Meet Our Team of Mental Health Professionals
At PsyVitalitï, we are proud to have a team of experienced mental health professionals that are here for your every need. Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta or British Columbia, we have a therapist that can help you on your journey to a better self. All of our licensed therapists are specialized in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), one of the most effective methods of therapy.
Learn more about each member of our diverse team of therapists below. If you want to schedule an appointment with any of our mental health professionals, you can do so through our easy-to-use online booking tool.
Our Founders
Leanna Zozula
Ph.D.
Leanna is a registered psychologist and Clinical Director of PsyVitalitï. She obtained her doctorate degree from McGill University and was trained and worked in many settings in Albany, New York and Montreal, Quebec. Over the last 20 years, Leanna has been helping adolescents, adults, families and couples to attain an increased sense of well-being by teaching them methods to better face a variety of issues, such as navigating difficult life decisions, alleviating feelings of depression and stress, and coping with relationship problems.
Jean-Marc Assaad
Ph.D.
Jean-Marc is a registered psychologist and Director of Online Services at PsyVitalitï. He obtained his doctoral degree from McGill University, where he also taught. In addition to providing therapy and coaching to help people attain their life goals, he also specializes in teaching people powerful communication strategies to help facilitate their personal, family and work relationships. For over 15 years, Jean-Marc has also been regularly offering conferences and training to healthcare professionals to better help them help their clients.
Our Therapists in Ontario
Adrian Gudino
Clinical Psychology Candidate
Adrian is completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School. Using a trauma informed approach, he creates a warm, safe space for clients to explore the root causes of their concerns. He has over five years of experience counselling individuals who struggle with addictions, as well as depression and anxiety. Working in the emergency department for the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health has trained him to respond well to any crisis and to help individuals regulate their emotions. Adrian is under the supervision of Dr. Lori Walls, a licensed psychologist.
Alex Statham
Registered Social Worker, Master of Social Work (M.S.W, B.S.W)
Alex, as a registered social worker and a holder of a master's degree in social work, has extensive experience working first-hand with street populations, supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance abuse. Alex focuses on an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approach, using CBT, DBT and emotion-focused therapy.
Amaka Ene
Registered Social Worker, Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Amaka is a registered social worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has experience working with diverse populations including newcomers, adults with learning differences, and female survivors of gender-based violence. She works from a person-centered, trauma-informed perspective and values the unique, lived experiences of each client. Amaka prioritizes working collaboratively with clients to empower them to be active participants in the direction of their treatment. She uses cognitive behavioural techniques to build the therapeutic alliance and promote well-being. Her extensive work with newcomer populations has highlighted the importance of continued cultural humility and an understanding of the ways in which cultural context shapes experience.
Cherry Wang
RSW, Master of Social Work Candidate
Cherry Wang is a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Toronto specializing in the mental health and health stream. She has experience working with diverse population including newcomers, international students, high school and university/college students, as well as individuals with anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation. Grounded in evidence-based practices, Cherry adeptly utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques to guide clients towards transformative growth. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, and she believes in embracing individual differences and fostering an inclusive and safe therapeutic environment for everyone. Through active listening and empathy, Cherry creates a welcoming, non-judgemental, and empowering space for clients to explore their thoughts freely and facilitate personal growth.
Christina Joy
Master of Social Work Candidate, R.S.W.
Christina is a Master of Social Work student at the University of Toronto with extensive experience supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women, femme-presenting, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She has experience working with individuals of diverse ages, especially in the realms of crisis intervention and interpersonal relationships. In her commitment to promote social justice, Christina is dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate space for her clients. In her clinical practice, she values empathetic, non-judgemental supportive counselling, in addition to collaborative interventions.
Christine Sterling-Charette
Master of Psychology
With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Adler Professional Graduate School and a BA in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, Christine creates a non-judgemental, safe space for all of her clients. She is trained in CBT as well as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and aims to help all of her clients feel supported and valued. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Lori Walls.
Hailu Lu Lockyer
Registered Psychotherapist
Hailu is a registered psychotherapist with CRPO. Working with clients in a non-judgmental space, she offers therapy services for anxiety, stress, relationship issues, addiction, ADHD, gender identity and expression, and much more. She is a certified provider of CBT and encourages clients to share experiences and challenges to support them in overcoming their struggles.
Jessica Larsen-Halikowski
Registered Social Worker, Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
As a registered social worker, Jessica strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment to facilitate improved well-being. Jessica is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Alberta College of Social Workers, providing extensive knowledge in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, commitment therapy and narrative therapy.
John Segui
Master of Social Work
John (he/him) is a Registered Social Worker who obtained his Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto specializing in mental health. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), he helps individuals navigate through their anxiety, depression, stress, sexual and gender identity (LGBTQ2S+), and relationships. His philosophy is rooted in building a genuine authentic and trusting relationship with his client’s. John collaboratively works with his clients to figure coping strategies to help deal with life’s challenges and to achieve their goals and full potential.
Leah Reinhartz
Registered Social Worker, Master of Social Work (M.S.W)
Leah Reinhartz is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She has extensive experience working with individuals who have Anxiety, Depression, Perfectionism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and more. Leah's therapeutic style is warm, direct, empathic, non-judgmental, and friendly. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotional Focused Individual Therapy, and Psychodynamic modalities.
Liza Khalyapina
Master of Psychology Candidate
Liza is a current Master of Psychology student at the Adler Graduate Professional School. She is committed to creating a non-judgmental space in therapy where clients can feel safe to explore their challenges and aspirations. Liza's authentic and collaborative style invites clients to actively participate in the healing process, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment over one's mental health journey. Her experiences as an educator with youth and other vulnerable populations inform her passion for helping individuals reach their full potential. Working under the supervision of Dr. Lori Walls, Liza continues to encourage her client's personal growth and emotional development through the application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Lori Walls
Ph.D
Lori Walls is one of our registered clinical psychologists in Ottawa who focuses on cognitive behavioural and solution-focused techniques to tackle varying client concerns. With experience in many community settings, Lori is able to help adults, adolescents, youths and couples build better interpersonal relationships and overcome personal challenges.
Michelle Lassaline
Registered Social Worker (M.S.W.)
Michelle is a Registered Social Worker who obtained her Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor. Michelle has experience working with clients facing such challenges as Anxiety, Autism, School Issues, and OCD. She strives to create a safe, validating, empathic space in order to help empower her clients to better confront the challenges they face.
Nina Ahluwalia
Registered Social Worker (M.S.W.)
Nina is a Registered Social Worker (MSW), Certified Life and Health Coach. She is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential. Nina approaches her work with a biopsychosocial perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping an individual’s health and well-being. She also uses a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. She has a personal and professional interest in the many benefits of Mindfulness and implements these concepts in her work with her clients. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where her clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, identify their strengths and challenges, and develop a plan for achieving their goals. She believes in a client-centered approach to social work, where the client is the expert on their own life and the therapist is a guide and support.
Samira Masoudi
Registered Social Worker (M.S.W.)
Samira is a registered social worker with a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has experience working as a counsellor in a community mental health setting offering counselling services to clients feeling distress, anxiety, PTSD, or experiencing family relationship issues. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and trauma-informed. Samira's goal is to build a collaborative relationship and create a safe and non-judgmental environment to ensure her clients feel comfortable and safe to share their issues and help them to reach their own full potential. She is interested in supporting adults and youth across a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, cross-cultural issues, and major life changes. Samira uses multiple therapeutic approaches including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and positive mindfulness.
Zeynep Unal Yilmaz
Master's of Psychology Candidate
Zeynep is completing her Master's degree in Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. She has more than 6 years of experience working with adolescent and adults in Turkiye. Zeynep focuses on anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma-related issues, and provides support to individuals in a non-judgmental and accepting environment. She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Adlerian Approach and Solution-Focused Therapy. She works under supervision of Dr Lori Walls.
Our Therapists in Alberta
Cora McLachlan
Psychologist
Cora is a Registered Psychologist on our Calgary team. She obtained a master’s degree from Athabasca University in 2014 and since then, has been working hard to help clients of all ages achieve their goals. She has experience across multiple fields including schools, hospitals, agencies, addiction counselling and private practice settings. Cora’s approach to counselling includes Cognitive-Behavioural, Solution Focused and attachment-based approaches.
Jason Grieve
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Jason holds a master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Calgary, specializing in mental health and addictions. Drawing upon his background in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, counselling, community outreach, and crisis intervention, Jason is dedicated to fostering support, empowerment, and resilience-building for individuals in need. Jason offers an environment of empathy, validation, and hope, where clients can safely explore their emotions and experiences to overcome challenges, build inner strength, and embrace positive change.
Jodie Luddu
Master of Social Work Candidate
Jodie is currently completing her Master's of Social Work at the University of Calgary. She has a passion for promoting mental well-being and supporting individuals in their journey towards healing. With a diverse background that includes international travel experiences, Jodie brings a unique perspective to her clinical practice. Jodie uses various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and approaches grounded in Attachment Theory. She is currently working under the supervision of Jessica Martinez Perez, R.S.W, M.S.W.
Rita Motta
Master of Social Work Candidate
Rita is a Clinical Master of Social Work Candidate at the University of Calgary. She has over six years of diverse social work and case management experience, focusing on mental health with a variety of populations. Rita has particular expertise and understanding in working with women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community through the facilitation of support groups and individual support for both communities. Practicing through strengths-based, trauma-informed, and cognitive behavioral perspectives and with an emphasis on inclusion and diversity, Rita welcomes the individuals she works with into a non-judgemental and empathic space.
Rubbal Brar
Social Work Intern
Rubbal (Ruby) Brar is completing her Master’s of Clinical Social Work. With over six years of practical experience, Ruby has facilitated a supportive environment for clients, helping them build vital communication, behavioural and cognitive skills to improve their health and overall life. Ruby empowers clients to build attainable life goals, using counselling sessions to focus on skill development to achieve a greater sense of fulfillment. Ruby uses her specialized training to help clients prioritize their mental health care. She is currently working under the supervision of Jessica Martinez Perez, R.S.W, M.S.W.
Our Therapists in British Columbia
Amanjot Gill
Master of Social Work
Amanjot assists and supports individuals to reach improved functioning at their own pace, and to be strong and skilled experts of their own needs. She helps build unique and practical tool kits which are versatile in the workplace, during panic or stressful situations, while improving communication with people in life, through chronic health conditions, etc.
Andrea Moreno
Registered Social Worker
Andrea is a registered social worker who is dedicated to creating a space that is caring, safe, and focused on individual strengths. With an extensive background in family social work, she understands how anxiety, depression, family relationships, and daily stressors may impact her clients’ lives. She also has experience in academic advising, which allows her to help clients with decision making, school stress, and creating a work-life balance. She uses a variety of psychotherapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to support clients in their journey towards wellness. She graduated with a Master of Social Work degree in clinical counseling from the University of British Columbia.
Christina Chediac
Registered Social Worker (M.S.W.)
Christina obtained her Master of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus and has worked in hospital as a healthcare social worker as well as in the community where she completed several counselling internships. She has supported individuals experiencing various challenges including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, serious diagnoses, caregiver burnout, substance use concerns and disordered eating. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centred, utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to work with individuals to help them realize their goals.
John Segui
Master of Social Work
John (he/him) is a Registered Social Worker who obtained his Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto specializing in mental health. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), he helps individuals navigate through their anxiety, depression, stress, sexual and gender identity (LGBTQ2S+), and relationships. His philosophy is rooted in building a genuine authentic and trusting relationship with his client’s. John collaboratively works with his clients to figure coping strategies to help deal with life’s challenges and to achieve their goals and full potential.
Jonathan Carter
Master of Social Work
Jonathan is a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers who obtained his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia. Jonathan utilizes multiple modalities in therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Brief Solution-Focused therapy. Jonathan assists with navigating issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing.
Katherine Giebelhaus
Master of Social Work Candidate
Kate strives to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where people can improve their overall health and life, as well as achieve their goals. She has over 8 years of experience supporting clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, substance use and relationship conflicts. She also brings a breadth of experience working alongside those who have experienced trauma. Kate incorporates an eclectic and client-centred approach in helping individuals become their best selves. She is currently completing her Master’s of Clinical Social Work.She also brings a breadth of experience working alongside those who have experienced trauma. Kate incorporates an eclectic and client-centred approach in helping individuals become their best selves. She is currently completing her Master’s of Clinical Social Work.
Kim McWilliam
Master of Social Work
Kim is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto in 2014. Since then she has worked in a variety of clinical settings, using Cognitive Behavioral, Emotion Focused, and Solution Oriented approaches. Kim has counselled people through a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, and transition. Her style is warm, collaborative, and affirming. Kim believes counselling can guide people towards greater self-awareness, empowering them to make positive change and ultimately experience a greater sense of wellbeing.
Leslie Grenier
Master of Social Work
Leslie’s primary focuses of intervention are trauma, substance misuse, and supporting youth and adults to explore their sexual and gender identities. She is a Registered Social Worker and earned her Master of Social Work from UBC Okanagan. Leslie is compassionate and non-judgmental. If you are feeling depressed or anxious she would be honored to help you recognize why you think, feel, and act the way you do. And, most importantly, co-create and enact a plan to help you change what’s no longer working.
Liz Hagerty
Master of Social Work
Liz holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia and is a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers. Liz has worked in a variety of settings including government, health care and post-secondary. Liz works from a client-centered and strengths-based perspective. She works with clients to identify their inner resources, offering tools and skills that can be applied to life in a practical way and that supports clients in reaching their goals.
Rachel Braund
Master of Social Work
Rachel is a Registered Social Worker in British Columbia who has worked with individuals struggling with addiction, mental health, and high performance anxiety including burnout. Rachel received her MSW from the University of Toronto and has been trained in various evidence based modalities. She incorporates social justice into her practice as she welcomes her clients into a safe space to navigate challenging times. Rachel identifies as a white immigrant and has first hand experience navigating the many intersectional systems and experiences. Rachel’s work is rooted in trauma informed, systems theory.
Samantha Hunt
Master of Social Work
Samantha Hunt, MSW, RSW has been practicing for 6 years in a variety of settings, including healthcare and inpatient treatment. She brings compassion and understanding and strives to help clients feel capable and confident of managing their mental health on their own. Samantha's approach is built on educating clients, skill building, and empowering clients to build their own vision of their future.
Sonia Andhi Bilkhu
Master of Social Work
Sonia is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. She has over 25 years experience working as a counsellor in community mental health settings offering services to clients dealing with relationship violence, depression, anxiety, trauma, child welfare and family issues. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and trauma informed. Sonia has extensive experience in working with the immigrant and refugee community. She speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu fluently.
Trina Kushnerik
Social Work Intern
Trina strives to create a collaborative, non-judgemental space where clients can explore their strengths and life challenges. She has experience working with individuals that have experienced trauma, abuse, and other mental health concerns using trauma-informed practices. She primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at the University of British Columbia with a focus on clinical counselling. Trina is working under the supervision of Amanjot Gill, MSW.
Virginia McConchie
Social Work Intern
Virginia is a Registered Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago. She has experience helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and addictions. Virginia works collaboratively with clients to create a safe space where clients can feel heard and understood, and ready to address the challenges in their lives. She is here to listen, support you, and work with you to build the internal tools and insight that will help you grow and change your life for the better.