Dr. Pamela Wilansky, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Director, Psychologist
Dr. Pamela Wilansky received her Ph.D. from York University in 2002. She is a licensed psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario with a focus on clinical psychology in children, adolescents, and adults. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Psychiatry and Scientific Collaborator at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). From 1999 to 2009, Dr. Wilansky worked at CAMH from practicum student, intern, and psychometrist, to psychologist. Additionally, she was the Director of Practicum Training at CAMH from 2005 through 2009.
In 2010, Dr. Wilansky decided to work in hospital administration. First, she worked at Ontario Shores as the Manager and Professional Practice Lead for Psychology and then became the Research Planning Strategist in the Research and Academics Department. Later, Dr. Wilansky became the program manager of youth services at the Canadian Mental Health Association.
While maintaining a clinical practice, Dr. Wilansky was actively involved in research specializing in designing research protocols for assessing and treating mood and anxiety in children, youth and their families. She has over $1.5 million in research funding, 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 35 peer-reviewed presentations and symposia, media appearances, and a book chapter. Moreover, she has supervised numerous graduate students in clinical matters and research projects.
Pamela is most proud of her accomplishment of being the mother of 3 insightful children who teach her more about psychology than any course.
Dr. Hayley Wood, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Director, Psychologist
Hayley Wood completed her Ph.D. at the University of Toronto in School and Child Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed Clinical and School Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario with a focus on clinical psychology in children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Wood undertook her clinical training in a variety of settings, including The Hospital for Sick Children, Integra Foundation, Youthdale Treatment Centres, Toronto District School Board, Durham District Catholic School Board and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Wood worked at the CAMH from 2007 to 2016 in a number of positions in the Child, Youth and Family Program. She was a staff psychologist there from 2010 to 2016. Dr. Wood was the Director of the APA/CPA Accredited Internship Program in Clinical Psychology at CAMH from 2011 to 2015. She has supervised numerous graduate students undertaking clinical training. She has authored over 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals as well as a book chapter. Dr. Wood is experienced in treating mood and anxiety disorders, as well as autism spectrum disorders. She has specialized training and experience supporting children and youth with gender dysphoria. Dr. Wood's approach integrates techniques from cognitive-behavioural, behavioural, supportive, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic psychotherapies.
AAron Arkin, BA, RP
Aaron is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Sleep Technologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He studied Psychology at Trent University and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree. Aaron then spent two years in the Graduate Program in Experimental Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he specialized in the relationship of Sleep to Learning and Memory. He developed the Evolution Sleep insomnia program in 2013 and specializes in helping people who suffer from behavioural sleep issues.
His approach to insomnia utilizes techniques found in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Aaron also has experience with the wide range of sleep disorders, and is often asked to speak at public events offering his insight into the world of sleep. He is a very good listener and puts his clients at ease when discussing sleep issues.
LINA BARKAS, M.A., C. PSYCH. ASSOC.
Lina Barkas received her Masters in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. She is a licensed psychological associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, with a focus on school psychology with children and adolescents. Over the years, she has worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and at The Hospital for Sick Children in the Child Development Clinic, Autism Research Unit and oncology department.
Since 2009, she has worked at the Toronto District School Board as a psychoeducational consultant, providing comprehensive assessments to evaluate students’ strengths and weaknesses in thinking, reasoning and learning. Her forte includes identifying learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, giftedness, attentional difficulties (including ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as providing evidence-based strategies and recommendations to help students achieve their learning potential.
Jennifer PLANT, M.A., Ph.D. candidate
Jennifer received her master’s degree and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She has trained in various settings, including St. Michael’s Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (Anxiety Treatment & Research Clinic), and private practice. In her clinical training, Jennifer has worked with children, adolescents and adults. Her therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the unique needs, goals and strengths of each client. Jennifer strives to create a warm, accepting, and collaborative environment. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship provides the foundation for which clients can feel safe to explore and experiment with change.
Dr. Joshua Doidge, M.A., Ph.D., C. Psych (Supervised Practice)
Joshua Doidge received his M.A., and Ph.D., from York University in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology Program. Josh has clinical training in a variety of places, including the York Psychology Clinic, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), as well as private practice settings. Josh completed his doctoral research on the relationship between technology behaviours, decision-making and real-world outcomes. He has co-authored various publications and presented at conferences on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and decision-making. Josh works with children, adolescents and adults, individually and as families, who are coping with interpersonal trauma, anxiety, mood related issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD.
Josh’s approach incorporates a number of modalities including experiential, dynamic, cognitive and behavioural therapies. Josh believes the therapeutic process involves discovering acceptance and engaging in change.
Laura Goldstein, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Laura received her M.A from York University in Clinical-Developmental Psychology and is currently completing her Ph.D. in the same program. Prior to joining Framework, Laura pursued her clinical training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the York University Psychology Clinic, the Traumatology Institute and the Family Psychology Centre.
Laura conducts clinical research at York University’s Trauma and Attachment Lab, where she investigates the process and outcome of various interventions for Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adults. Additionally, Laura has collaborated with agencies such as the SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, Kindercare Pediatrics, and the Traumatology Institute. Her most recent work involved developing an innovative way to investigate nonverbal behavior in trauma and attachment contexts.
Laura’s interests focus on supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families in the process of recovery through a client-centred and attachment-informed lens.
Andrew Goodwin, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Andrew received his M.A., and is currently completing his Ph.D., from the University of Toronto. Andrew’s clinical interests focus on helping children, adolescents, adults and families with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Andrew has completed his clinical training in a variety of public and private settings, including the OISE Psychology Clinic, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, and the SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health. His research endeavours have focused on a variety of projects related to high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His current research explores the development of wisdom and identity in young adults with high-functioning ASD, and how growth in these areas maximizes life satisfaction and well-being. Andrew has co-authored published journal articles on ASD and presented his research at various conferences. Andrew aims to cultivate meaningful relationships with his clients in order to provide a safe and supportive space where people can not only discuss their challenges but also discover their strengths and resilience.
KELSIE HERNANDEZ, MA, RP, RMFT
Kelsie Hernandez is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. Kelsie holds an MA from Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology (2007), with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. Her subsequent training and the first 8 years of Kelsie’s clinical experience took place in the inner cities of Los Angeles, California, where she conducted specialized assessment and treatment of children suffering from severe emotional and behavioural challenges resulting from early trauma.
After moving to Toronto in 2014, Kelsie served for several years as the Family and Systems Specialist on an interdisciplinary assessment team, which provided comprehensive relationship-based family assessment to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable and troubled children and their families. Helping clients navigate the intergenerational impacts of trauma or other attachment disruptions forms the basis of Kelsie’s current private practice.
Kelsie works with clients of all ages, conducting sessions mostly with individuals, according to the individual or family’s specific needs. Her clinical approach is grounded in a relational framework and integrates different models of psychotherapy, including somatic, family systems, attachment, psychodynamic, narrative, and cognitive orientations.
At the heart of her work as a therapist is Kelsie’s belief that nurturing the unique relationships one has both with themselves as well as with those closest to them is fundamental to an individual’s capacity to move through and beyond the consequences of trauma. Kelsie's work is grounded in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a modality that harnesses one’s innate healing capacities to experientially heal trauma and suffering. She is currently a Level III trained AEDP therapist. Her commitment to personal and professional development serves to broaden and enrich Kelsie’s capacity to assist her growing client base.
JENNIFER KAPLER, MA, C.PSYCH.
Jennifer Kapler is a member with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, with a specialization in both School and Counselling psychology and is authorized to practice with children, adolescents, adults and families. She received her Bachelors (B.Sc.) and Masters (M.A.) in Counselling Psychology from McGill University. In 2004, Jennifer became registered as a psychologist in Alberta where she was employed as a child and family psychologist at Woods Homes, Calgary Counselling Centre, and the Calgary Board of Education. In 2009, Jennifer moved to Toronto and began to work for the Toronto District School Board. As a school psychologist, Jennifer is responsible for conducting psycho-educational assessments, providing consultation to school staff, delivering professional development workshops, as well as providing counselling and support to individuals, families, and groups.
Jennifer has extensive experience working with at- risk youth, children with mood and behaviour disorders, families, and individual adults. She has trained in both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). Her therapy style also draws on techniques from emotion-focused, solution focused, play, and cognitive behavioural therapies. She incorporates elements of mindfulness and self-compassion practice within her interactions with clients. Jennifer believes that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in determining therapeutic outcome and thus strives to achieve a warm, open, and collaborative environment with each client.
DR. allison owen-anderson, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Allison Owen-Anderson completed her Ph.D. at the University of Toronto in School and Child Clinical Psychology in 2006. She is a licensed Clinical and School Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. From 2000 to 2015, Dr. Owen-Anderson worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in various roles in the Child, Youth, and Family Program, in particular as a psychologist in the Mood and Anxiety and the Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Services. At CAMH, Dr. Owen-Anderson worked with children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of mood, anxiety and substance use difficulties, as well as co-morbid issues including attention deficits, learning disorders, gender dysphoria, emotion regulation difficulties, complex trauma histories, post-traumatic stress, and emerging personality disorders.
Since 2015, Dr. Owen-Anderson has worked as a psychologist at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), providing comprehensive psychoeducational and mental health assessments, as well as therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has also worked as a consulting psychologist with Youthdale Treatment Centres since 2016. Dr. Owen-Anderson has supervised more than 50 graduate students undertaking clinical training. She has authored a number of publications in peer-reviewed journals, as well as a book chapter. Dr. Owen-Anderson is experienced in integrating techniques from dialectical behavioural, cognitive-behavioural, Trauma-Focused CBT, motivational interviewing, supportive, and psychodynamic psychotherapies.
DR. sharon pauker, Ph.D., C.Psych
Dr. Sharon Pauker completed her PhD in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at OISE at the University of Toronto. She completed her doctoral internship at the SickKids Center for Community Mental Health (formerly the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre).
Sharon gained clinical experience working with diverse populations in Israel, the United States and Canada. She has experience working and conducting assessments with children, adolescents and young adults who present with developmental disabilities, learning exceptionalities, as well as complex emotional and behavioural difficulties. Among her clinical placements, she completed training at Surrey Place Centre, Toronto District School Board, Markham-Stouffivlle Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and worked in several private practices in Toronto. She is fluent in both English and Hebrew.
Her research interests concern children’s development in the context of their social interactions within different settings (such as family and Early Childhood Education centres) and across cultures.
Ethan Rinaldo, MA, Ph.D. Candidate
Ethan received his master’s degree and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Clinical-Developmental Psychology at York University. Ethan has received clinical training from the York University Psychology Clinic and Peel District School Board. Ethan has also had the opportunity to work with neurodiverse children and their parents in the Secret Agent Society: Operation Regulation program through York University. Ethan’s research focuses on understanding the behavioural outcomes associated with anxiety and difficulty communicating in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) alongside how the teaching of nonverbal communication methods impacts the lives of children with ASD. Ethan has co-authored publications and has presented this research at various conferences. Ethan works primarily with children and adolescents and prefers to take an integrative approach to therapy to address each client’s unique strengths and needs.
Gabrielle Schmitt, MA, Ph.D. Candidate
Gabby received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently completing her Ph.D. in the same program. Her clinical training includes placements at St. Michael's Hospital and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, where she conducted psychological assessments and provided treatment services to adults and emerging adults. Gabby has experience working with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotion dysregulation, and crisis situations.
Gabby is genuine, accepting, warm, and collaborative in her approach to care. She takes an integrative approach to evidence-based treatment, focusing on each client’s unique needs and goals. She strives to create a safe, trusting, and supportive environment for clients to experience healing, growth, and change.
jovana seat, M.Ed.
Jovana Seat holds a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto. She worked on various studies at the University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health examining child development and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence.
Jovana has assessed emotional, cognitive, and social functioning in children and youth using a variety of testing tools and methods. She has facilitated psychoeducational groups for immigrant children and parents who have experienced war trauma in their country of origin. In doing so, she has helped this population to overcome their experiences and achieve a better quality of life.
Throughout her work, Jovana has been able to establish a strong rapport with children and youth and empathize with their presenting conditions.
SHANNON STEWART, M.Sc., C. PSYCH.
Shannon Stewart is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario with both school and clinical psychology specializations. Her scope of practice includes psychological assessment and intervention with children, adolescents and families.
Shannon completed her graduate training in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. Her professional work has spanned a variety of settings, including urban and rural public schools, specialized private schools for exceptional learners, student support and special education services, academic research, hospital clinical research (The Hospital for Sick Children), and private practices. Currently, Shannon also works for the TDSB, providing comprehensive psychoeducational testing and consultation to a diverse range of families and school professionals. Evidence-based recommendations and strategies are integral to her work.
Shannon has over a decade of clinical experience identifying and supporting those with intellectual giftedness, Learning Disabilities, attention and self-regulation difficulties (including ADHD), anxiety and adjustment-related challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Intellectual Disabilities. When seeing clients for intervention, she emphasizes psycho-education (i.e., understanding one’s profile) and draws upon techniques from cognitive-behavioural, solution-focused, and play therapy. She is also available to help parents communicate assessment results to their child’s school.
Shannon is passionate about helping young people discover their strengths and develop skills for positive change. Her approach is welcoming, collaborative, and good-humoured.
DR. ERIN SULLA, PH.D., C.psych.
Dr. Erin Sulla completed her Ph.D. at the University of Alberta in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program and is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Her focus is on children, adolescents and families. Dr. Sulla has worked in a number of settings including hospitals (e.g., Glenrose Hospital, Edmonton), community mental health agencies (e.g., CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health), school boards (e.g., TDSB), as well as private practice. Dr. Sulla has worked with children, adolescents and families with a variety of presenting problems including: mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, anger and aggression difficulties, attachment- related issues, suicidal behavior, learning difficulties and family-related concerns. She worked for two years in private practice at an ADHD clinic and has a personal research interest in internal and external resilience factors contributing to academic success in individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD. Also, Dr. Sulla has a passion for working with parents and has run several parenting groups focusing on attachment. In addition to working at Framework, Dr. Sulla is a psychologist at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), providing comprehensive psychoeducational and mental health assessments, as well as consultation and therapy. Her approach to treatment uses the therapeutic process and relationship to foster growth, while integrating cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness and play-based therapy.
Dr. Diane Warling, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Dr. Diane Warling received her Ph.D. in 2001 in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Over the years, Dr. Warling has worked in a number of settings, including psychiatric hospitals (such as CAMH and Ontario Shores), community mental health agencies (such as Child and Adolescent Services in Hamilton, and Kinark Child and Family Services), as well as private practice. Dr. Warling has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of presenting problems, including: mood and anxiety disorders; anger and aggression difficulties; trouble with the law; substance use difficulties; trauma; grief and loss; attachment related issues; self-harm and suicidal behaviour; relationship difficulties; as well as family-related concerns (such as parenting issues). She has taught graduate-level courses (at the University of Toronto), as well as provided supervision to multiple psychology graduate students and psychologists in supervised practice. Moreover, Dr. Warling has provided training to diverse professionals in a range of topics (e.g., trauma and fire involvement) and various therapeutic approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing). Dr. Warling's approach to treatment is to 'meet the client where they are at' and integrate techniques from CBT, DBT, behavioural strategies, solution-focused and psychodynamic approaches. Dr. Warling is grateful for her clients who instil trust in her to help them with some of their most difficult life challenges. It is a privilege and honour to support them.