Team of Professionals
Reflection Centre is a collective of psychotherapists, social workers and psychological associates bringing decades of experience in many areas of counselling psychology. Finding the right fit is an important part of the therapeutic process. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to achieve goals that you define.
Meet our team
Deborah Alton
VICtoria spataro
EMILY SIMMS
DANIEL BURGOYNE
LISA CLUETT
NANETTE BASIC
EVAN SHANAHAN
Jessica Kuehl
SHADI POURAFZAL
Meredith Taylor
STEVEE NUNN
Veronica Pecchia
LISA HOOPER
Marisa funnell
Lisa Ivany
kayleen frey
Petrina Rocca
DAVE MACQUARRIE
Valeriia Kaliamina
Deborah Alton
(B.A., N.L.P., M.A.C.P., R.P.)
Deborah specializes in working with couples , individuals, separated, divorced and high conflict families conducting assessments, mediation, reintegration/reintegration therapy, parent- child contact problems, professional consultations, court testimony, therapy, voice of the child reports, collaborative processed separations, custody and access assessments, parenting coordination/arbitration and therapeutic services for children and families impacted by divorce. She provides training to lawyers and mental health professionals and has presented at numerous workshops and conferences.
Deborah’s goal is to provide child-focused services, assist couples and parents in reducing conflict, and guide families to improve the overall well being of children and families.
Deborah is the founder of the Reflection Centre and maintains an independent private practice. She is a long standing member and on the board of the Simcoe County Collaborative Practice. She belongs to the AFCC, and OACC and served on the board as the programming director for Seasons Centre for Grieving Children. Deborah is a Clinical supervisor and provides training and professional development for Social Workers and Psychotherapists. She is a long term group facilitator providing three month and ten month therapeutic services to children, adolescents and adults.
Victoria Spataro
(B.A, B.E.D., R.P., M.A.C.P.)
Victoria is a Registered Psychotherapist who has completed her Masters of Counselling Psychology. With years of experience as an educator, Victoria has an authentic way of connecting with families, couples and children. She is highly empathetic and dedicates her time to understand each clients’ perspectives, needs and experiences. Her purpose is to guide clients to evolve, to heal and become empowered to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
She deeply and passionately strives to help individuals, couples and families work through the toughest parts of their lives so they can move toward a purposeful and peaceful state of being.
Victoria is a trained Imago Relationship Therapist, EMDR therapist, Brain Spotting therapist and Reunification therapist. She specializes in helping individuals, couples and families work through hurts and traumas that may be holding them back from living their desired life. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion which will often leave you feeling both held and supported.
Emily Simms
(B.A., M.A.C.P.) R.P.
Emily is a Registered Psychotherapist and has completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as her Masters of Counselling Psychology. Life-long learning is a valued quality of her approach and she is always involved in new learning opportunities to expand the scope of her practice.
For several years Emily has been supporting children with unique needs and abilities in their intellectual, emotional, and academic development as well as supporting their families. This background in child development has led to her creative approach to therapy, adapting her style to the needs of the client.
She works primarily from a strengths-based approach, exploring her client’s unique strengths and supports to empower them to grow and create lasting change. Her style is eclectic and includes CBT, psychodynamic, ACT, experiential, and narrative therapy. Emily’s warm and empathetic nature sets the tone for a judgement free exploration of self. She respects the individuality of each person and is passionate about delivering counselling to everyone. She accomplishes this by working with her clients collaboratively to find an approach that resonates with them.
Daniel Burgoyne
(B.A., M.A.C.P.) R.P
Daniel is passionate about supporting clients in discovering effective solutions to their challenges. Through the expression of empathy and acceptance, and by providing a collaborative environment that is safe and free from judgment, Daniel empowers his clients to face their challenges, discover themselves, and grow to their potential. Daniel believes that each client is the expert in their own unique situation and that, with the appropriate therapeutic support and guidance, each client will be able to realize the solutions they hold within themselves.
His therapeutic approach is built upon a foundation that understands the complex interconnections between the biological, psychological, and social aspects of our lives. Daniel holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Brock University, a post-graduate Social Service Worker Diploma from Mohawk College, and has completed his Master’s in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.
Lisa Cluett
(M.S.W, R.S.W)
Lisa brings her genuine self along with her life experiences to her work. She can help you process and make sense of yours, in a space free of judgment with empathy and compassion.
Lisa is passionate about youth and family engagement and working with adolescents, families and individuals. She is here to support you and your family to navigate those complex life events such as parenting and relationship challenges, child and adolescent mental health, grief and loss, separation/divorce and blended family.
Lisa has worked in the field of child and youth mental health for 21 years supporting adolescents and coaching parents; she understands how attachment, and family dynamics affect relationships and the importance of everyone being heard and understood.
Together you will explore and bring awareness to your thoughts/feelings and experiences that have influenced your perspective and patterns. With self-love and kindness Lisa will support you to develop skills to navigate through challenges, set boundaries, and create loving and healthy relationships with yourself and others.
Lisa understands how hard it is to take that first step; she will work collaboratively with you to support your goals. Lisa is compassionate, nonjudgemental and a good listener. You’re invited to connect when ready.
Nanette Basic
B.A. (HONS), R.P., M.A.C.P.
At the heart of Nanette’s therapeutic philosophy is the fundamental belief in the powerful impact of therapy to help people heal and grow. Nanette believes that every person deserves to be heard and each unique story and challenges are met with compassion, deep listening and warmth to allow you to better access this potential.
Nanette is a lifelong learner and uses an experiential and integrative approach including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and person-centred therapy.
Nanette is committed to providing professional support and guidance to assist you in finding your voice and in the creation of a life that is in alignment with your ideal values and vision.
Nanette is a Registered Psychotherapist, holds an Honours degree of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from York University, and has completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.
Shadi Pourafzal
(B.A., M.A.C.P., R.P.)
As a therapist, the most important thing Shadi can do is listen to you. She will provide a safe space for you to share your story.
Shadi believes that therapy can be the path to attain mental clarity. Her passion and goal are to help people reach their full potential while offering a supportive and non-judgmental space to make that happen.
She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with depression, anxiety, trauma, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and she offer psychotherapy sessions in both English and Farsi.
Shadi has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and her Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.
Shadi believes in forming an authentic therapeutic relationship with respect to the client’s cultural background. With a suitable therapeutic approach that tailors individual needs, one can face covert feelings with clarity. Therapy is a safe and non-judgemental space where individuals can unpack their deepest emotions and learn to process them effectively.
Stevee Nunn
R.E.C.E,B.A.SC, M.A.C.P, R.P
Stevee is a Registered Psychotherapist who completed Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. She also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth and Family with a Minor in Psychology, is a previous Registered Early Childhood Educator and has her diploma in Recreation Therapy. In her sessions you will be offered a judgement free zone, where you will be heard, encouraged to explore your emotions, and supported to discover your goals. Stevee aims to build strong therapeutic relationships with her clients by providing compassionate and client-centered care.
With many years as an educator, recreationist, and resource consultant, she is flexible and adaptable when it comes to finding the right treatment for her clients. Which is why she implements an eclectic approach to therapy. Most of her work has been centered around child development and family dynamics with a special focus on supporting children with emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs. Working within this population has allowed her to be creative and understanding while supporting her clients. She truly believes that each client brings their own strengths, needs and skills into therapy and these need to be considered when selecting the appropriate treatment
Jessica Kuehl
(B.A., B.E.D., M.A.C.P., R.P. QUALifying.)
Jessica is a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) and Certified Pain Reprocessing Therapy Practitioner.
Jessica’s approach to counselling is informed by her personal journey through anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain. After suffering years of debilitating pain, she became educated about the neuroscience of chronic pain and how trauma becomes stuck in the body, contributing to illness and psychological distress. A variety of emotional, cognitive, and somatic exercises focused at regulating the nervous system, rewiring the brain, and ceasing physical symptoms allowed Jessica to find freedom from chronic pain. She now dedicates her career to supporting and empowering clients on their individual paths to healing.
Her integrative and client-centered approach incorporates a variety of techniques from ACT, CBT, and Somatic Experiencing to address and ease the emotional, psychological, and physiological effects of suffering.
Everyone has the potential to create a meaningful and fulfilling life when shown the understanding and support integral to healing. Jessica is passionate about providing a safe space for her clients to explore and process emotions safely, and identify the strengths and values that will move them toward their life goals.
Meredith Taylor
B.A., M.A., M.S.W.
Meredith is a compassionate counsellor, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and with a genuine passion for supporting individuals on their personal journeys. As a good listener, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to share their stories and express their concerns openly.
Her empathetic nature enables her to deeply understand and connect with her clients’ experiences, fostering a sense of trust and rapport within the therapeutic relationship. She strives to create a welcoming environment to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Meredith’s method is multi-faceted , incorporating various therapeutic techniques. She firmly believes in a client-centered and strength-based approach, recognizing that each individual possesses the inner resources and resilience to navigate their challenges. Acknowledging the influence of external factors such as family dynamics and cultural context, she works collaboratively with her clients to explore how their wider environments affect their mental health and personal growth
Whether you are seeking support for personal growth, managing relationships, or overcoming specific challenges, Meredith is dedicated to providing nurturing guidance and empowering you to create positive change in your life.
Meredith is completing her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor.
Lisa Hooper
Rssw.A.c.c.f.m
Human connection is vital to our well-being and our ability to survive and thrive. In working collaboratively, my hope for you is that we facilitate change, growth, and resiliency when experiencing conflict or any of life’s challenging events. I understand how past trauma, family history and life experiences can create emotional distortion and negatively impact behaviours; having extensive experience with partner abuse issues. In addition, my work as a Family Mediator has increased my sensitivity to couple conflict, best interest of the child and a path to process issues that is necessary for all families. By working creatively together in a safe and non-judgmental environment, we can find solutions and develop skills and boundaries to reach your goals while encompassing safety, confidentiality, your needs and best interests.
Also, with 20 years of experience in HR, I can share some invaluable insights in identifying conflicts and human rights violations that contribute to a toxic work environment and also empower you to succeed in your career journey.
Working with individuals and couples, I use a person-centred approach in practice, pulling from a wide range of modalities to respect individuality. I am committed to understanding your worldview, perspectives, and distinctive circumstances. Also unique to my practice is my involvement and personal experience with chronic pain, understanding the systemic issues, and the need for advocacy to support people with post-accident adjustment difficulties in recreating their best possible lives. No matter what brought you here today, my hope is to walk alongside you and help you live the life you want, the life you deserve.
Lisa Ivany
BScPT, MACP, RP-Q
Meet Lisa, a dedicated therapist who understands the profound impact of connection and presence in the healing journey. With over 26 years of experience as a pediatric physiotherapist and now completing her master’s in psychotherapy, Lisa has a unique perspective on the intricate link between physical and mental health, having witnessed the effects of unprocessed emotions and trauma on the body. This perspective has fuelled her passion for supporting women and children.
In her therapeutic practice, Lisa places a high value on the client-therapist relationship, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where children and parents of neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, etc.) or developmentally delayed children can feel heard and supported. Embracing a client-centred, strength-based approach, Lisa collaborates with you every step of the way, working towards empowerment and fostering a sense of well-being.
Lisa’s extensive background includes specialized training in infant mental health and emotional dysregulation making her particularly passionate about guiding parents in nurturing healthy bonds with their children during crucial developmental and transition stages. Together, in a respectful and collaborative partnership, we will address your concerns and navigate the path toward healing and growth. Welcome to a supportive space where your journey is met with understanding, empathy, and commitment.
Marisa Funnell
BA (Hons.), MACP, RP-Qualifying
Marisa offers counselling services in English & French. Marisa is a passionate and engaged Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who strives to help clients achieve their goals in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment. Marisa’s goal is to form a strong therapeutic relationship with each client to meet their individual needs and bring forth client strengths. Although Marisa works from a solution-focused and emotion-focused approach, sessions can be tailored to the client and include other helpful strategies such as acceptance and commitment and cognitive-behavioural strategies.
Marisa’s focus is on depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. Having worked with families and their challenges for years, Marisa has a personal understanding of the complexities of relationships and traumas. Her goal is to help clients achieve happiness and fulfillment in their lives while working through life and its many ups and downs. She has completed her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University.
Kayleen Frey
BA (Hons.), MACP, RP-Qualifying
Kayleen is a dedicated and passionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a mission to help clients meet their goals in a comforting and collaborative environment. With a focus on building strong therapeutic relationships, Kayleen aims to understand and meet the counselling needs of each individual.
Kayleen’s expertise lies in dual-diagnosis, depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems with a focus in parent-child conflict. She also specializes in treating challenging behaviours, and behaviour regulation difficulties associated with cognitive disorders, autism and dual-diagnosis. Kayleen has valuable expertise in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and is sensitive to the unique challenges and experiences they may face. Kayleen strives to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Her approach to counselling involves cognitive-behavioural or solution-focused techniques, but she is flexible and tailors the counselling modality to meet the specific needs and desires of her clients.
Having worked with children, adolescents, and families for many years, Kayleen brings a wealth of experience in addressing their difficulties, dynamics, and traumas. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior from McMaster University and is currently completing her Master’s of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Kayleen’s empathetic and holistic approach empowers clients to gain the necessary skills to lead an enjoyable and fulfilling life. With her genuine dedication to helping others, Kayleen’s clients can trust in her guidance and expertise to navigate their journey towards healing and growth.
Valeriia Kaliamina
B.A. Early Childhood Education, B.A. Psychology, Diploma of Child and Youth Worker, M.A.C.P. Candidate, R.P. (Qualifying)
Valeriia Kaliamina is a compassionate and supportive Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. With a strong foundation in early childhood education and psychology and a diploma in child and youth work, Valeriia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their feelings and experiences.
Valeriia leans towards Experiential Therapy but also integrates techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (C.B.T.), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She believes in the power of empathy and understanding to build strong therapeutic relationships, helping clients achieve their goals and heal through their unique strengths and talents.
From a young age, Valeriia has been dedicated to helping others and supporting them in developing meaningful experiences. Her client-centred approach focuses on the individual’s strengths and provides the essential empathetic support needed to foster confidence and promote change. Valeriia’s passion for emotionally, socially, and intellectually supporting children and youth shines through in her work as she creates a therapeutic journey of self-discovery and growth for her clients.
Whether working with children, teens, or adults, Valeriia’s adaptable and client-centred approach ensures that each person feels heard, understood, and motivated to achieve their personal and therapeutic goals.
Petrina Rocca
B.A.S.c., M.A.C.P, R.P (Qualifying)
Petrina is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered
Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling
Psychology program from Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor of Applied
Science in Psychology from Guelph-Humber University. In addition to this role, she
works as an Educational Assistant within her local school board supporting children
and youth with Autism, ADHD, and other exceptionalities.
The reluctance to seek help for mental health concerns is common and often requires
great strength to come forward. Clients find themselves looking for encouragement,
validation, and direction in order to move forward in their understanding of their
emotions, beliefs, values, and how they define who they are. At the core of Petrina’s
mission within her role in mental health is to create a safe, welcoming, and
comfortable space free of judgement where clients feel inspired to grow and be
challenged.
Petrina draws upon an individualized, cognitive, and strengths-focused method
personalized to each client’s unique experiences, needs, and goals. Through a
collaborative experience together, she offers resources and tools to help support the
creation of your own path, and establish the right balance for you moving forward in
strengthening your understanding of what you need and want. She emphasizes the
importance of the therapeutic relationship and encourages clients to lean into their
discomfort in order to reach another level of reflective practice through their journey.
Her deep listening skills, combined with her open, empathetic, and humorous
nature, help clients feel understood and at ease, allowing them to express themselves
freely during sessions.
Veronica Pecchia
BA, MACP CANDIDATE, RP (QUALIFYING)
Hi, I’m Veronica! I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with Ontario’s College of Registered Psychotherapists. I am currently completing my Masters of Art in Counselling Psychology and obtained my Bachelor’s in Child Development. Most of my experience has been with children and youth, supporting them emotionally, socially and intellectually. I am committed to creating a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and motivated to achieve their goals.
I am passionate about helping people overcome their challenges and creating a judgment-free space to share their stories. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I’m here to walk alongside you on your path. In terms of modalities, I take a calm and soft therapeutic approach to counselling using Cognitive behavioural therapy, strength-based approaches and mindfulness-based interventions.
Dave Macquarrie
(M.D., PH.D)
Dave is a retired physician with a Masters of Arts degree in Applied Behavioural Science and extensive training in Gestalt Therapy and NeuroLinguistic Programming. Much of his work consists of exploring anger and grief. Dave Is an NLP Practitioner and NLP Coach. He is also an International Laughter Leader in laughter yoga. Dave is no longer funded under OHIP as he has retired his medical licence. He has been the Consultant Physician (Anger Management) to Bellwood Health Services in Toronto. His book “Blowing Out the Darkness–The Management of Emotional Life Issues, especially Anger and Rage” is available from Amazon or from AuthorHouse.com.
Evan Shanahan
(B.SC., M.A.C.P., R.P., AAC)
(Not currently accepting new clients) Evan aims to provide a therapeutic environment that is free from judgment and facilitates growth and understanding. Using an integrative and collaborative approach that is first and foremost client-centered, Van values working in partnership with his clients to help them realize their goals. He recognizes that there is no “one size fits all” solution; different clients have different needs. Van has a background in substance use and addiction counselling, having worked with clients with concurrent disorders in both residential and community settings and has been trained in the facilitation of SMART Recovery. He is certified as an Associate Addiction Counsellor with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF).
Evan completed his Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology at York University and received a post-graduate diploma in Addiction: Treatment & Prevention from Georgian College. He most recently completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.