Get To Know Us
Our Team
Child & Adolescent Psychologist
Helen Daymond
B.Ed., M.Sc., C. Psych.
Helen Daymond is a registered psychologist and founder of ACCESS psychology. In collaboration with her multi-disciplinary team of professionals, the unique needs of each individual client are assessed and met within a safe, welcoming and home-like environment. Helen and her team work together to provide multiple therapy services to children, teens, young adults & their families at one convenient location.
After obtaining undergraduate degrees in psychology and education, Helen earned her M.Sc. in Counselling and Educational Psychology from the University of Calgary. She then completed specialized training in Child Therapy at The Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute in Calgary, Alberta. Helen has acquired extensive experience providing psychological assessments and treatment to children, youth and families in various settings including schools, children’s mental health agencies and private practice settings.
Her experience with a wide range of behavioural, social-emotional and developmental issues includes helping children and youth learn strategies to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, build self-esteem and develop social skills. It also includes providing psychoeducational, behavioural and social-emotional assessments to identify and address learning, attention and/or behavioural problems that interfere with school success.
At ACCESS, Helen conducts psychoeducational and social-emotional assessments. She also provides treatment to address a variety of mental health concerns that her young clients present with. Helen consults and coordinates with other team members as they work together to best meet the unique needs of each individual child/teen they treat.
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie
BBA
Stephanie brings over 10 years of business experience to ACCESS in her role as our Administrative Assistant and Receptionist. Her background has provided her with an in-depth understanding and sensitivity toward clients reaching out to our office with various presenting concerns. She upholds the utmost standards of professionalism, compassion and confidentiality in her interactions with our clients. Stephanie highly values her role as the first point of contact with our office, and she takes great effort to ensure that clients feel welcomed and at ease. She is our “go-to person” for scheduling and billing inquiries and uses her knowledge about our various therapists, practice policies, and day-to-day operations to streamline the intake process for new clients and respond to existing client requests.
Psychometrist
Anishka
M.A. Psychology
Anishka Leis obtained her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto. Prior to this, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from McMaster University. Anishka has extensive experience conducting diagnostic, psycho-educational, and social-emotional assessments for young children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with a variety of difficulties. She has worked in both hospital and private practice settings.
At ACCESS Psychology, Anishka specializes in diagnostic assessments of children and adolescents with attentional, developmental and learning issues. She brings to our team a passion for uncovering the missing pieces that block our young clients from achieving their true potential. She also highlights personal strengths and characteristics, which together help us to understand each individual as a whole.
Dietitian/ Nutritional Therapist
Lori
BAS.c, RD
Here at ACCESS we focus on a holistic approach to healthy minds and bodies! We believe in the basics of healthy eating, proper nutrition and exercise as key contributors to overall physical and mental well-being. What, when and how much we eat directly effects our moods and emotions as well as our energy levels and overall behaviour. Lori brings many years of experience in pediatric nutrition to our ACCESS team.
Her areas of expertise include: body image/eating disorders, picky eating; including sensory/texture issues, feeding issues, gastrointestinal difficulties, Type I & Type 2 diabetes, as well as general nutritional counseling.
From toddlers to teens, Lori addresses a variety of eating issues. She provides an introduction of foods to picky eaters. She also works with children who have sensory sensitivities to foods with certain textures, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition, Lori focuses on body image and healthy eating, utilizing techniques such as mindfulness and intuitive eating. This is based on Set Point Theory which suggests there is a certain weight range each of us are naturally programmed to weigh and our bodies tend to fight to maintain that particular weight. Lori is very passionate about her work with teens, as well as the growing number of children at younger and younger ages developing issues around weight and body image.
Therapist
Stacey
BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Stacey obtained her Masters of Social Work at McGill University in 2005. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Dalhousie University as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology from St. Mary’s University. Stacey is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Stacey has been working with children and adolescents for more than twenty years. Her work has allowed her to develop extensive clinical experience with children, adolescents and families dealing with various mental health and behavioural challenges. Stacey has experience working with homeless and at-risk youth, children in care (Children’s Aid Society), children and adolescents in residential treatment (Children’s Mental Health), children and adolescents experiencing barriers to academic success as well as families and youth in private practice settings.
Stacey’s clinical approach is client centered, strengths based and eclectic. She weaves together various counseling philosophies and treatment modalities including Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Child and Family Therapist
Karen
MSW, RSW
Karen Robinson-Renaud is passionate about teaching parents, kids and teens how to thrive despite the struggles they face. She has been working with children, teens and parents for over eighteen years. Karen obtained her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She also holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and social work, from the University of Western Ontario. Karen has extensive training in behaviour therapies such as: Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. At ACCESS Psychology, she specializes in working with children and teens struggling with symptoms related to: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Karen loves helping youth and their parents to reconnect to their strengths and learn new skills, so they can skillfully navigate their challenges.
Psychotherapist
Christina
MACP, RP
Christina is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts Specialization Degree in Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal Quebec. Christina is fluent in English and French, and is able to conduct therapy sessions in both languages.
Christina has been practicing within the field of psychology for over 12 years, providing both individual and group therapy. She works from a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy lens, while integrating other approaches, such as mindfulness and Applied Behavioural Analysis principals. Her experience includes working with children and adolescents who are dealing with a variety of elements that affect their daily lives, such as anxiety, depression, symptoms of ADHD, and challenging behaviours. Additionally, her blend of education, training, and experience assists her in providing guidance to parents. By focussing on parents’ strengths, Christina is able to promote and support positive, successful parenting.
Psychotherapist
Lauren
B.Ed., M.Ed., RP
Lauren obtained her Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto. She also holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary & Junior Divisions) from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Child and Youth Care from Ryerson University.
Lauren approaches therapy from a cognitive behavioural perspective, while also taking the young person’s development into consideration. She conducts individual therapy with children and adolescents with a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety, anger management, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Lauren also works with parents; providing strategies and education on how to help their child apply what they have learned in therapy to other settings.
Lauren’s experience also extends to creating and facilitating group therapy programs for children and adolescents. The programs she has developed have focused on strengthening emotional regulation skills, social skills development, learning strategies to manage symptoms of ADHD and coping skills for symptoms of anxiety.
Behaviour Therapist
Ruby Khan
M.ADS., BCAB
Ruby obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology and then continued to peruse her passion and interest in her graduate studies earning a Master’s degree in Applied Disabilities Studies with Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Ruby is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Ruby has extensive knowledge in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked in the mental health sector for more than 4 years with adults and children with developmental and mental health diagnoses. She provides behavioral treatment for clients who are engaging in challenging behaviors that are negatively impacting their everyday lives. These behaviors can range from physical/verbal aggression to noncompliance. Ruby also addresses personal goals set by parents or guardians such as social skills development, independent living skills, and communication skills. At ACCESS Ruby specializes in working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) as well as children presenting with significant behavioural concerns without a diagnosis. She skillfully works with parents and youth to help mange problem behaviors at school and at home as well as gain skills needed for the community. Ruby is a dedicated, organized and extremely positive therapist with a passion for supporting individuals with behavior issues.
Art Psychotherapist
Allison
DTAT, HBSC., RP
Allison is a registered psychotherapist with a Master’s level Certificate in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She also holds a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree with a focus on mental health studies from the University of Toronto.
Allison incorporates a cognitive-behavioural approach to therapy while also utilizing art therapy techniques, mediums and directives which allows her clients to express thoughts and feelings that may have been more difficult for them to do so verbally. Little emphasis is placed on the final product as the process of creating is the most important element when employing art in a session.
Allison provides individual therapy to children, adolescents and young adults presenting with a variety of concerns that affect their daily lives including stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, self-identity, emotional regulation, and grief. Additionally, her combined education, training and experience assists her in providing guidance to parents with a focus on promoting a positive means of support for their youth in the home environment.
Psychotherapist
Samantha
MACP, RP (Qualifying)
Samantha is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She obtained her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Prior to this, she gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from McGill University. Samantha’s goal at ACESS is to help youth identify, understand, and become comfortable with their emotions by providing personalized coping strategies. She utilizes an eclectic treatment approach, which consists of humanistic, dialectical behavioural, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioural strategies. Samantha’s approach provides youth with a safe, non-judgmental space to share their feelings and acquire the tools to help them reach their therapeutic goals.
Samantha has experience working with youth and their families presenting with a variety of concerns including general stress, anxiety, depression, relational issues & behavioural difficulties. She helps her clients to learn skills such as emotional regulation, setting boundaries, assertiveness and effective communication skills. Samantha also has previous experience as an Instructor Therapist with children on the Autism Spectrum, utilizing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) approach. This therapeutic intervention focuses on assisting children to gain skills in a variety of areas including communication, academic, gross motor, life skills and behavioural regulation. Samantha is passionate in supporting families, caregivers, and youth. She looks forward to helping you at ACCESS Psychology!
Occupational Therapist/Behaviour Therapist
Kimberley
BScOT
Kim earned her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta in 2001 and has been practicing in Pediatrics for the past 21 years.
She has extensive knowledge and experience in child development, behavior and mental health, having devoted her career to supporting children with developmental and mental health diagnoses. Kim has specialized training in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma therapy including Prolonged Exposure Therapy treatment for addressing traumatic experiences and loss. She also provides support for clients who are engaging in challenging behaviors that are impacting their ability to participate fully in daily life. These behaviors can range from physical/verbal aggression to emotional regulation challenges. Areas of child development such as social skills, independent living skills, sensory processing and communication skills are also areas of specialization for Kim. In addition, she has acquired specific skills and training in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). Kim has spent 20 years specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other executive functioning challenges. Incorporating a family and child-focused, collaborative approach, Kim creates a positive & fun environment for building skills and resiliency with children and teens.
Therapist
Julie
BA, MSW, RSW, CPT
Julie is a Registered Social Worker and Certified Play Therapist. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts with Honours, majoring in Psychology from York University in 2010 and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 2013. As a committed life long learner, Julie has completed formal training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Play Therapy and Art counselling.
For over 10 years, Julie has been providing individual, family and group therapy with children, youth and families, who experience a variety of mental health, behavioural, or social emotional challenges. Julie’s approach to treatment is playful, compassionate and client centered, attuning to the needs of the individuals she supports while maintaining a culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive, attachment based, and trauma informed lens.
Therapist
Nele
BA, MA, MSW, RSW
Nele obtained her Masters of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University and her Masters of Arts from Ontario Tech University. She also has a Bachelors of Arts from Ontario Tech University. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario Association of Social Worker’s and Social Service Workers.
Nele has experience providing therapy to children and teens presenting with a variety of concerns. She has also worked with parents, providing education on how to support and encourage the development of their child/adolescent. Nele has counselling experience at the Canadian Mental Health Association with youth who identify as trans, gender diverse, non-binary and/or questioning. In addition, she has provided counselling to children and adolescents who have experienced or witnessed abuse in the home. She has developed and implemented programming at Violence Against Women and Children Shelters, which include topics such as mindfulness and yoga.
Nele has theoretical underpinnings in CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She utilizes a trauma-informed, strengths based approach in her work. She has experience with presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anger management, emotional regulation, self-esteem and more.
Psychotherapist
Rachel
BA, MACP, RP
Rachel is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University, a Therapeutic Recreation Diploma from Lambton College and her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Rachel has worked with children, teens and their parents within mental health and therapeutic recreation settings, combining various evidence-based interventions. Her experience has been in both agency and private practice settings.With a background in recreation and psychology, she has adopted an eclectic approach which incorporates various modalities including CBT, Narrative Therapy, movement and play in order to support meaningful change. Rachel provides a safe and inclusive space for her clients that nurtures their personal strengths and the development of coping skills to help overcome life’s many challenges. She believes that each individual has the power to learn and grow. In utIlizing a person-centred approach to therapy, children and youth are empowered to reach their goals within a trauma-informed, empathetic lens.
Therapy Assistant
Poppy
Poppy is our on-site pup who just LOVES her job making new friends and helping them to feel relaxed and at ease. There’s nothing she likes more than lots of snuggles, cuddles & gentle pets. Poppy is one year old (seven in human years) so she still has lots to learn. Just like all the kids & teens who come to ACCESS for help with different things, Poppy is working on her things too! She’s a picky eater, gets anxious when she’s not sure about something, and she’s trying to become a good listener.
Here are some of the her fun nicknames!
Poppyseed – she’s so tiny
Popstar – she’s a sassy diva
Popcorn – she’s bouncy & energetic
Poptart – she’s a picky eater
Popeye – she barks like she’s a “tough guy”
Tootsie Pop – she’s super sweet
Popsicle – she’s cold & dripping wet
Utilizing a holistic, comprehensive, child-centred approach, Helen and her team co-ordinate services as they identify and respond to the individual needs of each client they work with.