About Me
Education & Certification
I have been working with children, adolescents and families in diverse Social Work positions since 1999. I obtained my Masters of Social Work (MSW) in 2008 from The University of Western Ontario, Kings College. In 2011, after extensive training, course work, clinical supervision and direct clinical practice hours I obtained Certification as a Play Therapist (CPT) through The Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy. I have completed basic EMDR training. I am a member in good standing with; the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, The Canadian Association of Child and Play Therapy and The Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have also completed the Neufeld Intensive One continuing education course; an attachment based developmental approach focusing on attachment, vulnerability and maturation. Most recently, I have successfully completed a Family Therapy Training Program through George Hull Centre, a Children and Family Mental Health Centre.
My Experience
I have been working in the London community since 2001. I have experience in Child Welfare, Clinical Social Work in hospital settings and providing individual therapy to children, adolescents and their families in my Private Practice. My clinical work at The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Program (LHSC) in both the Outpatient Program and the Day Treatment Program provided me with invaluable knowledge of the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders and the impact that mental health disorders can have not only on the individual but the whole family system. I have witnessed the strength and resiliency that so many families are equipped with to engage in the treatment process and manage mental health challenges in their lives. My vast array of experience has provided me with knowledge about local community resources and how to assist families in navigating through the mental health care system. My knowledge of family systems, child development, parent child attachment, trauma and the impact of mental health challenges all inform the therapy process.
My Commitment
As part of the work that I do, my ethical obligations to clients and in conjunction with my regulatory body of Social Work’s Continuing Competency Program and The Canadian Association for Play Therapy’s Continuing Education Program, I continue to develop and enhance my clinical skills and knowledge. Through ongoing workshops, trainings, literature reviews and readings I stay up to date on current trends and issues that impact children, youth, families and parenting.