Meet Our Team

We are a team of warm and skilled clinicians dedicated to the mental heath assessment and counselling needs of adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.

  • Dr. Barbara Mancini

    Clinic Head (She/Her)

  • Dr. Nina Vitopoulos

    Clinical and Forensic Psychologist (She/Her)

  • Dr. Marie Faaborg-Andersen

    Psychologist (She/Her) - Supervisor (couples)

  • Dr. Vicky Lishak

    Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (She/Her)

  • Dr. Azin Taheri

    Consulting Clinical Psychologist (She/Her)

  • Arlene Vandersloot

    Registered Psychotherapist (She/Her)

  • Dr. Shanelle Henry

    Psychologist (in supervised practice) (She/Her)

  • Bhisham Kinha

    Registered Psychotherapist (He/Him)

  • Adina Hauser

    Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

  • Joanne Seel

    Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

  • Fiona Daly

    Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

  • Jessica Furman

    Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

  • Rivka Levin

    Doctoral Associate (She/Her)

  • Dr. Mariam Ayoub

    Psychologist (In Supervised Practice) (She/Her)

  • Dr. Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas

    Psychologist (in Supervised Practice) (She/Her)

  • Dr. Kayla Hamel

    Psychologist (in Supervised Practice) (She/Her)

  • Dr. Cynthia Shih

    Clinical and Health Psychologist (She/Her)

  • Rami Sran

    Administrative Coordinator (She/Her)

  • Dr. Laura Gollino, P.h.D, C. Psych

    Consulting Psychologist (She/Her)

  • Valbona (Val) Semovski

    Doctoral Resident (She/Her)

  • Kathryn Pierce

    Doctoral Resident (She/Her)

  • Adair Roberts

    Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)

  • Phoebe So

    Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)

  • Marlee Salisbury

    Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)

  • Laura Goldstein

    Doctoral Resident (She/Her)

  • Brandon Hey

    Doctoral Practicum Student (He/Him)

  • Rayna Greenspan

    Clinic Administrator and Intake Coordinator (She/Her)

Dr. Barbara Mancini

Clinic Head (She/Her)

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.

Dr. Nina Vitopoulos

Clinical and Forensic Psychologist (She/Her)

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. Marie Faaborg-Andersen

Psychologist (She/Her) - Supervisor (couples)

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. At Step Stone, she continues to provide supervision of psychologists in the provision of couples therapy.  

Dr. Vicky Lishak

Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (She/Her)

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

Consulting Clinical Psychologist (She/Her)

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

Registered Psychotherapist (She/Her)

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.

Dr. Shanelle Henry

Psychologist (in supervised practice) (She/Her)

Dr. Shanelle Henry is a Clinical and Forensic (youth) Psychologist in supervised practice at Step Stone. Shanelle completed her MA and 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.

Bhisham Kinha

Registered Psychotherapist (He/Him)

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

Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

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

Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

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.
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.

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.

Fiona Daly

Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

Fiona Daly, an experienced practitioner with a background in both Canadian and Irish
contexts, understands the complexities of navigating life’s challenges. Having worked in
probation and parole, community mental health services, outpatient care, and with the
2SLGBTQIA+ community, Fiona brings a diverse and comprehensive skill set to her
practice.
In her role as a dedicated Registered Social Worker and trained psychotherapist, Fiona
specializes in art and play therapy, aiming to support children, young people, and
families in fostering positive transformations through a trauma-informed lens. Her
approach involves collaborative efforts to explore unique narratives and strengths, with
a focus on developing empathetic and practical strategies aligned with individual goals.
Fiona’s passion lies in enhancing communication, fostering connections, and promoting
overall well-being. Through the utilization of evidence-based techniques (e.g., ACT,
DBT, CBT, CFT, Motivational Interviewing, and attachment-based interventions) to
support developing insights, meaning making, reshaping thought patterns, modifying
behaviours, enhancing motivation, and navigating challenging emotions, Fiona creates
a tailored and safe environment. Her primary objective is to amplify self-compassion
and resilience, equipping individuals with invaluable skills for sustainable change
throughout their journey.

Jessica Furman

Clinical Social Worker (She/Her)

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 Levin

Doctoral Associate (She/Her)

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

Psychologist (In Supervised Practice) (She/Her)

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.

At Step Stone Psychology, Dr. Ayoub works as a Psychologist (in supervised practice) with youth, adults, and couples providing treatment and assessment services. Dr. Ayoub works with clients to create a warm, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic environment.

Dr. Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas

Psychologist (in Supervised Practice) (She/Her)

Dr. Miranda Di Lorenzo-Klas is a clinical and school psychologist registered under
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.

Dr. Di Lorenzo-Klas strives to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative
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. Kayla Hamel

Psychologist (in Supervised Practice) (She/Her)

Dr. Kayla Hamel is a Registered Clinical Psychologist who is in supervised practice in Forensic Psychology at Step Stone. Kayla completed her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University. Her clinical training has included placements in community mental health, hospitals, and private practice, including several years working with the Youth Justice Assessment Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) completing Section 34 assessments with youth involved in the justice system.

Kayla’s clinical and research experience spans diverse populations of children, youth, and young adults with many different presenting concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use issues, personality challenges, relational difficulties, and stress. She is passionate about using psychological services to creatively support young people with complex needs. In her current research, she is involved in a new randomized control study as a researcher and therapist providing integrative, wraparound services to homeless youth transitioning to stable housing. She also collaborates on research taking place in low- and middle-income country contexts to work support capacity-building and improved service provision in low-resource settings.

At Step Stone Psychology, Kayla is a member of  Step Stone’s Forensic Psychology Service, providing assessment services for youth and young adults who have experienced justice-system contact.

Dr. Cynthia Shih

Clinical and Health Psychologist (She/Her)

Dr. Cynthia Shih (she/her) is a Clinical and Health psychologist with significant experience working with children, youth, emerging adults, and their caregivers. She is a warm, empathic, and supportive clinician who strongly values compassionate and collaborative care.

At Step Stone, Dr. Shih conducts psychological assessments for a variety of presenting concerns including learning, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood and anxiety concerns, trauma, emotion regulation challenges, chronic pain, and eating disorders. Dr. Shih has extensive experience working with complex presentations. She adopts a strength and advocacy-based approach, empowering the children and families that she works with.

Dr. Shih has worked with a diversity of clients, including individuals from the LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC communities, and is committed to providing culturally-sensitive and empathic care. Dr. Shih’s practice recognizes that there are social, cultural, and systemic factors that contribute to an individual’s mental health.

Dr. Shih received her PhD in Clinical-Developmental Psychology from York University and completed her internship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). She then went on to complete a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where she continues to work as a staff Psychologist. Dr. Shih has additional experience in other community agencies and private practices within the GTA. Dr. Shih is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and provides supervision to psychology trainees.

 

Rami Sran

Administrative Coordinator (She/Her)

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.

Dr. Laura Gollino, P.h.D, C. Psych

Consulting Psychologist (She/Her)

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, and private practice, focusing on deepening her knowledge and application of Emotion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. She has a strong interest in what is effective in psychotherapy, and investigated factors that contribute to change in the treatment of depression as part of her PhD 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.

At Step Stone Psychology, Dr. Gollino works as a consulting psychologist, providing didactic training, support, and consultation to the Step Stone team.

Valbona (Val) Semovski

Doctoral Resident (She/Her)

Valbona (Val) Semovski is pursuing her doctoral studies in School and Applied Child Psychology at Western University. She brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to her work with children, youth and families. Val has experience working with a variety of presenting concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, selective mutism, learning and attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, emotion dysregulation, behavioural challenges and physical disabilities. She has received clinical training in assessment and providing therapy in diverse settings, including a family crisis and support centre, the Toronto District School Board and a community mental health centre.

At Step Stone Psychology, Val works as Doctoral Resident and integrates evidence-based approaches in therapy and psychological assessment within a non-judgmental and culturally-informed environment. She is committed to client-centered practice when developing treatment plans with her clients by leaning into their unique strengths and addressing their needs. Her aim is to empower clients to achieve their goals and create positive changes in their lives.

Kathryn Pierce

Doctoral Resident (She/Her)

Kathryn Pierce is currently completing her Ph.D. in Clinical-Developmental
Psychology at York University. She has received clinical training at the Centre for
Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), North York General Hospital, the Toronto
Metropolitan University Centre for Student Development and Counselling, and
the York University Psychology Clinic.
As a Doctoral Resident at Step Stone Psychology, Kathryn provides psychological
assessment and treatment/psychotherapy services to children, adolescents,
emerging adults, adults and parents. Her goal is to build a safe, nurturing, and
nonjudgmental relationship with clients, in which they can explore their concerns,
make meaning of their experiences, and create lasting change. Kathryn tailors her
approach to each client’s unique history, struggles and needs. She is attuned to
how past experiences can shape our lives in the present and her knowledge of
psychological development across the life span informs her therapeutic stance.
Kathryn integrates principles from many types of therapy. She draws on
attachment-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approaches,
incorporating elements of cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, and dialectical
behaviour therapy. She has experience helping clients deal with anxiety,
depression, relationship difficulties, painful emotions, and childhood trauma. Her
work is focused on building resilience and fostering growth. Kathryn feels
honoured to walk alongside her clients through their personal struggles and
triumphs and she looks forward to working together.

Adair Roberts

Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)

Adair holds a Master of Arts, International Relations, from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, from Fielding Graduate University, and is currently completing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, from the same with a concentration in Social Justice and Diversity. Adair brings an authentic, warm, and compassionate approach to her work with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, relational, and attention difficulties. Before joining Step Stone Psychology, Adair trained at the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, developing particular knowledge in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Adair provides evidence-based psychological assessments and therapy to youth, parents, and adults. She offers individualized care tailored to each client’s unique needs, utilizing evidence-based approaches including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).

At Step Stone Psychology, Adair seeks to create a collaborative and non-judgmental environment, ensuring clients feel supported and understood. Academically, Adair’s research focuses on the impact of childhood neglect on youth mental health, and the processes influencing anti-racist identity development in adolescents. With a strong commitment to culturally-informed care, Adair prioritizes building genuine, supportive relationships with each of her clients. Her approach is strengths-based and trauma-informed, and she aims always to foster personal growth and help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. In all aspects of her work, Adair demonstrates empathy, patience, and a genuine dedication to client well-being.

Phoebe So

Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)

Phoebe is a clinical psychology Doctoral Practicum Student currently completing her Ph.D. at Fielding Graduate University.  Phoebe completed her MSc in Applied Behavioural Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavioural Analyst (BCBA).  She has worked in various mental health and developmental service organizations such as Michael Garron Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Surrey Place, and Adventure Place (currently Lumenus).  Phoebe has over a decade of experience working with children and adolescents as well as adults with neurodevelopmental disorders.  She has also worked in the forensic system and is experienced in working with those facing a wide range of mental health challenges such a mood disorders and psychosis.

In her current practicum placement here at Step Stone, Phoebe works with children, youth, and adults providing psychological assessment services as well as psychotherapeutic treatment through an integrative approach utilizing techniques from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities. Phoebe is also a member of  Step Stone’s Forensic Psychology Service, providing assessment and treatment for youth and young adults who have experienced justice-system contact.

Marlee Salisbury

Doctoral Practicum Student (She/Her)

Marlee Salisbury holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and is currently completing her doctoral degree in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. She specializes in supporting children with challenges related to emotion dysregulation, particularly early trauma and attachment concerns that may impact the caregiver-child relationship. She has experience providing psychological assessments and therapies to children, adolescents, parents, and adults with a range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, trauma, depression, behavioural challenges, learning and attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), parenting struggles, parent-child relational difficulties, and identity formation-related concerns in adolescence. Marlee is trained in a range of clinical modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.

At Step Stone Psychology, Marlee works as a Doctoral Practicum student providing comprehensive assessments and evidence-based therapies to children, adolescents, adults, parents, and families. She brings an authentic, warm, and inclusive approach to her work so that clients can collaboratively work through their therapeutic goals in a safe and supportive environment. Marlee integrates various therapeutic approaches to tailor interventions that suit each client’s individual needs and goals.

 

Laura Goldstein

Doctoral Resident (She/Her)

Laura Goldstein is currently completing her Ph.D. in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. She specializes in working with children, youth, and their families, as well as caregivers looking to support their children through emotional and behavioural challenges. Laura has received clinical training at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), The Traumatology Institute,  The York University Psychology Clinic, and a number of other private practice and community settings. Laura has also supported other institutions such as Trauma Practice for Healthy Communities, SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, and Kindercare Pediatrics in conducting research and training on therapeutic outcomes and interventions for children and their families.

As a Doctoral Resident at Step Stone Psychology, Laura provides assessment and intervention services for children, youth, and their families, working from an evidence-based perspective and always aiming to support each client with their unique therapeutic goals. Taking an integrative and attachment-focused approach, she tailors therapy to meet the individual needs of her client and aims to cultivate a safe and supportive space to not only discuss challenges but also discover and celebrate areas of strength and resilience.  Laura is also a member of  Step Stone’s Forensic Psychology Service, providing assessment and treatment for youth and young adults who have experienced justice-system contact.

Brandon Hey

Doctoral Practicum Student (He/Him)

Brandon Hey (he/him) is currently completing his Doctorate in Counselling and Clinical psychology at the University of Toronto. He works with individuals with a variety of presenting issues, including complex grief, trauma, post-traumatic stress, life transition and adjustment challenges, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance use concerns. Brandon draws on a variety of approaches to psychotherapy, such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic/ Object Relations Therapies. Brandon is also skilled in psychological assessments, whether for the purposes of clarifying a diagnosis, treatment planning, or obtaining needed accommodations for work or school. Brandon continues to hold roles in diverse mental health settings, with experiences at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)’s Psychology Clinic, and other Toronto-based private practice psychology clinics. He also has longstanding involvement in systems improvement initiatives at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. His research interests span Indigenous suicide prevention with fathers and families, life promotion, carceral mental health, men’s mental health, and child maltreatment prevention.

At Step Stone Psychology, Brandon works as a Doctoral Practicum student and provides comprehensive assessments and evidence-based therapies to emerging adults and adults. He brings an accessible, warm, and inclusive approach to his work, collaborating with clients and creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. Brandon integrates various therapeutic approaches to tailor interventions that suit each client’s individual needs, goals, and contexts.

Rayna Greenspan

Clinic Administrator and Intake Coordinator (She/Her)

Rayna Greenspan is our Clinic Administrator and Intake Coordinator at Step Stone Psychology. Rayna is the 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 to explore a fit with Step Stone Services. Rayna also conducts the initial intake calls/meetings to discuss potential client’s goals and expectations, and she connects clients with their clinicians. Rayna is passionate about helping others and providing administrative support to clinicians, and she aims to bring kindness and compassion to her role of supporting clients and families.

Toronto Psychology Office
600 Sherbourne Street, Suite 312
North York Psychology Office
137 Finch Avenue W

info@stepstonepsychology.com
416-551-7284 (PATH)
Fax: (844) 966-0732

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