Brantford & Six Nations Locations

Registered Social Worker

Area of Focus:

CBT, Holistic wellness, Trauma, Abuse, Addictions

Valerie Hopkins pursued post-secondary education graduating with a BA in Sociology; BSW Honours; BA in Child Social Institutions; and an MSW from the University of Western Ontario. Valerie has worked with both First Nations and non-Indigenous clientele and communities. She has provided one-to-one and group counselling with all age groups in a variety of areas including but not limited to Domestic Violence; Addictions; Sexual Abuse; Trauma/Historical Trauma; Court support. She also enjoys working with children and youth. Valerie can also utilize the medicine wheel for a holistic approach to address Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual needs.

Registered Social Worker

Area of Focus:

Psychosis, Eating Disorders, Women's  Health

Susan is an accomplished registered social worker and psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With a holistic educational background, she holds a Master's degree in Social Work and a Master's in Education from the University of Toronto, complemented by a Bachelor of Social Work and an undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo.

Her clinical experience spans over three decades, during which she has served in a variety of roles within healthcare settings, encompassing both medical and mental health capacities. Susan has made significant contributions in the field of domestic violence and trauma and has provided invaluable support for individuals dealing with first-episode psychosis

Certified by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, her expertise is not limited to clinical practice; she is also a revered educator. Susan's passion for teaching and sharing knowledge is evident through her engagements with several esteemed educational institutions. She is a member of the faculty of social work at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she teaches CBT, and she holds faculty positions at Fanshawe College and in the family medicine program at McMaster University.

Susan's unique blend of education, extensive clinical practice, and dedication to teaching positions her as a leader in her field, adept in shaping the minds of future social work professionals while continuing to impact the lives of those she counsels positively.

MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist (pronouns she, her)

Area of Focus:

Adults, Couples

Janet has a health care background and has worked across all clinical settings : home and community, hospital and long term care. Janet’s experience as a psychotherapist includes the modalities or types of therapy such as: cognitive behavioural (CBT) , dialectical (DBT), family systems, narrative, strength -based, person- centered, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based, humanistic, feminist, brief solution focused.  Janet is a faculty member at McMaster University and Social Work Instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University. Janet has experience and a special focus for persons living with an eating disorder or disordered eating. 

Registered Social Worker

Bailey is a Registered Social Worker who is passionate about relieving suffering and assisting clients become the best version of themselves. Bailey's wholistic and compassionate practice is adaptable and incorporates a variety of modalities into her practice including CBT, DBT, solution focused and narrative approaches. Bailey has worked with many ditterent populations over the past few years, most significantly with individuals with concurrent disorders in outpatient clinics, emergency shelters and supportive housing. She has also gained experience working with at risk women in crisis in domestic violence and women's shelters and on a Sexual Assault and Violent crisis line. Bailey currently works as an addictions/mental health social worker for the Brant Community Healthcare System as part of a multi-disciplinary team. In her role she has also worked on inpatient units, within the pediatric diabetes clinic and with seniors coping with neurocognitive disorders, palliation other chronic illnesses. Outside of her professional work Bailey enjoys reading, spending time outside with her dogs and family.

Registered Social Worker

Area of Focus:

CBT, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Indigenous Populations

Teresa is a settler who grew up in a small farming community in the area. She graduated from McMaster University with a BA in Sociology and returned to school after having children to complete her BSW, and then her MSW. Teresa is a registered Social Worker who has worked with children, adults, and families for more than 30 years. She feels a personal and professional responsibility to live and work toward Truth and Reconciliation with the goal of understanding and healing for all our relations. Teresa practices with a strength-based, trauma informed lens, using a flexible and collaborative CBT approach that incorporates and honours Indigenous ways of knowing. Together we create a plan to help you learn skills to gain confidence and feel better!

Registered Social Worker

Kathryn prefers not to work with eating disorders Kathryn is a Registered Social Worker (RSW). She has completed basic CBT training and is working towards certification (second course July 2022). She has a passion for working with children and youth with mental health concerns. Kathryn graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor and Master of Social Work, and a minor in Indigenous Studies. Kathryn has a history of working with youth and adults in custody facilities as well as with women experiencing Domestic Violence. Kathryn is knowledgeable working with youth experiencing depression, anxiety and behavioural concerns.

Registered Social Worker

Area of Focus:

Indigenous experiences/traumas, Anxiety/depression, Self-harm and suicide, Anger management, Emotional regulation, OCD, Trauma

Amanda is a Registered Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work specializing in Indigenous Studies. She is a Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Band Member and has worked on Six Nations in various roles for many years. Amanda works with Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients and has experience with people of all ages and abilities.

She has a background working with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma, intimate partner violence, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Amanda strives to create a clinical practice grounded in compassion, acceptance, and safety. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, including a wholistic approach, CBT, solution-focused therapy, and a strengths-based approach, while also incorporating reality therapy and choice theory.

Registered Social Worker

Birth to grave, individuals, couples and families. Robert has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. He has over 30 years of experience. Robert completed post graduate internships with Jay Haley and Cloe Madanes. He has worked with psychiatrists; Dr. Kenny Handelman in his ADHD clinic; Dr. Tatjana Muhamedagic in her OCD clinic and Dr. Carl Bradley specializing in anxiety, depression and personality disorders.

Robert has worked as a supervisor in a Narrative Therapy Clinic. Robert trained with Dr. Insoo Kim Berg in Brief Therapy. Robert is a published Canadian author having written professional journal articles and fictional novels.

Registered Social Worker

As a Registered Social Worker, I have over 15 years of experience in working with individuals in different mental health community-based and hospital setting. Throughout my experience as a Social Worker, I have developed strong skills in providing evidence-based therapy, crisis intervention and conducting biopsychosocial assessments. I have an extensive experience in working with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, couples, grief and bereavement.

I have completed my Master's in Social Work from University of Calgary and have training in the areas of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical

Behavior Therapy, Trauma- Focused and Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). In my work, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to create a suited approach for everyone. I work along a client - centered and strengths-based approach.

In a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment, clients are encouraged to take an active role in treatment and make the desirable changes in their life.

Registered Social Worker

Laura Verbeek is a registered social worker. She is a CBT and DBT certified clinician and has a passion for working with children, families, and individuals experiencing various mental health concerns. Laura graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University here in Brantford, with a major in social work and a minor in criminology.

Laura works with First Nations clients and has a history of working with trauma. Laura looks forward to journeying with you.

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Areas of Focus

CBT, Children & Youth, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma, Grief, Self-esteem

Chelsea Gabriele is a Registered Social Worker (RSW). She has training in CBT and 2 years of experience in counselling children and youth on Six Nations. Her main employment experience has been as a child-protection worker. She has a passion for working with Indigenous people and using a holistic perspective to help overcome the challenges they face.

Chelsea graduated from MeMaster University with her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology in 2016. She then graduated from the same school with her Master of Social

Work (MSW) in 2018. She works with children and youth who struggle with anxiety, depression and/or stress, those who have experienced or witnessed trauma, and those dealing with grief and self-

esteem issues

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Lorna worked as a recreation therapist in mental health for 20 years before returning to school to pursue a master's in Theology with a specialization in spiritual care and psychotherapy. Lorna has an undergraduate degree in social studies and humanities, as well as a post-graduate diploma in therapeutic recreation. Lorna's focus during her masters was in the areas of trauma, addiction, grief, and spiritually integrated psychotherapy. Working from a client centered and anti-oppressive framework that is trauma informed, Lorna wishes to ensure that clients feel seen, empowered, safe, and valued. Lorna also incorporates attachment theory in her practice and has an eclectic and wholistic approach to therapy that includes CBT, DBT, psychodynamic (existential in particular), EFT, narrative, and solution focused approaches among others. With experience in inpatient, residential, outpatient, as well as community- based settings, I have experience working with children, youth, adults, and couples who have a variety of diagnosis and challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex grief, addictions, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, attachment injuries, sexual abuse, gender identity, identity formation, dual diagnosis, concurrent disorders, self-harm, and personality disorders. I do not have a lot of experience in working with the forensic population, but I am open to it.

Registered Social Worker

Justis is a Registered Social Worker who is passionate about working alongside clients to reduce suffering and improve their mental well-being. Justis' approach to working with clients incorporates a variety of modalities into practice, focusing on CBT, strengths based, and narrative approaches.

Justis graduated Wilfrid Laurier University in 2019 with an Honours Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Criminology. Since graduation, Justis has developed experience practicing with a variety of individuals ranging from youth, adults, and seniors. Specifically, Justis has held work within long term care facilities, emergency shelters, and as an intensive case manager working under the Housing First Model.

Outside of her professional roles, Justis enjoys reading, working-out, and spending time with loved ones alongside her dog.

Registered Social Worker

Area of Focus:

Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Emotional regulation, Life Transitions

Holly Stoodley is a dedicated Registered Social Worker (RS) specializing in providing mental health support to children (6+), adolescents, and adults. Holly holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from McMaster University, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and Sociology. Holly specializes in addressing depression, anxiety disorders including OCD, emotional regulation skills and coping with significant life transitions such as loss or divorce.

She also has a history of serving urban Indigenous populations in Hamilton, particularly focusing on women/mothers, experiences of homelessness, mental health, and addictions. While Holly is committed to working with all ages, she specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults.

Registered Social Worker

Paige Bacon is a Registered Social Worker. Paige graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2024 with a major in Social Work and a double minor in Indigenous Studies and Psychology. She is CBT level I certified while continuously aiming to gain training and knowledge. Paige has a passion for working with individuals living with mental health concerns and histories of trauma. Paige works with a large variety of clients and has a history of working with children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. Paige sees youth and adults but is not limited to. She has an ambition to grow and learn from the clients she works with equally as much as they may learn and grow alongside her.

Registered Social Worker

Pina has completed extensive training in CBT and practices from a CBT model with children and adolescents, as well as with adults across the age spectrum. Working from a culturally responsive base, she is privileged to work with Indigenous clients and is NIHB approved. Areas of focus include children and adolescents, chronic health conditions, and trauma. Along with her clinical practice, Pina is an Instructor in Laurier's Continuing Education Program, she is a Field Supervisor working closely with Laurier's BSW/MSW and MSW Indigenous Field of Study programs. She is a Peer Supervision Lead and believes strongly in a lifelong learning mindset that extends from academia to engaging lived experiences from the communities and people that surround you. Outside of clinical practice, Pina is an avid believer in volunteerism and spends much of her free time providing support in a variety of forums to the Type 1 Diabetes community.