Dr. Dina Lafoyiannis, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Dr. Dina is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She received her Master of Science in Medical Sciences-Program in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto and went on to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University. While this provided her with a strong foundation in understanding children, adolescents and families, she continued her post graduate training in order to also work with adults. This understanding of human behaviour across the lifespan allows her to better support her clients and the whole family system.
Dr. Dina believes that empathy and understanding are central to therapy, and strives to create a safe and compassionate space for her clients. She uses an integrative approach to therapy, drawing on different types of evidenced-based treatments. Central to therapy is the importance of the relationship she builds with clients. As the lead of the practice, she provides supervision to the clinicians on the team and consults on the assessment and treatment of all clients.
In addition to private practice, Dr. Dina has worked for the last decade at SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health and was an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor for the University of Toronto OISE and York University. She has experience providing supervision for psychologists in training and in supervised practice (CPO). Currently, she provides consultation to all associates in the practice, and supervises the master’s level associates.
Dr. Dina is a strong advocate of children’s mental health in the public sector and is currently on the Board of Directors of Myles Ahead - Advancing Child & Youth Mental Health, a charity focused on addressing barriers to children’s mental health and youth suicide prevention. In her free time you can find her walking through parks and trails with her family.
Dr. Jennifer Summers, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Jenn is a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She received her MA and PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology from York University. Her graduate studies focused on childhood anxiety and the impact of children's own motivation to engage in treatment.
Dr. Jenn has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in various community, educational, hospital and private practice settings. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at McMaster Children's Hospital and then worked as a staff psychologist there for several years. Dr. Jenn approaches clinical practice with a nonjudgmental attitude, a warm and welcoming demeanor, and a genuine interest for clients’ experiences. Dr. Jenn's main theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioural, drawing on psychodynamic, mindfulness/acceptance, attachment, and strength-based approaches to address individualized therapeutic goals. In her spare time, Jenn enjoys spending time with her three children, especially skiing and swimming. She also loves to read, bake, and play tennis.
Dr. Elyse Reim, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Elyse is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is registered to work with children, adolescents and families, and works under the supervision of Dr. Lafoyiannis with adults. She obtained her doctorate in Clinical Developmental Psychology from the University of Guelph, undertaking her clinical training in a variety of settings, including Youthdale Treatment Centres, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Toronto District School Board. Since then, Dr. Elyse has continued working with clients across settings and diverse life circumstances, holding positions at SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health and the Toronto District School Board, in addition to private practice.
Dr. Elyse is committed to providing her clients with a compassionate, curious, non-judgemental, empathic and warm experience. She is invested in creating trusting and collaborative relationships and believes that understanding and empathy are fundamental to effective treatment. Dr. Elyse’s work is rooted in developmental and relational frameworks while also integrating techniques from various evidence-based treatments based on a client’s unique needs and goals, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as attachment focused and emotion focused family interventions.
In addition to individual and family therapy, Dr. Elyse’s practice also includes comprehensive psychological assessment to better understand clients’ strengths and challenges, to determine recommendations and strategies that may be beneficial at both home and school and to help clarify a treatment plan. Dr. Elyse is additionally experienced in providing supervision for psychologists in training as well as with providing psychological consultation to mental health professionals outside of psychology to support their client care.
Outside of work, Dr. Elyse enjoys reading, meditation and travel, as well as being active and in nature, especially with her dog, Reggie.
Dr. Sophia Durisko, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Sophia Durisko is a registered Clinical Psychologist licenced to work with children and adolescents in the province of Ontario. Dr. Sophia completed her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology from the University of Guelph and completed her residency in a hospital setting at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (adolescent outpatient and inpatient units). She has been in private practice for the last 3 years and has dedicated the past 7 years to community mental health as a staff psychologist at Kinark Child and Family Services. Here, she has provided assessment, therapy, clinical consultation, training, and supervision in the Child and Youth Mental Health program.
Dr. Sophia has over 14 years of experience providing assessment and treatment to children and adolescents struggling with a range of presenting concerns, such as anxiety, OCD, depression, mood disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, emotional dysregulation, behavioral issues, parent-child relational difficulties, trauma, and learning challenges. Central to her orientation is a collaborative and strong therapeutic alliance driven by curiosity, empathy, and genuine positive regard for clients. She is extensively trained in the modality of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) and kids (DBT-K). She is also passionate about providing parenting support and improving the quality of parent-child interactions. Dr. Sophia also uses an integrative approach to therapy, drawing on evidence-based treatments that are individualized to each client's needs and goals.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Sophia enjoys spending time with her two children and husband and indulges in sewing and crafting handmade items in her craft room.
Dr. Shanna Deasley, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Shanna is a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Shanna obtained her PhD from the University of Windsor and completed her clinical residency at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Dr. Shanna is a warm, enthusiastic, and empathetic clinician. She prioritizes understanding her clients’ unique strengths, challenges, and goals for treatment. Dr. Shanna provides therapy to children and adolescents with anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, behavioural difficulties, and emotion dysregulation. She is also able to support with behaviour management and parenting challenges. She has extensive training in evidence-based treatment and works primarily from a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) framework.
In addition to private practice, Dr. Shanna is a Psychologist at Kinark Child and Family Services, providing assessment, treatment, and consultation to children and their families. She has worked in a variety of community mental health and hospital settings, including SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, The Children’s Centre in Detroit, and Windsor’s Teen Health Centre.
When Dr. Shanna isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Pepper.
Dr. Katie Quinlan, Ph.D.,C.Psych (Supervised Practice)
Dr. Katie is a child and adolescent Psychologist (Supervised Practice) with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Guelph and an M.A. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from Brock University. She has over six years of experience providing therapy, assessment, and consultation services to children, adolescents, and young adults in community, educational, and private practice settings. In her work with clients, Dr. Katie is dedicated to creating a warm and supportive environment rooted in authenticity, empathy, and collaboration. She believes in the importance of clients feeling safe and understood, and makes it a priority to build a trusting and non-judgemental relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and validated. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on various evidence-based approaches in order to equip clients with new insights and practical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Dr. Katie has experience providing therapy to children and adolescents presenting with anxiety and mood difficulties, relational struggles, emotion dysregulation, trauma, and behavioural challenges. She has experience with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Her clinical work is supervised by Dr. Dina Lafoyiannis.
In addition to intervention services, Dr. Katie is experienced in providing comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments to children and youth presenting with a range of cognitive, learning, behavioral, developmental, and social-emotional difficulties.
Outside of her professional life, Katie enjoys exploring new experiences with her children, spending time in nature, reading, and savouring a good cup of coffee.
Janine Lawford, MSW, RSW.
Janine Lawford is a Clinical Social Worker registered with the College of Social Workers in Ontario with almost three decades of experience working with children, youth, adults, couples and families as a psychotherapist. Janine received a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University before completing a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University in Michigan. She also completed a year long extern program in Narrative Therapy and Brief psychotherapies.
Janine’s studies and decades long experience as a psychotherapist and consultant have provided her an extensive foundation to work with people across the lifespan facing any number of different difficulties, challenges and mental health concerns in their lives.
Janine worked for over a decade at the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, now the Sick Children’s Centre for Community Mental Health, as a therapist, supervisor and instructor. As part of her work she created and led both a trauma seminar and a trauma-focused assessment and treatment team. She has also worked for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer in the area of high conflict divorce.
In her private practice, she offers psychotherapy and specialized training as well as consultation to the Tele-Link Mental Health program at the Hospital for Sick Children in the area of trauma and children’s mental health. Janine is a published author in her field and has offered training and consultation to organizations throughout Canada in addition to having presented at international conferences.
Janine believes that relationships lie at the heart of all healing and wellness. She brings passion, energy and empathy to her practice as well as highly honed therapeutic expertise. Janine is a strong advocate for all of the people with whom she works. She draws on many evidence-based therapies and tailors them to each individual's needs.
Pamela Saa Pham, MSW, RSW
Pamela Saa Pham is a Social Worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service workers. She obtained her Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto and completed her practicum at the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at Sickkids providing individual and family therapy. She has over 7 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families in various community and educational settings.
Pamela gently and warmly creates a safe space for her clients to explore their feelings and understand their struggles and hopes. Her empathetic nature allows her to connect with clients on a deep level, fostering trust and growth. Pamela has a client-centred approach and works in an eclectic way to support individual needs. Using a strength based frame work she draws from various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Pamela is also fluent in Spanish to better serve the Spanish speaking community.
Pamela is a child and family therapist at the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at Sickkids. In 2021, she was a recipient of the Dr.Sowa Clinical Service Excellence Award and has continued her commitment to helping individuals and families from diverse backgrounds navigate life challenges.
In Pamela’s spare time, she is most likely trying out a new coffee shop or brunch spot.
Alexandra Torrie (RP)
Alexandra is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She received her Master of Education at the Ontario Institute of Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at McGill University.
Before coming to Toronto, Alexandra worked in Vancouver as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and has worked with individuals on areas such as anxiety, depression, stress management self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and life transitions.
Alexandra approaches relationships with clients with empathy and compassion and works within a relational, trauma informed and strengths-based framework. She draws on somatic, emotion focused, and attachment-based therapies to help you broaden your understanding of your experience and explore your strengths while fostering self-compassion. Through her training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Alexandra enjoys working with clients to understand their emotions and how they are experienced and felt in the body, as well as learning ways to use the body as a resource to regulate emotions. Based on training that she has in narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and sensorimotor psychotherapy, Alexandra will adjust sessions to meet the needs of each client. She aims to collaborate with her clients to create a therapeutic relationship where emotions, experiences, thoughts, and behaviours can be explored in a way that is safe, supportive, and dedicated to your well-being.
Dr. Jenny Gomez, C.Psych (Supervised Practice)
Jenny is a child and adolescent Psychologist (Supervised Practice) who holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Guelph and an MA in Counselling Psychology from The University of Western Ontario. Jenny has over nine years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults in various community, educational, and private practice settings. She most recently completed her PhD residency at The Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids.
Jenny takes an integrative approach to therapy and draws from various modalities and frameworks to support her clients in the most effective and meaningful way based on their unique needs and life circumstances. Her approach is rooted in developmental considerations and attachment, and her work is trauma informed. Jenny recognizes the role of systemic and socio-cultural factors in mental health. Her approach is inclusive, honouring and affirming of all expressions of self and identity. Jenny has experience providing therapy to children and adolescents struggling with anxiety and mood difficulties, emotion dysregulation, and behavioural challenges, as well as relational difficulties and life transitions. She has experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and with emotion focused, compassion focused, and mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to care. Her clinical interests include the emotional and mental health and wellbeing of children and youth, recovery from non-suicidal self-injury, and survivors of trauma and maltreatment. In addition to intervention services, Jenny is experienced in providing comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments to children and youth. Jenny’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Dina Lafoyiannis.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jenny enjoys engaging in creative and artistic activities, reading mystery novels, and spending time with her family and friends.
Gabrielle O’Hara, M.A., (Ph.D. Candidate)
Gabi is a doctoral candidate in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at McGill University. In the summer of 2022, she completed her clinical residency at the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at Sick Kids. Gabi has experience working with children, adolescents, and families through her previous work at Surrey Place, Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, Summit School, and the McGill Psychoeducational and Counselling Clinic.
Gabi takes an integrative approach to therapy, with an emphasis on creating a safe therapeutic space for her clients through warmth, acceptance, and empathy. She has experience providing therapy to children and adolescents presenting with anxiety and mood disorders, relational difficulties, emotion dysregulation, and behavioural challenges. She draws from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to best support her clients toward their goals. In addition to therapy, Gabi is experienced in providing comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments to children and youth. Gabi is supervised by Dr. Dina Lafoyiannis to provide quality care to each individual and family.
In her free time, Gabi enjoys learning new recipes, immersing herself in a good book, and exploring the great outdoors with her two dogs, Campbell and Mooney.
Anneesa Singh, M.A (Ph.D. Candidate)
Anneesa Singh is a doctoral candidate in the School and Clinical Child Psychology Program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Anneesa has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in school, hospital, and private practice settings. She conducts comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and provides psychotherapeutic services to children and adolescents presenting with a range of difficulties. Typical clientele includes children and adolescents with anxiety, mood and depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, gender and identity questions, life challenges, and interpersonal challenges. She also does corresponding parent coaching and family work.
Anneesa takes an integrative approach to psychotherapy, with strong foundations in relational and psychodynamic approaches. She also utilizes other evidence-based approaches as therapeutically indicated, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Anneesa tailors her therapeutic modality to the evolving needs of each client. She works in close supervision with Dr. Dina Lafoyiannis to provide quality care to each individual and family. Anneesa shares in the practice’s values of empathy, understanding, and compassion, and is committed to creating a safe space for clients to celebrate strengths, address challenges, and meet their therapeutic goals.
Emily Weinberger, M.A (Ph.D. Candidate)
Emily is a doctoral candidate in the Child and Adolescent Psychology program at the University of Guelph. Emily’s practice is guided by various evidence-based treatments, and she utilizes an integrated therapeutic approach that is tailored to the needs of each individual and family. Emily is supervised by Dr. Dina Lafoyiannis to provide quality care to each individual and family. Emily takes a relational approach to all of her work and believes that a strong connection with clients serves as an important foundation for effective treatment. She has experience providing therapy to children and adolescents with various concerns including anxiety (e.g., generalized, social, separation, OCD, etc.), mood disorders, attachment issues, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral concerns. She also has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for youth presenting with a range of cognitive, learning, behavioral, developmental, and social-emotional difficulties.
Emily has trained at SickKids Center for Community Mental Health, Waterloo Region District Schoolboard, and the Center for Psychological Services at the University of Guelph.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, working out, and spending time with her wiener dog, Ava.
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