Viktoria Tolmatshov
Clinic Director, RSSW, Psychotherapist
Newmarket location
Hello! My name is Viktoria and I am a Psychotherapist, registered with The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I have a passion for helping others and with over a decade of experience working with the differently-abled community, I know how difficult it can be to access mental health services. I joined this profession to help others and am committed to helping you overcome the difficulties you are facing.
I work from a strength-based approach with my clients to help them improve their quality of life by teaching them to better cope with negative experiences, stress, anxiety, and depression. I incorporate many social works and psychological frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Talk Therapy during treatments and view each client as an individual. People are unique and there is no one technique or treatment that everyone will respond to. I use all my knowledge and skills to create a treatment plan that is individualized for each client and expects that you will be an active part of the decision-making process.
Working with me ensures that you will have a counseling relationship that is non-judgmental and collaborative. Whether you are managing a chronic illness, struggling in your relationships, or stressed at work, I am here to help and support you. Everyone faces challenges in life; no one is without hardship. Engaging in a counseling relationship allows you to face your challenges and reach your goals without feeling overwhelmed. The insight you discover and the tools you learn are lifelong benefits to counseling. Life can get busy; but making yourself a priority will increase your productivity and help you lead a much happier, healthier, and more satisfying life!
I am excited to work with you! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Joey Smith
Clinic Director, Registered Massage Therapist
Newmarket location
With over 16 years of hands-on experience, Joey has work experience in hospitals, clinics, and in-home therapy. He graduated in 2006 with a diploma in the Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant program. He then furthered his studies in healthcare with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2012. Most recently he earned a diploma in Massage Therapy in 2021.
His experience in various therapeutic environments has given him a well-rounded approach to working with wide-ranging clientele. His background in physiotherapy has influenced his treatment focus. His therapeutic approach consists of educating the client on their condition, to help alleviate pain and following up with deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, traditional or PNF stretch, and corrective strengthening exercises. Athletes, older adults, teenagers, and children are all welcome!
In his spare time, he enjoys resistance training and sprinting for optimal health and insight on how he can further understand the body and help his clients.
Maria Calvachi
MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
North York location
My name is Maria and I am a registered Social Worker with the College of Social Work and Social Services Workers of Ontario. I completed a Social Work Master’s degree in 2014 at the University of Toronto, specializing in adult mental health. My approach to counseling is grounded in using modalities and principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Therapy. I am passionate to work with adults who are embarking on their mental health and wellness journey to address and develop strategies and skills to cope with stressful life events, mood disorders (such as anxiety and depression), and relational issues.
Supporting you and meeting you where you are at is critical to the development of our working relationship together. I will take the time to learn about your therapy goals and together we will develop a plan that will support you to continue building on your strengths, knowledge and coping strategies that will enable you to develop a strong sense of self. I am an advocate for low barrier access to mental health supports and apply an equity-lens approach to my work.
Anna Maria Polla
RSSW, Psychotherapist
North York location
I am a therapist with over ten years of experience working with clients in both group settings and one-on-one. I am a Social Service Worker, and I am presently obtaining my master’s degree in Psychotherapy. I am well versed in talk therapy and CBT, and I practice from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, person-centered lens. I have extensive experience working with all groups. Much of my experience involves working with adolescents and young adults. My approach involves taking a strengths-based approach and involves working collaboratively with clients to set and attain goals. I strive to achieve the most respectful, trustworthy, and safe working relationship while taking an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. Some of my areas of expertise include anxiety, body image, self-esteem, eating disorders and disturbed eating behaviors, trauma, grief, stress, relationship issues, anger management, grief, and depression, to name a few. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
I look forward to helping you achieve happiness, calmness, closure, and positivity as we embark on this journey of mental wellness and healing together!
Jennifer Burke
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Virtual only
There used to be significantly less mainstream awareness of mental health than there is in the present day, and going through difficult circumstances throughout my adolescence highlighted the need for an increase in mental health knowledge, support, and care. After experiencing a great deal of difficulty accessing help, I became very passionate about ending the stigma of mental illness and the expansion of mental health services. As a result, I pursued my B.A. with a specialization in Psychology.
Since then, I have worked in the mental health field for 10+ years with children and adults that need support. I have worked with all ages in educational, residential, and treatment facilities before starting in private psychotherapy practice (supervised) with Positive Mind Wellness. Additionally, throughout my years working in the field, I continued my post-secondary education to better serve my clients, finishing my Social Service Worker Diploma, and my Master’s degree in Education.
I have professional training in several different therapeutic approaches and modalities and use an integrated approach depending on the needs of the client. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, ADHD & Life Coaching, Therapeutic Arts, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Therapeutic Play (for children), Positive Psychology, and the use of the Strengths-Based approach.
Sally Sarieddine
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Virtual only
I completed my SSW diploma at Seneca College and I am continuing my education as an SW at Ryerson University. Besides English, I speak Arabic and I can communicate well in both languages.
I have clinical experience working with individuals and groups during my professional career in the following areas: depression, anxiety, individuals with special needs, self-harm behaviour, trauma and abuse, family and relationship issues and chronic pain.
My approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and the provision of ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic approach. Services can include individuals and couples. I have experience in cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy and crisis intervention.
Joyann Dos Santos
RSW, Psychotherapist
Brampton location
Joyann is a warm and genuine counsellor who offers 10 years of experience in anti-oppressive, family-centred, and strengths-based work with children, youth, and families. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University, with professional experience focused on mental health counselling, children’s mental health, child protection, conflict resolution, and relationship counselling. She creates a safe space for individuals to be honest and to discover their best ways to heal, evolve in self-knowledge, and strengthen their individuality. In her role as a therapist, she offers empathy, respect, and a trusting relationship, where her clients feel supported to discover their own unique healing pathways, strengthen the tools they need to live the life that they desire and become more empowered. Joyann understands the effects of trauma on thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and self-perception and recognizes how this contributes to ongoing mental health distress. Joyann sees her role as a guide to assist clients in recognizing potential options to help them work through life’s challenges and to support them in deciding what will work best to move them closest to their therapeutic goals.
Caitlin MacLean
RSW, Psychotherapist
Virtual only
My name is Caitlin MacLean, and I became a social worker out of my love for building
relationships with and supporting other people. I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I am currently completing a Masters of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto, with a specialization in children and their families. Additionally, I have a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Vancouver Island University, and a diploma specializing in Addiction and Mental Health Work through Centennial College.
I believe a great therapeutic relationship involves openness and sincerity, and provides an opportunity of authenticity for both parties. It is important that clients feel comfortable enough with their therapist to provide feedback throughout sessions where needed, as well as to be willing to accept feedback in return. In my opinion, the most important component of a great therapeutic relationship is safety. I hope to provide a space for my clients that feels safe, genuine, and allows room for growth and exploration.
Resilience is the ability to show up every day despite life’s challenges. It is the essence of
being genuinely, unapologetically, and authentically you. Resilience is having bad days,
months, or even years, but finding the strength to wake up everyday and choose yourself; the power you find within yourself when you feel powerless!
Sara Mottola
MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
Virtual only
Sara is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University and a Master of Social Work in Health and Mental Health from the University of Toronto. Sara currently works in senior and dementia care with an interest in caregiver mental health and burnout. Her former experience in addiction and mental health within community and emergency department settings supports her in providing crisis intervention with clients experiencing various mental health and addiction concerns. Sara incorporates cognitive behavioural, emotional-focused and solution-focused approaches in sessions. Clients can expect to receive trauma-informed, client-centered care when working collaboratively with Sara.
Sandra Racktoo
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Newmarket location
Hello! My name is Sandra and I am a Social Service Worker and Psychotherapist (Supervised Practice). After years of working in retail management, I decided to pursue my passion to help others and began my journey into the mental health profession at Seneca College. I work with a therapeutic style that is centered around empathy, respect, and a strength-based approach.
My view of counseling is a holistic one and I work with a trauma-informed, multicultural and inclusive approach to care. I use various counseling theories including CBT, DBT, and Narrative Theory to provide client-centered treatment that focuses on you, the individual. I find that using a blended approach helps me understand your life experience and what has led you to seek help. I look forward to working with you and helping you become the best version of yourself possible!
Areas of Specialty:
Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Body Dysmorphia, Self-Esteem/ Low Self-Confidence and Stress Management.
Geri Voci
Therapist (Supervised Practice)
Virtual only
In the past 10 years, I have worked within the not-for-profit sector by offering support services to local communities and their members. Through my strength-based approach, I assist clients in recognizing their strengths and life goals to begin the healing process.
I develop a safe and inclusive space for individuals to freely express themselves to help them understand the barriers holding them back from healing. I believe in a collaborative approach when working with clients by setting goals with them to assist them as a means to set the stepping stones to your path in healing.
Ultimately, for a patient to feel safe it is important for me to be genuine and trustworthy – so we as counselors and patients can build respectful relationships together.
I look forward to creating a safe and confidential space with you, where we can embark on your journey of healing that is full of positivity and hope.
Kristina Escott
Clinic Administrator
Newmarket location
Kristina is a University Graduate with an Honours BA in Sociology. She has over seven years of experience in administration and possesses strong communication and organizational skills.
Kristina oversees the day-to-day operations of the clinic with a positive attitude and a smile. She strives to ensure the client experience is the best it can be and to create a welcoming experience for all.
Michelle Mohammed
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Newmarket location
I am a registered Social Service Worker beginning my Honours Bachelor of Science in Community Social Services. I have 2+ years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have experience working with groups as well as individuals. I practice from a client-centered, anti-oppression lens. I have a passion to remove the stigma around mental health and strive to support and empower my clients to overcome adversity and difficult times. I strive to create a safe space for a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Therapeutic relationships and rapport are extremely important to me. I look forward to working with you!.
Cinzia Di Carlo
RSW, Psychotherapist
Virtual only
Cinzia Di Carlo is a registered social worker with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Community Social Services from the University of Guelph as well as a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College.
She is currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work program at the University of Windsor. Cinzia has over a decade of experience supporting individuals and their loved ones throughout their journey in long-term care.
Cinzia can support those experiencing challenges related to transitions in their health and well-being, dementia care, the stress associated with being a caregiver as well as palliation, end of life, and grief. She provides an empowerment-oriented, person-centered focus to her sessions.
Cinzia will incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focussed, and motivational interviewing while working with her.
Helai Alikouzeh
RSW, Psychotherapist
Newmarket location
Helai graduated from Seneca College with a diploma in Social Service Work and continued her education to obtain her Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University. During her post-secondary education, she realized conventional Social Work practices were not enough to address the historical trauma and pain that many endure. Through her academic research and practical experience, she often found that unresolved traumas resulted in an ongoing victim mentality, chronic illnesses, and a propensity for disease.
Bridging her interest in spiritual and body psychotherapy with the practices of conventional social work, Helai offers a different approach to the helping profession. Her personal experiences with abuse, bullying, toxic family enmeshment, mental health issues, identity crisis, and poor emotional management skills have allowed her to gain insight into the inner work required to thrive as an individual and within the helping profession.
Having overcome many trials and tribulations as a second-generation Afghan-Canadian, Helai is a millennial therapist with a modern yet spiritual approach to traditional talk therapy. She utilizes many different methods that address the mind, body, and spirit connection. Some of her work may include but are not limited to: subconscious healing, belief transformation, inner child/shadow work, the release of trapped emotions, balancing chakras, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy.
Inna Rapoport
RN, Psychotherapist
Newmarket location
I graduated from York University with a BScN with Honours in 2003 and became a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario. After practicing in a variety of settings such as hospitals, community, group homes and Long-Term Care Facilities, I have successfully completed Master of Science in Nursing, and the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs at York University, graduating in 2012. I am currently pursuing Mental Health Nursing Certification in order to be a valuable resource to my clients and community.
My passion and focus for community-based nursing inspired me to thrive at Local Health Integration Network team (LHIN) for over 15 years. During my tenure, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to offer my expertise and create impact with the community team, education/orientation department, palliative care team, nurse practitioner or access center team. In all my work, I ensured that my practice remained professional, individualized and holistic.
With a client-oriented care model at the core of my practice I have provided education and recommendations, after conducting assessments and case conferences with multidisciplinary teams and clients’ circle of care. Working with limited budgets and resources encouraged me to be creative in care planning. I became comfortable with advanced care-planning, disease process discussions and management of chronic and acute conditions. It has also given me the opportunity to become highly effective in developing and adjusting care and treatment plans for potential crisis situations.
Angela Edwards
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Virtual Only
A strong believer in equity and inclusion, Angela is passionate about supporting and inspiring people to reach their highest health potential.
With over a decade of experience in social service work and education in the Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree program, Angela possesses a variety of strength based, holistic, person-centred, mental health and wellness methods.
Utilizing a collaborative approach, Angela provides people with the education, skills and strategies they need to meet their health goals.
Cody Eriksen
Registered Psychologist
Virtual only
Cody is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the College of Alberta Psychologists. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Psychology, and a Masters of Counselling Psychology. He has specialized training in the area of Clinical Psychology, working primarily in hospital inpatient-care units, outpatient community clinics, and urgent care crisis intervention settings over his career.
He is a published author, and continues to conduct research in the field of psycholinguistics. His practice is informed by evidence-based treatment models, specifically derived from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Skills from Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT). He has clinical expertise in psychological assessment, differential diagnosis, insomnia, emotional regulation, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and stress-related disorders, depression and depressive-related disorders, conflict resolution, and self-esteem building. Keeping with his biopsychosocial approach to clinical care, he recognizes that his clients’ individual needs are unique as their experiences; as such, he takes time to learn about his clients and collaborates with them to create a personalized treatment plan best suited to them.
His passion and commitment to supporting others is guided by his core belief that everyone is capable of change. In a time where the world can feel daunting, and the expectations of us feel can feel heavy, Cody creates a safe and comfortable space for reprieve and take the time for self-discovery and self-empowerment.
During his free time, Cody is an avid traveler, studier of languages, loves fitness and being outdoors, and is a passionate writer of fictional novels. He also loves nature and the environment, and volunteers his time to make a healthier and cleaner community.
Joel Dos Santos
MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
Brampton location
Joel Dos Santos is a Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW) + psychotherapist with over 5 years of experience connecting with clients + helping them to address + conquer their unique mental wellness needs.
Joel was born in lovely Guyana and, along with his family, immigrated to Canada at the age of 4. His parents eventually settled down in Brampton. He was raised with foster siblings + an adopted sister which, at a young age, gave him insight into many of the challenges Black families/communities face due to a variety of systemic causes. Joel’s father is a pastor, and he credits his devoted Christian parents with imparting upon him the ethics + values that foster his passion for social work. Being a part of a first generation immigrant family affected Joel’s identity development, as he was compelled to become aware of his social location and its complexities. As a result, his lived experience greatly impacted his career choice in the field of Social Work.
Joel is motivated to positively impact the clients he serves, and has experience working in the youth learning disabilities, mental health + homeless sectors. He has a passion for providing opportunities + safe spaces for racialized people to openly discuss their lived experiences, and mental health challenges, without stigma. Joel utilizes various modalities in his strength-based, client-centered approach to treatment. He finds Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effective, but also calls upon trauma informed modalities & Motivational Interviewing within the scope of his clinical practise.
Dr. Julie Gosselin, C.Psych
Supervising Psychologist
I am registered as a Clinical Psychologist with l’Ordre des psychologues du Québec (#11001-07) and the College of Psychologists of Ontario (#4691). Over the last 20 years, I developed professional expertise in the areas of psychodiagnostic assessment, psychotherapy, professional training, program evaluation and clinical supervision through training and experience in various academic institutions across three provinces. I was Associate Professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa until 2015, when I moved to Newfoundland to take a similar position at Memorial University, where I was also their Psy.D. program director. In 2019, I returned to Quebec to take a position of Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais.
Since 2000, I have worked within and outside academia in clinical practice, as well offering professional supervision and consulting services to various institutions, within and outside healthcare and higher education, as well as to the general public, including several appearances on local, provincial and national television networks. I have trained hundreds of doctoral students in professional psychology in the areas of psychodiagnostic assessment, differential diagnosis, integrative psychotherapy and clinical supervision, managed pre-doctoral internships and Psy.D. programmes, supervised and consulted with dozens of registered psychologists, neuropsychologists and psychotherapists, and sat on various national committees, including most recently the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Standards revision committee in charge of producing the 6th revisions to the CPA Accreditation Standards. I have also co-authored and edited over 40 publications and 100 conference presentations, including professional textbooks on the topics of interdisciplinary and interprofessional work in health professions, clinical supervision training, psychological assessment and treatment planning, leadership in mental health professions and the scholarship of motherhood.
Ephie Nicholson
Therapist (Supervised Practice)
Virtual only
I am a fourth-year student completing my Honours Bachelor of Social Work at Lakehead University. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field and have done my practicum at two local hospitals, both inpatient and outpatient social work departments. I have also completed an online internship assisting with developing online CBT modules for anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. I take a non-judgemental approach and strive to create a safe space where individuals can open up and unload some of the daily or lifelong struggles that they wish to work through. I utilize a mindfulness and strengths-based approach, but it’s most important to meet individuals where they are and involve the client in counselling as I understand no one person is the same. I am motivated to explore your healing with you and get to know you better. I carry with me deep empathy and genuine kindness. Life can be challenging, and I am moved to help people find their strengths, confidence, and empowerment within themselves.