RN, CpedN(C), CPMHN(C)

Described by my peers as a “disruptive innovator,” I am passionate about making healthcare more accessible for both clients and providers. My journey is defined by a dynamic, comprehensive commitment to wellness that challenges conventional boundaries and embraces holistic, evidence-based approaches.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, my vision extends beyond traditional healthcare models. I hold a graduate certificate in animal-assisted wellness, reflecting my belief in the transformative power of human-animal connections in therapeutic settings. With a graduate degree in psychotherapy, I have deepened my expertise in mental health, approaching care through a nuanced and holistic lens. As I work toward a Master of Nursing Science to become a Nurse Practitioner, I remain dedicated to evolving alongside the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

I hold Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and Pediatric Nursing certifications from the Canadian Nurses Association. My expertise is further shaped by specialized training in autism and direct experience supporting autistic individuals, which drives my advocacy for bridging gaps in a siloed medical system.

Beyond clinical practice, I advocate for patient rights in health care and enjoy supervising and educating fellow professionals. I recently co-authored several chapters in a new reference book for nurses practicing psychotherapy. My dedication to advancing nursing research fuels my passion for evidence-based practice and continuous learning, ensuring I contribute to healthcare’s evolution in practice and academia.

My diverse certifications in various therapeutic approaches provide me with a well-rounded perspective on mental health treatment. I am committed to delivering culturally competent, affirming, and inclusive client-centred care in French and English, ensuring everyone receives personalized and respectful healthcare.

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (C)anada – CPMHN(C), Canadian Nurses Association
• Certified in Pediatric Nursing (C)anada – CpedN(C), Canadian Nurses Association
• Autism Specialized Advanced Training for Mental Health Providers
• Military Cultural Competency, Veterans Transition Network
• Developmental Disabilities & Sexuality Educator and Trainer
• Sandplay Therapy
• Certified Provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Ontario Core Health
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills Level 3
• Grief & Bereavement Support Training
• Advanced Motivational Interviewing
• Brainspotting (Level 1)
• Certificate in Music (Northern Care)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• College of Nurses of Ontario (Registration #12512131)
• Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, Member
• Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Professional Member
• Canadian Nurses Association, Nurse General Member
• Canadian Association of Pediatric Nurses, General Member
• Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses, General Member
• Nurse Psychotherapist Association of Ontario, Member
• Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies, Member
• Brainspotting Association of Canada, Member
• Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA), Member
• Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses, Member (96915396) 

AUTHORIZED PROVIDER

• VAC
• NIHB
• VQRP+
• SSP

PUBLICATIONS

The Nurses’ Guide to Psychotherapy

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4738-2

Chapter 15 Nursing Competencies: Assessment and Case Formulation

Chapter 16 Nursing Competencies: Types of Psychotherapy

Chapter 18 Nursing Competencies: Training and Psychotherapy

Chapter 19 Nursing Competencies: Supervision and Consultation

Sonia is a compassionate, patient-centered Occupational Therapist with over 16 years of diverse clinical experience in Australia and Canada. She is dedicated to providing holistic, strengths-based care that empowers individuals and families. Sonia graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy from Curtin University in Australia in 2008. and is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

Sonia’s passion lies in working with people of all ages and supporting their support systems, recognizing that individual is unique. At Dimensions Centre, she is actively involved in the assessment of neurodivergence. She believes in guiding and supporting her clients to reach their full potential.

Her commitment to innovative, client-centered care is demonstrated by her recent professional development, which includes specialized training in:

Interoception

Emotional Regulation for neurodivergent populations

Zones of Regulation

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Pediatric Feeding and Toileting

Her previous professional experience includes concussion care, completing initial assessments, developing return to work and return to school plans, and providing education on managing physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. She also has prior experience in the hospital system, where she specialized in high-acuity rehabilitation and intervention such as Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Acute Neurosurgery, and Major Trauma. In these roles, she developed skills including cognitive skills retraining, power and manual wheelchair prescription, functional transfer retraining, and providing community-based services, including home modification and equipment prescription.

Outside of the clinic, she loves spending time with her family, travelling, being creative, and baking.

Josée (she/her) is a bilingual Nurse Practitioner (French and English) and a graduate of the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Her professional background encompasses mental health, addictions, and primary care, areas that underpin her holistic and compassionate approach to patient care. She has specialized training in neurodivergent assessments and gender-affirming care.

Josée is committed to affirming, client-centered care that honours each individual’s unique narrative, strengths, and personal journey. Her objective is to cultivate a secure and collaborative environment where clients feel acknowledged, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Josée maintains an active lifestyle, participating in basketball and spending time with her cat, Link.

She looks forward to collaborating with clients and contributing to their health journeys.

Kristen Brooker, MA, RP (Qualifying), is a compassionate psychotherapist focusing in the profound bond between humans and animals. With over a decade of experience in the animal welfare sector, she offers a unique perspective on pet loss, animal-related anxieties, and grief.

Her clinical practice is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), providing clients with values-based tools to navigate difficult life transitions. As a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner, she expertly adapts her therapeutic interventions to meet the sensory and communication needs of ADHD and autistic individuals. Kristen is particularly known for integrating Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) into her work, often partnering with her therapy dog and other animal partners to enhance emotional regulation. Beyond grief support, she also assists clients overcome phobias and anxieties related to dogs through gentle, evidence-based strategies.

She currently manages Human-Animal Support Programs at the Ottawa Humane Society, where she leads therapeutic programming for psychiatric inpatient units.

Her trauma-informed approach ensures a safe, inclusive environment for individuals from all walks of life, including first responders and newcomers.

Kristen holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is dedicated to fostering resilience through the human-animal connection. Whether supporting a client through the loss of a companion or navigating neurodivergent challenges, her goal is to help individuals build meaningful, connected lives.

Professional Certifications and Development:

-Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University.

-Post-Degree Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation

-Recipient of the Civitan Award for excellence

-SafeTALK (Living Works)

-Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)

-Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Specialist

-Standard First Aid, CPR, and AED (Red Cross)

Matt is a passionate therapist dedicated to helping others. Throughout his education, he has refined his skills to become a highly effective therapist. He has learned and implemented several advanced techniques, gained a deep understanding of common issues, and prioritizes ongoing communication with his clients to ensure they are fully engaged in and informed about their treatment.

Matt uses techniques such as pin and stretch, myofascial release, and PNF stretching to target tense muscles and restore optimal function.

He has developed a special interest in addressing neck and shoulder problems, particularly those affecting individuals who sit during work, and mid to low back pain.

Beyond his professional life, Matt enjoys cooking, recognizing the role of nutrition in overall well-being. He enjoys spending time outdoors, walking and hiking with his dog, and actively participates in sports, notably hockey and soccer. He also does woodworking and is currently learning to play the drums.

Angela is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. She offers a compassionate, collaborative space where clients feel seen and heard while supporting individuals navigating mental health hurdles including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered therapy, emphasizing empathy and genuine connection. She works flexibly, integrating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness practices to help clients build practical tools for change. She believes that no single approach works for everyone, and her intervention style is chosen based on the individual strengths and communication style of the client. She has an innate ability to pivot to another approach when hitting a roadblock to find the right fit.

Having grown up in a Canadian Armed Forces family, Angela understands the unique experiences and challenges that can come with military life, including transitions, identity, and stress. This background has shaped her dedication to working with veterans and military families, providing care that is both culturally sensitive and grounded in respect and understanding.

Angela also brings lived experience supporting a loved one who is neurodivergent, enhancing her empathy and understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Her 25 years of office experience, including data management and adherence to strict privacy regulations, further enhances her skillset. She is well-known for her ability to create rapport quickly and put people at ease.

Outside of her work, she is committed to mental health advocacy, ongoing learning, and creating inclusive spaces. She finds renewal in nature, engages in a variety of creative pursuits, and spends time with her family.

Kim is a dedicated and highly effective Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA), passionate about providing person-centered, play-based therapy to children of all ages.

Holding a graduate certificate as a CDA from Durham College, Kim is a proud member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). Her clinical approach is significantly strengthened by her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology, which provides a deep, evidence-based understanding of human communication development and behaviour.

Kim’s extensive clinical experience includes providing therapy within the specialized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) unit during her student placement at Toronto Rehab, and volunteering with Grandview Kids, where she assisted Speech-Language Pathologists and other CDAs.

Operational Expertise

Beyond her clinical contributions, Kim serves as a skilled HR & Operations Coordinator. This dual role allows her to leverage her exceptional organizational and communication skills—honed during her time as an English Teacher—to manage crucial administrative, operational, and people-related functions for the team. This expertise ensures smooth organizational processes that directly support the efficient delivery of quality therapeutic services.

Kim is excited to bring her combined clinical passion and operational proficiency to the Dimensions team, committed to helping every child achieve their unique communication potential.

Hi! My name is Alejandra, and I am a Communicative Disorders Assistant. I recently graduated from Georgian College and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics from Ottawa University.

I’m originally from Honduras and am fluent in Spanish and English. I have a passion for working with children and love helping them develop their communication skills in a fun and engaging way! I am experienced in working with various populations, including children and adults with speech and language challenges, such as articulation difficulties, phonological awareness, expressive and receptive language delays. I am particularly skilled in creating individualized, creative activities that support phonological awareness, articulation, and language development. My goal is to create a positive and nurturing space for children, where they can feel comfortable, motivated, and excited to learn.

Sarah Lemieux is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with over 15 years of experience in office management and administrative support. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a versatile skill set across diverse sectors, including accounting, medical, and agricultural industries. Sarah is committed to operational excellence, striving to ensure workplaces run as efficiently and effectively as possible while supporting her colleagues’ success.

Education & Certification

Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons): Specialization in Human Resources, Nipissing University.

Health & Safety: Active member of the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC), contributing to policy implementation and compliance.

Community Involvement

Sarah is deeply committed to her community, frequently volunteering her time for local organizations:

Education Support: Volunteer at a school for classroom events and seasonal programs.

Food Security: Extensive history with the Food Cupboard and The Waterloo Food Bank, ranging from dispatching and delivery to lead organization of holiday programs.

Senior Support: Previous fundraising and event volunteer for a long term care facility.

Samuel Murdock is a geeky, nerdy professional who has spent over a decade helping seniors and vulnerable members of the community navigate life in an ever increasing technological age. He has experienced every malfunction and glitch that you have, and knows how to avoid or fix them. 

Sam is deeply committed to making sure you have the tools to be safe online, not only by helping you learn what is and isn’t safe, but also how to identify a potential scam, or to help you learn some warning signs of potentially harmful sites.

As a member of the neurodiverse community he understands that being online can be a struggle and hopes that he can help you learn how to navigate it safely and effectively. 

He studied Computer Programming at Algonquin College, is a community manager for several online influencers, and likes to play video games in his free time.

Maram is a compassionate and client-centered Occupational Therapy Assistant with experience supporting children and families in pediatric rehabilitation settings. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in everyday activities through engaging, strengths-based care.

She completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics with a specialization in Social Sciences and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, graduating magna cum laude and on the Dean’s List. She is currently studying in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University.

Maram is fluent in English, Arabic, and Turkish, with intermediate proficiency in French.

Maram has experience working with neurodivergent children and supporting goals related to emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor development, communication, and social participation. She values building strong relationships with children and their families and believes every child has unique strengths and potential.

Outside of work, Maram enjoys volunteering in her community, being creative, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

I am a recent graduate of the Honours in Forensic Psychology student at Carleton University. I am starting a graduate degree at the University of Ottawa in September. I have substantial experience supporting children of all ages with special needs. I also have extensive experience tutoring children with learning disabilities and neurodiversity.

My approach is based in authentic curiosity and guided discovery to ensure I am exploring issues from a client focused perspective.

Education
B.A. Honours in Forensic Psychology, Carleton University,  2024
Diploma of College Studies in Social Science, Heritage College, 2020

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Mallika is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the United Kingdom. Her career is marked by extensive experience working with autistic children and youth, where she has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of neurodivergent mental health. She is passionate about creating supportive and nurturing environments for those facing unique challenges.

Throughout her career, Mallika has employed evidence-based approaches to support children’s emotional and psychological growth, ensuring each individual is empowered to reach their full potential.

Known for her calm demeanour and composed approach, Mallika brings a positive energy to her work, building trust with both her clients and colleagues.

Beyond her professional life, she enjoys reading novels and painting. Driven by a desire for both professional and personal growth, Mallika is always seeking to deepen her understanding of the world and the people in it.

Described by my peers as a “disruptive innovator,” I am passionate about making healthcare more accessible for both clients and providers. My journey is defined by a dynamic, comprehensive commitment to wellness that challenges conventional boundaries and embraces holistic, evidence-based approaches.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, my vision extends beyond traditional healthcare models. I hold a graduate certificate in animal-assisted wellness, reflecting my belief in the transformative power of human-animal connections in therapeutic settings. With a graduate degree in psychotherapy, I have deepened my expertise in mental health, approaching care through a nuanced and holistic lens. As I work toward a Master of Nursing Science to become a Nurse Practitioner, I remain dedicated to evolving alongside the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

I hold Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and Pediatric Nursing certifications from the Canadian Nurses Association. My expertise is further shaped by specialized training in autism and direct experience supporting autistic individuals, which drives my advocacy for bridging gaps in a siloed medical system.

Beyond clinical practice, I advocate for patient rights in health care and enjoy supervising and educating fellow professionals. I recently co-authored several chapters in a new reference book for nurses practicing psychotherapy. My dedication to advancing nursing research fuels my passion for evidence-based practice and continuous learning, ensuring I contribute to healthcare’s evolution in practice and academia.

My diverse certifications in various therapeutic approaches provide me with a well-rounded perspective on mental health treatment. I am committed to delivering culturally competent, affirming, and inclusive client-centred care in French and English, ensuring everyone receives personalized and respectful healthcare.

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (C)anada – CPMHN(C), Canadian Nurses Association

• Certified in Pediatric Nursing (C)anada – CpedN(C), Canadian Nurses Association

• Autism Specialized Advanced Training for Mental Health Providers

• Developmental Disabilities & Sexuality Educator and Trainer (2024)

• Sandplay Therapy

• Certified Provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

• Compassion Focused Therapy

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy

• Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Ontario Core Health

• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills Level 3

• Grief & Bereavement Support Training

• Advanced Motivational Interviewing

• Brainspotting (Level 1)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• College of Nurses of Ontario (Registration #12512131)

• Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, Member

• Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Professional Member

• Canadian Nurses Association, Nurse General Member

• Canadian Association of Pediatric Nurses, General Member

• Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses, General Member

• Nurse Psychotherapist Association of Ontario, Member

• Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies, Member

• Brainspotting Association of Canada, Member

• Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA), Member

AUTHORIZED PROVIDER

• VAC

• NIHB

• VQRP+

• SSP

PUBLICATIONS

The Nurses’ Guide to Psychotherapy

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4738-2

Chapter 15 Nursing Competencies: Assessment and Case Formulation

Chapter 16 Nursing Competencies: Types of Psychotherapy

Chapter 18 Nursing Competencies: Training and Psychotherapy

Chapter 19 Nursing Competencies: Supervision and Consultation

Spencer is a recent graduate of Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology and in Mental Health and Well-Being.

Her ongoing work caring for children of different ages, coupled with her academic studies and research, has ignited her passion and unwavering commitment to promoting a safe space for children to learn, grow, and thrive. As she looks ahead, Spencer hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, aiming to support individuals in their mental health and well-being journey.

Madison is a recent graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology and also holds a Certificate in Disability and Physical Activity.

During her undergraduate studies, Madison provided community-based exercise programming to individuals with disabilities through the Revved Up program. Her experience and genuine curiosity in this field have fueled her commitment to learning. In the fall, she will be starting a Master’s in Human Kinetics with a concentration in Sport Management at the University of Ottawa with hopes of further exploring inclusion in sport.

Growing up, Madison was a competitive figure skater and synchronized skater. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf, hanging out with friends, and trying new coffee shops!