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
Michael (he/him) 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 welcomes clients of all cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexualities.
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 consultant, 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.
Jennifer (she/her) 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.
Patrick is a Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University and a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from University of Toronto.
Whether it’s through modifying habitual negative thinking, overcoming substance dependence, developing greater self-awareness or moving past unhelpful patterns in relationships, Patrick assists and guides clients as they endeavour to make positive changes in their lives. He has worked in the mental health field for the past seven years and is comfortable with a range of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He has a special interest in using the Existential framework to explore questions of freedom and authenticity and using Attachment Theory to gain insights into interpersonal issues. Patrick has maintained a private practice since his initial registration with CRPO and has extensive experience working with MVA and WSIB clients, using psychometric measures to monitor progress over the course of treatment plans. As a therapist, Patrick considers himself a trusted confidant and consultant in clients’ worlds, bringing indispensable qualities like empathy, curiosity, and, when appropriate, humour, to the therapeutic relationship. In addition to his clinical work, Patrick is active in mental health advocacy and serves on the board of directors of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, where he currently chairs the Public Policy committee
Patrick is accepting clients online.
Kelly Blanchette, M.A., Ph.D., C.Psych.
Kelly Blanchette (she/her) 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 and Oshawa. Kelly maintains weekday and evening availability.
Katelyn Boersma, M.A., Ph.D., C.Psych.
Katelyn (she/her) 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.
Sierra Bokor has completed her Occupational Therapist (OT) training from the University of Toronto. The goal of OT is to enable clients to participate in the daily activities or occupations that add meaning and value to their lives. These activities fall under the categories of self-care, productivity, and leisure. In OT, occupations are regarded as a basic human need that are essential to one’s identity, health, and well-being. Sierra believes that OT can contribute a novel role/occupation-focused lens to FLEX psychology and will help bridge the gap between the skills learned in psychology sessions (the what) and their incorporation into daily life (the how).
Sierra completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with a major in Neuroscience and double minor in Psychology and Buddhism, Psychology & Mental Health. She has completed fieldwork placements at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in the Acquired Brain Injury Neurocognitive Inpatient Rehab unit, at CBI Health Group in the Community Rehabilitation and Psychological Trauma Program, St. John’s Rehab Hospital in the Restorative Transition Unit, and her final placement at FLEX Psychology. Sierra has worked to provide interventions and assessments that address cognitive deficits and barriers to community reintegration post-brain injury, MVA and WSIB work (in home safety assessments, adaptive equipment prescription, shadowing Behavioral Activation, exposure therapy, and psychoeducation), and program development (developing DBT groups).
Jessica Danilewitz, M.A., RP
Jessica (she/her) 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 and adults experiencing a wide range of psychological and learning difficulties impacting their mental health and academic/professional success.
At FLEX Psychology, Jessica provides psychotherapy to adolescents and 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. She is also passionate about supporting clients throughout the journey of fertility/conception, coping with miscarriage/stillbirth, pre-natal and postpartum mental health, and with challenges of the early years of parenting. With all clients, Jessica takes an eclectic approach to therapy anchored through elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Jessica's work is also informed through a variety of techniques including mindfulness, interpersonal psychotherapy, and emotion focused approaches. Jessica has specialized training in insomnia (CBTI). 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 under supervision towards additional registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Jessica welcomes clients of all cultural backgrounds, gender and sexual identities.
Jessica writes weekly on self-help and wellness topics at her blog, Wellness Wednesday. CLICK HERE to check out Jessica's recent writings.
Rachel (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She holds a Masters of Arts Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa, an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology from the University of Guelph, and a General Arts and Science Diploma from Humber College.
Rachel is passionate about providing support to adults through their struggles and empowering them to make positive life changes. She has experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and life circumstances. Specifically, she has supported people through a variety of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, childhood abuse, life transitions, relationship issues, and stress management. She strives to support clients as they challenge maladaptive and distorted thoughts, find alterative paths and perspectives, and establish healthy attitudes and behaviours.
Rachel has experience with a variety of theoretical practices and strives to integrate various models into her work with clients. She is particularly drawn to using Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in her work with clients. She uses an integrative approach in her work to ensure that psychotherapy is tailored to each clients’ needs, goals, and comfort levels and creates a safe and trusting environment for clients to move through their journey of growth.
Rachel is available to see clients online.
Amy Herberman, M.S.W., RP, RECE
Amy (she/her) 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, online, and through home visits. Amy maintains weekday and evening availability. View Amy's Psychology Today listing.
Takeshi Kanaya, HBA
Psychoeducational Consultant, Psychometrist and Case Manager
Takeshi is a member of FLEX's case management and assessment team.
Takeshi (he/him) 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 is currently completing his graduate studies, pursuing a Masters of Psychology.
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. He is also FLEX's head of psychometric testing, assisting staff and practicum students in growing their clinical toolkit.
Takeshi is fluent in both Japanese and English.
Takeshi is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Online. Takeshi maintains weekday availability. For information on Takeshi's supervisory status please click here.
Noah Klausz, M.Psy.
Noah (he/him) earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and his Masters in Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. At Laurier, Noah participated in the expansive research study stream, where he explored efficacy in academic testing and individual differences in learners.
Noah joined the FLEX administrative team in 2020 and later completed his Master's practicum with FLEX as a clinical assessor and psychotherapy treatment provider. Noah is now a full member of our assessment, psychometry, learning support, and therapeutic team with a focus on psychodiagnostic, distinct learning styles, stress-management, and work related psychological injuries.
Noah is available to see clients in Richmond Hill, Oshawa, and Online. Noah maintains weekday and evening availability. For information on Noah's supervisory status please click here.
Samantha Klausz, M.S.W., RSW, CPD
Samantha (she/her) received her Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University, and her Masters of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She has completed a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and is also a Certified Personality Disorders Treatment Provider. Samantha is passionate about using her skills to help people feel empowered in their own lives. Samantha provides psychotherapy to adolescents and adults, and utilizes a client-centred approach, focusing on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, strength-based motivational therapy and mindfulness techniques, among others. She has experience working with a range of concerns, including substance use/abuse and concurrent disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and stress management issues.
Samantha is available to see clients in Richmond Hill and Oshawa.
Carolyne Lee, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Carolyne (she/her) 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. She is currently not accepting new patients.
Parveen Mir, M.Psy. (Candidate), RP (Q)
Parveen completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at York University, after which she completed a post-graduate certification in psychometric assessments. Parveen has performed psychometric testing supports for 10 years and is now in the final stages of completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School (in 2023). She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and is pursuing registration as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Parveen believes in the power of working collaboratively with clients to explore their individual needs and goals to work towards achieving a greater sense of coping through life's challenges.
Parveen offers treatment and assessments to adults regarding: relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, workplace stress, trauma and PTSD, and identity issues. She also provides Psycho-educational assessments for all age groups.
Parveen is available to see clients online and in Oshawa. Parveen maintains weekday, weekend, and evening availability. For information on Parveen's supervisory status please click here.
Masoud Mohammadi, Ph.D.
Masoud is an experienced clinician who completed his undergraduate, masters, and doctoral studies in Iran. He has worked in diverse settings, including private practice, psychiatric hospitals, and as a mental health specialist at the Iran-Shiraz University of Medical Science. Masoud is also a respected academic and mentor, with over 16 years of experience of teaching graduate studies in clinical psychology. A respected and sought after psychologist in Iran, Masoud is now completing his transitional registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario under the supervision of FLEX’s clinical director Michael Decaire.
In the field of psychotherapy, Masoud has been fortunate to support many individuals as they work towards wellness, personal growth, or in overcoming significant emotional challenges and barriers. He has supported clients as they work through a diverse range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, character and personality disorder, self-esteem and self-confidence, grief and loss, and victims of abuse. Masoud has a passion for working with those who find themselves struggling with life’s meaning and purpose, as well as those who desire to understand themselves more deeply and to refocus themselves for the future.
From the first session, Masoud strives to connect with you in a genuine and non-judgmental way, forming a therapeutic alliance that will allow the two of you to collaboratively set realistic goals for therapy and conduct needed assessments that will form a deeper understanding of the foci of the problem. Building on this foundation, Masoud will bring to you an eclectic approach to therapy that is scientifically-based and tailored to your needs. Experiential, humanistic and psychodynamic approaches are at the core of many of Masoud’s therapeutic relationships. He will also bring to you a strong foundation in Reality therapy and Cognitive therapy. Masoud believes that being in therapy is not just about relieving or alleviating pain and suffering. A very beautiful and less attended aspect of spending time in therapy is paving a path for elevated feeling, emotions and sensation in a transcendent and transformational way. Like every aspect of life, change is and should be a slow and gradual process that can keep us well-seated and deeply rooted in life.
Masoud is not currently accepting new clients.
Craig Rafla, HBSc, MPsy., RP
Craig (he/him) completed his Masters in Psychology at the Adler Graduate School in Toronto, where he was 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 also 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 Online. Craig maintains weekday, weekend, and evening availability. For information on Craig's supervisory status please click here.
Sarah Spigelman, M.S.W., RSW.
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 online only. Sarah maintains late weekday and evening availability.
Caleb Van Wyk, M.S.W., RSW.
Caleb (he/him) 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.
Andrei (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology along with a minor in Biology from the University of Waterloo. At Waterloo, Andrei completed several co-op work terms and has gained valuable work experience in a variety of work environments. Andrei also has a background in psychology related statistics and psychometry from his years at Waterloo. Andrei joined the FLEX team in 2022 and is now a valued member of our psychometry team.
FLEX's Practicum Team
FLEX Psychology has a lengthy history as a graduate-level training site for practicum students in a diverse range of mental health professions, and for professionals seeking extended practice opportunities to expand their scope of practice. Many of FLEX's team started as student's at FLEX, have maintained career long mentorship with our team, and have now become supervisors to the next generation of clinicians. FLEX currently maintains partnerships with Adler Professional Graduate School and the University of Toronto. Our practicum program allows us to provide low cost and increasingly diverse support services to FLEX clients.
Psychology Intern
FLEX's Support Team
Sharlene Cantor-Bagola, HBA
Clinic Manager
Sharlene (she/her) joined the FLEX team in 2013, bringing to the team her wealth of experience as a clinic manager, medico-legal report writer/editor, and human resources specialist. As FLEX’s intake coordinator and clinic manager, Sharlene is typically the first point of contact for FLEX clients. She excels at helping potential clients understand how FLEX can meet their needs, and in finding the member of our team that will best support their journey forward. FLEX’s clinicians benefit from Sharlene’s strong case management skills, allowing our clinicians to focus on client care while feeling confident that Sharlene can manage the logistics of care in a seamless manner.
Sharlene is a graduate of the University of Toronto, pursued a post-diploma program in Human Resources Management (Seneca College), and has fulfilled the requirements of a Human Resources Professional. She has worked in the health sector for over 20 years.
Danielle Kogan
Administrative Assistant and Psychometrist
After graduating from Seneca College with a Diploma in Hospitality Management, Danielle (she/her) 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.
Andrei Sas, B.Sc
Psychometrist / Administrative Support
Andrei (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology along with a minor in Biology from the University of Waterloo. At Waterloo, Andrei completed several co-op work terms and has gained valuable work experience in a variety of work environments. Andrei also has a background in psychology related statistics and psychometry from his years at Waterloo. Andrei joined the FLEX team in 2022.
Affiliations
FLEX team members maintain a number of professional affiliations and regulatory memberships, including: