Meet the Wellness Team
Registered Psychotherapists & Registered Social Workers
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We are a team of Masters-Level Registered Psychotherapists
& Registered Social Workers with Associates working under our Approach and Supervision. We over 40+ years of combined experience, we are here to help guide you.
Michelle Brans MACP RP
I have been dedicated to the field of child, youth & family mental health for the past 18 years working as a Behaviour Therapist, Consultant, Educator, Parent Coach, and over the past 10 years as a Psychotherapist. I have worked in both the private and public health-care sectors since 2004. I founded Counting Butterflies’ in 2012, and am the Co-Founder and Clinical Supervisor of The Therapy Collective, our sister-practice focusing on mental health for 16+ .
I have an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from York University and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the Ontario College of Psychotherapist and a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. I am a Mindfulness-Based Restorative & Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, Registered with Yoga Alliance (RYT 200).
AT THIS TIME, MICHELLE IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE SPECIALIZES IN:
Teens & Young Adults (16-25); Motherhood; Parenting, Families & Couples
HOLISTIC & INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES FOR:
Anxiety & Depression; Failure to Launch; Loss of Self; Chronic Shame & Guilt; Complex Grief; Complex Developmental Trauma; Perfectionism & Low Self-Worth; Relationship Conflict
I have received training and/or certification in: Emotion-Focused Couples & Family Therapy (EFT); Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT); Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT); Mindfulness & compassion-based Therapy; Attachment & Developmental-Based Care; Yoga & Mindful Movement; Trauma-Informed Practices; Ecopsychology and Nature Guided Therapy.
Michelle is a Clinical Supervisor for Qualifying Psychotherapists and Masters-Level Graduate Interns looking to practice in Ontario. She has 18 years of clinical experience, with 10 years of clinical work as a Psychotherapist. She has completed over 30+hrs of study and growth in the practice of Supervision, currently has 5220+hrs of direct client hours, and has received over 150+hrs of supervision.
“I live with my partner of 20 years, my pre-teen daughter, and my pack of four-legged furry teachers (5 dogs!) in our forested butterfly-homestead in the Greater Toronto Area. I am a lover of really good food, gardening barefoot, forest pack-walks with my dogs, and anything involving holistic wellness. I am am avid collector of all-things from nature and beautiful stories of transformation & growth.
Jennifer Lynne Walker MSW RSW
I have an honours undergraduate degree in Child Studies from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. With close to twenty years in a professional helping role, my past roles include Camp Director, International Volunteer Coordinator, Case Manager, Child and Youth Advocate, and Social Worker. I have 20 years of experience in Child Welfare and have lived and worked in both Africa and Asia, which allows to me to offer culturally-sensitive care.
It is my privilege to walk alongside children and families, individuals and youth during both the struggles and celebrations that define us. I am a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend – just like you – and I am also an experienced social worker and therapist. I’ve struggled through loss, I’ve struggled through parenting, I’ve struggled to find balance and I enjoy working toward wellness, hope and change. Extending empathic support and encouragement is my goal for each interaction.
JENN IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, EARLY YEARS SERVICES
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER
LEAD CHILD & FAMILY THERAPIST
PRACTICE SPECIALIZING IN:
Early Years Mental Health; School-Aged Mental Health; Parenting & Families
HOLISTIC & INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES FOR:
Anxiety & Depression; Fears & Phobias; Emotional Regulation; Tantrums & Meltdowns; School Challenges; Social & Peer Challenges; Low-Self-Esteem; Parenting Overwhelm; Parent-Child Relationships; Co-Parenting; Divorce & Separation
Associates
Rory Bos MSW RSW
I have a Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Child, Youth, & Family and a minor in Psychology from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University.I have always had a passion for working with children, teenagers and families that I believe is evident in my dedication to each client. I practice from a holistic approach drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches. I believe every individual is on a different journey, and tailoring their therapeutic experience to that is essential for developing a strong therapeutic rapport. In my free time, you can find me exploring the community with my dog Arlo or curled up on the couch planning my next vacation somewhere!
RORY IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Janel Silva-Grande MSW RSW
I have an honours undergraduate degree in Psychology with a specialization in clinical work from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Through my work, I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental space where the children and families I work with feel supported, seen, and heard.I am very intentional in utilizing an integrative, holistic, client-centred and experiential/lighthearted approach, so to tailor my work to fit with the unique people who I have the privilege to be walking alongside – through their challenges and celebrations. I am a bunny mom of 4, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a life longer learner, and a friend. In my spare time you can find me dancing, working out at the gym, spending time with my family, friends and animals, or outdoors exploring/adventuring in nature.
AT THIS TIME, JANEL NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Jodie Santos MACP RP (Qualifying)
I received a Bachelors in Psychology with honours from Florida International University and a Masters in Counselling from Yorkville University. I believe that my purpose in life is to guide and help individuals to navigate different life circumstances that can impact how they are able to function on a daily basis. I have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and presently hold a license as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I have a holistic approach that involves finding the unique style of therapy that is appropriate for each individual. I have recently moved from Calgary to Milton. I am a mother of three children, and one (big) fur baby, a wife, a daughter and a friend. I enjoy taking long walks with my family and enjoying a cup of tea and good book.
JODIE IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Mental Health Intake & Programs
Coordinator
Ashley Noonan BPHE, BEd, MACP (candidate)
I have an Honors degree in Physical Education and Health, as well as my Bachelor of Education. I am currently completing my Masters in Counselling from Yorkville University. I am extremely passionate about creating a safe space to support others in moving through adversities to consciously create a self-led life. I am a yoga instructor and a big believer in the power of slowing down, connecting to our breath and community to support our wellbeing. I am also a lover of all sports, playing ice hockey and soccer my entire life as well as weight-lifting and swimming. In my free time I love to explore nature spots around the GTA, travel to beautiful locations and spend intentional time with my loved ones.
As our Client Care Coordinator, Ashley will be guiding you to see if our team is a good fit for your family & mental health needs.
Youth Counsellor & Graduate Intern
Lama Ghazzo BA, MACP (candidate)
RP (qualifying)
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University and I’m currently in the process of completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. My passion has always involved working alongside young people and their caregivers. I aim to create and maintain a safe space for my clients while focusing on building a therapeutic relationship. I believe we all have unique needs and my purpose is to guide, foster and provide young people with the tools and ability to cope through life’s every day challenges using a holistic approach. In my spare time you can find me at the gym, on an outdoor walk, in the kitchen baking or spending time with my very large family!
LAMA IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Youth Counsellor & Graduate Intern
Ashley Steeves BA, MACP (candidate)
RP (qualifying)
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University and I’m currently in the process of completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. My roles have included working alongside adolescents, and their caregivers in teaching, coaching and therapeutic dynamics for 5+ years. I welcome young people to join the therapeutic space while focusing on building a safe and comfortable dynamic. My approach is holistic and eclectic, meaning I navigate each client case using an individualistic sense; pulling tools from various approaches that along best with their needs and goals. In my spare time, you will find me with my fur babies (Oscar & Jax) or spending time with my husband and our families. I look forward to getting to know you!
ASHLEY IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Graduate Internships
We offer several Graduate Internships & Practicums for Masters in Counselling Psychology and Social Work Programs across Ontario & Canada. Interns work under the guidance of Michelle & Jenn.
Join Our Team
Our Team provides clinical supervision and practicum placements for Master’s Level Graduate Students and Psychotherapists looking to register with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario or the College of Registered Social Workers.
We offer the following opportunities to passionate holistic-integrative professionals:
1- Graduate Students looking for an immersive practicum placement
2- Registered Psychotherapists (Q) and Registered Psychotherapists looking for Clinical Supervision and/or Group Clinical Supervision
Contact Michelle at [email protected] for more information.
We pride ourselves in being an inclusive and practice & workplace. We are always learning from the voices of our diverse community and team. We are willing to have our narratives challenges and continue to do our work practice cultural-humility. We believe it is our social-obligation to value diversity & encourage affirmative action by offering opportunities to increase the representation of minorities within the mental health profession.
2023 Opportunities
We are currently holding Interviews for 1-2 Graduate Internships for our Early Years Program at Counting Butterflies & for our Youth Program at Counting Butterflies + sister-site, The Therapy Collective. These opportunities are hybrid with expectations for both virtual & in office care. Experience + Passion in Child, Youth and/or Family Mental health is required.
Spots are currently open for Michelle’s 2023 Peer Supervision Groups for Registered Psychotherapists (qualifying) & Registered Psychotherapists working towards independent practice. Limited spaces are available.
Contact us for more Information & to Apply.
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