Zoe Adler
Administration
Zoe Adler is a member of the administration team at the West Island Therapy & Wellness Centre. She has completed a DEC in Science at John Abbott College. She is currently studying her Bachelor’s of Science in Honours Psychology at Concordia University. Zoe has extensive volunteer experience within the mental health sector.
Michelle Azimov, MSW, PSW, t.s
Adult Services
Michelle is a clinical social worker and an accredited member of the Order of Social Workers, Family, and Marriage Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ). She completed her Bachelor degree in Psychology at Concordia University and her Masters of Social Work degree at McGill University. She has experience working with individuals in both hospital and community settings.
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.
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.
Christina Benedetti, MSW, PSW, MFT, t.s.
Teen & 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.
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, B.A.
Clinical Mental Health Coordinator
Malina Cipriano joined the West Island Therapy & Wellness Centre in 2016. She currently serves our Clinical Mental Health Coordinator. Malina has many years of experience working with children of various ages as a dance teacher. She also has experience working with both regular stream and special needs students in addition to extensive volunteer work.
Brandi Cowl, M.A., Certified Life and Wellness Coach, Health Coach
Adult Services
It was through her own process of self-discovery that Brandi began her passionate pursuit to cultivate peace, health and happiness both in her own life, and in the lives of others.Her years of yoga and coaching shape her holistic mind-body approach to wellness. Coaching with Brandi includes three key principles: cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and calm.
Lois Cummings, Certified Professional & Personal Coach
Adult Services
Connecting with people is most meaningful to me. Investing in others led me to coaching. What could be more meaningful than creating a Coaching relationship that supports growth, transformation and the realization of potential.
I have extensive experience as a woman in the corporate world which has given me the opportunity to work with many amazing people. This is balanced by my role as a mom.
Andrea Davidson, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child & Teen 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.
Tyler Dockendorff, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Tyler is a clinical social worker and registered member of the Order of Social Workers, Family and Marriage Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ). He completed a bachelor’s in biology and sociology respectively, as well as a Masters of Social Work at McGill. He has experience working with men struggling with violent emotions and behaviour, as well as an assortment of other issues.
Dr. Jamie Marie Duggan, Ph.D.
Child & Teen Services
Dr. Jamie Duggan is a graduate from the School of Applied Child Psychology program at McGill University. Her clinical and research interests include emotion regulation, body image, self-harm, anxiety and depression, learning disabilities, and ADHD in both elementary-aged children and adolescents. Dr. Duggan completed her clinical internship and practicum at the Day/Evening Hospital at the Jewish General Hospital, a treatment centre for children with psychological, cognitive, behavioural, and family problems.
Alexandra Elharrar
Administration
Gina Glidden, PhD, PSW, SCC
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Gina Glidden is a professional social worker and a special care counselor with over 25 combined years of clinical work. Her work experience reaches across the lifespan: youth, young adults and adults with disabilities; siblings and parents of children with disabilities; and seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
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.
Jessica Gottlieb, MSW, PSW, t.s
Child & Teen Services
Jessica Gottlieb has over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. She is passionate about empowering and motivating her clients to reach their fullest potential while creating a warm therapeutic alliance. Jessica is trained in a variety of counselling techniques including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Jory Gruber OTR, Msc
Child Services
Jory Gruber is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience working with children. For as long as she can remember, she has had a deep passion to work with this population in any capacity she could help them in. Jory specializes in areas associated with child development; ranging from gross and fine motor skills to handwriting skills, school and play skill development, visual motor and visual perceptual skills.
Sherri Gutberg, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Child, 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.
Erika Infantino
Administration
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 7 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.
Olivia Lazimbat
Intern
Dr. Fallyn Leibovitch, Ph.D.
Child & Teen Services
Dr. Leibovitch is a graduate of the School/Applied Child Psychology program at McGill University and she is a member in good standing of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec. She has over 7 years of extensive experience in the Montreal hospital system, including both inpatient and outpatient child/adolescent psychiatry departments at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
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.
Jaclyn Mestel, MSW
Adult Services
Jaclyn Mestel is a member of the Quebec Order of Social Workers and the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec. Jaclyn has been a part of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre for over 10 years. She has developed an expertise in working with young adults and truly enjoys accompanying her clients on their journeys of self-discovery.
Tanya van Niekerk, MA, RP
Adult Services
Tanya van Niekerk is a qualifying registered psychotherapist. She has master’s degrees in both counselling psychology and research psychology. She has a special interest in postnatal depression, pre and post natal attachment and aspects related to loss and grief. She has experience in addictions and trauma support work and served on the Riebeek Valley Trauma Centre’s managing committee that operated in underprivileged communities in South Africa. Tanya is a life-long learner and continuously invests in ongoing training and formal supervision.
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,
Ashley Orloff, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Ashley Orloff is a passionate clinical social worker who offers a warm, open, and supportive therapeutic environment. Her experience includes working with individuals for issues surrounding anxiety, depression, relationship, life changes/transitions, self-compassion, communication, and bereavement. Ashley firmly believes in a person’s inner wisdom, and as such, her primary approach is one that is strength-based.
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.
Rebecca Pollak, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
Rebecca Pollak is a clinical social worker and a member of the Order of Social Workers, Family, and Marriage Therapists of Quebec (OTSTCFQ). She offers therapy for individuals struggling with various issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, difficult life transitions, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress and anger management.
Bianca Pungartnik, MSc, OCCOQ, CCPA
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Bianca is a licensed counsellor with the Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec (OCCOQ), and pursuing a psychotherapy permit with the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (CCPA). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counselling at The State University of New York.
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.
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.
Tammy Frohlich-Salis, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Adult Services
Tammy Frohlich-Salis is a member in good standing of the Order of Social Workers of Quebec. Tammy has 25 years of counseling expertise in hospital settings, schools, and private practice. She specializes in the treatment of young adults and is known for her empathy, compassion, and sense of humour. Tammy connects well people, helps them to define therapy goals, and supports their journey of change or acceptance.
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.
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.
France Turcotte B.Ed
Child & Teen Services
France Turcotte was an elementary school teacher for 35 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in preschool and elementary education. During her long career, she participated in the development of the French immersion program for Kindergarten and created a working document for students in Grade 3 called “L’Ouvre-boîte” for the Montreal Protestant School Board.
Tarina Wagschal
Teen & Adult Services
Tarina Wagschal is a certified life strategist and executive coach who has worked over the last 18 years both in the private sector and with individuals. She has earned the reputation for a gold standard expert in life strategy and working with people to discover and live the best versions of their lives. Tarina has a direct and pragmatic communication style and is known for her ability to help people transform their lives and drive them towards deliberate successful action.
Chrissy Weber, MA, CCC
Teen & Adult Services
Chrissy Weber is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and former life coach. Chrissy has over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults, and has a passion for helping individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, postpartum depression, parental burnout, relationship difficulties and more. Chrissy is known for empowering and motivating her clients to push past their limitations in order to achieve their personal goals. She works with individuals and couples, as well as facilitating support groups and workshops.
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.
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!