Meet Our Team
Clinical Directors
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Julia van der Werf, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Psychologist
currently accepting only virtual clients on waitlist
Dr. Julia van der Werf provides comprehensive assessment and integrative therapy for children, adolescents, and families.
Dr. van der Werf has experience treating a wide range of challenges and diagnoses, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma/loss, relationship and identity issues, parenting challenges, and behavioural regulation difficulties.
Nadia Barakeh, M.Psy.
Child and Family Therapist
currently accepting clients on waitlist
Nadia has a background in psychology and training in several therapeutic modalities. With over 20 years of experience that is shaped by a strong multicultural, client-centred and strength-based model, Nadia's approach is guided by the belief that with the right knowledge and support, every individual can develop their strategies to cope with life’s challenges and overcome barriers.
Sophia Labonte, M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist
currently accepting clients and with immediate availability
Sophia's educational experience includes a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology, a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) and a M.A. (Master of Arts) in Counselling Psychology. Sophia is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and has been working as a therapist for over 10 years.
Clinical Associates
Donna Loi, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
currently accepting clients and with immediate availability
Donna has over a decade of experience supporting children, youth, adults and families in a variety of settings including the school board, community based children’s and adult mental health, and child welfare sector.
Working from an anti-oppressive lens and strengths framework, Donna offers a non- judgemental and compassionate space for others to share their experiences and develop strategies to navigate their daily lives. Donna draws on a number of therapeutic approaches to
practice including, motivational counselling, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Melanie Harsch, MSW, RSW, LCSW
Registered Social Worker
currently accepting clients and with immediate availability
Melanie has always had a passion for helping and supporting children, youth, and parents. Her experience as a co-founder and leader of an adoptive family organization, a volunteer in a parent group for families for highly gifted children, an expat in China, and an international school counselor for children and teens struggling with emotional and learning difficulties has led her to be the therapist she is today.
Mary Elizabeth Willcott, Expressive Arts Student Therapist
Youth and Young Adult Counselling and Life Skills Coaching
currently accepting clients and with immediate availability
Mary is passionate about supporting individuals working through theirmental health journey. She offers a unique skill set and almost two decades of experience working closely with youth, young adults and families to provide emotional support and coaching to meet their individual needs.
Administration
Marcy Barton
Clinical Administrator
Marcy brings a wealth of experience to KaZa and holds both undergraduate and Master degrees in psychology. She worked for over 10 years at the University of Toronto in health services research, honing her organization and management skills.
Since starting a family she has worked part-time as an educational assistant for special needs students at both TDSB schools and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Additionally, Marcy has held numerous volunteer positions in the community.
One of her three sons has autism and a learning disability, giving Marcy many years of personal experience navigating academic and community supports. She is very understanding of the struggles some families encounter.
She has a passion for travel, cooking, and the Blue Jays.