Team Categories: Teens

Veesta Mavandadi

Veesta Mavandadi has a Master’s degree in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and is currently pursuing registration as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Veesta brings 8 years of experience providing psychological services at school boards, private practices, and community agencies. She currently works full-time as a Psychological Services Consultant at the Waterloo Region District School Board. Veesta’s services are regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) through her clinical supervision with the clinic director, Sarah Husain.

Therapeutically, Veesta is a compassionate, non-judgmental and creative therapist that is committed to helping her clients improve their mental well-being and quality of life. Veesta supports children, adolescents, and young adults with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, difficulty regulating emotions, self-harm, relational issues, and general life stressors. She also provides parent counselling for those who are trying to support their loved ones with these challenges.

In addition to her training in Clinical Psychology, Veesta offers a unique skillset with School Psychology – she has a deep understanding of ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism and more. Veesta would love to support you and your child in managing the symptoms and impacts of these conditions so your child can experience more success at school and home.

Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology (University of Guelph)

Professional Associations: Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals

Jacklyn Markovinovic

Jacklyn Markovinovic holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology, and completed her post-graduate course work in Applied Behaviour Analysis with the Florida Institute of Technology in 2014, becoming certified as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).

Jacklyn has extensive experience working with children, youth, adolescents, adults, and caregivers in various capacities within school board, community agencies, and multi-disciplinary private practice settings.

She has a decade of experience working with students with diverse learning profiles, and is proficient in the assessment of learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Jacklyn is married with two young children who keep her very busy. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being active, travelling, reading, and watching movies.

Licensing Body: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Education: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health (University of Sussex)

Professional Associations:

Faiza Haq

Faiza Haq is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with over 15 years of experience in behaviour management and applied behaviour analysis. Faiza has provided clinical consultations and mental health services in school boards, community mental health agencies, and other private settings. She also provides supervision for individuals pursuing BCBA certification.

Faiza provides behavioural consultations, assessments, treatment plans and parent training. Her experiences have included supporting preschoolers, children and youth to develop life skills essential for home, school and community functioning. She supports clients with a wide range of issues including communication impairment, social skills deficits, behavioural challenges, sleep problems, toileting issues, and feeding concerns.

At CASE Psychology, Faiza provides consultative services only. She provides an initial virtual observation and assessment to discuss concerns, after which she works directly with caregivers to create an individualized support plan to promote the development of needed skills. With modelling and guidance, she supports caregivers to implement strategies, and evaluates and adjusts the plan and strategies as needed. She’s happy to collaborate with caregivers and families, as well as other professionals as needed, to help bring about the most meaningful behavior changes for her clients.

In her spare time, Faiza loves spending quality time with her two boys who enjoy baking, watching movies and going for bike rides.

Professional Qualifications: Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioural Analysis (Penn State University)

Education: M.A. Psychology (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology)

Sydney Watson

Sydney Watson is a registered social worker in Ontario with experience in addiction, trauma, and children and youth mental health. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at University of Windsor, and is an experienced therapist with a passion for supporting children, youth and their families with mental health concerns.

Sydney has extensive experience treating children and youth for a wide range of mental health needs, including anxiety, social anxiety, depression or low mood, emotional regulation, attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), suicidal thoughts, self harm, low self-esteem / confidence, and family communication.

Sydney brings her energy and passion into each session and believes that every child, youth and family has strengths. She utilizes a client-centered and trauma-informed approach to her work, and applies a variety of therapeutic modalities including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and play-based therapeutic approaches.

Sydney aims to provide a safe and comfortable space for children, youth and families to build trusting relationships, engage in tough topics, and to express their emotions.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (University of Windsor)

Professional Associations: Ontario Association of Social Workers

Rebecca Wilkes

Pronouns: she / her / hers

CURRENTLY ON LEAVE

Rebecca Wilkes is a registered social worker in Ontario with over 14 years of experience in health and social services. She has extensive experience in a variety of community and hospital-based settings, in rural, remote and urban centres, working with adolescents, adults and seniors.

She supports clients around various issues, such as multiple life stressors, life transitions and relationship issues including separation / divorce, complex health issues, low self-esteem, bullying, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, anger management, chronic pain, domestic violence, mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders and borderline personality disorder.

Rebecca offers online sessions only. She works with a non-judgemental, client-centred, trauma-informed approach, and is trained in mindfulness-based practice, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectal behavioural therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing and acceptance & commitment therapy.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (University of Waterloo)

Paula Laitila

Paula Laitila is a registered social worker in Ontario with over 18 years of experience supporting children, youth, young adults, and families. She has worked in community settings, including child welfare and the public education system with experience supporting individuals and families encountering acute mental health crises, anxiety, depression, ADHD, stressors related to the demands of life and various life stages, relationship challenges, difficulties with parental separation/divorce, and emotional dysregulation.

Paula is a compassionate therapist whose non-judgmental approach provides a welcoming space for clients to safely express their thoughts and feelings. She uses a trauma-informed lens and evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness, and narrative therapy with an integrative framework. Paula’s training has centered on child development and attachment, along with environmental and structural impacts on personal adjustment and general well-being.

Paula provides in-person sessions to children, teens, young adults, and families. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, seeing the whole as greater than the sum of its parts, with each of us being the expert of our lives. She believes that we all have the ability to change, and can use our individual and innate strengths, talents, and abilities to reignite hope and light in our every day.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (York University)

Professional Association: Ontario Association of Social Workers

Océane Tran

Pronouns: she / her / hers

Océane Tran is a registered social worker in Ontario with a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience providing psychotherapy and counselling to preschoolers, children, teens, parents, and families within a child & youth mental health setting. She provides psychotherapy and counselling in English and French.

Océane is committed to supporting children, adolescents, and their families as they move through challenging times. She provides treatment for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, selective mutism, obsessions and compulsions, self-harm, neurodiversity, emotion regulation, self-esteem, family communication, parenting, peer challenges, life transitions, grief and loss, acute trauma, and developmental trauma.

Océane aims to provide a safe and non-judgemental space for exploration, healing, and growth. Her clinical framework is grounded in child development, attachment, and trauma theories, and she is experienced in various evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Attachment Focused Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Her approach is always trauma sensitive, flexible, and tailored to each client’s needs.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (University of Toronto)

Merryl Varughese

Merryl Varughese is a registered social worker in Ontario offering psychotherapy and counselling services. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She has several years of experience providing mental health treatment for teens and adults within community agencies and in-patient settings, as well as working in child welfare.

Merryl has training and experience providing individualized and group support for teens and adults who are challenged with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and disordered eating, interpersonal conflicts, low self-esteem, difficult relationships, stress, trauma, bereavement, and grief.

In her practice, Merryl uses a non-judgemental, anti-oppressive, person-centered, and strength-based approach. She works with her clients to identify strengths, resilience, and resources, and to create personalized goals for treatment. Merryl uses various therapeutic approaches as needed, including elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing. She values the use of empathy, compassion, warmth, and the genuine use of self in helping her clients to achieve their goals and increase feelings of wellness and wellbeing.

When not at the office, Merryl enjoys hiking, being outdoors, painting, and spending time with family and friends.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (University of Toronto)

Guia Dela Cruz

Guia Dela Cruz holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and is a registered social worker. She brings over eight years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals, marginalised youth, as well as newcomers, adults, and families from different ethnocultural backgrounds.

She has treated youth and adults with intellectual challenges and concurrent disorders, and also worked in the non-profit sector supporting individuals and their families with their psycho-emotional and psycho-social growth.

Guia passionately fosters an environment where young people and adults she supports feel empowered in their intersecting identities, helping them find their authentic voice and their strengths. Her general-eclectic approach to practice emphasizes the importance of the ways individuals interact with their environment and the systems they are a part of.

Guia’s approach to clinical practice uses components from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Motivational Interviewing while implementing trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework in supporting individuals and their families.

Guia is originally from the Philippines, and is fluent in both English and Tagalog.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (University of Windsor)

Gillian MacPherson

Gillian MacPherson is a registered social worker and holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She completed a certificate in adoption, and received training in several areas of psychotherapy. As an enthusiastic professional, she engages in ongoing professional development.

Gillian brings over 25 years of experience supporting and counselling children, youth, adults, and families. She works in the public education system as a school-based social worker and has held a supervisory position. She also worked as a Clinical Investigator with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, conducting custody and access assessments.

Gillian uses a wide range of evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational counselling, solution-focused and brief solution-focused therapies. She counsels through a strength-based, anti-oppressive lens and works with her clients to leverage their own strengths to help them achieve what they want and need.

Gillian provides counselling services to young children and teenagers, and works with parents to address parental issues, for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and stress management. She has extensive experience supporting individuals through crisis situations, grief / loss, life stresses, mental health challenges, and traumatic life events.

She easily develops rapport with clients of all ages, and is known not just for her compassion and empathy, but also for her ability to help her clients arrive at their own solutions while providing them with practical tools and life skills.

In her spare time, Gillian enjoys going to the theatre, cooking, gardening and travelling. She is a mother of three children and enjoys spending time with them. Gillian was born in Trinidad and moved to Canada in 1986.

Licensing Body: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Education: Master of Social Work (University of Toronto)

Professional Associations: Ontario Association of Social Workers