clinical supervisor who is passionate about the ASD and ADHD community. Katie has 20 years of hands-on experience working in the health care sector with a variety of different clientele, ASD, ADHD, Mental Health disorders, Challenging Behavioral Disorders aging from 0-90 years of age. She has extreme compassion for her clients as well as the families that she works with as she has personal experience with ADHD and learning difficulties. She offers exceptional knowledge in home, school and community adaptations as well as guiding families to access services needed within different sectors.
Ryce Kreissl, SCC, BSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Ryce is a clinical social worker and registered member of the Order of Social Workers, Family and Marriage Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ). Ryce has over 10 years of culminated experience working with individuals and families who are experiencing houselessness/homelessness, domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, mental health and addiction issues, trauma, YouthProtection issues, and crisis intervention. Ryce works from a strength-based and trauma informed lens in order to best support her clients.
Margaux Lamy, BSW, MSW, CFT, psychotherapist
Teen & Adult Services
Margaux Lamy holds a Bachelor’s degree of Social Work (Université de Montréal, 2012), a Master degree of Social Work (Université de Sherbrooke, 2018) and a Master degree of Applied Science in Couple and Family Therapy (McGill University, 2020). She is a licensed member of the OPQ (Ordre des psychologues du Québec) and of the OTSTCFQ (Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec).
Mollie Lawrence, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Mollie Lawrence is a clinical social worker who has over ten years of experience working with children and over the last 8 years, she has worked with children, adolescents, young adults and their families in both the public and community sectors, including youth protection. Mollie has particular expertise in areas associated with a broad range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder and psychosis. She also has expertise in parent-child relationships, attachment, peer relations, body image and self-esteem, behavioral issues, complex trauma, conjugal violence and crisis intervention.
Deborah Levy, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Deborah has over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She specializes in areas associated with anxiety, peer relationships, sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, couples and family relationships, physical abuse, sexual abuse, conjugal violence and children with special needs.
Ilana Lichtman, OCCOQ
Adult Services
Ilana is a registered counsellor with the Order des Conseillers et Conseillères d”Orientation du Quebec (OCCOQ). She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Honours Psychology from Concordia University and recently graduated with a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Ilana’s graduate clinical experience surrounds working with university students coping with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-esteem, and relational issues from a cognitive-behavioural lens.
Jaclyn Mestel, MSW
Adult Services
Jaclyn Mestel is a member of the Quebec Order of Social Workers and the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec. She is a clinical consultant for the West Island Therapy Center and offers supervision to the therapists who are on our team.
Amy Mikhael, MSW
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Amy is a clinical social worker with extensive experience working with youth and families in the community. She strives to equip her clients with tools that will ultimately help enhance their quality of life and lead to happy, healthy and fulfilling futures. For the past decade, Amy has focused on providing a safe and nurturing space for her clients to feel heard and validated while working through challenges. She believes in implementing mindfulness, CBT and research-based tools, which empower her clients to break negative cycles, build resilience and find balance in their lives.
Melissa Myers, Occupational Therapist
Adult Services
Melissa received her masters in Occupational Therapy from Western University. As a mental health clinician, she works with clients on a diverse spectrum of issues including addiction, severe and persistent mental illness, and first episode psychosis. Melissa’s mind-body approach to wellness helps women and their partners navigate the deeply personal landscape of fertility and reproductive health issues. During her career, she has worked at the Allen Memorial Hospital and Griffith Edwards house as part of the MUHC’s mental health mission.
Dorothy Nicolaou, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Adult Services
Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness.” Anonymous
Do you wonder why the same patterns reoccur multiple times at different stages of your life? You have consulted professionals, sometimes even for years, in order to heal the wounds of the past – old and more recent. Life seems to find its flow and then suddenly, through a new crisis, wounds resurface and memories of a distant or near past come back to haunt you.
Stephanie O’Coin, RPN, Mental Health Coach
Teen & Adult Services
Stephanie O’Coin has ten years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and their families. She engages a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to coaching, being respectful of her client’s distinctive journeys and life experiences. Stephanie provides a safe and nurturing space for clients to reflect and move forward while empowering them to challenge some of the fears and perceptions that may be hindering their progress,
Caroline Pawelczyk, Clinical Care Counselor
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Caroline is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychology Association (CCPA). She has a specialized psychology undergraduate degree from Concordia University and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her professional experience working collaboratively in a mental health firm as a counselling intern, national manager as well as intake counsellor helped her become the therapist she is today.
Sierra Pecsi, M.Ed., CCC
Child & Teen Services
Sierra Pecsi is doctoral student in School/Applied Child Psychology at McGill University and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with several years of experience working with children and teens in a variety of settings. Sierra’s doctoral research will be examining the long-term effects of COVID-19 on youth anxiety and the factors that contribute to post-pandemic mental health outcomes. The goal of her research is to make research more practical and useful for clinicians.
Meagan Reinish, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Barbara Richardson, Special Care Counsellor
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Barbara Richardson is a Special Care Counsellor with 17 years’ experience working with individuals with ASD, ADHD, and ASD/Comorbidity within the public healthcare system. She has worked in many different areas helping individuals develop skills related to all aspects of life, from elementary aged children to older adults. She has extensive experience working with families, schools, community programs, employment programs, long term care, and psychiatry.
Emily Riley, Mental Performance Consultant
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Nataki Roberts, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Nataki Roberts MSW, psw, has over 20 years experience working in mental health. Nataki works with couples, adults and adolescents experiencing relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder and burnout. Nataki offers a safe space where she works collaboratively with clients finding their inner strength and developing the necessary tools to address the issues they are struggling with.
Melissa Rodney, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Adult Services
Melissa is a clinical social worker with 18 years of experience working with adults in the public sector facing critical illness. She is a registered member of the l’ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ).
Her area of clinical expertise includes health diagnosis, grief & loss, advance planning, feelings of stress, anxiety, and caregiver burnout.
Lisa Rutledge, RD
Teen & Adult Services
Lisa Rutledge is a registered dietitan who has worked in both the public and private sector for the past 15 years. She is currently registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Order of Dietitians of Quebec and is a member of Dietitians of Canada.
Lisa graduated from McGill University in Nutritional Sciences and completed a dietetic internship at various institutions in Montreal, Quebec. Lisa is experienced working with both adults and teens in both individual counselling and group nutrition education.
Farah Samkissoon, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen, Adult Services
Farah Samkissoon is a licensed social worker who has worked in both the public and private sector. Farah received her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work from McGill University. She has over ten years of expertise working with children and their families in child protected services and five years of expertise working with victims and perpetrators of conjugal violence.
Dr. David Sarfati, MD, FRCPC, Psychiatrist
Teen and Adult Services
Dr. David Sarfati is a McGill University trained Psychiatrist with an expertise in occupational mental health and community psychiatry. He has an active multi-provincial outpatient practice with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders, and is affiliated with McMaster University as an assistant clinical professor.
Dr. Sarfati also performs clinical assessments with a focus on functional recovery for multiple high-quality providers in the occupational health field, and provides consulting services to one of Canada’s largest insurance providers.
Tracy Satov, Registered Dietitian (RD), BA, MSc
Teen & Adult Services
Tracy pursued her bachelor’s degree at McGill University and completed her masters in science at New York University. She completed her dietetic internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Tracy’s experience includes clinical settings such as the intensive care unit (surgical and other) as well as private practice. She also taught nutrition to college level students in New York city.
Tracy is licensed to practice in Quebec and New York state.
Tara Saxe, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Tara received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Social Work from McGill University. She is a member in good standing with the Ordre Professionnel des Travailleurs Sociaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ).
Tara has extensive experience working with neurodiverse children, adolescents and youth adults and their families in helping them navigate their challenges and the system. Her therapeutic interests include anxiety disorders, stress management, behavioural issues and loss.
Hamida Shahid, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Hamida is a clinical social worker accredited by the Order of Social Workers, Family, and Marriage Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ), and pursuing a psychotherapy permit with the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ). She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations at Concordia University and her Master’s degree in Social Work at McGill University.
Hamida is continually inspired by the strength, determination, and resiliency she witnesses in individuals who strive to thrive despite adversity.
Yasmine Sikender, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Adult Services
Yasmine Suzanne Sikender is a bilingual social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from McGill University. She works with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions and loss/grief. She provides a safe space for you to share your story with her.
Ronna Sinclair, Special Care Counselor
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Ronna Sinclair is a Special Care Counselor with 25 years’ experience in the public sector. Her extensive career in the helping profession has allowed her to work with neuro-typical clientele and those with a diagnosis. She has practiced in daycares, schools, group homes, home environments and/or in the community. Her role as an SCC has allowed her to work with children, teenagers, young adults and with parents who have children with challenges. She has extensive experience with variety of diagnoses: ASD, ADD, ADHD, ODD, emotional, social and/or behavioral challenges.
Christine Zaklama, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Adult Services
Christine Zaklama is a licensed social worker and a member in good standing with l’Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). She works with individuals in Quebec and across Canada, helping them achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves
Annie Werbitt, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Annie is a clinical social worker, whose clinical experience is working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families, in the public and private sector. She is a registered member of the l’Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ). Her areas of clinical expertise include anxiety and depression; emotion regulation, minor and major health diagnoses; peer relations and family difficulties; and life transitions.
Theo
Emotional Support Dog
My name is Theo. I am a three year old Bernese Mountain dog who is trained to be an emotional support dog. I am extremely affectionate and gentle. I love running outside, playing tug of war, taking long lazy naps in the sun but most of all, I love putting smiles on people’s faces. I very much welcome a good belly rub and some cuddles so don’t hesitate to approach me! I may be big but i’m extremely loving and nurturing. I look forward to helping all kinds of people, both kids and adults, by putting them at ease, reducing their stress and bringing joy to their lives!