Dr. Stella Dentakos is a Clinical and Health Psychologist who leads our pediatric Health Psychology Service at Step Stone. She provides services in-person as well as virtually across the province of Ontario. Dr. Stella has extensive experience working with children and youth with both physical and mental health needs. She sees clients presenting with various concerns including anxiety, depression, low mood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emotion regulation, trauma, disruptive behaviors, and general adjustment needs and/or difficulties coping with stress. Dr. Stella is a skilled diagnostician who provides comprehensive psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational assessments, as well as support to children and youth with complex mental health, attentional, behavioural, and learning needs. As a Health Psychologist, Dr. Stella also has experience addressing chronic pain, somatic symptoms (e.g., stomach aches, headaches), Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND; formerly known as conversion disorder). Dr. Stella has experience in addressing medical trauma and/or difficult hospital experiences, phobias related to medical experiences/contexts including needle fears and phobia, barriers to treatment adherence, and coping with acute and chronic illness. Dr. Stella works collaboratively with a client’s circle of care and educational teams, providing consultation, support, and advocacy within the community and across healthcare services. Dr. Stella also provides comprehensive parenting and caregiver support and is a certified Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP) facilitator. Dr. Stella is known for her warm, accepting, collaborative, and inclusive therapeutic style in which children and adolescents feel supported. She adopts an empathic, trauma-informed approach to care and provides an open, safe, and non-judgmental environment. Dr. Stella approaches treatment from an evidence-based framework while also considering individual trajectories and goals. She has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-Informed), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Dr. Stella completed her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University. She then completed a Pre-Doctoral Residency and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, where she continues to work as a staff Psychologist. At the hospital, Dr. Stella has worked with various multidisciplinary medical teams including chronic pain, oncology, general pediatrics, genetics, gastroenterology, and cardiology. At Step Stone, Dr. Stella collaborates with the interdisciplinary Step Stone team which includes Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, and Doctoral Associates. Dr. Stella also received training at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the York University Psychology Clinic (YUPC) and in private practice. Dr. Stella is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and provides supervision and mentorship to Psychologists in Supervised Practice as well as Doctoral Associates and Psychology Practicum Students. Dr. Nina Vitopoulos, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, completed her PhD at the University of Toronto. She works with children, parents, adolescents, and adults towards increased wellness using an integrative approach coming from a variety of evidence-based modalities including emotion-focused, interpersonal, cognitive behavioural/dialectical behavioural, and attachment-based psychotherapies. She works with clients across the lifespan with diverse ethnic, sexual and gender identities. Nina has developed strong assessment and intervention expertise in the areas of learning, mood/anxiety, complex mental health concerns, and trauma. Nina’s research focuses on the impact of trauma on the lives of marginalized youth, and implications for treatment design and implementation across homelessness and youth justice sectors. She has completed training in multiple settings including the Toronto District School Board, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Women’s College Hospital’s Trauma Therapy Program, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. 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 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. Gollino’s caseload is currently full and she is not accepting new clients for a waitlist at this time. 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. Faaborg-Andersen’s caseload is currently full and she is not accepting new clients for a waitlist at this time. 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. Dr. Azin Taheri provides consultation services for assessments at Step Stone. 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 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. Dr. Taher’s caseload is currently full and she is not accepting new clients for a waitlist at this time. She however continues to provide consultation to Step Stone to assist with assessment and treatment case needs. 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. Bhisham Kinha completed 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. 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. Joanne Seel is a clinical social worker with over twelve years of experience providing counseling to children, youths, adults and families. Joanne graduated with a Masters of Social Work from Michigan State University, with additional training in child development. Additionally, Joanne has completed training in Narrative Therapy, Emotionally focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Joanne has an interest in working with couples and families. She has completed specialized trainings, an externship, and supervision through ICEEFT in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. Joanne provides therapy for a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self esteem, addictions, relationship challenges, and life stressors. She works from an attachment lens that explores the impact that past and current relationships have in our lives. 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 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. 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. Dr. Mariam Ayoub earned her Doctorate in the Clinical and Counselling Psychology program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. 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. 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. 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. 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. Shanelle Henry completed her MA and is currently completing her PhD in School Clinical Child Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. She works with children and adolescents presenting with challenges related to emotion dysregulation, mood, and anxiety, as well as caregivers experiencing parenting difficulties and looking for support to help their children. She also has experience working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD; intellectual disability). Shanelle completed her predoctoral residency at the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids. She also has worked within various education and public health settings, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Surrey Place, and the Toronto District School Board. Shanelle is well-versed in psychological assessment and provides services at Step Stone in the areas of cognition and learning, ADHD, disruptive behaviour, trauma, complex mental health difficulties, and family systems. She also conducts forensic assessments for adolescents who are involved in the criminal justice system. At Step Stone, Shanelle takes an integrative approach to intervention, with an emphasis on tailoring therapy to meet the individual needs of her clients. She has experience in both structured, directive approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused, and dialectical behavioural therapy, as well as non-directive approaches, such as relational and attachment-based therapy. Shanelle values taking a culturally informed approach to working with clients and emphasizes being able to work with clients to achieve goals that align with their values and developmental stage. Jessica Chuchin is currently completing her doctoral studies in the Clinical Psychology Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU, formerly known as Ryerson), after having completed a Master of Arts at TMU in 2019. She has trained at the Psychology clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital and in the Psychology department at the Hospital for Sick Children. Jessica has experience providing evidence-based psychological assessments and therapies to children, youth, parents, and adults. Jessica has worked with a range of concerns include anxiety, depression, learning and attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), and disordered eating. Jessica also has experience working with children and adolescents with metabolic/genetic disorders (e.g., Luft’s disease, MPSIH), epilepsy, autism, and selective mutism. At Step Stone Psychology, Jessica aims to create a collaborative, warm, and safe environment, tailoring assessments and intervention to each client’s needs and goals. She believes the therapeutic process is rooted in practicing unconditional compassion and empathy to help support clients in their discovery of themselves, their challenges, and (most importantly) their strengths. Dr. Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas is a clinical and school psychologist registered under Dr. Di Lorenzo-Klas strives to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative Dr. Hannah Gennis is a clinical and health psychologist registered under supervised practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Gennis completed her PhD in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology Program at York University, where she also received a Graduate Diploma in Health Psychology. She has worked clinically in several settings including the Hospital for Sick Children and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She recently completed her pre-doctoral residency at the Alberta Children’s Hospital where she worked closely with children and adolescents in both outpatient and inpatient settings. At Step Stone, Dr. Gennis currently provides both assessment and therapy services for children and adolescents within the Health Psychology Service. Dr. Gennis is also a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security Parenting™ program, and provides this service to parents at Step Stone. Dr. Gennis strives to provide a warm, safe, and collaborative environment for her clients. She works from an evidence-based framework, while also acknowledging each client’s unique differences, values, and goals. Danielle is currently a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Toronto Metropolitan University (recently renamed). She has received clinical and research training in a variety of settings across the GTA, including the University of Toronto, Child Development Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences (McMaster Children’s Hospital, Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre), and most recently, the Peel District School Board. At Step Stone, Danielle specializes in providing evidence-based assessment and intervention services to children, youth, and families with various presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, attention and learning challenges, disruptive behaviours, emotion dysregulation, and trauma. Danielle is also a clinician in Step Stone’s Health Psychology Service, which supports children and youth with co-occurring physical and mental health needs. Danielle is warm, genuine, patient, accepting, and empathetic in her approach to care. She strives to create a safe, open, and trusting space for her clients to foster growth and healing. She is committed to understanding clients’ unique experiences and works collaboratively with them to meet their individual goals. She is passionate about providing services that are strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive. Rami Sran has a BA in Psychology from York University and a Diploma in Business Administration from Fanshawe College. Rami has a passion for administration and organization, striving to support clinicians and programs to develop streamlined administrative processes and systems to improve access to care and service provision. At Step Stone, Rami is often a first point of contact for potential clients, working to understand their needs, sharing information about Step Stone Services, and arranging the initial intake calls/meetings with our Intake Coordinator to explore a fit with Step Stone Services. Rami aims to create a warm first contact experience for clients to connect to services. Carly Goodman is our Intake Coordinator at Step Stone Psychology. Carly is a currently completing her Master’s Degree in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. She is specializing in working with children, youth, families and parents. Carly is currently a Junior Student Trainee at the York University Psychology Clinic. She also has prior experience in hospital, community, and school-based settings working with youth with developmental delays. Academically, Carly’s research focuses on maternal-child health. Nikan Eghbali, MA (Doctoral Associate) is a Ph.D. Candidate (Completed Clinical Training) in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. Nikan is in the final stages of his doctorate and will be defending his dissertation in late 2022 with a view to beginning supervised practice as a psychologist in early 2023. He attained his BSc (Hons) and MA degrees in psychology from York University. Nikan has trained and worked in a variety of clinical settings including Sunnybrook Hospital (Anxiety Disorders Centre), Homewood Health Centre (Trauma unit, Mood and Anxiety unit, Assessment, Stabilization, and Comprehensive Psychiatric Care unit), the University of Toronto’s OISE Psychology Clinic, and different private psychology practices. At Step Stone, Nikan provides various forms of psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and psychological education to individuals and groups with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-esteem, trauma, relationship problems, career-related concerns, and personality disorders. Nikan’s theoretical orientation is shaped by multiple evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioural approaches (i.e., CBT, CPT, ACT, and DBT), emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness/self-compassion-focused modalities. In the process of utilizing the aforementioned interventions, Nikan places a significant emphasis on the uniqueness of each individual and their lived experiences. Nikan’s work is also influenced by his research and personal interest in the scholarly study of wisdom.
Dr. Barbara Mancini
Clinic Head (She/Her)
Dr. Stella Dentakos
Clinical and Health Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Nina Vitopoulos
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Laura Gollino
Clinical and Counselling Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Marie Faaborg-Andersen
Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Vicky Lishak
Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Azin Taheri
Consulting Clinical Psychologist (She/Her)
Arlene Vandersloot
Registered Psychotherapist (She/Her)
Bhisham Kinha
Registered Psychotherapist (He/Him)
Adina Hauser
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Joanne Seel
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Brenda Danso
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Jessica Furman
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Rivka Levin
Doctoral Associate (She/Her)
Dr. Mariam Ayoub
Clinical Associate (She/Her)
Elizabeth Wanstall
Doctorial Associate (She/Her)
Rachael Lyon
Doctorial Associate (She/Her)
Joanna Collaton
Doctoral Associate (She/Her)
Shanelle Henry
Clinical Associate (She/Her)
Jessica Chuchin
Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)
Dr. Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas
Psychologist in Supervised Practice (She/Her)
Dr. Hannah Gennis
Psychologist in Supervised Practice (She/Her)
Dr. Cynthia Shih
Clinical Psychologist (She/Her)
Danielle Lim
Doctoral Associate (She/Her)
Rami Sran
Administrative Coordinator (She/Her)
Carly Goodman
Intake Coordinator (She/Her)
Nikan Eghbali
Doctoral Associate (He/Him)
Dr. Barbara Mancini
Clinic Head (She/Her)
Dr. Stella Dentakos
Clinical and Health Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Nina Vitopoulos
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Laura Gollino
Clinical and Counselling Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Marie Faaborg-Andersen
Psychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Vicky Lishak
Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (She/Her)
Dr. Azin Taheri
Consulting Clinical Psychologist (She/Her)
Arlene Vandersloot
Registered Psychotherapist (She/Her)
Bhisham Kinha
Registered Psychotherapist (He/Him)
Adina Hauser
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Joanne Seel
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
She has ten years of experience providing family therapy and parent therapy to those families facing the stressors that can accompany mental health and
addictions.
Brenda Danso
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Jessica Furman
Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)
Rivka Levin
Doctoral Associate (She/Her)
Dr. Mariam Ayoub
Clinical Associate (She/Her)
Elizabeth Wanstall
Doctorial Associate (She/Her)
Rachael Lyon
Doctorial Associate (She/Her)
Joanna Collaton
Doctoral Associate (She/Her)
Shanelle Henry
Clinical Associate (She/Her)
Jessica Chuchin
Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)
Dr. Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas
Psychologist in Supervised Practice (She/Her)
supervised practice with College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Di Lorenzo-Klas
completed her PhD in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology program at York
University. She has completed training in multiple settings, including Sick Kids
Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and most recently,
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where she provided outpatient
assessment and therapy services for children and adolescents with acquired brain
injuries and chronic health conditions.
At Step Stone, Dr. Di Lorenzo-Klas provides both assessment and therapy services for
children and youth in the areas of learning, mood, anxiety, disruptive behaviour and
attention challenges. She also provides services for parents in helping them to
support their child's emotional and behavioral well-being.
relationship with her clients, and she tailors service to their individualized needs and
goals. She integrates and applies evidenced-based techniques, primarily cognitive-
behavioural/dialectical-behavioural, and acceptance and commitment therapies. Dr.
Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas also provides psychological services within the Toronto
District School Board (TDSB).
Dr. Hannah Gennis
Psychologist in Supervised Practice (She/Her)
Dr. Cynthia Shih
Clinical Psychologist (She/Her)
Danielle Lim
Doctoral Associate (She/Her)
Rami Sran
Administrative Coordinator (She/Her)
Carly Goodman
Intake Coordinator (She/Her)
At Step Stone, Carly conducts the initial intake calls/meetings to discuss potential client’s goals and expectations, in addition to sharing information about Step Stone Services. Carly aims to create a warm environment for clients to share their presenting concerns and needs.
Nikan Eghbali
Doctoral Associate (He/Him)
Dr. Barbara Mancini,
Welcome, I am a clinical and counselling psychologist who values working collaboratively with clients towards their goals. I welcome the opportunity to connect, meet, and discuss whether our 2SLGBTQ+-positive service is a good fit for your needs.
Taking a holistic approach to mental health and life development needs, I work with families, children, adolescents, and adults towards addressing their functioning, relationships, mental health, identity, addictions, education, and career development needs. With competencies in both clinical and counselling psychology, I can assist individuals across a wide range of areas, including mood and anxiety issues, trauma/abuse, addictions, family, parenting/Co-parenting, and relational difficulties, gender dysphoria, gender and non-binary identity concerns, gender transition, sexual identity/coming out, as well as educational challenges and general life transitions like bereavement, career change, job loss, etc.
I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario with over 14 years of experience conducting research, providing psychological assessment, treatment, and counselling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I also focus on working with parents using an attachment-focused approach and am a certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. I earned Ph.D. and Master’s degrees at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and have worked in both private practice, community counselling, mental health and addiction treatment hospital settings. I am an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto and support students in their graduate studies research, as well as to pursue research opportunities as part of their work and training at Step Stone Psychology.
I feel fortunate to have a team of conscientious, dedicated, and talented clinicians working in our unique practice together. We are committed to providing professional, sensitive, and evidence-based services to you and your family, as well as specialized training to students and registration candidates. I look forward to meeting you.
