Solasta Psychological Services
Our Team
CO-DIRECTOR
Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C. Psych
Mental Health Assessment/Treatment/Consultation - Adolescents and Adults
Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry is an experienced clinical psychologist providing consultation and treatment for adolescents and adults, with a focus on emotions, relationships, and the mind-body connection. As a trauma informed psychologist, Dr. Hendry works with individuals who identify with a wide range of challenges including addiction, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, adjustment issues, interpersonal and relational difficulties, chronic pain, and trauma. Dr. Hendry works primarily from a holistic, emotion-focussed, embodied approach with emphasis on mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion.
CO-DIRECTOR
Dr. Kyla Baird, C. Psych
Dr. Kyla Baird obtained her M.A. and Ph.D. from the Clinical Developmental Psychology program at York University in Toronto. She works with children, adolescents and parents and has a breadth of experience in comprehensive psychological assessments, individual, and group based therapies.
Kyla has interests and experience in working with children and youth with anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, body image issues, perfectionism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, self-esteem difficulties, Eating Disorder and behaviour problems. Kyla uses a client centred and integrative approach to therapy. Her practice pulls from various therapeutic modalities including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapies, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and mindfulness. She also works with parents with children who experience social-emotional and/or behavioural challenges and utilizes the Emotion Focused Skills Training model to support parents. Kyla specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and uses Family-Based Therapy as the primary intervention.
Mental Health Assessment/Treatment/Consultation - Children and Adolescents
Dr. Lana Rappaport, C. Psych
Dr. Lana Rappaport is a Clinical Psychologist that offers client-centred, holistic, and trauma-informed therapy and counselling to adults.
Her primary areas of practice include the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, as well as social, health, generalized anxiety disorders), trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder, as well as supportive counselling and/or relational psychotherapy to address issues related to relationships, attachments, expressive communication, self-esteem, self-worth, conflict, and life stress.
Since 2014, Dr. Rappaport has worked with youth and adults with a wide range of complex and comorbid disorders. Her integrative approach includes in the moment, process-oriented interventions that emphasize the therapeutic relationship and treatment process, as well as specific skill building treatment approaches to bring about cognitive, emotional, behavioural and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mental Health Consultation and Treatment/Adults
Dr. Lauren Stenason, C.Psych
Dr. Lauren Stenason is a clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults providing assessment, therapy, and parenting support.
Dr. Stenason focuses on working with individuals impacted by adverse childhood experiences, trauma, grief and loss, and attachment-related difficulties. This means that she has expertise in providing assessment and treatment for clients with challenges such as complex developmental trauma, non-suicidal self-injury, relationship difficulties, emotion regulation, substance use, and in navigating complexities related to adoption and child welfare involvement. Dr. Stenason is passionate about supporting caregivers parenting young people with histories of trauma (e.g., adoptive parents, foster caregivers) and her doctoral research focused on ways to better support young people and caregivers involved in the child welfare system.
Dr. Stenason works with her clients collaboratively at a pace that feels right for their healing. She integrates a range of research-informed therapeutic approaches based on what would be most helpful, which are rooted within an emotion-focused, attachment, and trauma-informed framework. Overall, this can include tapping into existing strengths, and building new patterns by developing trust and safety, awareness and understanding, emotion regulation, self-compassion, and secure relationships. In addition to working at Solasta, Dr. Stenason also works as a psychologist at Starling Community Services, a children’s mental health centre in Waterloo.
Mental Health Treatment/Consultation/Children & Adolescents /Adults - CURRENTLY ON LEAVE
Dr. Siobhan Sutherland, C. Psych (Supervised Practice)
Dr. Siobhan Sutherland is a clinician who specializes in integrative, trauma-informed assessment and treatment for a broad range psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship concerns, trauma, and personality disorders. Dr. Sutherland’s experience includes working in hospital, university, and private practice settings. She uses an evidence-based, client-centred approach to treatment that incorporates cognitive-behavioural (CBT, DBT, ACT) and attachment-based (e.g., interpersonal, emotion-focused) therapies to support clients in addressing their individual treatment needs. Her services are provided under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C. Psych.
Mental Health Treatment/Consultation /Adults
Dr. Armush Salahadin, C. Psych (Supervised Practice)
Dr. Armush Salahadin is a psychologist (supervised practice) who works from an attachment-based, trauma-informed perspective with children and youth, providing assessment and intervention services. Dr. Salahadin uses an integrative framework to address various presenting needs including mood and anxiety, emotion regulation, difficulties in relationships, trauma exposure, and behavioural challenges. With respect to clinical work, Dr. Salahadin has experience supporting children, adolescents, and parents in settings that include school boards, a family crisis and support centre, a teaching-training clinic, a lead children’s mental-health agency, and a university clinic. She uses an evidence-based, client-centred approach to intervention, and applies modalities that are cognitive-behavioural, emotion- and attachment-based. Dr. Salahadin is registered as a Psychologist in Supervised practice. Her services are provided under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry (C. Psych).
Mental Health Assessment/Treatment/Children & Adolescents
Dr. Bailey Stewart, C. Psych (Supervised Practice)
Dr. Bailey Stewart is a clinical psychologist who provides comprehensive assessments and treatment to children and adolescents who are experiencing a range of challenges with behaviour, anxiety, mood, and emotion regulation. Dr. Stewart uses an integrative approach and provides her clients with individualized treatment by incorporating various therapeutic modalities including emotion focused therapies, cognitive behaviour therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Dr. Stewart creates a warm, compassionate, and collaborative environment to ensure clients and their families feel supported and understood.
Dr. Stewart is registered as a Psychologist in Supervised practice. Her services are provided under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry (C. Psych).
Mental Health Assessment/Treatment/Children & Adolescents
Alison Smethurst, MSW
Alison Smethurst is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Alison has over ten years of experience providing therapy to adults who identify with depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, grief and bereavement, interpersonal and relational difficulties. She utilizes a client centred and collaborative approach to care drawing on training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support a wide variety of presenting issues.
Alison has a passion for working with parents and caregivers. She uses the Emotion Focused Skills Training model to help them feel empowered and effective in supporting their loved one’s emotional and mental health needs. Alison has experience supporting parents and caregivers in navigating challenges brought on by complex mental health concerns (eg. mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, suicidality & self-harm). She also works with parents in a preventative capacity to support emotional well-being and the development of healthy parent child relationships.
Alison strives to provide a warm and non-judgemental space where individuals feel safe and supported in navigating life’s stressors and emotional pain. She offers both in person and virtual appointments.
Mental Health Treatment/Consultation/Parent Consult/Adults
Norette Rene-Gougeon, MSW
Norette is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. Norette has over ten years of experience working with parents and families providing support with the stressors related to parenting and family relationships. Norette understands and appreciates the difficulties and struggles that come with parenting and provides support for the challenges that can arise when navigating the different stages of parenthood and in managing your own mental wellbeing and that of your children.
Norette engages in psychotherapy and parent coaching informed by attachment-based treatment, emotion focused family therapy (EFFT), emotion focused skills training (EFST) and mindfulness approaches to support parents in building parenting confidence and strengthening their relationships with their children. Norette provides a safe therapeutic space to explore and process blocks that may be getting in the way of achieving an individual’s parenting goals. Norette takes a client centred, strengths based, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive and trauma informed approach when working with parents. She is currently offering virtual therapy services.
Parent Consultation
Samantha Taggart, MPsy
Mental Health/ Assessment/Treatment/
Adolescents & Adults
Sam completed her Masters of Psychology (MPsy) at Adler Graduate Professional School and works under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C.Psych and Dr. Kyla Baird, C. Psych.
Sam is a clinical therapist providing psychological services to adults and adolescents, including assessment, therapy, and parenting support. Sam has specialized training in trauma-informed, somatic, and emotion-focused treatment methods.
Sam’s clinical practice is focused on supporting people with trauma, eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and interpersonal and relational issues. She has extensive training and experience working with individuals and families with eating disorders, and those impacted by adverse childhood experiences.
As a clinical therapist, Sam works compassionately and collaboratively with clients, providing integrative, holistic, and trauma-informed care, both virtually and in person. In the therapy room, Sam utilizes a variety of approaches depending on the unique concerns of each individual client; with an emphasis on connection, regulation, and integration. She regularly draws upon modalities such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, ACT, DBT, and EFT, offering an integrative approach.
Michelle O’Brien, MPsy
Michelle completed her Masters of Psychology (MPsy) at Adler Graduate Professional School and has specialized training in trauma-informed and emotion focussed treatment methods. She provides supervised psychological service to children, adolescents, and adults under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C.Psych.
Michelle works with clients using an emotion focussed, client centred approach. Michelle supports clients to express thoughts and emotions, and to enhance regulation and improve important relationships. She supports children, teens, and adults in a compassionate environment and is passionate about helping clients as they deal with challenges with self-esteem, anxiety, mood, disordered eatings, family and life transitions (e.g., grief, divorce) and social and behavioural challenges. Michelle provides trauma-informed client centred care, both virtually and in-person.
Mental Health/ Assessment/Treatment/Children &
Adolescents/Adults
Mackenzie Grant, MA
Mackenzie is currently completing her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and works under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Ane Hendry, C.Psych and Dr. Kyla Baird, C.Psych.
She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School. She also has a Masters of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education specializing in Mental Health from the University of Toronto. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior from McMaster University.
Mackenzie takes great pride and privilege in engaging with clients and assisting them on their personal journey toward wellness, recovery, and personal growth. She strives to create a safe, collaborative, and compassionate space where individuals can share freely, collaboratively identify treatment goals, and find empowerment in their growth and progress.
Mackenzie works with children, adolescents, and young adults, supporting them through various developmental stages and challenges. She is dedicated to helping young individuals navigate life transitions, build resilience, and develop skills to foster emotional and psychological well-being.
Utilizing an integrative therapeutic approach, she tailors treatment to align closely with each client's specific objectives. Mackenzie draws from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness strategies. She has a strong commitment to approaching each session from a trauma- and culturally-informed lens.
Mackenzie has a special interest in helping clients with chronic pain. Her prior work includes the assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing chronic pain at McMaster University Medical Centre with the Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic.
Mental Health/ Assessment/Treatment/Children &
Adolescents
Klara Laszlo, MPsy
As a clinical therapist, Klara supports adolescents and adults facing anxiety, depression, as well as difficulties during life transitions and within interpersonal relationships. She employs a trauma and attachment-informed framework to collaboratively develop personalized therapeutic plans for each individual. Klara utilizes a holistic, evidence-based approach, incorporating techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Klara holds a Master of Psychology (M.Psy.) from Adler Graduate Professional School, and her services are provided under the license and supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C.Psych.
Mental Health Assessment/
Treatment/ Adults
Nathalia Casadei, MPsy
With a focus on individual adolescent and adult therapy, Nathalia specializes in assisting clients who are navigating through challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Her practice is rooted in a commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental, and holistic therapy environment. This approach is trauma-informed and non-oppressive, ensuring that clients feels valued and understood.
Nathalia is adept at employing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), tailoring her approach to meet the needs of each client. Her commitment to fostering an environment where clients can openly explore their feelings and thoughts is at the heart of her practice.
Nathalia completed her Masters of Psychology (MPsy) at Adler Graduate Professional School.
Mental Health Assessment and
Treatment/Adolescents & Adults
Melissa Chan, MPsy
Melissa specializes in individual adult therapy, assisting clients struggling with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience with clients from varied ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds has strengthened her perspective that every individual brings a unique narrative.
Embracing an integrative therapeutic approach, Melissa tailors each treatment plan to align closely with a client's specific objectives, whether they center on recovery, personal growth, healing, or simply the need for a confidential, non-judgmental space. Drawing on a variety of theoretical approaches, she integrates cognitive-behavioral and experiential therapies, incorporating mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques.
Driven by her belief in social responsibility, Melissa actively advocates for equity and diversity, underscoring her commitment to community enrichment.
Melissa completed her Masters in Psychology (MPsy) at Adler Graduate Professional School and also holds a law degree. Her services are provided under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C. Psych.
Mental Health Assessment and
Treatment/Adults
Alex Ho, MPsy
Alex holds a Master of Psychology (MPsy) degree from Adler Graduate Professional School and practices under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C.Psych.
Alex is a clinical therapist offering individual therapy and assessments for adults, focusing on a wide range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal challenges, and chronic pain.
Alex draws from a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment-informed approaches. With a strong commitment to client-centered care, Alex employs an integrative approach that is trauma- and culturally-informed.
By utilizing a holistic approach, Alex tailors therapeutic methods to fit clients’ unique needs, fostering a collaborative environment that supports exploration, personal growth, and emotional development. He provides services virtually.
Mental Health Assessment and
Treatment/Adults
Amelia Lamb, MPsy
Amelia completed her Master’s in Psychology (MPsy) at Adler Graduate Professional School and her services are provided under the supervision of Dr. Carol-Anne Hendry, C. Psych.
Amelia has in-depth experience teens and adults, particularly those facing challenges of grief and bereavement. Amelia is passionate about taking a client-centred and integrative approach to therapy as well as utilizing trauma-informed and emotion-focused modalities.
Amelia strives to create a warm, non-judgemental, and collaborative space for clients to feel supported in healing.
Mental Health Assessment & Treatment/Children & Adolescents
Chelsea Reaume, MA
Chelsea is in the third year of her PhD in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor.
Her research and clinical interests focus on parent-child relationships, child emotion regulation, and interventions that target these two domains. She utilizes an evidence-based, client-centered approach that draws on her training and experience in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion focused family therapy (EFFT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Chelsea has worked extensively in providing psychological assessment, consultation, and therapy services to children and families with various needs in private practice, hospital, and school settings prior to coming to Solasta. Her services are provided under the supervision of Dr. Kyla Baird (C. Psych).
Mental Health Assessment & Treatment/Children & Adolescents
Riley Pugh, MA
Riley (they/them) completed their Masters of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Lewis, C. Psych. They are currently a PhD candidate in the same program and their research focuses on highlighting lived experience perspectives to better understand the impacts of involuntary discoveries of nonsuicidal self-injury.
Riley is a clinical therapist providing psychological services to adolescents and young adults, including assessment, therapy, and parenting support. They focus on providing collaborative and client-centred care drawing on training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to support a wide variety of presenting issues.
Riley’s clinical practice is focused on supporting adolescents and young adults with eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
As a clinical therapist, Riley strives to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment. In their work they focus heavily on creating a collaborative therapy environment by providing integrative, holistic, and trauma-focused care. They believe that every client is unique and requires a tailored and targeted approach. Accordingly, they will often draw from many therapeutic modalities to best serve a client’s needs.
Mental Health Assessment & Treatment/Children & Adolescents
Jen Lasenby-Lessard, PhD
Jennifer earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Toronto and has a PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Guelph. She has extensive experience conducting complex psychological assessments with children and adolescents with a wide range of challenges, and expertise in consulting with educators and parents. Jennifer has a particular passion for working with families who have children or adolescents who are autistic and she shares her time with a number of community agencies that support families with children who have exceptionalities.
Jennifer currently offers virtual consultation services to parents looking for support with their neurodivergent children or teen.
Autism Consultation - Parents of Children & Teens
Dr. Alexandra Gousse, C.Psych
Dr. Alexandra Gousse completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Guelph. She has specialized in trauma-informed, experiential, and emotion focussed treatment methods. She provides parent consultation specifically for those parents who are navigating separation and divorce and are looking to support their children most effectively.
Parent Consultation - Separation and Divorce - Virtual
Dr. Samantha Daniel, C.Psych
Dr. Daniel is an attachment based, trauma informed clinical psychologist with expertise in supporting clients with a range of mental health disorders including anxiety, ADHD, and depression. She has spent several years working at the Women’s Health Concerns Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, as well as in private practice supporting clients with a variety of relational and interpersonal challenges. Dr. Daniel currently offers in person and virtual consultation services to individuals looking for support with pre-and-perinatal mental health.
Pre-and-Perinatal Mental Health
Services
Liana Cross
Liana is currently completing her training as an Art Psychotherapist at The Canadian International Institute for Art Therapy. With a background in Fine Art/Art History and English from The University of Toronto and a diploma in Interior decorating from Sheridan College, Liana has spent the last 10 years running a wedding Floral Design business. Art has always played a big role in her life and she recognizes the power it holds to elicit positive change.
Art therapy focuses on the person, process and product. Some of the benefits may include; processing traumatic events, problem solving, developing self-awareness, managing stress and improving self- esteem. Art therapy can help access the creative level to foster new neural connections between the left and right hemispheres, and reach different parts of the brain that may be affected by trauma and/or lived experiences.
There are many pathways on the road to healing and art can help tap into a deeper understanding towards the complexities of lived experiences that impact our sense of self. Liana can help bring curiosity and compassion as we walk through different phases of life. Liana aims to use her knowledge and experiences to foster self-empowerment and self-expression as we follow the path of therapeutic healing through inner creativity and connection.
Art Therapy
Rachel Robinson
Rachel Robinson, Nurse Practitioner, is committed to providing patient centered care with an integrative approach for physical and emotional wellbeing. Aside from her licensure as a Nurse Practitioner, she holds a master’s degree in the Science of Nursing from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Western.
Rachel’s nursing practice places emphasis on the mind-body connection, and her professional interests include; lifestyle optimization, nutrition, sleep hygiene, fertility, weight management and hormonal imbalances. Rachel has a wide range of employment experiences managing complex patients, and has gained extensive knowledge in intensive care nursing, cardiology, general medicine and mental health.
She is an advocate for collaborative team approaches and believes strongly in individualized care plans. Rachel is an active member of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and her personal interests include yoga, meditation, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Nurse Practitioner
Lynette McGarrell, RD
Dietitian
Lynette McGarrell is a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years experience helping individuals with eating disorders and disordered eating.
Lynette earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition from Toronto Metropolitan University and completed a Dietetic Internship with Hamilton Health Sciences. She is a Registered Dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and is a member of Dietitians of Canada. While completing her education she became fascinated with the psychology of eating, eventually finding her way to the rewarding work of eating disorder treatment. Lynette has extensive experience working with individuals with eating disorders across the lifespan having worked in a hospital-based outpatient eating disorder program for over 20 years, as well as possessing experience in both the inpatient and community treatment settings.
Lynette has completed specialized training in Family Based Treatment (FBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindful Self Compassion (MSC), Emotion Focused Skills Training (EFST), Mindful Eating and Intuitive Eating and weaves components of these skills and modalities into her work with individuals and families. Lynette works from a non diet and weight inclusive approach and is passionate about supporting others to develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
In her downtime you can find her making a mess in the kitchen with a new recipe, rearranging furniture in her house, or hiking a trail with her family, that hopefully leads to a waterfall.
Paula Ng, RD
Paula has been a Registered Dietitian since 2009. She provides nutrition counselling services to all ages in the life span, adults to infants. She specializes in: eating disorders/disordered eating; behavioural feeding issues; childhood obesity and picky/selective eaters.
Paula has training in motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), all of which inform her practice.
She has worked in various hospital-based eating disorder treatment programs for many years, as well as inpatient general psychiatry, diabetes education centres and in long term care. She studied at the University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario and completed her dietetic internship at North York General Hospital.
In her spare time, she likes to stay away from social media
Dietitian
James Murphy, CHRL
With nearly two decades of HR leadership experience, James Murphy, CHRL, brings a people-first approach to career counselling and leadership coaching. He holds a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) certification from the Human Resources Professional Association, along with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Mohawk College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McMaster University. James is dedicated to helping individuals confidently navigate their career journeys.
In partnership with Solasta Psychology, James offers personalized support to those facing workplace challenges or seeking career advancement. He specializes in helping clients gain clarity in difficult career decisions, define their career trajectory, and resolve workplace conflicts. His empathetic and thoughtful approach empowers individuals to transition smoothly into new roles and develop their leadership capabilities.
Drawing inspiration from renowned thought leaders like Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, and Gabor Maté, James’ coaching style encourages clients to overcome obstacles and make confident, informed decisions as they pursue their professional goals.
Career Counselling & Leadership Coaching Specialist
Ms. Amy Poloniato
As our front line contact, Amy is an essential team member at Solasta Psychological Services. Her attention to detail, warm and supportive personality, and commitment to helping others makes her an exceptional administrative coordinator. Outside of work hours, Amy is a mom of two, an avid yoga practitioner, and a skilled cook.
Administrative Coordinator