Welcome to the team page of our clinic!
Our team comprises highly skilled psychologists, registered psychotherapists, social workers and support staff who are dedicated to providing quality services. Working with a team allows us to easily consult with other experts and to provide a broader range of services to met the needs of our client.
Our directors
Dr. Sandra Jackson C. Psych
Director of Clinical and Forensic Services
Specializations: Police Psychology, Pre-employment Selection, Fitness for duty evaluation, Forensic Evaluations, Legal related matters, Complex Behavioural Issues, Problematic Sexual Behaviours
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Dr. Sandra Jackson completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at York University, Toronto Canada in 2011. She has been registered for independent practice as a clinical and forensic psychologist with the College of Psychologist of Ontario since 2013.
Dr. Jackson began her career in 1987 as a child and youth worker. This work included operating in various treatment settings and shelters where she worked front line with street youth in downtown Toronto. In 1994 she completed her master’s degree in psychology and in 1997 she began working in private practice with two registered psychologists.
Over the past 26 years she has been provided treatment and collaboratively conducting assessments for forensic settings and purposes (Corrections Canada, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Lawyers/Courts) as well as organizational or workplace settings. This work was initially done as an MA level provider under supervision but since 2014 Dr. Jackson has been working independently. This work has included providing treatment and conducting psychological -risk assessments, mental health status assessments, and evaluations for a range of legal questions.
In 2001, Dr. Jackson was involved in the development of a psychological assessment process for the selection of armed security officers for nuclear power plants in Ontario. Since that time her work in selection has expanded and she has over 10 years’ experience providing pre-employment psychological assessments for various police services in Ontario, one fire service and various specialized military units for National Defense. Dr. Jackson also provides fitness for duty assessments and other kinds of forensic/mental health evaluations for police as well as other high-risk potions.
Dr. Jackson has also been active in providing individual treatment for individuals for a wide range of individuals, including federal and provincial offenders, individuals dealing with legal matters and first responders.
Currently, Dr. Jackson is an acting director for APS’s Forensic and First Responder Services. She supervises and consults with team members. She is currently not taking individual treatment clients but will supervise and consult on cases within the office.
Dr. Natasha Williams C. Psych
Director of Clinical Services
Specializations: Adult clinical, counselling and rehabilitation Psychology, culturally relevant approaches to psychological assessment and treatment, Anti-Oppressive psychotherapeutic practice, Trauma (including Anti-Black Racism and Transgenerational Trauma), Culturally relevant Parent Capacity Assessment, Motor Vehicle Accident, Catastrophic Assessment, and workplace related matters.
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Dr. Natasha Williams is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the past Chair of the Board of Directors at Women’s Health in Women’s Hands, a Community Health Centre for black women and women of colour in Toronto.
Dr. Williams is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). She was the OPA’s diversity delegate representative at the APA State Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. in 2011 and is the past Chair of the OPA Diversity Task Force whose aim is to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and to promote ongoing efforts to influence social change in the field of psychology practice in Ontario. She is also a past board member of the Ontario Psychological Association.
Dr. Williams is a past faculty member with the Bridge Training program for internationally trained mental health professionals and a former trainer for TAPE Educational services which provides professional development programs for clinical teams at healthcare centres and human services organizations. She is also the former lead trainer with the Adler Graduate Professional School in the CBT certificate program and is a current professor at the Adler Graduate Professional School Doctoral Psychology Program. Dr. Williams is a guest facilitator/trainer with CAMH in topics such as culturally adapting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the English-speaking Caribbean community and Motivational Interviewing.
Dr. Williams is one of the Clinical Director of Allied Psychological Services and she operates an anti-oppressive private practice providing assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, corporate consultation, research, supervision and training services to clients from diverse ethno-racial backgrounds, gender and socio-economic backgrounds. Dr. Williams is also certified in Parental Capacity Assessments and she is a certified Diversity, Equity and Inclusion facilitator/trainer.
Brandie Stevenson M.A. C. Psych Associate
Director of Forensic and Clinical Services
Specializations: Assessment and Treatment for individuals with complex needs (e.g. ASD, FASD, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Trauma), Forensic evaluations, Diagnostic Evaluations, Legal related matters, Complex Behavioural Issues and Problematic Sexual Behaviours with Youth and Adults
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Ms. Brandie Stevenson completed her master’s degree in applied forensic psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2009. She is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario for independent practice as a clinical and forensic/corrections psychological associate with youth and adults since 2016.
Ms. Stevenson began her career in 1996 as a behaviour therapist working primarily with youth and adults with sexual behavioural problems and histories of trauma and abuse. This work included working in various residential treatment settings providing offence specific treatment to individuals with developmental disabilities and sexually offensive behaviours. She began working in private practice in 1997 under the supervision of two psychologists. During this time, she also worked with agencies in providing staff training in supporting individuals who sexually offend in addition she developed a training curriculum for individuals with disabilities and autism targeting healthy sexuality and abuse prevention. Ms. Stevenson working under the supervision of Dr. Robin Wilson, developed a process for conducting psycho-sexual risk assessments for individuals with complex needs. She has produced articles and a book chapter speaking to special populations and assessment and treatment.
Over the past 26 years she has been providing treatment and conducting assessments for forensic settings, (Corrections Canada, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Lawyers/Courts) as well as providing mental health diagnostic assessments and treatment. Ms. Stevenson has been recognized as an expert witness by the courts in Ontario and has been asked to testify regarding special population groups (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, developmental disability) involving a range of issues including but not limited to risk, cognitive function, understanding, impact of trauma, judgement, decision-making etc. This work has included providing treatment and conducting psychological -risk assessments, mental health status assessments, and evaluations for a range of legal questions.
Ms. Stevenson has expanded her clinical career working with youth and adults who have been impacted by trauma. She works with diverse populations using primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and other psychotherapeutic approaches and interventions. Ms. Stevenson continues to work closely with families, individuals, lawyers, and service agencies in understanding complex diagnostic profiles and how this impacts/complicates their problematic behaviours.
Associate Team
Dr. Leah Hartman C. Psych
Clinical Associate
Specializations: Depression, anxiety (GAD, OCD, panic disorder, phobias), PTSD, first responders, anger, alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, self-esteem, forensic psychology
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Dr. Leah Hartman is a registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from York University. Prior to her current role as a clinical and forensic psychologist in private practice, she received clinical training in a variety of settings, including the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, conducting both assessment and therapy with adults living with a variety of mental illnesses.
Dr. Hartman offers therapy for adults experiencing a diversity of struggles including anxiety and mood disorders, stress-related conditions, anger, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, relationship difficulties, problems adjusting to new life circumstances and individuals who have committed a variety of offenses including sexual offenses. Dr. Hartman is also skilled in the area of cognitive, personality, diagnostic and forensic/violence risk assessments, as well as Fitness for Duty Evaluations and Psychological Screening Evaluations for various police organizations.
Dr. Hartman’s clinical approach draws on client-centred, cognitive behavioural, compassion-focused, and emotion-focused therapeutic modalities. Above all else, she aims to tailor treatment to each clients’ unique background, needs and preferences. Dr. Hartman places a strong emphasis on developing supportive and collaborative relationships with each of her clients by creating a safe, empathic, nonjudgmental space in which to explore life’s challenges. Dr. Hartman also strives to instill genuine hope in her clients and helps clients become more aware of and utilize their strengths to work towards achieving important life goals. Clients often comment that Dr. Hartman is warm, genuine, highly empathic and that they feel deeply understood and heard.
Nadia Bulbulia M. Psych
Clinical Associate – Apprenticing toward College of Psychology Registration
Specializations: Assessments and Treatment for general psychological and forensic related issues. Police Psychology, including selection, FFDE and treatment.
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Nadia is a treatment provider and psychometrist. She completed a Master of Psychology degree at the Adler Graduate Professional School and brings diverse work and life experience. She was employed in a corporate environment for 15 years, where she mentored, coached and built key relationships prior to her own change in career. Through her education, she trained at the Markham Stouffville Outpatient Mental Health Clinic and the Adler Student Clinic. Professionally, Nadia has since worked with a range of individuals in private practice and in forensics.
Nadia’s personal and professional experiences have contributed to her belief in the importance of creating trust and strong alliance in the therapeutic environment. Her belief is that everyone is capable of effecting positive change, and she practices with a desire to find strengths and examples of resilience, while providing encouragement through the process.
Nadia works with adults at all stages of life and provides services across of range of areas that include depression, anxiety, anger, emotion regulation, work/life stress and coping with change. Her approach encompasses a variety of frameworks including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Adlerian Psychology and Mindfulness.
Shrimattee Ault M.Sc.
Clinical Associate – Apprenticing toward College of Psychology Registration
Specializations: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Forensics
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Shrimattee completed her master’s in psychology in 2013 at the University of The West Indies. She is currently a registered psychological associate in supervised practice with the College of Psychologist of Ontario. Shrimattee began her career in Barbados where she gained experience working in a detention facility administering psychometric testing and treating individuals with a wide range of presenting problems and symptoms. She went on to become registered as a psychologist with the Barbados Society of Psychologist and facilitated individual psychotherapy sessions prior to relocating to Toronto, Canada.
Currently, Shrimattee is working in private practice (supervised) providing treatment for a wide range of presenting problems and issues related to general adjustment, emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her general approach is informed by both client centered and cognitive behavioural approaches to treatment; however, approaches are typically dictated by the nature of the problem and the needs of the client.
Shrimattee conducts forensic and clinical assessments for Corrections Canada, Correctional Services, Lawyers/Courts for Sentencing Purposes and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. This work has included criminal risk assessments and clinical diagnosis and treatment recommendations for individuals with mental heath issues. She is also providing individual treatment for individuals, including federal and provincial offenders.
Beyond this, Shrimattee provides assessment and individual psychotherapy services to persons from diverse ethno-racial backgrounds.
Mercy Adinkrah-Asem RP
Registered Psychotherapist-Qualifying
Specializations: Adults with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, trauma (including anti-Black racism and transgenerational trauma), trained in anti-oppressive and culturally relevant psychotherapeutic practices
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Before transitioning to psychotherapy, Mercy Adinkrah-Asem completed a Bachelor of Arts, Honors in Communications and Political Science at York University and a certificate in Project Management from the University of Toronto. She worked in media marketing for almost twenty years, encouraging and supporting her team's personal growth and development.
With a desire to support mental health and wellness, Mercy completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and has attended numerous training and other forms of professional development since graduating. Mercy is a registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP). She completed her practicum at Allied Psychological Services before becoming a team member.
Mercy provides psychotherapy to a culturally diverse clientele dealing with various issues, including anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, depression, grief, anger management, emotional crisis, and interpersonal problems. She uses psychotherapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy, solutions-focused, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness skills. With a deep commitment to cultural awareness, Mercy integrates theoretical frameworks, including an anti-oppressive, trauma-aware framework to support clients in identifying strengths and positive coping strategies for dealing with stress.
Deone Curling Ed.D
Registered Psychotherapist-Qualifying
Specializations: Adults with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma (including anti-Black racism and transgenerational trauma, trained in anti-oppressive and culturally relevant psychotherapeutic practices
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Deone Curling has been a therapist for the past 23 years. She has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches. Her role as a therapist is informed by her community engagement and research practices that focus on the intersectionality of mental health that impacts marginalized communities.
She began her mental health career at a community health centre in Toronto addressing the distinct mental health concerns of black women and women of colour, working with an interdisciplinary team focusing on the intersectionality of mental health that impacts a diverse population.
Dr. Curling completed her EdD at The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) in the Counselling Psychology program. Her doctoral thesis is entitled, I Heal We Heal: A Qualitative Study of Black Canadian Women’s Experiences of Depression and Coping. Her research uncovered the impact of intergeneration trauma that informs Black women’s depression. Her research informs her present practice of therapy.
Dr. Curling presents at national and international conferences on the topic of Multicultural psychotherapy throughout North America, Caribbean, and Asia.
She has co-authored various chapters in academic textbooks on the issues of multicultural and traditional healing practices in therapy. Including, the section: Religion, Spirituality and Counselling (2019), in the Handbook of Counselling and Counselor Education. Also, Tempering Trauma: Fostering Black Women Refugees Resilience in
Afrocentric Therapy” in the textbook Afrocentric Social Work Practices (upcoming 2020)
Dr. Curling has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals on the impact of mental health in marginalized communities. Depression and discrimination in the lives of women, transgender and gender liminal people in Ontario, Canada,( 2017), depression and discrimination in the lives of women, transgender and gender liminal people in Ontario, Canada (2016). Does #Metoo Include #Ustoo? Notes on Depression, Violence, and Intersectionality in the Lives of Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans* People (2019).
Research
Dr. Curling has done extensive research in the area of mental health with marginalized communities that have informed psychotherapy practices. Some of these research studies include Migration as a Social Determinant of Health (2011) a study that illustrates the resources and strategies immigrant women employ to promote their mental health. As well, Pathways of Effective Depression Treatment – Research for LGBTQ. A study in which the findings suggested that the mental health system in Ontario is not currently meeting the needs of many sexual and gender minority people due to discrimination and poverty. Dr. Curling continues to be active in research projects that inform her practice of working with marginalized communities.
Teaching
Dr. Curling as an adjunct professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)/ University of Toronto. She assisted in establishing the postgraduate Mental Health Intervention program
and the honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health Degree Program at Seneca College. She was a professor at Seneca college in which she taught: Crisis Counselling, Health Promotion and Education and Dynamics of the Family.
Theoretical Approach
Dr. Curling’s approach to psychotherapy integrates techniques and theory from several well-researched and highly recommended strategies in which she has extensive training. She continues to stay up to date on new developments in each of these approaches including the following: Culturally Adapted Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
Dr. Curling works with a broad range of issues from workplace stress, trauma, to immigration/refugees destress) to clinical diagnosis (e.g., depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar and PTSD).
Dr. Andrew Harris Ph.D., C. Psych
Clinical Associate
Specializations: Adult Forensic and Counselling Psychologist
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Andrew J. R. Harris, Ph.D., C. Psych. was previously employed in both research and clinical capacities by the Solicitor General Canada, the Oak Ridge (Maximum Security) division of the Penetanguishene Mental Health Centre, and at a general acute care hospital, York Central Hospital, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Dr. Harris has a private clinical and consulting practice in Ontario, Canada and speaks on the history of prison architecture, risk assessment for violent, sexual, and pornography offenders, psychopathy, and high-risk offenders.
Meaghan Aylward
Ph.D C. Psych (Supervised Practice)
Clinical Associate – Completing PhD in Clinical and Forensic Psychology
Specializations: Assessment and Interventions for Youth and Adults in mental health and forensics
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Meaghan Aylward is a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her research focuses on the use of established personality assessment instruments to inform risk assessment with young offenders. Other research areas of interest to Meaghan include protective factors in risk assessment, resistance to treatment, and cultural factors influencing treatment and assessment. Meaghan’s professional experience includes training and supervision conducting assessments and treatment with offenders and the general population. Meaghan received formal training in both clinical and forensic psychology throughout her doctoral program and completed placements at the D.C. Superior Court Child Guidance Clinic, the Youth Justice Assessment Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Harbor Light Treatment Center. Meaghan completed her pre-doctoral residency placement Dr. Angela Fountain and Associates in August 2022.
Throughout her training, Meaghan has worked with diverse, marginalized, and disadvantaged populations, and delights in the experience of working with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. In therapy, Meaghan seeks to build meaningful relationships with clients that recognize their strengths, hardships, and authentic selves while holding a firm commitment to working towards her clients’ practical goals to improve their overall quality of life and a positive sense of self. Meaghan draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to guide clients towards building insight into their behaviours, internal experiences, and values to create meaningful, sustainable change in their lives.
Meaghan works with adolescents and adults and provides therapy and assessment services for clients with a range of presenting problems and circumstances, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, emotion regulation, and high-risk behaviours. Meaghan is currently practicing under the supervision of the team of registered psychologists at Allied Psychological Services.
Jessica Minervini M. Psych (in progress)
Registered Psychotherapist - Qualifying Practicum Student
Specializations: Adolescents and Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, ASD, and General Mental Health
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Jessica is a Registered Psychotherapist - Qualifying with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is currently finishing her Masters of Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University. She is under supervised practice while she completes her student practicum at Allied Psychological Services. After spending many years working as an administrator and youth advocate at a private school, she chose to return to graduate school in order to obtain the education needed to better help youth and adolescents navigating their mental health needs.
Jessica has experience as a psychometrist, conducting developmental assessments on adults with autism spectrum disorder, brain injuries, and complex mental health issues. She looks forward to continuing to work with these populations, as well as with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression and life transitions.
Jessica's clinical approach is based on person-centered, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectic behavioural techniques, narrative therapy and trauma-informed care. Each therapy session is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client, while working towards the achievement of treatment/healing goals.
Racquel Hamlet MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Specializations: Youth, parents and adults with mental health issues including depression, trauma (including anti-Black racism and transgenerational trauma), depression, adjustment issues, trained in anti-oppressive and culturally relevant psychotherapeutic practices
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Racquel obtained her Sociology honors degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Masters in Social Work from York University.
She has worked with Taibu Community Health Centre for the last 11 years as a Registered Social Worker and Therapist. More recently, Racquel is now the Manager of Wellness and Community Crisis Response. She hopes to be able to impact the Black community in a larger capacity by exacting change from within in order to deliver an effective and ground breaking service to the Black and Indigenous communities suffering with mental health challenges.
She has always had a passion for working with the Black Community with the hopes of seeing our community flourish in not only physical health but also in mental and emotional well-being. In her time at Taibu, her focus has always been to improve the quality of life for the people we serve through her knowledge and experience.
She has a background in working in the Criminal Justice System with youth for several years through the African Canadian Legal Clinic as a part of the African Canadian Youth Justice Program. And also did some work with Toronto Bail Program with youth as well.
Racquel has a vested interest in post partum depression as well as mental illness in the Black community. She has taught at Durham College as a professor teaching the science behind counselling people from diverse backgrounds with complex issues related to mental health, employment and immigration.
Ayah Ellithy RP
Registered Psychotherapist Clinical Associate – Completing PhD in Counselling Psychology
Specializations: Anxiety, Depression, Family Issues, Relationship Issues, Bipolar Disorder. (adolescents)
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Ayah completed her Master's in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy in 2019 at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), at the University of Toronto (UofT). She is currently a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Ayah completed her master's practicum at Maplehurst Correctional Complex and Vanier Centre for Women, a provincial prison. Since graduating from her program, Ayah has been working in forensics, delivering treatment to federal offenders, and assisting with risk assessments of adolescents and adults.
Currently, Ayah is completing her Doctor's in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy at OISE, UofT. Furthermore, she works as a clinical manager at Youth Without Shelter, a homeless shelter for those aged 16-24. Her treatment approach is integrative in nature, informed by client-centered, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and narrative approaches. Furthermore, Ayah works with ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities presenting with a host of mental health issues.
Jeff Abracen Ph.D, C. Psych
RSW, MSW
Specializations: Treatment and Assessments for forensic clients with a focus on sex offenders.
ABOUT
Education/Experience
Dr. Jeffrey Abracen graduated from McGill University with his Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology in 1995. Dr. Abracen was employed on a full-time basis by Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) from 1995 until his recent retirement in 2021. Dr. Abracen has held a number of roles within the organization over his 26-year career with CSC. Dr. Abracen worked at the Regional Treatment Centre Sex Offender Treatment Program (RTCSOTP) from 1995 until 2002. The RTCSOTP was a high intensity, institutionally based, sex offender treatment program operated on the grounds of a maximum-security institution located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. From 2002 until his retirement in 2021 Dr. Abracen had been working at the Central District (Ontario) Parole office where he occupied a number of positions including Director, Community Based Sex Offender Treatment Programs and as the Chief Psychologist for Central District (Ontario) Parole. Dr. Abracen had been employed as the Chief Psychologist in Central District (Ontario) Parole for over 15 years when he retired from CSC in 2021.
At present, Dr. Abracen holds an Adjunct Professor position at Ontario Tech. University located in Oshawa, Ontario in the Department of Forensic Psychology. Dr. Abracen has previously held an Adjunct Professor position at Ryerson University in the Department of Psychology.
Research
Dr. Abracen has published over 60 articles related to the assessment and treatment of moderate and high-risk offender populations. A summary of this research can be found in the text that Dr. Abracen published with Dr. Jan Looman in 2016 titled Treatment of High-Risk Sexual Offenders: An Integrated Approach (Wiley-Blackwell). Most recently, Dr. Abracen and his colleagues have produced a long-term outcome study of the sexual offenders treated by psychology staff in the Central District (Ontario) Sex Offender Treatment Program between the years 2005 and 2009. Treated subjects were compared to a group of sexual offenders who received standard correctional treatment. Over an extended follow-up period (8.17 years for the treated group and 6.9 years for the comparison sample) results indicated that only one of the 89 treated sexual offenders recidivated sexually versus a significantly higher rate for comparison subjects. No differences were observed between groups on an actuarial instrument designed to assess risk for sexual offence recidivism.
Trainings
Dr. Abracen presents training related to the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders. In specific, Dr. Abracen presents workshops related to the treatment of substance abuse issues in sexual offenders as well as the Integrated Risk Assessment and Treatment System (IRATS) Model developed by Dr. Looman and Dr. Abracen. Dr. Abracen also presents on issues associated with community management of sexual offenders.