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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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., Master’s Student Intern
Teen & Adult Services
Malina completed her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at Concordia University and is in the process of completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville 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.
Lois Cumming, Certified Professional & Personal Coach
Adult Services
Lois is an Associate Certified Coach, accredited by the International Coaching Federation. She has extensive experience supporting the development of individuals and teams within a global organization. For over 30 years Lois has coached, mentored and supported individuals to realize their dreams and goals. Through Virtual sessions she provides the safe space for any individual who wants to explore their deepest desires and greatest challenges. She cherishes the courage and humanity in all her clients as they strive in their work for more meaningful and impactful lives.
Thalia Dabda, ICF-Certified Life Coach
Teen & Adult Services
Thalia is an ICF-Certified Life Coach with nearly two decades of experience working with teens and young adults. She pursued her innate love for education as a tutor in multiple high schools shortly after completing her Bachelor of Commerce at McGill. She eventually founded her business, Study Buddy Tutoring, in 2012 and pursued it full-time, while also hiring and training tutors along the way. Though fond of teaching math, what she found most rewarding was the meaningful connection she formed with her students. She honed her skills in interpreting body language and energy and tailoring motivational strategies to each student’s specific needs. She understood their academic success was strongly tied to their mental and emotional health.
Philippe Olivier-Tremblay, Éd. Spe./S.C.C.
Teen & Adult Services
Philippe-Olivier holds a special care counselling technique from the CÉGEP Marie-Victorin. He has 10 years of experience working with various populations dealing with different adjustment problems (drug use, mental health, homelessness, behavioral problems, etc.). He worked as an outreach worker and street worker in several Montreal neighbourhoods before moving into the private sector to work with adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship problems, grief, etc.
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) and his masters in social work from Université de Montréal. He is also a licenced 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.
Tyler Dockendorff, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Young 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.
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).
Dr. Jamie Marie Duggan, Ph.D.
Teen & Young Adult 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lynne Goldberg, Meditation Coach
Adult Services
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.
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.
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.
Erika Infantino, B.A.
Assessment Team Member
Erika Infantino is a member of the assessment team at the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Honours Psychology with a minor in Multidisciplinary Studies in Science at Concordia University. Currently, she is completing her Master’s degree in the School of Applied Child Psychology program at McGill University.
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.
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. 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.
Michael Naoufal, B.A.
Assessment Team Member
Michael is a member of the assessment team at the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Behavioural Sciences and Sociology at McGill. Michael is currently completing his Master’s degree in the School/Applied Child Psychology program at McGill University.
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.
Bianca Pungartnik, MSc, OCCOQ, CCC
Child, Teen & Adult Services
Bianca is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical counsellor. 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.
She has over seven years of professional experience as a clinical mental health & crisis counsellor working with a diverse client group struggling with a wide range of difficulties including behavioural problems, emotional regulation, reactive attachment disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conversion disorder, as well as relationship difficulties.
Meagan Reinish, MSW, PSW, t.s.
Teen & Adult Services
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.
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.
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
Child, Teen, 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
Child, 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.
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.
James Shank, BA, MSW
Child, Teen & Adult Services
James is a is an Addictions and Mental health specialist and therapist and an accredited member of the L’Association québécoise des thérapeutes naturels as a Naturotherapist . He completed his bachelor degrees in Human Environment and Applied Human Sciences with a specialization in Human Relations at Concordia University.
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.
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.
Katie Kelly, Special Care Counsellor, BA
Child, Teen & Adult 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.
Marie Soulier, Sexologist
Teen & Adult Services
Marie is a sexologist and member of the Ordre Professionnel des Sexologues du Québec. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and offers counselling services.
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.
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!