Individual, Children 8+

Maham Ahktar is a graduate of Yorkville University. Maham’s academic journey began with a diploma in Early Childhood Education from George Brown College, followed by a bridging degree at Guelph University, where she graduated with honors in Children’s Studies. Building upon her foundation in education, she then earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University. This comprehensive academic background has equipped Maham with a diverse skill set, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Maham’s professional focus currently centers on working with children aged eight and above. While her primary interest lies in child psychology, Maham is enthusiastic about engaging with adults and teenagers.

Individual, Children 8+ Maham Ahktar is a graduate of Yorkville University. Maham’s academic jou... Read More

Children, Youth, Adults (ages 5+)

Thasha Barrett is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). She has served in several Mental Health settings, ranging from her time as a Social Worker to Registered Psychotherapist. Thasha’s work focuses mainly on using CBT and DBT to help clients experiencing poor impulse control, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and those that have a history of self-harm and complex traumas, move from a place of psychopathology to health. Thasha’s formal education began with her achieving a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Northern Caribbean University, followed by an advance diploma from Centennial College in Social Service Work. Thasha also attained her master’s from Yorkville University, in Counselling Psychology.

Thasha is convinced that all people can affect change and positively influence their future, by making tiny changes to their minds, often.

Children, Youth, Adults (ages 5+) Thasha Barrett is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). S... Read More

Children (6+), Adolescents, Adults

Estella has a Master of Divinity in Clinical Counselling from Tyndale University. She is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and is an Associate Member of the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (CACFT).

Estella brings a gentle spirit and endeavours to create a safe, warm, and compassionate counselling environment.

In addition to CBT, she has received training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Systems, DBT, and ACT. Estella is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and caregivers through many presenting problems. She has experience working with clients of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, emotion dysregulation, phobias, trauma, self-harm, grief, and relational conflict.

Children (6+), Adolescents, Adults Estella has a Master of Divinity in Clinical Counselling from... Read More

Children (6+), Adolescents, LGBTQ2S+

Kari-Anne’s background is in working with children (pre-school – grade school age), teens, and young adults within educational and community settings who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Kari-Anne is additionally trained in Children’s Mental Health and recently completed a Master of Teaching degree for primary/junior level students.

During her time at Qualia, she has gained experience supporting clients with a range of issues including anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma. She also greatly enjoys working with nuerodivergent folks and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Within her clinical practice, Kari-Anne takes a collaborative and strengths-based approach by encouraging individuals to recognize their own resilience, skills, and expertise.

Kari-Anne also has a passion for visual arts and the role that they can play in helping individuals find healing. Her calm and warm demeanor helps to make clients feel welcome and safe.

Children (6+), Adolescents, LGBTQ2S+ Kari-Anne’s background is in working with children (pre-sch... Read More

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Children (5+), Adolescents, Adults

Sarah Gross is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree who uses CBT and Play Therapy to treat various disorders in children and adolescents in addition to CBT for adults. She sees a range of child, youth and adult cases and utilizes a wholistic and wrap-around approach to treating various mental health disorders, and works to identify internal and external strengths with clients to enhance relationships and create positive change. She completed her Master’s of Social Work in 2012 and is currently the Clinical Lead of Child and Adolescent services at Qualia and has taught various CBT courses with our Qualia-Laurier partnership since 2015. Prior to completing her Master’s, she worked as a Certified Child Life Specialist in the hospital system for 10 years.

When working with Sarah, clients can expect an empathetic and validating environment which also challenges them to reflect and grow while learning to manage and work through their various presenting issues. She primarily uses the CBT model while also pulling in elements from different therapies to meet client needs and goals.

Sarah has extensive training and experience in working with children and teens who are neurodivergent and welcomes clients to be themselves in sessions, and speak freely about what they find helpful in their therapy process. Sarah is a strong advocate for special needs clients, and helps empower clients and caregivers to build their own advocacy skills as part of treatment, when necessary.

Sarah was born and raised in the Waterloo Region and lives in Waterloo with her husband and three kids. She is active in her community and with her family and friends, and believes that physical activity is essential in maintaining mental wellness.

Children (5+), Adolescents, Adults Sarah Gross is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s deg... Read More

Children (8+), Adolescents, Adults

Sam’s background is in community addictions and mental health, and has a Master’s degree in counselling psychology from Yorkville University.

Sam works with children, adolescents, and adults alike and is prepared to accommodate a range of psychological issues. Sam has been trained to offer cognitive behavioral play therapy techniques to help children and youth through psychological distress. When working with children, Sam believes it vital that caregivers are consistently and deeply involved with the therapeutic process. Sam is prepared to address common issues in childhood, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.

Sam integrates cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and client-centered techniques to address psychological issues with adolescents and adults. Sam is prepared to work through several forms of psychological distress with adults and adolescents, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Children (8+), Adolescents, Adults Sam’s background is in community addictions and mental health... Read More

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My name is Shannon Norkett. I am a student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program, currently being supervised by Sarah Gross. I live in Kitchener with my husband Christopher and our 6-year-old son Levi. With a background in Early Childhood Education, a B.A. in Social Development Studies with a Psychology Minor, and a certificate in Social Work, I have spent the last ten years working as an educator. I also support an Indigenous family through Family and Children’s Services. Over the past three years, I’ve provided consistent and dedicated support, working closely with the guardian to address the children’s challenges, enhance family dynamics, and foster a stable, nurturing environment. My role involves collaborating with the family to meet their needs, offering guidance, and helping to build resilience and positive relationships within the household.

My passion lies in supporting children and youth, and I plan to become a therapist specializing in this area. I am committed to reducing the stigma around mental health and increasing access to resources in our region by providing counselling services and promoting mental health awareness. My mission is to empower children and families to navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster healthier relationships, ultimately contributing to the well-being and stability of our community.

My name is Shannon Norkett. I am a student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology progra... Read More

Children (6+), Adolescents

Jenny Powell is a seasoned registered social worker, with more than 15 years of diverse clinical experience with children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Throughout her career, she has actively contributed to numerous community organizations, ranging from healthcare and education institutions to child welfare agencies and residential/youth justice programs.

With specialized training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Jenny employs an adaptive approach to address the distinct needs of children and youth facing mental health struggles. She is particularly passionate about utilizing CBT strategies with even the youngest clients, underscoring the pivotal role of play in fostering healthy child development.

In her work with kids and families, Jenny uses humor, empathy, and a strengths-based approach, all of which form the pillars of her practice. This not only enables an understanding of challenging behaviors but also helps nurture familial relationships and bolster self-confidence in children.

Jenny was born and raised in Nova Scotia, but has resided in Waterloo with her family since 2007. A true east-coaster, Jenny feels most alive cheering on the sidelines of a football field or around a campfire with her husband and two children.

Children (6+), Adolescents Jenny Powell is a seasoned registered social worker, with more than 1... Read More

Children 5+, Adults, Couples, Families

Natalie graduated from Humber College with her diploma in Social Service Work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and Master’s of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Natalie is compassionate and empathetic to the needs of her clients. She will walk alongside you through your personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and healing. Her practice focused on individuals in any life stage seeking support with their mental health, parenting, relationships, and personal struggles. She creates a safe, culturally competent, and non-judgmental space for her clients to feel understood and collaborate to achieve their goals. She works from an integrational, holistic approach, which encompasses elements from a variety of models and theories including, but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Systems Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Strengths-Based Approach, Relational and Attachment Therapy.

She also offers CBT for youth and is experienced working with children ages 5 and up, and their caregivers.

Children 5+, Adults, Couples, Families Natalie graduated from Humber College with her diploma in... Read More