Meet Our Team
Marsha Kooiman, MSW RSW
Clinical Lead, 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.
Anna Raworth, MSW RSW
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 worked with young people for more than 10 years. Beginning as a child and youth worker, and later training as a clinical social worker, she is experienced in supporting children, youth, adults and families to overcome the impact of mental health challenges. Anna has worked in a variety of settings, including residential treatment homes, schools, hospitals, secure custody and treatment facilities, and in youth justice.
Anna is passionate about helping young people to overcome challenges, develop skills, and strengthen relationships both with themselves, and within their systems, including family, school, and community.She uses an eclectic approach when working with individuals, drawing on various skills, trainings and experiences to tailor a treatment plan specific to the client’s goals, in collaboration with the client and significant supports in their life.
Anna holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW), a Bachelors degree in Child and Youth Care, is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She is also a Certified Child and Youth Care Practitioner. Anna is dedicated to continuous learning, and regularly takes part in trainings and professional development opportunities to serve her clients better. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, attachment and trauma. She incorporates mindfulness, play and creative methods to draw out strengths, build on supports, and learn new skills.
Anna lives in the Hamilton area with her husband, two wonderful kids, and two spunky Labrador retrievers. She has a love for nature and the outdoors, including camping, hiking, and water activities like SUP’ing and scuba diving. The deep connection with nature is what inspired the name Acorn Counselling; for more insight into the name, see BLOG.
Anna is not accepting new clients at this time.
Jaclyn Cronin, MSW RSW
Child & Family Therapist
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.
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.
Ben Weinstock, B.A. CYC, MACP (Candidate)
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 impassioned CYCP who brings experience from working in Ontario and Sydney, Australia. He is a graduate of The Child and Youth Care Studies program from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2012 and is a current member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Practitioners. His career trajectory includes The Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health, out of home care, Ontario Early Years and the HWDSB.
Now with Acorn, he does individual counselling and runs a social anxiety group. He has been on journeys with families as they discover their inner strengths and foster psychological flexibility. He understands the stressors and pressures of being a young person in this modern age given our society’s changing landscape and technology.
Ben helps kids develop skills drawn from: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory. Most importantly, play (both indoor and outdoor) is an integral part of the therapeutic experience between Ben and his clients. In sessions, Ben uses openness, awareness and engagement to help kids through their challenges.
His favourite games to play are all lawn games, Capture the Flag and Crazy 8 countdown. Outside of work his hobbies include coffee, podcasts and surfing.
Ben is one of our Group Facilitators and is currently running our kids anxiety group, Taming Worry Dragons. Ben also provides one on one support for children and youth.
Sharon Kiers, MSW RSW
Sharon works with teens and families with challenging relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. She works collaboratively to improve coping, confidence, and connections.
Sharon is passionate about coming alongside families who are struggling and finding ways to engage in compassionate conversations that renew connection. There are times when each of us struggle, either as an individual or as a family. These times can be painful and also opportunities to grow, heal and learn about ourselves.
In her clinical work, Sharon uses an eclectic approach and believes that there are many different ways to bring healing to our bodies, minds and our relationships. Her foundation comes from attachment theory and the understanding that when we have a safe environment where we feel seen, heard and valued that we then have the opportunity to grow into our fullest selves. Sharon is passionate about offering a safe space to teens, young adults and parents who are looking for support in working towards their goals.
Sharon has a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University and completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Redeemer University College. Sharon is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She has over 10 years of experience in supporting families. Sharon is a Trust Based Relationship Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner and also is trained in facilitating Making Sense of Your Worth groups.
Sharon has lived experience with adoption and also being a foster family. She is passionate about supporting caregivers of children that have experienced trauma and/or loss.
Sharon lives in Hamilton with her two amazing kiddos and a charming budgie. She loves going for long walks while listening to a good podcast. Sharon enjoys spending time outside, going for hikes, camping, reading a good book or having good conversations with friends.
Sabrina Rodrigues, MACP, RP (qualifying)
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 a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with good standing memberships in the CRPO and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Sabrina completed a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Psychology from McMaster University.
Sabrina acknowledges how difficult it can be to ask for help when life challenges you the most. She provides empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental space to promote self-growth and well-being. Sabrina believes in a strength-based client centred approach, utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Mindfulness practices, and play-based techniques to make a meaningful change. Sabrina is committed to growing and continues to partake in ongoing learning to refine and further her clinical knowledge as a therapist.
Sabrina has training in CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP) and is a facilitator for our Empowerment Group for Children with OCD.
Haruka Kanai, MSW RSW
Haurka supports children, youth (6-15) 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 refusal.
Haruka believes that establishing a respectful, collaborative relationship that allows for openness, honesty and trust is critical to supporting children, youth and their families. She is passionate about guiding kids and their families to recognize their strengths and instil a sense of hope as she supports them in a caring, calm manner.
Haruka earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from McMaster University and recently completed her Master of Social Work degree at University of Toronto, specializing in children and their families. Haruka is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Haruka has had various experiences working within Hamilton’s child and youth mental health sector and in school settings. Her work is guided by the lived expertise of children, youth and their families, as she strives to build a foundation of trust in all therapeutic relationships.
Haruka has been trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy and continues to partake in ongoing learning to further her clinical knowledge. Haruka has experience working with 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 refusal.
In her spare time, Haruka enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, baking for others, going to antique stores and exploring Hamilton. Haruka is grateful for her opportunity to be able to support children, youth and families at Acorn Counselling and is very much looking 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.
Melissa Melia Dunn, RP
Melissa supports children, teens, adult individuals, couples and families and is passionate about working with clients to build confidence, self-esteem, communication skills and the ability to connect meaningfully with others.
Melissa draws on parts work, attachment theory and emotion-focused therapy while integrating a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. She strives to make every session feel collaborative, validating and compassionate so clients can heal, grow and create positive change.
Tricia Schinkel, RP
Art Therapist
Tricia is a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist who works with children and youth (ages 4-18) and their families, supporting them with concerns related to grief and loss, 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 12+years of experience in child and youth mental health. Tricia has a Masters degree in Counselling, specializing in Art Therapy. She currently works part time as a school counsellor and recently has 8 years experience as a clinical trauma therapist. She values the mind body connections in relation to overall mental health 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 worked in a variety of settings: hospitals, schools, non-profit mental health agencies, ASD treatment centers, correctional facilities, cancer support centers, palliative care, and group homes. All these experiences have informed and impacted her work significantly. Tricia has worked with people of all ages providing individual, group therapy, and parenting workshops and she especially loves working with children and youth related to grief and loss, anxiety/mood/stress, emotion regulation, and trauma/PTSD.
She is passionate advocate for understanding the impact of media on mental health and for ending sexual exploitation, abuse, assault and violence against women and children and youth. She uses Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Focused CBT in her practice, which includes assessment and treatment for grooming, exploitation, trafficking, sexual abuse. She is also passionate about social justice and advocating for and supporting marginalized communities. Tricia is a member of the Canadian Art Therapy Associate (CATA), is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and is a certified dog therapy handler.
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. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping SUPing, gardening, yoga, art (painting, drawing, creating), reading cooking (and eating good food!) and snowboarding with her husband and 2 boys.
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.
Allie Witek, B.A.Sc, IMH, MSW (Candidate)
Infant and Family Mental Health Counsellor
Allie specializes in supporting infant and early childhood mental health including attachment and bonding, development, behaviour, perinatal/parental mental health, parenting and family dynamics. She recognizes that families and children rarely fit into neat ‘boxes’ and her goal is to find what works specifically for your child and family in this moment, and into the future.
Allie grew up internationally (US, Germany, Portugal) and became a Candian citizen in 2019 after living here for 11 year. She now lives in Hamilton with her partner who is K-6 teacher, and their 2 very fat black cats. She loves spending time with chosen family connecting with her community, and finding new interests.
If you would like to connect with Allie for a quick chat to she if she would be the right therapist for you, book your free consultation call and specify in the message that you’d like to connect to her directly.
Chrissy Carr, BSW, RSW
Mental Health Counsellor
Chrissy helps youth and adults build resilience through developing concrete coping skills and strategies, and enhancing relationships with self and others.
Christina Carr is a highly experienced and dedicated mental health practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in providing therapeutic support to children, youth, and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Waterloo-Renison College, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care.
Christina’s extensive career includes roles as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner at Hamilton Health Sciences and the Toronto Children’s Aid Society, where she has demonstrated exceptional skills in crisis management, therapeutic engagement, program development, and the development of personalized care and safety plans. As a Mental Health Counsellor at Acorn Counselling, she specializes in facilitating both individual and group therapy sessions using CBT, ACT and DBT frameworks.
Her professional development is marked by numerous certifications, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Level One, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), and Trauma-Informed Care.
Christina’s commitment to mental health is also evident in her research work at McMaster Children’s Hospital, where she provides psychotherapeutic interventions and conducts in-depth patient assessments.
Amanda Lucia, MACP, RP (qualifying)
Amanda helps children and their families find joy, confidence, and connection. She has training in Play Therapy, EFFT, CBT and solution focused therapy, and uses creativity, art and fun activities to engage kids and make meaningful positive change.
If you’d like to connect with Amanda 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.
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.
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.
Alishia Boersma, RP
Psychotherapist
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. She is currently not accepting new clients.
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.
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.
Laura Belford, MACP, RP (qualifying)
Laura embodies an empathetic, client centred approach, and seeks to empower people of all ages to draw on their unique strengths and coping skills. Laura is also a certified teacher and has experience working with students from preschool to high school.
Laura understands that balance is a crucial aspect of wellness. Through an empathetic, client centered approach, she seeks to empower people of all ages to draw on their unique strengths and coping skills. Laura believes that in a supportive and collaborative space, clients can grow and make meaningful changes that expand to other aspects of their lives. Laura is a certified teacher and has experience working with students from preschool to high school.
Laura is a facilitator for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) groups for caregivers of children struggling with anxiety, in addition to supporting community members of all ages.
Ashley McLean, B.A
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. Ashley is dedicated to supporting each client and providing a safe and supportive space for their healing journey.
Ashley has significant experience supporting tweens, teens, and young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, emotional dysregulation, stress, peer relationships, ADHD, newcomer adjustments, and have provided support to pregnant teens and young mothers.
She has over a decade of experience in the mental health field, working extensively with clients who have experienced various forms of trauma, including domestic violence, homelessness, addictions, grief and loss, high-conflict divorce, crisis intervention, and intergenerational trauma. She bring years of experience facilitating and co-facilitating group sessions in both drop-in and closed community settings, each tailored to address specific group needs . Her practice incorporates an informed approach using therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, emotional regulation techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered approaches, and strengths-based methods.
Ashley holds a diploma in Social Service Work and am nearing the completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Laurentian University, with only two classes remaining. She is currently working under supervision.
Tamara Krbavac, M.Sc, CLS, RSW
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.
Hannah Lewis, RP (Qualifying)
Pscyhotherapist
Hannah enjoys working alongside children, youth and families to build resilience and coping while strengthening family connections.
Ravina Sangha, MSW, RSW
Ravina enjoys working with kids and teens who are struggling with self-esteem, school issues, anxiety, or trauma symptoms. She uses play therapy techniques and narrative approaches, and involves parents as much as possible. Ravina is currently not accepting new clients.
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.
Ravina has 6 years of experience clinically supporting children, youth, parents, and families by practicing from a trauma informed lens. 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.
Over the past 6 years Ravina has been trained in various modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness, solution focused, expressive arts, and play therapy. She completed training in foundational Play Therapy skills through the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute. Ravina also has training in applied suicide intervention, working with oppositional, defiant and anger issues in children and adolescents, grief and loss, and childhood anxiety.
Ravina loves spending time outdoors with her dog (especially near water and/or hiking) – she enjoys road trips, making puzzles, and travelling!
Shaye Hutchinson, MSW RSW
Shaye understands life can be stressful, and sometimes even painful. She helps kids, teens, and adults manage their emotions and navigate through life’s challenges so that they can feel more confident and able to cope. Shaye is currently not accepting new clients.
Shaye has been working in the social service field for almost 10 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the State University of New York and an undergraduate degree from Trent University. She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Shaye understands life can be stressful, difficult, and sometimes even painful. Shaye sees her role as a therapist is to support you in telling your story, and assist you in navigating through life’s challenges. Shaye works from a client-centred approach to support you in working towards individual goals, which could include personal growth, improved relationships, managing emotions/stress and/or developing healthy coping mechanisms. Her primary goal is to create a safe space in order for you to feel comfortable to share your experiences and to work collaboratively to foster positive change.
Shaye has several years of experience working with children, youth, families and adults, who are managing a variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, anger/aggression, parenting challenges, complex family relationships, sexuality and gender identity, trauma related symptoms, and more. Her approach is trauma informed, and strength- based; utilizing cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy skills, and motivational interviewing techniques.
Shaye lives in West Niagara but was born in raised in Hamilton. She loves spending time outdoors with her two dogs. Shaye is passionate about bringing high quality care to the children, teens and families that she works with. She brings that same passion to her work in educating the next generation of helpers through her part-time teaching position at Niagara College.
Shaye is not accepting new clients at this time.
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.
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.
