The associates at New Leaf Psychology Centre represent a diverse range of
experience and expertise, working with clients throughout the lifespan.
Please click on the associate you would like to learn more about.
Dr. Sherry Van Blyderveen
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Dr. Sherry Van Blyderveen
Clinical & Counselling Psychologist
Dr. Van Blyderveen provides services for children, youth, adults, couples and families. Her main interests include the use of Emotion Focused Therapy for couples and families, the treatment of eating disorders, and the use of Cognitive Processing Therapy for post-traumatic stress.
Dr. Van Blyderveen received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University. She is an Assistant Professor (part-time) in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. Her previous experiences include a variety of hospital, community mental health, private practice and correctional settings, including over seven years with the Pediatric Eating Disorders Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital.
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Dr. Heather Jaksic
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Dr. Heather Jaksic, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jaksic provides therapy and assessment services for children, youth, and adults. While Dr. Jaksic primarily uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), she also regularly incorporates elements from other treatment modalities including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and other emotion-based approaches, to meet the needs of her clients. Dr. Jaksic has experience treating individuals with a wide range of difficulties, including stress, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has a particular interest in the treatment of individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including those with ASD who are experiencing obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Dr. Jaksic received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manitoba and is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. In addition, Dr. Jaksic also completed a master’s degree in Applied Disability Studies, with an ABA focus, at Brock University and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Jaksic is actively engaged in research and has published on the treatment for OCD and OCD behaviors within the context of ASD. In addition to her work in private practice, Dr. Jaksic has previously worked at McMaster Children’s Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children.
Dr. Jaksic is currently accepting new clients. She offers services in-person and virtually.
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Jeffrey Zeuner
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Jeffrey Zeuner, M.Sc.
Psychology Intern
Mr. Zeuner provides Psychotherapy and Career Counselling services. Mr. Zeuner also has training and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and provides group and individual therapy for clients living with mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Given his training as an Occupational Therapist, Mr. Zeuner also has considerable experience supporting clients adjusting to the impact of physical injuries. which includes supporting client’s returning to, maintaining, and finding meaningful employment. When providing Career Counselling, Mr. Zeuner provides an assessment of work interests, strengths and values, career coaching and goal setting to enhance work-related performance.
Mr. Zeuner is currently working toward completion of his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Fielding University. Previously, Mr. Zeuner completed his occupational therapy training at McMaster University and is currently registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Mr. Zeuner has worked in mental health, rehabilitation, and private practice settings, including working with individuals who have suffered from motor-vehicle accidents and working at Homewood Health Centre with both the Eating Disorders Program and the Integrated Mood and Anxiety Program.
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Dr. Olga Smoliak
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Dr. Olga Smoliak
Clinical & Counselling Psychologist
Dr. Smoliak provides counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults, couples, and families. What distinguishes her as a professional is a blend of training and experience in relational dynamics and individual mental health difficulties. As a researcher and clinician, she offers up-to-date knowledge of individual and couples distress using empirically supported and effective interventions. She primarily uses emotionally-focused therapy in her work with couples and draws on a range of approaches in working with individuals.
Dr. Smoliak received her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary and is currently an Associate Professor of Couple and Family Therapy at the University of Guelph. In addition to being registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, Dr. Smoliak is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (and Approved Supervisor), as well as a Canadian Certified Counsellor. Dr. Smoliak co-edited two books and authored more than 50 journal articles on the topic of psychotherapy and counselling, including the Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy in Canada. In addition to her scholarly and educational contributions to the field, she brings 17+ years of professional experience in psychotherapy.
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Nicole Bennie
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Nicole Bennie, M.A.
Psychological Associate
Ms. Bennie provides therapy for children, youth, adults, families, and couples. Ms. Bennie uses an integrative therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of her clients and is able to draw on various modalities including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She provides Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to support couples and families in improving their communication and connection with one another. Ms. Bennie has experience treating individuals with a wide range of difficulties and has a special interest in treating individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, and grief.
Ms. Bennie completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park, South Africa, and is a registered psychological associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She has extensive training in experiential, narrative, and solution-focused therapies, and has worked extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma and loss and who are coping with complex mental health concerns. Ms. Bennie has previous experience working in hospital, residential, and private practice settings.
Ms. Bennie is currently accepting new clients.
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Krishna Makhania
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Krishna Makhania, M.Sc.
Psychological Associate
Krishna takes a compassionate, curious, and collaborative stance when working with individuals and couples. She adopts a systemic perspective to help gain insight into patterns, begin the process of interrupting defensive structures within a safe space, tolerate difficult emotions that arise, and develop courage to express oneself authentically and positively to significant others. Her therapeutic style is a blend of insight development and tools to support both the mind and body, such that harmony within and with others can be attained.
She uses an integrative approach, drawing primarily from emotion focused therapy, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, and strategic therapy. Her approach is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, queer affirmative, and culturally sensitive. She recognizes the importance and impact of cultural context; she constantly strives to practice with humility and curiosity when working with people from diverse backgrounds. She has experience working with relational conflicts, intimacy, communication challenges, impact of trauma on couples, infidelity, life transitions, and couple issues because of mental or physical health challenges and/or addictions.
Krishna completed a M.Sc. in Couple and Family Therapy from McGill University, prior to which she completed a M.A. in Applied Psychology from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and is currently registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Qualifying). Krishna’s previous work experiences have largely included providing couple and family therapy, facilitating group therapy for couples with experiences of trauma, providing therapeutic support to children and stakeholders in an inclusive school setting, and providing substance use treatments. Krishna has worked in school, hospital and community settings.
Ms. Makhania is currently accepting new couple’s clients. She offers services virtually.
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Debbie Caffrey
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Deb Caffrey, M. Sc.
Clinical Psychologist
Ms. Caffrey provides child therapy and assessment and has a passion for working with families with young children. Ms. Caffrey specializes in assisting families dealing with parenting challenges, attachment concerns (in both biological and adoptive families), anxiety disorders, behavioral difficulties, and school and social difficulties. Ms. Caffrey relies heavily on positive parenting and attachment-based approaches in her work with families. Ms. Caffrey also provides psychoeducational assessments as well as developmental assessments, including the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum, Disorders.
Ms. Caffrey received her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary and is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Ms. Caffrey has over ten years of clinical experience working with children experiencing a variety of mental health concerns. She has worked in hospital settings, as well as with the Calgary Family Services as an adoptions counsellor.
Ms. Caffrey is currently accepting new assessment clients only.
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Amanda Cox
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Amanda Cox, M.A.
Therapist and Psychometrist
Ms. Amanda Cox provides therapy for children, adolescents, and parents. She adopts an integrative therapeutic approach to best meet the unique developmental needs of her clients. Regardless of which evidence-based intervention is used, Ms. Cox grounds her work in a person-centered framework, prioritizing the connection and relationship with her clients. She believes that providing a non-judgmental space that fosters acceptance and trust is a steppingstone for positive growth and healing.
Ms. Cox can support children, adolescents, and parents with a range of difficulties, including anxiety and mood challenges, behavioral issues, emotion dysregulation, relational challenges, self-esteem, school difficulties and life transitions. Ms. Cox has a special interest in supporting youth and families who have experienced trauma, grief, and loss.
Ms. Cox has experience with Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Based Therapy and Narrative Therapy. She provides family therapy and parent coaching using an Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) perspective, incorporating elements of Parent and Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) when appropriate.
Ms. Cox also provides developmental, psychoeducational, and giftedness assessments. Her approach to psychological assessment emphasizes collaboration among families, schools and community supports, in order to ensure the results and recommendations help children and adolescents to reach their full potential.
Ms. Cox expects to complete her Ph.D. in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph in the fall of 2023, where she also completed her Master’s and Undergraduate degrees. Her research involvement focuses primarily on parent and child relationships, pediatric health, grief and loss, as well as adolescent mental health and well-being. Ms. Cox’s previous clinical experience includes a variety of school, rehabilitation, hospital, and private practice settings.
Ms. Cox is currently accepting new clients. She offers services in-person and virtually.
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Stephanie Martin
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Stephanie Martin, M.Ed.
Psychology Intern
Stephanie Martin provides therapy to children, adolescents, and their families. In order to provide personalized treatment for each client, Ms. Martin holds an integrated approach to therapy, drawing from various treatment modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), as well as Attachment, Mindfulness and Regulation models. Stephanie is a strengths-based and client-centred therapist who strongly believes in collaborative and meaningful relationships with her clients and their families, wherein everyone involved brings their own unique wisdom and knowledge.
Ms. Martin is currently working towards the completion of her Ph.D. in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of British Columbia, where she also completed her master’s degree. Ms. Martin has worked in a wide range of environments in the Vancouver area, including schools, community mental health clinics, day treatment programs, and private clinics. She is well-versed in psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessment, the treatment of children and adolescents who are experiencing a variety of difficulties, and consultation and parent/teacher support.
Ms. Martin is currently accepting new clients. She offers services in-person and virtually.
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Natisha Nabbijohn
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Natisha Nabbijohn, M.A.
Psychology Intern
Ms. Natisha Nabbijohn is a child and adolescent therapist who adopts an integrative therapeutic approach when working with families, incorporating a variety of modalities to match the needs and preferences of her clients. She has experience with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and other interpersonal approaches. Ms. Nabbijohn currently co-facilitates the adolescent and parent DBT skills groups. Ms. Nabbijohn also assists clinical psychologists in the administration of developmental, psychoeducational, and social-emotional assessments.
Ms. Nabbijohn is currently working towards the completion of her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Guelph, where she also completed her Master’s degree. Her research primarily focuses on understanding how to promote the psychosocial well-being of youth living with chronic pain. Ms. Nabbijohn has experience working at the Halton Catholic District School Board and various private practice settings.
Ms. Nabbijohn is currently accepting new clients. She offers services in-person and virtually.
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Tayyabah Naeem
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Tayyabah Naeem, M.Ed.
Psychometrist & Educational Consultant
Ms. Naeem assists clinical psychologists in the administration of psychological, cognitive, psychoeducational and giftedness assessments. Ms. Naeem works with clients, families, and schools to understand not only client challenges but also their strengths, providing results and recommendations to further individual growth. She understands the importance of ensuring her clients’ comfort with the assessment process, including their being fully informed of the scope of the assessment and her accommodating their needs.
Ms. Naeem also provides Executive Functioning and Educational Skills Coaching services for children, youth, and adults, specializing in working with individuals diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Depending on her client’s needs, Ms. Naeem provides strategies to build and strengthen executive functioning skills and tools to cope with the daily stresses of life. She believes in using a growth mindset to support her clients in reaching their potential socially, emotionally, and academically. Ms. Naeem thoroughly enjoys her work with children and youth and has a way of making every session fun.
Ms. Naeem has completed her M.Ed. in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. As part of her studies, she investigated developmental psychology and human development and their implications for practice with children in educational and other applied settings. She is presently working towards completion of her Bachelor of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University.
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Michelle Nelson
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Michelle Nelson, M.A.
Psychometrist & Educational Consultant
Ms. Nelson assists clinical psychologists in the administration of psychological, developmental, cognitive, psychoeducational and giftedness assessments. Ms. Nelson works with clients, families, and schools to understand the individual’s unique learning profile, including areas of strength as well as need, and provide recommendations that will best promote the individual’s success within all aspects of their personal life, including the classroom, school, and workplace settings.
Ms. Nelson also provides Executive Functioning and Educational Skills Coaching services for children, youth, and adults, specializing in working with individuals diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Depending on her client’s needs, Ms. Nelson provides strategies to build and strengthen executive functioning skills and tools to cope with the daily stresses of life. As needed, she also offers CogMed training to help her clients improve attention and working memory. Ms. Nelson’s clients have described her interpersonal style as genuine and down-to-earth, making her easy to connect with.
Ms. Nelson completed her M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and her B.Ed. at Ontario Tech University. She has certificates in Special Education, Guidance and Career Education, and Writing from York University. She has worked extensively in the education system with roles as teacher and support staff where she focused on supporting and understanding her students’ needs and strengths to help them develop and learn throughout the school year.
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Amy Rzezniczek
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Amy Rzezniczek, B.A.
Psychometrist
Amy Rzezniczek is a psychometrist who assists clinical psychologists in the administration of psychoeducational assessments. She works with clients, families, and schools to understand the individual’s unique learning profile and provide recommendations that will best promote the individual’s success in the classroom and school setting, as well as within their personal life.
Ms. Rzezniczek completed her Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology at the Toronto Metropolitan University. She is currently working towards completing her Master of Arts in School and Applied Psychology at the University of Western Ontario.
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Sophie Skillen
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Sophie Skillen, B.A.
Psychometrist
Ms. Sophie Skillen is a psychometrist who assists clinical psychologists in the administration of psychoeducational assessments. She works with clients, families, and schools to understand the individual’s unique learning profile and provide recommendations that will best promote the individual’s success in the classroom and school setting, as well as within their personal life.
Ms. Skillen completed her Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour with a Mental Health Specialization from McMaster University. In addition to psychometry work, Ms. Skillen has previous experience providing ABA therapy.
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Jana Wessels
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Jana Wessels, B.A., B.Ed.
Psychometrist
Ms. Jana Wessels is a psychometrist who assists clinical psychologists in the administration of psychoeducational assessments. She works with clients, families, and schools to understand the individual’s unique learning profile and provide recommendations that will best promote the individual’s success in the classroom and school setting, as well as within their personal life.
Ms. Wessels has completed her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at the University of South Africa. She has also completed her Bachelors in Education at the Embury Institute for Higher Education.
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