Clinical Team
Vanessa Robson, MSW, RSW
founder & DIRECTOR
Vanessa earned a Master in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Since graduating in 2007, Vanessa has had the pleasure of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to facilitate positive change within their lives. Her professional experience includes providing individual, group, and family therapy in the context of non-profit organizations, schools, children's mental health agencies, and private practice in the communities of Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, and Brooklin.
With empathy and a respect for self-determination, Vanessa is committed to building a trusting relationship with her clients so they feel safe to share their experiences, identify patterns in their lives, and explore opportunities for personal growth.
Vanessa is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Vanessa leads a team of psychotherapists within her Brooklin-based private practice and has quickly become the go-to psychotherapist for her community.
Vanessa is not accepting new clients at this time.
Melissa Carere, BA, CYW
Clinical Intake Coordinator
Melissa is our team's valued Clinical Intake Coordinator who manages new client inquiries and scheduling.
Melissa has 12 years of clinical experience working directly with families as a Child and Youth Worker, as well as the first point of contact for new clients as a Clinical Intake Worker for a large Toronto-based children's mental health agency.
Melissa's outgoing, enthusiastic and energetic personality helps new clients feel at ease and her strong background in crisis intervention makes her prepared to support anyone who takes the brave first step to reach out for help.
Mary Ann Cunningham, BSW, MSW, RSW
Registered Social worker and Psychotherapist
Mary Ann obtained a Master Degree in Social Work (MSW), with a specialization in Individual, Family and Group work, from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western University. Mary Ann is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Mary Ann is a dedicated Social Worker with 30 years of experience working in collaboration with clients to empower them with the tools needed to develop healthy, and productive lives. She is well-versed in applying combination of holistic, cognitive, and evidence-based approaches to facilitate healing. Mary Ann has assisted adults, children, adolescents, and families by providing a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental, and caring environment. Mary Ann partners with people of all ages and cultures, dealing with a wide variety of issues including relationship issues, grief, parenting challenges, divorce, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, survivors of abuse, and life transitions to achieve positive outcomes.
Mary Ann establishes an environment of empathy, acceptance, warmth, and humour to help clients manage stress, learn new coping skills, change negative thought and behaviour patterns, and build transferrable skills. Mary Ann’s warm, caring, and compassionate approach welcomes people into the therapeutic environment. She has a passion for helping people develop creative ways of understanding and working through life challenges.
Mary Ann is available for in-person, video, and telephone sessions.
Linda Brightling, BA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Linda holds a Bachelor’s degree in child care from The University of Victoria and is a member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Linda has been working as a parent educator and therapist in the children’s mental health field for over 30 years, specializing in infant mental health, young children, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and parenting in the context of individual, family, and group sessions.
Linda has completed advanced training to become a registered Circle of Security-Parenting TM facilitator. Linda is passionate about using this attachment-based parenting program in her work with parents who are seeking a consciously connected relationship with their child.
Linda specializes in offering in-home support to new mothers, especially those who are experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. Linda has helped mothers build their confidence in becoming “good enough” parents and learn how to connect with their little ones.
Linda's belief that every parent wants the best for their child and that children are born to connect are kept at the center of her counseling philosophy.
Linda is available for in-person, in-home, video, and telephone sessions.
Makeda Irving, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Makeda earned her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Since graduating, Makeda has completed training in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety Intervention Strategies, and The Fear-Less and Families in Transition Positive Parenting Programs. Makeda’s professional experience includes providing individual, group and family therapy in the context of children’s mental health agencies and private practice.
Her clinical work has included children, adolescents, adults and families. Makeda has worked with children and their families that struggle with anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation problems.
Makeda practices from a non-judgmental approach and respect for all. She helps clients share their experiences in safe way.
Makeda is a member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Makeda is available for in-person, video, and telephone sessions.
Debi Lade, CYW, BSW, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Debi earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work (M.S.W.) from York University in 2009 and has since been a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Prior to receiving her M.S.W., Debi worked in the social service sector for over 15 years as a certified Child and Youth Worker in the treatment and prevention of family violence and partner violence. Working with the marginally homed in the shelter system, Debi has provided group and individual therapy to those fleeing domestic and/or partner violence, sexual assault or childhood sexual trauma.
Debi’s clinical work has included children, adolescents, adults, and families. Debi has worked with many young folx and their families focusing on LGBTQ2+ questions and expressions. She’s assisted families as they navigate the challenges and celebrations of parent and child, sibling, and step-family relationships.
Debi’s enthusiasm and engaging approach easily builds a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. Understanding that not everyone can just “talk” about their feelings, Debi makes therapy more comfortable (and fun!) by encouraging her clients to express themselves through creativity, art and journaling.
Debi is available for in-person, video, and telephone sessions.
