Niki Hoffman

Joanne van Rennes

Human Resources and Culture Manager - BScN, RN

Joanne is the Human Resources and Culture Manager at LSCTS. She is a Registered Nurse.

Joanne has over 25 years experience as a manager in a variety of Community Health settings, with a focus on family centered care and engagement.

Joanne has an interest in building strong teams and loves working in the richness of a multi-disciplinary environment. Outside of work Joanne loves hanging out with her family and her dogs.

Justine Kitchen

Clinical Manager & Occupational Therapist, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Justine Kitchen is the Clinical Manager and an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She has 15 years experience as an OT and has worked in the Paediatric field her entire career.

Justine’s practice has always focused on family-centered care. It’s her educated belief that you cannot treat just the child, but that progress involves active involvement from parents and/or other caregivers in that child’s life.

Justine enjoys helping parents/caregivers navigate the recognition of needs and creating a plan of action for therapy and care. She is interested in child/adolescent mental health and emotional regulation and how this can be intertwined with sensory issues and resulting behaviours.

Psychologist - M.A., Clinical Psychological Associate

Niki is a Psychologist at LSCTS. She is a registered Clinical Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (Autonomous Practice) with declared areas of competency in clinical psychology in assessment/evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and consultation with children, adolescents, and adults.

Niki brings years of experience in psychoeducational, psychological, neurodevelopmental, and mental health assessment, having completed well over 1000 such assessments with children, adolescents, and adults ranging in age from infancy to the elderly. She believes that in order to support or remediate an issue, we must first gain a thorough understanding of exactly what the problem is, as well as any personal and environmental factors at play through an integral assessment process. Once the problem is understood, detailed recommendations for treatment and support can be personalized to the individual and provided to parents, educators, and organizations as needed. Her assessment reports are thorough and detailed, and her recommendations are closely tailored to both the client and the environment, whether that be home, school, or in the community.

Her main areas of therapeutic focus include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. She draws from a number of therapeutic modalities including CBT, CPT, ACT, and mindfulness strategies, as well as Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Art Therapy.

Bahareh Morad

Psychotherapist

Bahareh is a Psychotherapist at LSCTS. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and currently completing the registration process toward independent practice. She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.

Bahareh’s therapeutic orientation is integrative and clinically based, drawing from Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Existential–Jungian approaches, depending on each client’s unique needs.

Her approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space grounded in unconditional positive regard, where clients can explore their emotions, heal from pain, and reconnect with their inner strength. Bahareh has extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families, particularly those navigating neurodiversity, grief, anxiety, and life transitions.

Through her independent practice, Bahareh strives to help individuals build emotional resilience, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of empowerment in their personal and relational lives.

Sarah Leuverink

Occupational Therapist - OT Reg. (Ont.)

Sarah is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Toronto and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Australia.

Sarah has experience supporting children of all ages in a variety of settings, including coaching youth soccer, leading day camps, and working in a private clinic as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist in Australia. Sarah is passionate about neuroaffirming practice and celebrating each child’s unique strengths and interests. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children and families can work collaboratively toward meaningful goals.

She has a particular interest in sensory integration and regulation.

Erin Gilchrist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bio coming soon

Nicole Ritchie

Occupational Therapist

Nicole is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and Psychology and has additional training in disability and physical activity.

Born and raised in Parry Sound, Nicole is excited to support children and families in her home community. She has coached many local youth sports teams and enjoys guiding children as they explore new skills, build confidence, and reach their unique goals. Nicole values collaborating with families and takes an encouraging, engaging approach to help children grow and thrive.

Chloe Macri

Therapy Assistant

Chloe is a Therapy Assistant at LSCTS. She recently graduated from Georgian College, earning her diploma in Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistant.

Through clinical placements during college, she has gained experience supporting a variety of clients building strength, independence and confidence in their daily activities. She has a strong understanding of neurodiversity, in particular ASD and ADHD, which has strengthened her ability to create inclusive environments where individuals can learn to thrive.

She is passionate about helping children connect with their environments in meaningful ways and giving them the tools and strategies they need to succeed. Chloe strives to support children in better accessing a world that is not always designed with their needs in mind.

Kerry George

Occupational Therapist - BHSc, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Kerry is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS.

She has nearly 20 years of experience working across a variety of sectors and with clients throughout the lifespan. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience, having advocated for and supporting her own child with special needs.

Kerry is passionate about meeting families where they are, collaborating to set meaningful goals, and finding individualized approaches that celebrate unique strengths while providing the “just right” challenge for growth.

An active mom of three, she loves to travel, learn, and find joy in the present moment.

Maryam Mohammadmiri

Therapy Assistant & Communicative Disorders Assistant

Maryam is a Communicative Disorders Assistant and Therapy Assistant at LSCTS. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certification, and a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) certification. She has experience providing therapy in both individual and group settings, supporting clients with diverse communication needs.

Under the supervision of speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, she implements therapy plans using a family-centered approach. Maryam integrates evidence-based techniques to promote growth and development in her clients.

She creates a warm, adaptable, and collaborative environment, helping clients make meaningful progress, fostering confidence, and supporting them in achieving their therapy goals.

Lyndsey Stevenato

Occupational Therapist - Reg. OT (Ont.)

Lyndsey is an Occupational Therapist and the owner and operator of LSCTS. She has a certification in Sensory Integration and is certified in the SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) approach to feeding.

Lyndsey has a passion to see children be the best they can be with whatever skills they have. She has a keen interest in sensory integration and feeding ability.

Sally Anderson

Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - OCT, MEd, MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Sally is a Psychotherapist at LSCTS. She uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and believes in inclusive, individualized support.

Sally has over 20 years working as a special education teacher and in mental health roles and is experienced working with children and youth.

She has a background in supporting neurodivergent children and advocating for their families as they navigate challenges at home and at school. She is passionate about creating accessible, affirming environments and driven by empowering 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families.

Lindsay North

Speech-Language Pathologist – BAS (Hons), M.Cl.Sc. (SLP)

Lindsay is a Speech-Language Pathologist at LSCTS. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western University. Lindsay has experience providing client-centered, collaborative care in a variety of healthcare and community settings.

Lindsay is passionate about providing accessible and engaging SLP services to families living in Northern Ontario. She is eager to help children reach their communication goals in her home community of Parry Sound!

Erika Alguire

Communicative Disorders Assistant - CDA

Erika is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at LSCTS, under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). She is passionate about helping clients to communicate in the way that works best for them and their families.

Erika has experience providing treatment under the supervision of an SLP in a pediatric speech clinic. She also has worked with children for several years in many other settings, such as at day camps, birthday parties, and pre-schools. Above all else, her experience has taught her the importance of getting to know children and their families to help provide the best care possible.

Erika is especially interested in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which are tools and techniques for communicating non-verbally that can be helpful for some children.

Shannon McCabe

Therapist Assistant - TA

Shannon is a Therapy Assistant at LSCTS. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health from Brock University and earned her OTA/PTA diploma at Georgian College.

Shannon’s experience includes working with children ages 4-18 years within a variety of therapy settings — including school based care, home based care, and care within the community. She has a strong passion for ensuring each child has access to the care needed where they feel their most comfortable.

Shannon’s goal is to provide children and their families with the care and support needed for them to learn, grow, and feel supported and empowered.

Catherine (Katie) Epkenhaus

Therapist Assistant

Katie is a Therapist Assistant at LSCTS. She is incredibly passionate about rehabilitation in paediatrics.

Katie is experienced in a multi-disciplinary approach with all ages as a Therapist Assistant in neuro - spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and post stroke. She is also a community advocate/support with Autistic children and their families.

Katie’s approach is about providing a family-centred therapeutic experience with empathy, strong communication, and parental support. She loves to be engaging in her therapy sessions, and uncovering the full potential in all her clients!

Hannah Davies

Occupational Therapist - Reg. OT (Ont.)

Hannah is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies from the University of Guelph, and is certified as an Early Childhood Educator.

Hannah brings a varied range of experience to her practice, drawing from her community therapy work in Vancouver, BC and from roles outside of her OT career, such as ski instructor, camp counsellor, nanny, and Early Childhood Educator. Drawing from this wealth of experience, her approach to practice is deeply rooted in early intervention and family-centered care.

Hannah enjoys working to help children of all ages achieve their goals, from infancy to young adult-hood. She is excited to use her creativity to develop fun, engaging, and enriching intervention plans while working in partnership with children and families.

Kathleen (Katie) Shaughnessy

Social Worker - MSW, RSW

Katie is a Social Worker at LSCTS. Katie believes in the inherent strengths of each child and her approach to counselling is rooted in building upon these strengths, fostering resilience, and empowering children to navigate life's challenges.

Katie creates a safe and supportive space by encouraging open communication, allowing children to express themselves freely. She draws from her experiences working with children and families in areas of mental health, child welfare, and mentoring coordination.

Katie incorporates trauma-informed, strengths-based and child-focused approaches to promote positive change and growth. She is passionate about ensuring children feel heard and understood, and that their perspectives are integrated into the counselling process.

Kelly Pusateri

Therapist Assistant - TA

Kelly is a Therapist Assistant at LSCTS.

Kelly has a background in parent coaching, early intervention and paediatric therapies. She has a strong passion for helping children and families along their therapy journey.

Kelly strives to provide children and their families with the support needed for them to build confidence, learn and grow. The thing Kelly loves most about working with children is when she sees the smiles on their faces and their excitement when they achieve their goals.

Wendy Neely

Behavioural Coach & Group Facilitator

Wendy Neely is the Behavioural Coach and a Group Facilitator at LSCTS. She is a trained Social Service Worker with a Bachelors degree in Psychology.

Wendy has spent the last 25+ years working as a Behaviour Consultant within the framework of Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Wendy's extensive knowledge, insight and passion has led her to develop and facilitate a variety of programming for children and adolescents to focus on areas of behaviour that include happiness, anger, fear, assertiveness and more.

Kaitlyn (Kaitie) Shipley

Physiotherapist

Kaitlyn (Kaitie) joined LSCTS in October 2023.

Emily Cooper

Occupational Therapist - Reg. OT (Ont.)

Emily is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto.

Emily has experience providing client-centred services to children with varied abilities. She is passionate about using a strength-based approach to help children and their families work toward their meaningful goals.

Emily is interested in fine and gross motor development as well as addressing sensory and emotional regulation needs through collaboration with children, their families, and their interdisciplinary team

Vanessa Garnett

Speech-Language Pathologist – BA (Hons), M.Cl.Sc

Vanessa is a Speech-Language Pathologist at LSCTS. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science of Language and minored in French.

Vanessa has over 10 years of experience working with children in various capacities. She is passionate about creating a fun and engaging learning environment, as she knows that this is how children learn best.

Vanessa strives to help all children reach their full potential through a strength-based approach that uses each child’s unique skills and interests to help them achieve their goals.

Madeleine Beam

Social Worker - MSW, RSW

Madeleine is a Social Worker at LSCTS. She utilizes non-judgmental and culturally sensitive principles by recognizing the unique experiences and identities of each child.

Madeleine ensures that all children feel heard, understood, and valued, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Her experiences include working in child protection, mental health, and providing counselling support to women and children in crisis.

Madeleine draws from a strengths-based approach and a narrative therapy lens, believing that every child possesses unique qualities and capabilities, and celebrates each child’s strengths as well as their individuality.

Bronwyn Westlaken

Therapist Assistant - TA

Bronwyn is a Therapy Assistant at LSCTS.

Bronwyn has experience providing direct care to individuals of all age groups within the neurorehabilitation field of therapy.

Bronwyn enjoys helping children find ways to improve their daily lives and participate in the world around them as fully as they can.

Lindsey Johnson

Therapist Assistant - TA

Lindsey is a Therapist Assistant at LSCTS with a diploma from Georgian College.

Lindsey has worked in many sectors, including both paediatric and hospital rehabilitation settings. Lindsey has a strong commitment to providing family-centred care by involving family members and caregivers in the therapeutic process.

Lindsey believes in fostering a supportive and empathetic environment where children feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate in their care.

Maureen Willis

Psychotherapist - BA, MA, RP

Maureen is a Psychotherapist at LSCTS. She has certification in the ASIST Suicide Prevention Training Program and Indigenous Cultural Competency Training.

Maureen is passionate about providing an empathetic, caring, empowering and non-judgmental space. Maureen offers a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach that is collaborative and supportive, helping clients navigate through challenges to build resiliency, change and personal growth.

Maureen uses therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems theory as well as mindfulness-based approaches.

Jan Addy

Speech-Language Pathologist - MLS, MSc, SLP (C) Reg

Jan is a Speech-Language Pathologist at LSCTS. Jan currently sees clients in one-on-one sessions as well as servicing the Federal Schools in the greater Parry Sound area.

Jan has over 25 years’ experience working with toddlers, preschool and school-age children who experience communication delays.

Jan’s areas of interest include Articulation, Language Processing, Pragmatics, Reading Difficulties, Stuttering and Voice Delays.

Cassidy Thornton

Therapist Assistant - TA

Cassidy is a Therapist Assistant at LSCTS.

Cassidy is an experienced Therapy Assistant supporting our Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Speech-Language Pathologist in the Parry Sound area.

Cassidy loves working with children particularly, to help them gain confidence, and provide them with the skills and tools they need in order to achieve their goals and reach their optimal potential. Cassidy always brings enthusiasm and positivity to her sessions!

Glenda Newton

Therapist Assistant - TA

Glenda is a Therapist Assistant at LSCTS. From 2006 – 2020 she found a passion for helping children while working in a Children’s Treatment Centre.

Glenda helps children reach their goals that are set by a supervising Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.

Glenda enjoys implementing activities that are goal-oriented, interesting, and beneficial. She is excited to be a part of our Parry Sound site and servicing the Federal Schools in the greater Parry Sound area.

Michelle Dermenjian

Psychologist - M.Ed., C. Psych.

Michelle has been providing psychological services for over 30 years. She is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in the areas of Clinical, Counselling, School and Organizational Psychology. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Alberta, she began work with Integrated Services for Northern Children in Kenora, travelling to rural and remote communities in northern Ontario, providing multi-disciplinary services for children and their families. She moved to Parry Sound, with her family, where she continued to provide diagnostic and therapy services to infants, children, adolescents, families and adults with Developmental Disabilities at Hands.

As retired director of Children’s Services and Lead Agency of Child and Youth Mental Health, she had the privilege of working with individuals, agencies, associations, and government advisories to plan for improved services for children and youth across the province. She considers it an honour to continue to work with clients and families now through private practice, providing professional, evidence-based services that are compassionate and safe.

As part of her practice, she is partnering with Lyndsey Stevenato Children’s Therapy Services, providing in-person and video-supported psychological services to infants, toddlers, children, and their caregivers.

Jennifer McDonald

Social Worker - BSW, MSW, RSW

Jenn is a Social Worker at LSCTS. She believes in approaching the counselling relationship with gentleness, warmth and creativity. Jenn takes a strength-based, holistic approach to supporting those she works with and regards herself as an ally & helper in the therapy process.

Jenn has Indigenous (Mohawk) and settler Canadian background and has experience working with children, youth and families in various settings and has considerable experience working with Indigenous community directed organisations.

As a new mom, Jenn has a special interest in supporting children and youth and is passionate about creating a safe and meaningful space to foster wellness.

Mikylah Heathcote

Social Worker - BSW, MSW, RSW

Mikylah is a Social Worker at LSCTS. Mikylah possesses over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families.

Mikylah is trained to take a trauma-informed, human rights approach within her practice. She employs a mix of therapeutic approaches in an effort to create individualized support. She also has experience as a school social worker with a strong knowledge base for navigating the educational system.

Mikylah takes a strength-based, inclusive, and empathetic approach to addressing challenges. She is passionate about empowering parents/guardians and children/adolescents throughout their work with her and beyond!

Sarah Stec

Communicative Disorders Assistant - CDA

Sarah is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at LSCTS. She will be working under the supervision of the Speech Language Pathologist to provide treatment either in 1-on-1 or group settings.

Sarah is also a certified Child and Youth Counsellor, with a background in working with deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals. She also has experience working with Mental Health concerns, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Sarah has a special interest in motor speech disorders and is passionate about making a difference in others lives by helping them reach their goals.

Tiffannie Peterratnaraj

Communicative Disorders Assistant - CDA

Tiffannie is a Communicative Disorders Assistant at LSCTS. She is passionate about providing an avenue to communication in any form with the end goal of autonomy and self-sufficiency for her clients.

Tiffannie has previously worked as a CDA under a private SLP providing in person and online speech and language services to the paediatric population.

Tiffannie is interested in play-based learning and its role in childhood language development. She is also excited to learn more about providing accessibility in all areas of life.

Vanessa Garnett

Speech-Language Pathologist Candidate – BA (Hons), M.Cl.Sc (Candidate)

Vanessa will be join the LSCTS Speech team June 2023

Vanessa is a Speech-Language Pathologist Candidate at LSCTS. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science of Language and minored in French.

Vanessa has over 10 years of experience working with children in various capacities. She is passionate about creating a fun and engaging learning environment, as she knows that this is how children learn best.

Vanessa strives to help all children reach their full potential through a strength-based approach that uses each child’s unique skills and interests to help them achieve their goals.

Erin Gilchrist

Speech-Language Pathologist - MHSc, SLP-C. Reg. CASLPO

Erin is a Speech-Language Pathologist at LSCTS and a Professor with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Program at Georgian College. She is passionate about working with families and using client-centred care to create meaningful communication goals.

Erin teaches clinical skills to CDAs and has experience working with paediatric and school aged populations for speech, language and communication difficulties.

Erin’s areas of interest include: articulation, phonology, motor speech and language development.

Marissa Buckland

Therapist Assistant - BHSc., TA

Marissa is a Therapist Assistant at LSCTS with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Science and Bioarchaeology.

Mariss’s experience includes working in psychogeriatrics, traumatic brain injuries, and supervising OT assistants in training as they begin their careers.

Marissa enjoys being the bridge between parents and their children by offering a space for the children to learn and express themselves freely and providing parents the education and tools to support their children between sessions.

Lisa Ivany

Physiotherapist/Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - BScPT, PT, RP (Q)

Lisa is the Physiotherapist at LSCTS. She loves helping her clients and their families reach their goals.

Lisa has over 25 years working in various settings, including in a large children’s hospital, a children’s treatment centre, and within community-based programs, working with children from 4 days to 18 years old.

Lisa has a special interest in working with infants and new parents, as well as neurodivergent infants and children. She is also authorized to prescribe seating and mobility equipment through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

Samanta Perez

Occupational Therapist - OT Reg. (Ont.)

Samanta is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology & Nutritional Sciences.

Samanta strives to provide client-centered therapy for children of all ages in fun and engaging ways.

Samanta is passionate to work together with children and their families towards their unique goals. She uses a strength-based approach to foster a positive learning environment.

Pooja Patel

Occupational Therapist - OT Reg. (Ont.)

Pooja Patel is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She has over 9 years of experience working within the pediatric population, namely child and adolescent mental health.

Pooja’s training includes Handwriting Without Tears, Astronaut Training (sound activated vestibular-visual sensory protocol), Interoception-Based supports, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, meditation and more.

Pooja prioritizes healthy lifestyle balance strategies as a key approach to support clients in building skills and resiliency. She is passionate about parent wellness and utilizes a strength-based perspective to facilitate change and add more joy in life!

Sally Jishi

Occupational Therapist - M. Sc (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)

Sally is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

Sally has over 5 years of experience working with children of different ages, skills and abilities in many different areas of occupational therapy practice including fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, play skills and school readiness.

Sally is passionate about working with children and their support systems to help them reach their potential and meet their goals.

Jessica Cronk

Occupational Therapist - OT Reg. (Ont.)

Jessica Cronk is an Occupational Therapist at LSCTS. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology.

Jessica is passionate about using play to help children use their strengths to develop skills in a fun and engaging way. She has experience with children with many different skill sets and abilities.

Jessica is interested in all areas of therapy, and in particular enjoys working on fine motor, gross motor, visual perceptual, and feeding skills.

Jennifer Atkinson

Occupational Therapist - OT Reg. (Ont.)
School services only

Jenn is an Occupational Therapist. She currently works for LSCTS by servicing private schools to help support kids to be the best students they can be.

Jenn has worked with a variety of aged kids in many different settings – including child care, overnight camps, and day camps and in pediatric private practice.

Jenn enjoys getting to know each child’s interests and strengths so she can use those in therapy to progress towards their goals. She particularly likes working on fine motor and self-regulation skills.

Emily Henderson

Marketing Lead

Emily is the Marketing Lead at LSCTS.

Emily brings over 5 years of experience in marketing and communications across not-for-profits, municipal government, and publishing sectors.

Before her marketing career, Emily was a registered Early Childhood Educator where she developed a lasting passion for working with children and families.

For partnerships, collaborations, or other marketing inquiries, contact Emily at marketing@childrenstherapy.ca.

Becky Robinson

Client Care Lead

Becky is the Client Care Lead at LSCTS. She has been working with the clinic since July 2006, being the first point of contact for the families of LSCTS.

Becky has a genuine interest in all the children and families that walk through the doors of LSCTS, and has had the great pleasure of watching children grow up as they have visited the clinic throughout the years.

Becky is always quick to greet families with a warm and caring smile, and always ready to lend a listening ear. Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending time with her family and going for walks with them.

Niki Hoffman

Niki Hoffman

Emily Henderson

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