I am a registered Social Worker (RSW) with over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and families in healthcare, community, and research settings. I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children and youth, including those with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

Parents often come to me when they are trying to make sense of a new diagnosis, navigating developmental services or the education system, facing a significant transition in their family’s life, or learning how to advocate effectively for their child and family. I also support caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed by the ongoing demands of caregiving and want space to focus on their own well-being.

I hold a PhD and Master of Social Work from McGill University, where my research focused on the experiences and well-being of parents raising children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Throughout my career, I have combined clinical practice, research, teaching, and program development, with a focus on translating evidence into practical and meaningful support for families.

My approach is warm, collaborative, strengths-based, neuroaffirming, and practical. I work alongside families to help them understand their options, identify what matters most to them, build confidence in advocating, and find ways forward that fit their unique circumstances. I draw particularly on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Strength-Based Practice, and Participation frameworks to help parents and caregivers navigate difficult thoughts and emotions, reconnect with what matters to them, and make space for their own well-being alongside the needs of their families.

I have extensive experience developing and facilitating groups and workshops for parents and caregivers. I am a facilitator and trainer for the Caring for the Caregiver-Acceptance and Commitment Training (CC-ACT) workshop, developed at CAMH, an evidence-based, group intervention co-designed and co-delivered by caregivers of people with disabilities and clinicians.

As a parent myself, I also understand that family life rarely fits neatly into a textbook. I aim to provide a compassionate, practical, and non-judgmental space where parents and caregivers can feel understood, supported, and more confident navigating what comes next. 

Client Focus

I support parents and caregivers with:

• Navigating developmental, disability, and community services

• Navigating the education system and working collaboratively with schools

• Processing and adjusting to a new diagnosis

• Coping with significant family changes and transitions

• Developing advocacy and self-advocacy skills

• Making difficult decisions and navigating uncertainty

• Managing the emotional demands of parenting and caregiving

• Identifying family strengths, priorities, and next steps

• Supporting caregiver well-being through ACT-informed approaches

Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

• PhD in Social Work, McGill University

• Master of Social Work, McGill University

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, McGill University

• Over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, parents, and families

• Facilitator and Trainer of Caring for the Caregiver-Acceptance and Commitment Training (CC-ACT) workshops