Meet Our Team
Clinical Directors
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Julia van der Werf, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Psychologist
Dr. Julia van der Werf provides comprehensive assessment and integrative therapy for children, adolescents, and families.
Dr. van der Werf has experience treating a wide range of challenges and diagnoses, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma/loss, relationship and identity issues, parenting challenges, and behavioural regulation difficulties.
Nadia Barakeh, M.Psy.
Child and Family Therapist
Nadia has a background in psychology and training in several therapeutic modalities. With over 20 years of experience that is shaped by a strong multicultural, client-centred and strength-based model, Nadia's approach is guided by the belief that with the right knowledge and support, every individual can develop their strategies to cope with life’s challenges and overcome barriers.
Sophia Labonte, M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist
Sophia's educational experience includes a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology, a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) and a M.A. (Master of Arts) in Counselling Psychology. Sophia is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and has been working as a therapist for over 10 years.
Residents
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Christina Amico, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Psychology Resident
Christina is a doctoral student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at Western University. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology and previously worked as an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT). Christina is passionate about providing a safe, compassionate, and inclusive space, practicing from an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens. Her supportive and collaborative approach empowers clients to learn skills that will enable them to create meaningful and positive life changes.
Clinical Associates
Melanie Harsch MSW, RSW, LCSW
Registered Social Worker
Melanie has always had a passion for helping and supporting children, youth, and parents. Her experience as a co-founder and leader of an adoptive family organization, a volunteer in a parent group for families for highly gifted children, an expat in China, and an international school counselor for children and teens struggling with emotional and learning difficulties has led her to be the therapist she is today.
Odey Armstrong, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Being present and non-judgemental, holding space for courageous conversations, gaining a greater sense of self, cultivating healthy relationships, finding purpose, and exploring ways to thrive, are all at the forefront of Odey’s work supporting teens and young adults as they journey through the messiness of life. Odey is an African Canadian Social Worker that comes from a culturally rich background and has lived in diverse international communities. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, specializing in children and families.
Mary Elizabeth Willcott,
Certificate in Counselling Fundamentals
Child, Youth, and Parent Support Coach
Mary is passionate about supporting individuals working through their mental health journey. She offers a unique skill set and 17 years of experience working closely with children, youth, and families to provide emotional support and coaching to meet their individual needs.
Cathy Hibbert, M.Ed.
Parent and Education Consultant
Cathy’s educational experience includes a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology, a Diploma in Counselling and a Masters of Science in Education. She has over 17 years of experience in the education and mental health field.
In her teaching career, she has been a middle school teacher, guidance counsellor, athletics director and vice principal.
Administration
Marcy Barton
Clinical Administrator
Marcy brings a wealth of experience to KaZa and holds both undergraduate and Master degrees in psychology. She worked for over 10 years at the University of Toronto in health services research, honing her organization and management skills.
Since starting a family she has worked part-time as an educational assistant for special needs students at both TDSB schools and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Additionally, Marcy has held numerous volunteer positions in the community.
One of her three sons has autism and a learning disability, giving Marcy many years of personal experience navigating academic and community supports. She is very understanding of the struggles some families encounter.
She has a passion for travel, cooking, and the Blue Jays.