Meet Our Team
Our team of dedicated child and youth mental health professionals consists of Social Workers and Psychotherapists. We work collaboratively with your family’s system to build resilience and overcome mental health challenges. We are so pleased to meet you!
Julia Kay, MSc, RP (Qualifying)
Teen Therapist
Julia supports teens in navigating life transitions, relationships, and personal challenges while building confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self. She creates a safe, non-judgemental space where teens feel understood and empowered to grow, using a collaborative and compassionate approach grounded in connection and trust.
Julia supports teens and families navigating relationship difficulties, emotion regulation, self-esteem, trauma, and life transitions. Her approach is warm and grounded in the belief that safe, trusting relationships are an important part of healing and growth. She understands that therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when emotions are hard to identify or put into words. Julia works to create a safe, affirming, and non-judgemental space where clients can feel understood and supported as they make sense of what they are going through.
In her work with teens, Julia supports clients in making sense of their emotions, relationships, and the patterns that may be keeping them feeling stuck. She is especially interested in how difficult or painful experiences can shape a teen’s sense of safety, self-worth, and trust in others. Her work often focuses on building self-compassion, emotional awareness, and a stronger sense of safety within themselves and their relationships. Julia believes that young people are best understood within the context of their relationships and environments. She values including parents and caregivers in treatment to help families better understand what may be underneath conflict, disconnection, or big emotions, and build supportive ways to respond and reconnect.
Julia’s work is informed by attachment-focused, trauma-informed, and emotion-focused approaches. She has completed Level One training in DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy), EFFT (Emotion-Focused Family Therapy), and incorporates compassion-focused techniques into her work. Julia is also trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and facilitates the SPACE Parent Group at Acorn.
Julia completed her Master of Science in Psychotherapy at McMaster University. She also holds a graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Durham College and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Psychology from McMaster University. Outside of her work, Julia enjoys making music, playing various instruments, crafting, and spending time in nature.
If you’d like to connect with Julia, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Sabrina Rodrigues, MACP, RP
Child & Family Therapist, OCD Therapist
Sabrina is passionate about her work with children, teens, and parents and guides individuals towards finding balance, perspective, and peace. She applies a variety of techniques, including play-based techniques to foster coping and build resilience. Sabrina has furthered her clinical knowledge and done a deep dive into OCD to be a means of support for individuals struggling with distressing thoughts.
Sabrina is deeply committed to her work with children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with OCD, stress, burnout, life transitions, self-esteem, and personal challenges. Sabrina strives to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they build confidence, develop resilience, and work toward meaningful change aligned with their goals.
Sabrina is a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from McMaster University.
Sabrina recognizes that seeking support can be especially challenging during difficult times. She offers a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment that encourages self-growth and well-being. She takes a strength-based, client-centred approach, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and play-based techniques to support meaningful and lasting change. Sabrina is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continues to expand her clinical knowledge to best serve her clients.
In addition, Sabrina has specialized training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP), and she serves as a facilitator for the Empowerment Group for Children with OCD and Kids Anxiety Group.
Alishia Boersma, RP
Teen & Adult Therapist
Alishia is a Registered Psychotherapist and is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults struggling with stress, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, communication breakdown, and self regulation. She uses a holistic approach to best meet the unique needs of each client and strives to provide a safe and supportive space for exploration and healing.
Alishia is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with good standing memberships in the CRPO and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Alishia completed her Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from York University and an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work from Sheridan College.
Prior to her work in private practice, Alishia worked as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner in youth custody facilities, in agencies for people living with developmental disabilities and within the HWDSB. Alishia’s work as CYCP allowed her to build strong therapeutic relationships with children, adolescents, and adults where she was able to support them through various emotional, physical, psychological, educational, and developmental challenges.
Alishia believes in a strength-based client centered approach, recognizing that each individual and family hold unique strengths that can be harnessed for growth. Her therapeutic style is collaborative emphasizing a warm, open, emphatic, and judgement free space. She utilizes various evidence-based approaches, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness Based Practice. Alishia is committed to continuing education and strives to work with clients in fostering resilience, improving relationships and enhancing overall well-being.
If you’d like to connect with Alishia for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Brenda McCrea, MSW RSW
Child & Family Therapist
Brenda supports children, youth and their families, struggling with anxiety, low mood/depression, life transitions, anger and self-regulation, behavioural challenges, self esteem, social and life skills, family dynamics, parenting support and school struggles. Brenda has lived experience with blending families, parenting time and building bridges in relationships.
Brenda has worked with children and families for over 15 years in various settings as a family service worker and a school based social workers. This has created a strong foundation in many areas of counselling with all ages of children, youth and adults.
Brenda holds both Master and Bachelor Degrees in Social Work (BSW, MSW), as well as an undergraduate degree in Sociology (BA). She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Brenda is dedicated to continuous learning, and regularly takes part in training and professional development opportunities to serve her clients better. She has completed courses in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Family Mediation and has participated in additional training including Addiction, Mental Health, Intimate Partner Violence and Restorative Practice. She incorporates mindfulness, play and creative methods to draw out strengths, build on support and learn new skills.
Brenda lives in the Hamilton area with her husband and has two adult children who are now independently “taking on this big world”. She has a love for nature and the outdoors, including camping and hiking, and is an avid year round cyclist. Brenda is a strong believer in client lead, holistic, strength-based therapy, which is what her to this work.
If you would like to connect with Brenda for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation and specify in the message you would like to connect with her directly.
Sharon Kiers, MSW RSW
Teen & Adult Therapist
Sharon works with teens and families with challenging relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. She works collaboratively to improve coping, confidence, and connections.
Working from an attachment-based and trauma-informed perspective, Sharon collaborates with clients to better understand patterns in relationships, coping, and self-worth. She thoughtfully integrates approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR. At the core of her work is the belief that when people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are better able to grow into their fullest selves.
Sharon is particularly passionate about supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families, as well as individuals navigating religious trauma and deconstruction, family-of-origin dynamics, attachment patterns, and supporting those within neurodivergent and queer communities.
She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Redeemer University College. Sharon is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and brings over 15 years of experience supporting families. She is also a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner and has training in facilitating Making Sense of Your Worth groups.
Sharon lives in Hamilton with her two amazing children, the sweetest failed service dog, and a charming budgie. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys boxing, reading, cold plunges, and embracing new adventures.
Charlene Forde-Smith, MSc, MSW RSW
Charlene Forde-Smith is a Registered Social Worker who supports children, teens, adults, and parents. She takes a warm and relational approach in working with individuals who are navigating anxiety, mood, and emotional regulation challenges. Charlene integrates EMDR, IFS, play and nervous system-based approaches to support deeper processing and lasting change. She also develops and facilitates various therapeutic groups and has experience in both clinical and community-based settings.
Charlene works with children, teens, adults, and parents navigating emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Master of Science in Psychology from McMaster University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour with a specialization in Mental Health.
Charlene brings a warm, collaborative, and grounded approach to therapy. She supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, and challenges related to identity, self-esteem, and relationships. Her work is neuroaffirming and tailored to each individual, providing support that honours the strengths and unique ways of being of each of her clients.
Her approach focuses on understanding the underlying emotional experiences, patterns, and nervous system responses that shape how people think, feel, and act. Charlene integrates EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), play, art and nervous system-based strategies to support deeper processing and lasting change. Charlene also works closely with parents and caregivers to help them better understand their child’s needs while offering practical strategies that support connection, regulation, and confidence at home.
In addition to individual therapy, Charlene develops and facilitates therapeutic groups within Acorn Counselling focused on social skills, emotional regulation, and peer relationships. She has also led community-based groups for children navigating complex transitions and ADHD-focused organizations.
She brings a strong research foundation, with experience in child mental health, depression, and the relational impacts of systemic oppression and trauma. Charlene has experience as a psychological consultant administering socio-emotional and psychoeducational assessments within school board and private practice settings.
Tricia Schinkel, RP
Art Therapist
Tricia is a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist who works with children and youth (ages 5-18) and their families, supporting them with concerns related to anxiety/mood/stress, emotion regulation, trauma/PTSD, exploitation/trafficking/ grooming/abuse, suicide prevention and life promotion.
Tricia is a genuine, compassionate, and empathetic psychotherapist and art therapist with over 15 years of experience in child and youth mental health. Tricia has a Masters degree in Counselling, specializing in Art Therapy. She values the mind body connections in relation to overall mental health and wellbeing (physical, emotional, mental, sexual, or spiritual health) and feels that art is a fantastic tool to visualize problems and difficulties and understand self.
She has experience as a school counsellor and a clinical trauma therapist and has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, non-profit mental health agencies, ASD treatment centers, correctional facilities, cancer support centers, palliative care, and group homes. All of these experiences have informed and impacted her work significantly.
She is a passionate advocate for understanding the impact of media on mental health and for ending sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence against women and children and youth. She uses Trauma Informed and Trauma Focused CBT in her practice. She is also passionate about social justice and advocating for and supporting marginalized communities.
Tricia is a member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Tricia feels that life is full of constant learning and strives to learn new things all the time. She values her connection to others and is always humbled to hear others perspectives and life journey’s. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, SUPing, gardening, yoga, art (painting, drawing, creating), reading, cooking (and eating good food!) and snowboarding with her family.
If you’d like to connect with Tricia for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Lauren Comeau-Russell, MACP, RP (qualifying)
Psychotherapist
Lauren supports parents, teens and adults in building coping skills and finding balance. She has a keen interest in Eating Disorder treatment.
Libby Shaw, MA ECS, MA CYC, RSW
Libby specializes in supporting children through Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy, using developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches to help children express themselves and build coping skills. Her work is grounded in attachment theory and focuses on strengthening emotional regulation, resilience, and the caregiver-child relationship. Libby partners closely with parents and caregivers to ensure consistent support at home and in daily life.
Libby is a dedicated Child and Youth Practitioner and Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting young children and their families. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies and Child and Youth Care, and has a deep understanding of early development, trauma, and family dynamics.
Libby specializes in working with children ages 0–6, helping them—and their caregivers—navigate big emotions, anxiety, behaviour challenges, and life transitions.
As a mom of two young children and step-mom to two teens, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Libby is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where children can thrive and families feel empowered.
Ben Weinstock, MACP (Candidate), RP (qualifying)
Child & Family Therapist
Ben is a passionate and energetic counsellor who helps kids and teens to develop coping skills and apply to them in their day-to-day life. He is also one of our group facilitators.
Ben is an approachable, energetic, and experienced therapist who supports children, teens, and families. He is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a Child and Youth Care Practitioner, known for creating a warm, engaging space where young people feel comfortable, understood, and able to be themselves.
Since 2010, Ben has worked with children, youth, and families across Ontario and Sydney, Australia. He graduated from the Child and Youth Care Studies program at Toronto Metropolitan University and later completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.
His experience includes work with The SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, out-of-home care, addictions, Ontario Early Years, and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. At Acorn, Ben provides individual counselling for children and youth, while supporting families in building on their strengths, navigating challenges, and developing greater emotional flexibility.
Ben tailors his approach to each child or teen’s unique needs, personality, and goals. His work is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dyadic Developmental Therapy (DDP), mindfulness, walk and talk therapy, and non-directive play therapy. With younger children, he uses play as a natural and meaningful way to support expression and skill-building. With teens, he prioritizes genuine connection as the foundation for therapeutic growth. Whenever possible, Ben includes parent sessions, recognizing the important role caregivers play in supporting change beyond the therapy room.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys coffee, podcasts, travelling, spending time outdoors, and practicing handstands.
Stacey Gawrylash, MACP, RP (qualifying)
Teen & Family Therapist
Stacey supports teens and their families in strengthening connection, improving communication, and navigating challenges together. Grounded in attachment theory, she focuses on helping families repair and deepen relationships while building skills for emotional regulation, understanding, and growth.
With a warm, non-judgemental approach, Stacey creates a space where individuals feel safe to be themselves. She helps adolescents put words to their experience, and understand how their emotions can show up through behaviour, conflict, or withdrawal. At the same time, Stacey empowers caregivers with the tools to respond with empathy, validation, and curiosity. By helping families slow things down and better understand one another’s emotional experiences, she creates opportunities for deeper connection, repair, and trust.
Stacey’s work is grounded in attachment theory and integrates Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) alongside evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She has experience supporting families through periods of transition and works with concerns related to school and peer-related stress, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.
Stacey completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance as well as a Diploma in Social Service Work. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she brings a compassionate, trauma-informed lens to her work, honouring each client’s strengths, lived experiences, and cultural identity.
Outside of her clinical work, Stacey enjoys singing, playing the piano and guitar, walking her dog Atticus, and cheering for the Blue Jays. She loves cozy rainy days with a good book as much as warm, sunny days spent camping or at the beach with her family.
If you’d like to connect with Stacey, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Aisha Malik, MACP, RP (qualifying)
Aisha supports children, teens, and adults in navigating emotional challenges, life transitions, and building a stronger sense of self. With over a decade of experience, she brings a warm, holistic, and culturally responsive approach, integrating talk therapy with creative and mindfulness-based practices. Aisha creates a supportive space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences and develop meaningful tools for growth.
Currently working with students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and Adults. Aisha integrates traditional counseling methods with a holistic, client-centered approach. Her practice draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Therapeutic Art, Child and Play Therapy, Walk and Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and group therapy. She also facilitates workshops designed to foster emotional wellness and resilience.
Aisha is committed to culturally responsive care, recognizing and honoring the unique backgrounds and experiences of each individual she supports. She brings a global perspective to her work, having traveled to over 40 countries, and communicates fluently in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. Her approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and a deep respect for each person’s journey toward healing and personal growth.
Outside of her professional life, Aisha enjoys reading, traveling with her daughter, and hiking—always making time to greet every dog they meet along the way.
If you’d like to connect with Aisha for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Haruka Kanai, MSW RSW
Haruka is a Registered Social Worker who supports children, youth and their families navigating various challenges including anxiety, low mood/depression, life transitions, anger and self-regulation, self-esteem, social and life skills, and parenting support.
Haruka believes in building respectful, trusting relationships with children, youth, and their families. She brings a calm, caring approach and is passionate about helping others recognize their strengths and build a sense of hope.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from McMaster University and a Master of Social Work degree at University of Toronto, with a focus on children and their families. Haruka is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Work.
Haruka utilizes various evidence-based approaches, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Mindfulness Based Practice. Haruka has experience supporting youth and families within various sectors including child and youth mental health, healthcare, and school settings across Hamilton.
In her spare time, Haruka enjoys walks with dog. She’s grateful to be able to support children and families at Acorn Counselling and looks forward to connecting with the community!
If you’d like to connect with Haruka for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Aayesha Ahmed, MACP, RP (qualifying)
Aayesha supports children, teens, and adults in navigating anxiety, life transitions, and relationships, with a special interest in perinatal care and ADHD. She brings a warm, person-centred approach that integrates cognitive, somatic, and emotion-focused therapies, along with mindfulness and play-based work. Aayesha offers culturally responsive care and can provide counselling in English, Urdu, Hindi, or Punjabi, creating a space where clients feel understood and supported.
If you’d like to connect with Aayesha for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Sarah Balfour, MSW, RSW
Child & Family Therapist
Sarah supports children, teens, and families in navigating big emotions, strengthening relationships, and building a greater sense of connection at home. She works collaboratively with both children and caregivers to foster emotional understanding, confidence, and practical skills, creating a supportive space where families can grow together.
Sarah supports children, adolescents, and families navigating big emotions, relationship challenges, and periods of feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. She is committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where children and adolescents feel respected and able to show up as they are, while working alongside caregivers to strengthen connection and confidence in supporting their child.
Her work is grounded in the belief that meaningful connection is central to healing and growth. Sarah approaches therapy with authenticity, compassion, and curiosity, valuing vulnerability and building trusting, collaborative relationships that support emotional safety and practical skill development. Her practice is informed primarily by Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).
Sarah has almost ten years of experience working with children, youth, and families in live-in treatment and community settings. She holds a BA (Honours) in Sociology from Acadia University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University, and is currently completing her Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor.
In her free time, Sarah is usually keeping up with her energetic toddler alongside her husband and two chunky orange cats. She enjoys reading, cooking, travelling.
If you’d like to connect with Sarah, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Ellen Robinson, M.Psych, RSW
Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Ellen is passionate about her work with older teens and adults. She enjoys seeing her clients realize their own worth and potential as they learn more about themselves, the inner-critic that holds them back, and their untapped strengths and abilities. Please note Ellen can only offer virtual support.
Ellen helps clients explore how previous and current life experiences have shaped the way they think, behave, parent, cope, and interact in the world. She is especially skilled in supporting parents whose own mental health or marital conflict impact the atmosphere of the family unit.
Ellen uses modalities such as CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR, offering virtual counselling.
If you’d like to connect with Ellen for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Ashley McLean, B.A. RSW
Mental Health Counsellor
Ashley is dedicated to assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, big emotions, life transitions, peer relationships, intergenerational trauma and emotional-regulation challenges. She utilizes a strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approach, and is a 200-YTT
Ashley supports tweens, teens, and young adults in navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, emotional dysregulation, and challenges with peer relationships, ADHD, and life transitions. She also works with grief, anger, and the process of rebuilding life after difficult or unexpected transitions, including supporting pregnant teens, young mothers, and newcomers adjusting to new environments. Ashley brings a warm, compassionate, and strengths-based approach, helping clients build coping skills, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Ashley has supported individuals impacted by trauma, including domestic violence, homelessness, addictions, grief and loss, high-conflict divorce, crisis situations, and intergenerational trauma. She has extensive experience facilitating and co-facilitating group programs in both drop-in and structured community settings. Her work integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, emotional regulation strategies, and client-centred approaches.
Ashley holds a diploma in Social Service Work and a Bachelor of Social Work from Laurentian University, and has completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, weaving movement and mindfulness into her sessions, and occasionally facilitating mental health focused yoga classes.
Tamara Krbavac, M.Sc, CLS, RSW
Tamara is a Child Life Specialist who has spent years supporting parents of children with mental health challenges. She helps parents understand their impact and influence, and empowers them to help their children succeed and thrive. Please note Tamara can only offer virtual support.
Tamara has a Master of Science in Psychology from California Coast University, a Post Professional Diploma in Child Life Studies from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Applied Science: Family and Social Relations from the University of Guelph. Her focus and clinical experience is working with children, youth and their parents.
Tamara has 20+ years experience supporting children and families throughout the life course and through many different events including life threatening illness and death, acute and long term hospitalization, procedural preparation and education in the medical setting. Before shifting focus to parent support, Tamara worked in various areas of child and youth development such as daycare, residential settings, outreach and hospital settings.
Tamara believes that parenting is one of the most difficult and rewarding journeys we can take. She helps parents to see the skills they possess, and helps them to know what to do when. Tamara also enjoys working with children to help them explore their feelings and how to share these feelings with their parents and caregivers. Tamara believes in taking a strength based approach to change — helping people to recognize what they are good at, and how to use these skills to make desired changes. She uses a collaborative and tailored approach to support parents and caregivers. She creates the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about the challenges of parenting.
Tamara is a committed life-long learner. She has training in motivational interviewing and is informed in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Tamara is proud life-long Hamiltonian. She lives in the Hamilton area with her husband, 4 children and 3 dogs. She is an avid reader, loves Escape rooms and time with family.
Ravina Sangha, MSW, RSW
Ravina enjoys working with parents in supporting their children and teens navigate self-esteem and behavioural challenges, school issues and anxiety. Please note Ravina works virtually only.
Ravina is a registered social worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree from the University of Victoria with a specialization in child welfare, and has obtained her Masters of Social Work through York University. She provides services in both English and Punjabi.
Ravina has over 10 years of experience supporting children, youth, parents, and families by practicing from a trauma informed lens and client centred approach. She believes therapy is relational, and needs to be client-centred; Ravina will collaborate with you in finding the right therapeutic approach and will provide a safe and non judgemental space to work through challenges together.
Her clinical training includes a range of modalities, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (DBT), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Expressive Arts Therapy. She also has specialized training in applied suicide intervention, grief and loss, play therapy, childhood anxiety and working with oppositional defiant, and anger-related concerns in children and adolescents.
Ravina loves spending time outdoors with her dog (especially near water and/or hiking) – she enjoys road trips, making puzzles, and travelling!
Bobbie Ellins, MSW Candidate
Practice Coordinator /Mental Health Counsellor
Bobbie is our Practice Coordinator, ensuring seamless communication between team members, administrative support, and is a liaison with our community members and partners while completing her Masters of Social Work.
In her part time supervised clinical role, Bobbie provides compassionate guidance and practical tools to children, youth and adults navigating through life’s challenges, and aims to foster a sense of hope and direction. She has a keen interest in working with First Responder populations.
Bobbie is currently a Masters of Social Work student through the University of Windsor. Her work so far has focused on crisis intervention with future coping skills. She spent many years working with Victim Services and has completed a Honours Bachelors Degree in Community and Criminal Justice.
Anna Raworth, MSW RSW
Executive Director, Child & Family Therapist
Anna is a Certified Play Therapist and works with children and families to overcome challenges and strengthen connections. She utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) with all ages as well as Brainspotting. Anna provides Supervision to other clinicians working with children or developing skills in IFS, and provides education and training. She is currently not accepting new clients.
Anna has been working with children, youth, and families for nearly 20 years. Beginning her career as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner and later training as a clinical social worker, she brings a depth of experience across youth justice (including secure custody and secure treatment), residential treatment, schools, hospitals, and emergency and crisis response. Anna was part of a provincial emergency crisis response team and trained as a negotiator within a Crisis Resolution Team, supporting high-risk situations such as large-scale crises, riots, and hostage events. After experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue, she intentionally stepped away from crisis work to focus on clinical practice and preventative mental health care, transitioning into community children’s mental health and primary care with the Hamilton Family Health Team before founding Acorn Counselling.
Clinically, Anna works with children, teens, adults, and families, maintaining a small, focused caseload. Her approach is integrative, relational, and grounded in both evidence-based practice and deep respect for the nervous system and the body’s role in healing. She is certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and is an IFS Institute–approved Clinical Consultant, providing both therapy and consultation in this model. Anna is also a Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT), supporting clinicians in developing and deepening their work with children through the therapeutic powers of play. Her additional training includes Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), TraumaPlay, and Brainspotting, reflecting her commitment to “bottom-up” approaches that integrate nervous system awareness, attachment, and trauma-informed care.
In her current role, Anna provides clinical supervision, consultation, and training to therapists and teams, in addition to her direct clinical work. She also has a growing interest in leadership development, practice management, and business coaching, offering limited consultation to individuals and organizations focused on building strong team cultures, foundational systems, and sustainable, values-driven practices within the field of mental health.
Outside of her work, Anna lives in the Hamilton area with her two kids, and a lively crew of pets. She is deeply connected to nature and enjoys hiking, strength training, reading, and spending time by the water.
Anna is not accepting new clients at this time.
Marsha Kooiman, MSW RSW
Clinical Manager, Child & Family Therapist
Marsha understands that there are times in our lives when we encounter challenges and changes that require extra support. She believes in creating a safe space for children, adolescents, and parents to explore meaningful solutions to address their needs and goals.
Marsha Kooiman is an individual, couples and family therapist, and licensed Clinical Social Worker registered with OCSWSSW. Her formal education includes a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Marsha has worked as a social worker for over 20 years within the Hamilton, Halton, and Niagara regions and has had employment in a variety of settings. She gained tremendous experience and clinical training in child protection, education, and mental health sectors working with children, adolescents, and adults providing counselling (individual and group), education, and support to those struggling with individual and family issues including relationship issues (conflict, abuse, violence, separation, divorce), mental health (depression, anxiety, addictions), grief and loss, challenge and change (parenting issues, school/work issues).
Marsha utilizes evidence-based modalities and tools and strategies that best fit the client’s needs and preferences including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy. Marsha is also a certified kickboxing instructor and wellness coach and integrates Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, movement and breathwork in her practice for healing trauma. Marsha firmly believes that learning is lifelong and is committed to regularly attending training and professional development opportunities to offer more skills to better serve her clients.
Working from a client-centred approach Marsha offers counselling services to help individuals, couples, and families through stressful experiences. Having gone through a divorce herself, Marsha is aware of the experiences, worries and issues that families encounter when parent’s separate. She is an empathetic professional who engages clients in the counselling process, encourages clients to feel at ease, listened to and understood. Marsha finds it deeply rewarding to help clients rediscover their strengths and find solutions that bring positive and lasting change and meaning to their lives.
Marsha values family and giving back to her community. She lives in Burlington with her blended family and many pets. She enjoys the outdoors including camping, hiking, and biking. She has actively volunteered with local schools, charities, and residential homes.
If you’d like to connect with Marsha for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Jaclyn Cronin, MSW RSW
Child & Family Therapist, OCD Expertise
Jaclyn helps individuals manage their emotional ups and downs, especially as related to obsessions and compulsive behaviour (OCD). Jaclyn has expertise in and practices CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP) with children and youth (and sometimes adults too).
Jaclyn is a Social Worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers. She focuses on treating people with respect and meeting them where they are using a flexible, multi-faceted approach. She works with people of all ages via virtual and in-person individual sessions.
Jaclyn started her career as a Child and Youth Worker in residential treatment programs and specialized classroom settings. She then worked in crisis settings, including crisis counselling, crisis response, and with a mental health team with police supporting individuals in crisis.
She has a passion for working with individuals and has worked with Acorn Counselling for 3+ years.
Throughout her work, Jaclyn developed an understanding of OCD and sought out evidence based training in order to understand how to best support people. OCD can be very distressing and consists of obsessions and compulsions. ExRP is form of behavioural therapy. It is structured and collaborative approach and uses exposures to confront the things that cause anxiety or worry and/or provoke obsessions. Jaclyn has also taken training focused on body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) and Tourette syndrome.
If you’d like to connect with Jaclyn for a quick chat to see if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message you’d like to connect with her directly.
Carolyn Noorduyn
Practice Manager
Carolyn works behind the scenes at Acorn Counselling. She provides administrative support to the practice and helps manage day to day operations. She is often the first point of contact for many and works to ensure all questions or inquiries are handled with confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect.