A Collaborative Treatment Team to Serve You Better

At FLEX Psychology we believe two heads (or more) are better than one. While our team members are experienced and qualified to provide work in their areas of specialization, we recognize the value of having the support of our peers when managing difficult cases or simply to allow you to experience the best outcomes possible. Our assessment, psychotherapy and treatment teams work closely with one another to support each others work, to share ideas and resources, and to grow together as assessors, therapists, and treatment providers.

FLEX's Clinical Directors

Michael Decaire, MA, C.Psych., RP

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Michael is a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He began working in the mental health sector as a volunteer and summer student during his high school years, which led to a growing interest in psychology and his eventual specialization in that area. Michael obtained a Honours Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a Master's of Arts in Clinical Psychology through Lakehead University and seasonal course work at McMaster University. Following his graduation, Michael worked jointly in private practice (clinical, forensic, and practice managerial work) and in the disability services department of Mohawk College. He then held a tenure at The Psychological Corporation where he advised his fellow clinicians and test developers on methods of assessing emotional, personality, and learning/neuro disorders.

Michael returned full time to the clinical field a few years later and has since established himself as an in demand consultant at several group practices in the Greater Toronto Area and through rural hospital work.

For individuals, Michael specializes in psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment prescription. Therapeutically, he has an interest in mindfulness therapy, behavioural techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to manage the unique challenges experienced by the bright and gifted students, athletes, and professionals (entrepreneurs, founders, and other high-performance professions). Michael has a particular interest in using technology to assist treatment and, when needed, the use of highly specialized and focused treatments to overcome particularly strong barriers (e.g. clinical hypnosis).

For professionals, Michael is an in demand practice consulting, working with assessment and treatment professionals to either focus or expand their practices. He works closely with providers to help develop productive and efficacious business practices that will allow a practice to flourish and better meet the needs of their client population. Michael specializes in practice management, telepsychology solutions, electronic health records, and regulatory compliance.

Michael also holds professional interests in health governance, telepsychology, biomedical ethics, and program evaluation. He is in his second term as the president of the Ontario Association of Psychological Associates and a faculty member of the graduate studies program at Adler Toronto. He holds post-graduate certificates from the University of Toronto. Michael is the founder and clinical director of FLEX Psychology.

Michael is a "Known Approver" for the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), meaning he is able to confirm/approve testing accommodations on the basis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disability (LD), and psychiatric disorders.

Michael is available to see clients in Richmond Hill, Hamilton, and Online (Ontario). Michael is available for consultation in our Oshawa office. Michael will have select availability in our Guelph office.
​​Michael maintains weekday availability.
Learn about Michael on the Think FLEXibly Blog.
View Michael's Psychology Today listing.

Jennifer Marcus, PhD., C.Psych.

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Jennifer holds a Honours Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from York University, as well as a Master’s of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Adult Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor. As part of her training, Jennifer has worked in various settings and locations, including university counseling centres, outpatient hospital clinics, community agencies, private practice, and specialized programs for children and adults.

Jennifer currently supports our adult therapy treatment team, though she also works with children and adolescents. She takes a strengths-based approach to all clients and believes that personal growth is possible for all individuals. She incorporates cognitive, behavioural, emotion-focused, dynamic, and interpersonal approaches into her therapeutic work to find the right therapeutic fit for clients coping with a range of presenting concerns.

Jennifer is also an integral member of FLEX's assessment-psychodiagnostic team, working with individuals across the lifespan (children, adolescents, and adults). Presenting concerns for assessment frequently involve a combination of cognitive, academic, and mental health challenges that can impact functioning in school, work, and daily activities.

Jennifer is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Online (Ontario).
Jennifer maintains weekday and evening availability.
Learn about Jennifer on the Think FLEXibly Blog.
View Jennifer's Psychology Today listing.

FLEX's Clinical Team

Kelly Blanchette, M.A., Ph.D., C.Psych.

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​Kelly Blanchette holds a Master’s of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy, both in Child Clinical Psychology, from the University of Windsor. While completing her training, Kelly worked in a variety of settings and locations, including community agencies, outpatient hospital clinics, and university counseling centres.

As a key member of FLEX's treatment team, Kelly works therapeutically with young people and their families using a collaborative, strengths-based approach. Above all, she strives to help clients feel heard and understood.

Kelly is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and incorporates cognitive, behavioural, narrative, supportive, and psychodynamic approaches in therapy with children, adolescents, and their families. Kelly has worked with clients coping with a range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal relationship difficulties, trauma, self-harm, and issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

​Kelly is available to see clients in Richmond Hill.
Kelly maintains weekday and evening availability.

Katelyn Boersma, M.A., Ph.D., C.Psych.

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Katelyn holds an Honours Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto, as well as a Master’s of Arts and Doctorate in Adult Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor. Over the course of her training Katelyn has worked in private practice, outpatient clinics, community-based organizations, and university counseling centres.

Katelyn divides her time between providing therapy to adolescents and adults, and offering psychodiagnostic assessment to clients across the lifespan (children, adolescents, and adults). In particular, Katelyn is skilled in working with individuals who are apprehensive or anxious about the assessment process.

As a member of the FLEX therapy team, Katelyn utilizes emotion-focused, cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, and integrative therapeutic approaches to best meet the needs of individuals with a wide range of presenting difficulties. She also has specific training and interest in working with individuals with eating disorders and/or histories of trauma. Katelyn’s warm, empathic, client-centered approach serves as the foundation for all of her assessment and therapeutic work.

Katelyn is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Online (Ontario).
​Katelyn maintains weekday and evening availability.
Learn about Katelyn on the Think FLEXibly Blog.
View Katelyn's Psychology Today listing.

Jessica Danilewitz, M.A., RP

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Jessica obtained both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Western University in London, Ontario. Jessica completed her Master’s internships at the Western University Student Development Centre’s Psychological Services and Learning Skills Services. Jessica has worked with University students experiencing a wide range of psychological and learning difficulties impacting their mental health and academic success.

At FLEX Psychology Jessica provides psychotherapy to adolescents and young adults experiencing challenges related to a variety of emotional, behavioural, and learning concerns. In particular, Jessica is a key member of FLEX’s student anxiety and learning intervention team. With all clients, Jessica takes an eclectic approach to therapy utilizing elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Person-centred therapy, while occupying strengths-based and solution focused strategies.

Jessica feels passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help empower therapeutic change and ensure that therapy is tailored to their unique concerns. Jessica is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and is simultaneously working towards additional registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Jessica is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Online (Ontario).
​Jessica maintains weekday, weekend, and evening availability.
For information on Jessica's supervisory status please click here.
View Jessica's Psychology Today listing.

Amy Herberman, M.S.W., RP, RECE

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​Amy holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Child, Youth and Family Development from University of Guelph, as well as a Masters of Social Work from Tel Aviv University. She is a Registered Psychotherapist Early Childhood Educator, and a member of the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy. Amy has a wealth of experience and passion for working with children and families who are coping with various life stressors. She has been trained in planning and implementing creative therapeutic interventions for children with various social, emotional and behavioural concerns.

Amy takes a strengths-based, client centered approach. She is able to connect with children of all ages and developmental levels by incorporating play-based cognitive-behavioural therapies to capture the essence of childhood. She engages parents throughout the therapeutic process to build attachment and encourage positive parenting within the home.

Amy is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and through home visits.
​Amy maintains weekday and evening availability.
View Amy's Psychology Today listing.

​Michael Lander, M.S.W., RSW.

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Michael Holds an Honours Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Concordia, as well as a Master’s of Social Work degree with a Clinical Specialization from the University of Calgary. Michael is a registered Social Worker in Ontario, who has many years of experience working with adolescents and young adults living with neurodevelopmental disorders, most specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Michael’s work in the field of Autism services encompasses many areas, including job/career development, individual counselling, program development, behavioral intervention, advocacy, and professional education. He brings to his practice experience and knowledge in mental health, social skill development, self-esteem, gender/sexuality, physical health and fitness, depression/anxiety, and transition planning.
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Michael’s practice utilizes cognitive behavioral and narrative therapeutic approaches, while integrating evidence-informed therapeutic interventions specific for working with people living with neurodevelopmental disorders. Michael is passionate-about and committed-to working alongside individuals to foster and promote mental health, well-being, inclusion, independence, self-esteem, resilience, and thriving.

Michael is available to see clients in Richmond Hill.
Michael maintains evening and weekend availability.

Sean Ladds, C.C.A.C.

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Sean holds an Honors diploma in Addictions and Community Service Worker from Everest college. He is registered as a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor (CCAC) and a Canadian Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCCS) with the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF). He is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through the Fowler International Academy.
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Sean had struggled with his own addictions for over 25 years and has been clean for over 10 years.  Sean has the ability to connect, heightened awareness and instill hope amongst others struggling with addictions. 
Sean is proficient in Anger management, relapse prevention and treatment planning. He is committed to helping others make their lives better by sharing his experiences and strengths, in hopes of changing the mindsets of others suffering with addictions.

Sean has been working in the private sector of Residential Addictions Treatment centers for over 5 years. Sean is currently working towards becoming a Registered Psychotherapist.

Sean is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Oshawa.
Sean maintains weekday and select weekend availability.
For information on Sean's supervisory status please click here.

Carolyne Lee, Ph.D., C.Psych.

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Carolyne received her B.A. (Hons) in Psychology from McGill University and her M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor. Carolyne have several years of experience working with kids, teens, and adults in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community mental health centres, university student counselling centres, and private practice.

Carolyne is an integral part of our mental health and psychoeducation assessment teams, where she aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of the nature of your difficulties so that recommendation and treatment plans can be tailored to your needs.

Carolyne's approach to psychotherapy is based on evidence-based training in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a mindfulness-based approach). She has experience working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, substance use, cultural adjustment, and issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Carolyne prides herself on helping you feel comfortable and understood, and working collaboratively with you towards your own goals.

Carolyne is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Online (Ontario).
Carolyne maintains weekday and evening availability.

​Sorcha Ní Chobhthaigh, M.Sc.

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​Sorcha holds a B.A.(Hons) in Psychology from the University of Dublin, Trinity College and a M.Sc. in Applied Psychology, specializing in children, young people and families, from the University of Edinburgh. While completing her clinical training Sorcha worked at a Child and Adolescent Mental Health service and has additional experience working in community agencies. Sorcha has worked with children, adolescents and families experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural, familial and learning difficulties.
 
Sorcha takes an eclectic approach to therapy, tailoring interventions to best meet the needs of the individual or family. She often incorporates play, art and creative techniques to engage with children of all ages. Sorcha has experience using a variety of treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systemic and Narrative therapies. In addition, Sorcha is trained in a number of evidence-based early years parenting interventions.
 
Sorcha collaborates with parents throughout the therapeutic process, honoring parents as experts in their own children. She seeks to empower parents to create long-lasting positive change and improve overall family functioning.
 
Sorcha also offers psychoeducational assessments to children and young people. She aims to provide families with an increased understanding of a child’s strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations to support their needs.
 
Sorcha is a child and adolescent therapist/assessor working under supervision at FLEX Psychology while working toward registration as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Sorcha is available to see clients in Richmond Hill.
Sorcha maintains weekday, weekend, and evening availability.
For information on Sorcha's supervisory status please click here.

Craig Rafla, HBsc, MP (candidate)

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​Craig is completing the final research components of his Masters in Psychology at the Adler Graduate School in Toronto, where he first became a student and protege of FLEX's founder and Clinical Psychologist Michael Decaire. Craig brings forward a multi-disciplinary view to understanding psychological functioning, as he holds an Honors Bachelors of Science from the University of Toronto where he specialized in both psychology and biology. Prior to entering expanding into therapeutic supports, Craig consulted within the pharmaceutical industry, which provided further opportunities to better understand the complexities of his clients health needs. 

Craig's therapeutic work is anchored in an eclectic model of treatment that is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and several solution focused techniques. Prior to joining the FLEX team, Craig completed clinical rotations at Trafalgar Residence and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. Craig has worked a in both private and public sector settings and has recently worked as a psychometrist on an inpatient provincial forensic assessment unit. Craig’s clinical interests include, mood and personality disorders, as well as issues of motivation and change.

Craig is available to see clients in Richmond Hill, Oshawa, and Guelph.
Craig maintains weekday, weekend, and evening availability.
For information on Craig's supervisory status please click here.

Sarah Spigelman, M.S.W., RSW.

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Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Monmouth University in Deal, New Jersey. She continued her education through the university of Pennsylvania, where she completed specialized training in Prolonged Exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD. Sarah has many years of experience working with the presentation of childhood trauma in adults.

Sarah implements an integrative approach to therapy with her clients. Her work is anchored in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but incorporates a number of complimentary cognitive, behavioural, emotion focused, and psychodynamic approaches during her work with individuals and couples.
Sarah feels passionate about her work with clients coping with a range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, families in addiction, emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal relationship difficulties, and trauma.

Sarah is available to see clients in Richmond Hill.
Sarah maintains late weekday and evening availability. 

Caleb Van Wyk, M.S.W., RSW.

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Caleb holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. He has worked in the public sector in community- and hospital-based services, where he has serviced clients across the age spectrum. Caleb has extensive experience within public-sector child and adolescent mental health, which has made him an especially good support for those navigating this system. Caleb has experience providing individual, family-inclusive, and group-based therapy.

Caleb espouses an eclectic and holistic approach to therapy, using the unique relationship and his experience and training to nurture a context for and foster effective pathways to problem resolution, healing, well-being, and resilience.

Caleb is available to see clients in Richmond Hill.
Caleb maintains weekend availability.
View Caleb's Psychology Today listing.

FLEX's Support Team

Sharlene Cantor-Bagola, BA

Office Manager
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After graduating from the University of Toronto, Sharlene pursued a post-diploma program in Human Resources Management and fulfilled the requirements of a Human Resources Professional. She then worked for a number of years as a Training and Development Consultant, writing/developing employee training programs and conducting train-the-trainer workshops. Deciding to focus on her role as a mother, Sharlene took off a number of years to raise her three children while continuing to work part-time for health professionals in an office management/administrative role. She has also continued to develop her writing skills by editing/proofing medical reports. Sharlene joined the Flex team in 2013.
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Takeshi Kanaya, HBA

Psychometrist and Case Manager
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Takeshi is a member of FLEX's case management and assessment team. 

Takeshi holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McMaster University where he specialized in neuroscience and behaviour. He was born and completed his pre-university schooling in Yokohama Japan, where he attended a prestigious international school. Takeshi has a keen interested in how individual's interpret, perceive, and process information uniquely from one another, which has fuelled his interest in psychological assessment and the helping professions.

Takeshi is currently working with FLEX's clinical supervision team to develop a technology-anchored and client-centric case management program that will launch in early 2017.

Takeshi is fluent in both Japanese and English.

Danielle Kogan

Office Support and Psychometrist
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After graduating from Seneca College with a Diploma in Hospitality Management, Danielle spent much of her career managing a busy spa with a focus on client relations.  Danielle joined the FLEX team in 2018 where she provides support as an administrative assistant and psychometry scoring assistant.

Zahava Bagola, HBSc

Office Support and Psychometrist
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​Zahava is a graduate of York University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Magna Cum Laude distinction. At FLEX Psychology, Zahava provides seasonal administrative assistance as well as providing scoring services for our assessment team.
 
During the traditional school year, Zahava is completing her dental studies at Western University. 

Esther Decaire, BScN, MN, NP-Paeds

Consultant - Medical/Developmental
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Esther provides consultancy services for the treatment and assessment teams at FLEX Psychology. As many of our clients have complicated birth and early medical histories, Esther provides insight into early difficulties with birth, infancy and early childhood. This allows our clinical team members to consider that information when ascertaining ones developmental needs across the lifespan.

Esther works as a Nurse Practitioner on the Cardiac Critical Care unit at Sick Kids Toronto and in the Level 3 NICU at McMaster Children's Hospital. She has held further paediatric and neonatal placements/positions at McMaster and Credit Valley Hospital. She is a respected mentor, training program developer, and professor.

Affiliations

FLEX team members maintain a number of professional affiliations and regulatory memberships, including: