MPsy Faculty Profiles
Linda Page
Ph.D.
Founder and President Emerita
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Linda J. Page is an educational innovator, business leader, coach, retired psychotherapist and author whose career has helped shape professional education in psychology, psychotherapy and coaching in Ontario.
She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Princeton University and an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Adler University in Chicago. She was a psychotherapist in private practice in Ontario from 1980 to 1995 and later served on Adler University’s core doctoral faculty, where her teaching encompassed Adlerian psychology and practice, social psychology, cognitive psychology, learning, motivation and emotion, and gender studies.
In 2004, Dr. Page founded Adler Graduate Professional School and served as its President until 2017. She also played an important role in the development of the psychotherapy profession in Ontario. As Chair of the Alliance of Psychotherapy Training Institutions, she contributed to efforts supporting the establishment of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the development of educational requirements for registration.
Dr. Page has also been a leader in professional coaching education and served as President of the Graduate School Alliance for Education in Coaching from 2015 to 2017. With David Rock, she co-authored Coaching with the Brain in Mind: Foundations for Practice (Wiley, 2009), exploring the scientific and philosophical foundations of professional coaching and the contribution of neuroscience to the helping professions.
Mary Fiore
Ph.D.
Chief Academic Officer
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Mary Fiore is an educator, curriculum and instructional leader with expertise in research methodology, statistics, mathematics education and professional learning. She completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the University of Toronto.
Throughout her career, Dr. Fiore has worked collaboratively with educators to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning, with a particular focus on mathematics and making students’ mathematical thinking visible. She has contributed to the development of professional learning resources and a variety of writing projects designed to support educators in thinking differently about mathematics.
Her professional interests include reflective practice, collaborative learning and the development of new knowledge and approaches that support meaningful learning.
R. James Little
M.Ed., M.A., C. Psych., Psy.D.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
President Emeritus, Adler Graduate Professional School
Core Faculty Member (2011 to 2017)
Dean of Students (2011 to 2017)
Academic Vice-President (2014 to 2017)
President (May 2017 to 2023)
Jim has been involved as an instructor since 1989 and held various positions over the years including Core Faculty Member, Dean of Students, and Academic Vice President. Educationally, he completed a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University, a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Western Ontario, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the Alfred Adler Institute of Chicago (now Adler University). Jim holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the Professional School of Psychology located in Sacramento California. In March 2020, he was awarded the designation of NASAP Diplomate in Adlerian Psychology. Professionally, Jim worked as an educator for 32 years. He held positions of a classroom teacher, special educator, consultant and principal. He has extensive experience working in the field of special education. Along with his teaching experience, Jim is registered with the College of Psychologists as a Psychologist whose scope of practice is school psychology. He has extensive experience completing psychological assessments. Outside of work and school, Jim is an avid photographer and enjoys BBQ both cooking and judging. He has also earned the designation of Master Certified Barbecue Judge from the Kansas City Barbecue Society.
Sarah Hallett
M.Psy., Psy.D., C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)
Dean of Psychology
Director of Transitional Equivalency
Dr. Sarah Hallett completed her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and is currently a Clinical Psychologist in supervised practice at the Centre for MindBody Health in Toronto.
Dr. Hallett's clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches. She has extensive experience working with adults, adolescents and families in the areas of trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, attachment and emotional regulation. Her clinical training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Satir family therapy and Polyvagal Theory.
Prior to her current clinical practice, Dr. Hallett served as a Team Therapist and Director of Family and Aftercare Programming at Pine River Institute, a residential treatment program for adolescents experiencing addictive behaviours and mental health concerns. Her work has included individual and family therapy, group facilitation, psychoeducation, clinical training and the development of programming for adolescents, adults and families.
At ADLER, Dr. Hallett has taught in the Master of Psychology program and Graduate Trauma Certificate and contributes to academic leadership, curriculum and the education and development of future psychology professionals.
Julie Brown
M.S.W., RP
Dean of Students
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Julie Brown is a Registered Psychotherapist with more than 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families. She holds a Master of Social Work (Clinical) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph.
Her clinical experience spans community children’s mental health, school and childcare settings, integrated primary care teams and private practice. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed and relational approaches, with a focus on safety, connection and meaningful change.
Julie is also an experienced presenter and consultant, providing professional training and keynote presentations on attachment, the impacts of trauma, domestic violence, addiction and chronic pain. Her professional interests include trauma, attachment, relationships, family systems and the safe and effective use of self in therapeutic practice.
Tia Sternat
Ph.D., M.Psy.
MRP/Thesis Director
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Faculty, TEQ
Dr. Tia Sternat is a researcher and educator whose work focuses on mood and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), treatment-resistant depression and the biological and psychological factors associated with mental health and treatment outcomes.
She completed her Master of Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and holds a Ph.D. in Health Psychology. She is affiliated with the START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Toronto, where her work has contributed to research examining mood, anxiety and related disorders.
Dr. Sternat is an active researcher and published author whose scholarly interests include treatment-resistant depression, ADHD, anhedonia, psychopharmacology, and the use of digital technologies and behavioural data to better understand mental health and treatment outcomes.
Chris Wekerle
Ph.D.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Core Faculty, Doctor of Psychology
Director of Research, Doctor of Psychology
Dr. Christine Wekerle is a researcher and educator internationally recognized for her work in child maltreatment, trauma, resilience and youth mental health. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Western University and completed her clinical internship in Pediatrics at McMaster University.
Dr. Wekerle has published extensively on the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the mental health and well-being of young people. She led the Maltreatment and Adolescent Pathways (MAP) Research Study, a longitudinal study conducted in partnership with major Canadian child welfare agencies, and has led research examining sexual violence victimization and resilience among male youth and young adults. Her work also contributed to the development of JoyPop™, an app designed to support resilience and day-to-day well-being among young people.
Dr. Wekerle is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics at McMaster University and an Associate Member in Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences. She is Co-Editor-in-Chief of Child Protection and Practice, former Editor-in-Chief of Child Abuse & Neglect, and founding editor of the International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience. She is a widely published author whose scholarship includes books on child maltreatment and resilience.
Oren Gozlan
Psy.D., C.Psych., ABPP, FIPA
Director of Training, Doctor of Psychology Program
Core Faculty, Doctor of Psychology Program
Faculty, Master of Psychology Program
Dr. Gozlan is a clinical psychologist and a psychoanalyst in Toronto, Chair of the scientific committee at the Toronto Institute for Psychoanalysis and a member of the Committee for Gender and Sexuality of the IPA. He is a sessional faculty at the University of Toronto, the Toronto Institute for Psychoanalysis, the Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and the Canadian Institute for Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. His book ‘Transsexuality and the Art of Transitioning: A Lacanian Approach’ won the American Academy & Board of Psychoanalysis’ annual book prize for books published in 2015. He is the winner of the Symonds Prize (2016). His edited collection titled: “Critical Debates in the Transsexual Studies Field: In Transition” (Routledge) was a runner up for the 2019 Gradiva Award. He is the winner of the 2022 Ralph Roughton Award. He is currently working on a book about the conceptual inheritance, transmission and transformation of something called ‘gender’.
Esther Rapoport
Psy.D., C.Psych.
Core Faculty, Doctor of Psychology Program
Dr. Esther Rapoport is a registered clinical psychologist with extensive experience in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, clinical supervision, teaching and program development. She completed her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, an APA-accredited doctoral program, and has practised internationally in both Canada and Israel.
Dr. Rapoport’s clinical work has included private practice, trauma treatment, residential treatment, medical rehabilitation, addictions and organizational consultation. Her areas of clinical interest include trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, gender and sexual identity, LGBTQ+ affirmative practice, neurodiversity, couples therapy, and multicultural and multilingual psychotherapy. She has also provided clinical supervision to psychologists, psychotherapists and other mental health professionals.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Rapoport is an experienced graduate-level educator, researcher and published author. Her scholarly interests include relational and contemporary psychoanalysis, gender and sexuality, queer theory, bisexuality, culture and identity in psychotherapy, and the work of Sabina Spielrein. She is the author of From Psychoanalytic Bisexuality to Bisexual Psychoanalysis: Desiring in the Real and has published scholarly work in the areas of psychoanalysis, sexuality and gender
Taslim Alani-Verjee
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee is a clinical psychologist and the Founder and Director of Silm Centre for Mental Health, a community-based practice grounded in social justice and focused on increasing access to mental health services.
She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Lakehead University and an M.A. in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University. Her professional interests include clinical psychology, mental health accessibility, community-based practice, and the intersection of mental health and social justice.
Dr. Alani-Verjee is Adjunct Faculty at Lakehead University and also teaches at OISE, University of Toronto.
Martin Katzman
M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Martin Katzman is a psychiatrist and the Clinic Director and Staff Psychiatrist at the START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Toronto. He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology and Neuroscience, medical training and residency at the University of Toronto.
His clinical work focuses on the assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive dysfunction and chronic pain. His approach incorporates pharmacological treatment alongside cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic and mindfulness-based therapies.
Dr. Katzman is an active researcher and widely published author whose scholarly interests include executive dysfunction, treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders, intolerance of uncertainty and hedonic tone. He has also developed professional training programs for a broad range of mental health and health-care practitioners and has held academic appointments in psychiatry and psychology.
Carmen Weiss
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Carmen Weiss is a clinical and health psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in psychological assessment, psychotherapy and clinical supervision. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from York University.
Dr. Weiss is the Founder and Director of White Pine Psychology in Burlington and is also affiliated with Inner Garden Psychology in Toronto. Her previous clinical positions include the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Toronto General Hospital.
Her professional interests include integrative and co-creative psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and understanding the processes that contribute to effective therapy. She has a longstanding commitment to the training and supervision of emerging clinicians and is currently writing about the integrative approach to psychotherapy that has evolved through her clinical practice.
Eran Talitman
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Eran Talitman is a registered psychologist with extensive experience providing psychotherapy, assessment and clinical supervision to individuals, couples and groups. He received his psychology degrees from York University and the University of Ottawa, where he completed his Ph.D.
His clinical work has included the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties and other complex mental health concerns. He has specialized training and experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy and integrates emotion-focused approaches with cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion.
For 26 years, Dr. Talitman worked at the Southdown Institute, where he provided psychotherapy and assessment services and held clinical leadership and supervisory roles. His professional interests include resilience, relationships and intimacy, emotional processing, conflict resolution, personality, professional boundaries and clinical supervision.
Kim Daniel
M.Ed., Ph.D., RP
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Kim Daniel is a Registered Psychotherapist, educator and organizational leader with expertise in mental health, developmental disabilities, health equity and inclusive practice.
She received her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from McGill University, where she completed an APA/CPA-accredited program. She completed her residency at Surrey Place, working with individuals with developmental disabilities and autism, followed by a postdoctoral clinical fellowship in Pediatric Clinical/Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children.
Dr. Daniel is Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access, and Innovation at Surrey Place, where her work focuses on reducing barriers to care, developing innovative clinical and educational programs, and building community partnerships. Her professional and research interests include equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, developmental disabilities, mental health, and improving access to responsive and appropriate care.
Amena Syed
Psy.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Syed is a registered Psychologist in the Province of Ontario with areas of competence in Clinical, Rehabilitation and Neuropsychology. She is qualified to provide these services to children, adolescents, and adults. She is also board certified by the American Board of Clinical Psychology and is a diplomate with the American Board of Assessment Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. She is an associate member in good standing of the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators and the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessment (CAPDA) and the Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists (CRHSP) along with membership in a number of associations, including but not limited to the Ontario, Canadian and American Psychological Association. By way of training, she received her Honours in Bachelors of Science from McMaster University followed by a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She has completed various clinical internships with residencies in the following hospitals: SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, Jacobs Neurological Institute & Erie County Medical Centre in Buffalo NY, North York General Hospital, and Woodstock General Hospital. She has been in private practice solely since 2010 completing hundreds of plaintiff and defense disability and catastrophic assessments along with the provision of treatment.
Helen Ilios
MA, C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Helen Ilios is a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment. She holds an M.A. in Psychology with a focus on rehabilitation and supporting individuals and families with complex needs, as well as a bachelor’s degree with double honours in Psychology and Health and Society.
Her clinical work includes supporting individuals experiencing trauma, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, addiction and work-related stress. Her approach is collaborative and client-centred, drawing from a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to meet individual needs.
Helen is actively involved in professional leadership and currently serves as Chair of the Ethics and Conduct Committee of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. Her professional interests include trauma recovery, rehabilitation, ethics, psychological assessment and supporting emerging mental health professionals.
Daniela Switzer
M.A., C. Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Daniela Switzer is a registered psychologist with extensive experience in psychological and psychoeducational assessment. She holds an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago.
Her professional work has focused on assessing children, adolescents and adults to better understand individual learning profiles and identify factors that may affect success in school, work and daily life. She has extensive experience working within the educational system and has also conducted psychological assessments in rehabilitation and insurance settings.
Daniela’s professional interests include learning disabilities, ADHD, neurodevelopmental differences, psychological assessment and supporting individuals in understanding their strengths and learning needs. Her work is grounded in the belief that learning is highly individualized and that a better understanding of an individual’s profile can help identify appropriate supports and opportunities for success.
Lila Zahra Hakim
Ph.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology
Dr. Lila Zahra Hakim is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR), where she serves as Vice President, Client Services. She holds a Ph.D. in Adult Clinical Psychology from York University.
Her clinical work includes psychological assessment and psychotherapy with adults, couples and families, with particular expertise in trauma, personality and relationship dynamics, attachment, identity development and family-building. She also has extensive experience in clinical supervision and the training of psychologists, psychotherapists, doctoral residents and graduate students.
Dr. Hakim is the former Director of Training for CFIR’s CPA-accredited Doctoral Residency in Clinical Psychology and has taught at York University and the University of Guelph-Humber. Her professional interests include trauma, relationships, personality, family-building, clinical supervision and the development of emerging practitioners.
Victoria Creighton
Psy.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Victoria Creighton is a psychologist with extensive experience in adolescent mental health, addictions, family therapy and clinical training. She is the Director of Clinical Training and Family Services at Pine River Institute, a residential treatment program for adolescents and young adults experiencing mental health and addictive behaviours.
Her clinical work is grounded in developmental and systemic approaches to treatment, with a particular focus on the role of families in supporting lasting change. Dr. Creighton trained in adolescent development under Dr. John McKinnon and completed extensive training with Dr. Maria Gomori in Satir Family Therapy. She has played a central role in adapting and developing Pine River’s Maturity Model and family-centred approach to treatment.
Her professional interests include adolescent development, family systems, addiction and mental health, clinical training, and developmental approaches to therapeutic change.
Roja Vivekanand
M.A., M.Psy., RP
Director of Clinical Training, Psychotherapy
Faculty, Master of Psychology Program
Roja Vivekanand is a Registered Psychotherapist with extensive experience across clinical, educational, organizational and community settings. She holds an M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and an M.Psy. from Adler Graduate Professional School.
Her clinical work includes psychotherapy, clinical supervision and the development of emerging practitioners. Her approach is integrative and culturally responsive, drawing from cognitive behavioural, dialectical behavioural, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, client-centred and Adlerian approaches.
Roja’s professional interests include clinical training and supervision, trauma, interpersonal relationships, workplace mental health, multicultural practice and the integration of evidence-based approaches to psychotherapy.
Kim Campbell
M.Sc., RP, RMFT
Faculty, Master of Psychology (PTH)
Kim Campbell is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in individual, couple and family therapy, mental health programming and community-based care. She holds an M.Sc. in Couple and Family Therapy and an honours degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph. She is also an RMFT Supervisor Qualifying with the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy.
Kim is the Manager of Mental Health and Community Programs at the Guelph Family Health Team and also maintains a private practice. Her clinical work is trauma-informed, relational and collaborative, and she has experience working across the lifespan in primary care and community mental health settings, as well as with first responders and health-care professionals.
Her professional interests include relationships and family systems, grief and bereavement, trauma, suicide prevention and postvention, chronic pain and health concerns, and workplace challenges.
Alison Hunt
M.Ed., RP
Faculty, Master of Psychology (PTH)
Alison Hunt is a Registered Psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with 30 years of experience in the mental health and addictions field. She holds an M.Ed. in Psychology from the University of Toronto.
Her professional experience includes working with individuals with serious mental health concerns and leading case management and early psychosis intervention teams at the Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She has also held a leadership role with The Access Point, Toronto’s coordinated access system for mental health and supportive housing services.
Alison has extensive training and experience in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and has facilitated DBT skills groups since 2008. Her professional interests include emotion regulation, serious mental illness, mental health and addictions, DBT, clinical supervision and improving access to community-based mental health services.
Jabari Jordan
M.Psy., M.A., RP
Faculty, TEQ
Jabari Jordan is a Registered Psychotherapist with a background in counselling psychology and more than a decade of international teaching experience. His work across different countries and cultures has informed a culturally responsive and person-centred approach to both education and psychotherapy.
His clinical work includes supporting adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and life transitions. His approach is collaborative and integrative, drawing from cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, mindfulness-based, psychodynamic and trauma-informed approaches.
Jabari’s professional interests include trauma, relationships, identity, cultural responsiveness, diversity and inclusion, and the development of greater self-awareness and self-efficacy through psychotherapy.
Leah Macpherson
B.A., M.A., RP
Faculty, TEQ
Leah Macpherson is a Registered Psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with experience in psychotherapy, parenting education and mental health education. She holds an M.A. in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Adler Graduate School and a B.A. (Hons.) in English from the University of British Columbia.
Her approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, compassionate and grounded in Adlerian psychology, with a focus on helping clients develop insight, coping strategies and stronger relationships with themselves and others. Her clinical work includes supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, relationship difficulties and life transitions.
Leah is also a Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and Certified Positive Discipline Classroom Educator and has presented on children’s mental health, parenting, and the impact of social media and technology. Her professional interests include psychotherapy, clinical supervision, parenting, relationships and mental health education.
Avi Zer-Aviv
BIS, RP
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Avi Zer-Aviv is a Registered Psychotherapist with extensive experience in private practice, community mental health and group facilitation. His background includes studies in conflict and peacebuilding, mindfulness, mind-body approaches and contemplative practices.
His approach to psychotherapy is holistic, relational and integrative, drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic, somatic, experiential and mindfulness-based approaches. He has particular experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy and works with individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds and identities.
Avi’s professional interests include relationships, trauma, identity, mindfulness, embodiment, personal growth and the integration of psychological and contemplative approaches to well-being. He also facilitates therapeutic groups and nature-based retreats focused on reflection, connection and personal development.
Gary Challis
B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Gary Challis is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, rehabilitation psychology and clinical supervision. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, an M.Sc. from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Carleton University.
His professional experience includes work in a provincial psychiatric hospital, where he also served as Director of Quality Management and Program Evaluation, as well as many years in private practice. His clinical work has included psychological assessment and treatment related to depression, anxiety, trauma, psychotic disorders, chronic pain, grief, stress and rehabilitation.
Dr. Challis’s professional interests include health and rehabilitation psychology, psychological assessment, trauma, chronic pain and clinical supervision. His doctoral research examined psychological factors associated with anticipatory nausea and vomiting among patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.
Priyanka Khimsharia
M.Sc., M.Psy.
Faculty, TEQ
Priyanka Khimsharia is a mental health professional with extensive experience in clinical, health-care and community settings. She holds an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Sussex and an M.Psy. from Adler Graduate Professional School.
Her professional experience includes working with children, adolescents and adults in hospitals, private clinics, educational settings and non-profit organizations. She has particular experience in trauma, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body-focused repetitive behaviours, and psychological and psychoeducational assessment.
Priyanka’s professional and research interests include adverse childhood experiences, trauma, resilience, OCD and related disorders, and psychological assessment. Her approach draws from evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, including cognitive behavioural, exposure-based, dialectical behavioural and mindfulness-based approaches.
Liza Finlay
Ph.D., M.A., RP
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Liza Finlay is a Registered Psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and founder of Liza Finlay & Associates, a Toronto-based psychotherapy practice. Her clinical work includes supporting individuals, couples and families, as well as supervising emerging psychotherapists.
Her approach is grounded in Adlerian psychology and integrates cognitive behavioural, relational, mindfulness-based and other approaches according to individual client needs. Her clinical interests include trauma, relationships, parenting, anxiety, depression, grief, identity and self-esteem.
Dr. Finlay is also an experienced educator, presenter and clinical supervisor. Her professional interests include Adlerian psychology, psychotherapy training and supervision, relationships, trauma and the development of effective and compassionate therapeutic practice.
Carrie Porter
M.Psy.
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Carrie Porter is the Clinical Director at Cedar Heights Residential Living and holds a Master of Psychology degree. She has extensive experience supporting graduate psychology students through faculty advising and instruction.
Her academic work has included supporting instruction in psychological assessment and psychometrics, including intellectual and cognitive assessment. As a faculty advisor, she supports students in navigating academic and practicum requirements and in integrating their graduate training with professional development.
Carrie’s professional interests include student development, psychological assessment and the preparation of emerging psychology professionals.
Natasha Williams
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Adjunct Faculty, Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology
Dr. Natasha Williams is a registered psychologist whose work focuses on clinical, counselling and rehabilitation psychology, culturally responsive psychological assessment and treatment, and anti-oppressive practice. She is Director of Clinical Services at Allied Psychological Services, where her work includes assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, supervision and professional training.
Dr. Williams has been actively involved in advancing diversity, equity and culturally responsive practice within the psychology profession. She is Chair of the Toronto Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists and has held leadership roles with the Ontario Psychological Association, including serving as Chair of its Diversity Task Force and as the OPA’s diversity delegate to the American Psychological Association’s State Leadership Conference.
Her experience also includes teaching and professional training for mental health practitioners. She has served as faculty with a bridge training program for internationally trained mental health professionals and as a trainer with TAPE Educational Services. She has also facilitated training through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), including culturally adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for English-speaking Caribbean communities and Motivational Interviewing.
Dr. Williams’s professional interests include culturally responsive and anti-oppressive psychological practice, diversity and inclusion, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, clinical supervision and professional education. She is the author of Embracing Self-Love and Embracing Selfishness: It’s Not What You Think!
Kenny Baldwin
M.Psy., RP
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Kenny Baldwin is a Registered Psychotherapist with experience in addictions, trauma and relational psychotherapy. He holds a Master of Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School.
His clinical approach is grounded in Adlerian and psychodynamic perspectives and draws from attachment theory, family systems, developmental psychology, trauma-informed practice, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy. He works with individuals, couples and families.
Kenny’s professional interests include addictions, trauma, attachment, family systems, relationships and the development of emerging psychotherapists.
Krista Alexander
M.Psy., RP
Faculty, Transitional Equivalency
Krista Alexander is a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in work with adolescents, young adults and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University and a Master of Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School, where she also completed advanced training in cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies.
Her professional experience includes work as a therapist and Assistant Clinical Director at Pine River Institute, supporting youth and families affected by addictive behaviours and other mental health concerns. She currently works in a Toronto day-treatment program for youth, where she provides clinical leadership and supervision to social workers and family therapists, and maintains a private practice with adolescent and adult clients.
Krista’s professional interests include adolescent and young adult mental health, parenting and family therapy, addiction, emotion regulation, identity development and interpersonal concerns.
Julia Friedman
M.Psy., RP
Faculty, Transitional Equivalency
Julia Friedman is a Registered Psychotherapist who works with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma and interpersonal concerns. She holds a Master of Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School.
Her clinical approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing from cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive processing therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Julia has a particular professional interest in human sexuality, identity and relationships, and in helping emerging clinicians translate psychological theory into thoughtful and effective therapeutic practice.
Diana Mandeleew
Psy. D., C.Psych.
Faculty, Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology
Dr. Diana Mandeleew is a licensed clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO). She completed a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Psychology degree from the Adler School of Professional Psychology (Adler University). Her clinical experience included positions at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Surrey Place Centre and the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre (SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health). For the past 20+ years, Dr. Diana Mandeleew has been conducting psychological and psychoeducational assessments, providing ADHD coaching, psychotherapy and consultations to adults, adolescents and children with focusing issues, social, emotional, behavioural and learning concerns. In addition to teaching graduate-level psychology courses at the Adler Graduate Professional School, she supervises clinicians and psychoeducational instructors, is on the CPBAO’s Client Relations Committee, and is the founder and clinical psychologist at Psychology Wellness. She has a collaborative, strength-based and empathetic approach.
Ivan Tran
Psy.D., C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)
Faculty, Master of Psychology
Dr. Ivan Tran is a psychologist in supervised practice with competencies in Clinical and Forensic/Correctional Psychology. He holds a Master of Psychology and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and an Honours B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, where he studied Neuroscience and Cell Systems Biology.
His professional experience includes psychological, neuropsychological, psychoeducational, psychovocational and forensic assessment with adolescents and adults. He works with individuals with complex clinical presentations, including neurodevelopmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, mood disorders and psychological distress.
Dr. Tran’s professional interests include forensic and correctional psychology, psychological assessment, neuroscience, neurodevelopmental conditions and the treatment of justice-involved individuals. His work includes forensic risk assessment and psychological treatment in collaboration with correctional and multidisciplinary teams.
Don McCaskill
M.A., Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty, Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology
Dr. Don McCaskill is a Professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University and a longstanding scholar in Indigenous Studies. He has held numerous academic leadership roles, including Chair of Indigenous Studies, Founding Director of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program and Director of the Indigenous Studies Thailand Year Abroad program.
His research and community work have focused on Indigenous education, community development, self-government, urban Indigenous issues, law, justice and corrections, and international development. He has worked extensively with First Nations communities, Indigenous organizations and government departments and has led major community-based research initiatives, including the Urban Aboriginal Task Force in several Ontario communities and the Toronto Aboriginal Research Project.
Dr. McCaskill is a widely published scholar and has edited numerous books on Indigenous education, Indigenous knowledge and the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and internationally. He is also co-author, with Jerry Fontaine, of Di-Bayn-Di-Zi-Win: To Own Ourselves: Embodying Ojibway-Anishinabe Ways.
Kevin Fitzmaurice
Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty, Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology
As an ally scholar, Dr. Kevin Fitzmaurice has extensive experience in Indigenous research co-leadership, teaching, course development, and university administration. He is presently an Associate Professor for the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University and a Professor Emeritus with the University of Sudbury/Laurentian. He is the former Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator and Director of Research for the Center for Research in Social Justice and Policy at Laurentian University.
Dr. Fitzmaurice is currently co-leading several community driven research projects. He is the Ontario Regional Co-Director with the ‘Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network’ (UAKN) and a Co-Investigator with the ‘Making the Shift: Youth Homelessness Innovation Lab (Sudbury/Timmins)’ and the ‘Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute / Race Gender Diversity Initiative’. Dr. Fitzmaurice was also a Regional Lead with the 2021 National Centre for the Collaboration on Indigenous Education (NCCIE) as well a Co-Director with the 2011 Toronto Aboriginal Research Project (TARP) and the 2007 Ontario Urban Aboriginal Task Force (UATF). His areas of teaching and research specialization include Urban Indigenous Studies, Housing and Homelessness, Indigenous-Settler Politics and Law, Indigenous Critical Theory, and Indigenous Research Methods.
Michael Thrasher
LLD HC, Elder
Adjunct Faculty, Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology
Dr. Michael D. Thrasher LLD HC is a nationally recognized teacher of traditional First Nations Philosophy, tradition and culture. He is widely credited for his ability to use traditional First Nation’s knowledge to address contemporary issues and for his knowledge and practice of traditional ceremony.
Significantly, Michael was one of the four traditional Teachers and Elders invited to conduct the sacred pipe ceremony at the opening of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal peoples. In addition, he was invited to co-chair the first Round Table Hearings for the Royal Commission.
He is a past Federal Treasury Board Audit Committee member for the Indian Residential School Settlement and an Elder Advisor to the First Nations Statistical Institute, a crown corporation. His credentials include – L.L.D. honoris causa. Forty-five years of working with the Elders of the Canadian Indigenous community.
He is an Adjunct Professor at Trent University Native Studies Ph.D. program. He has designed and presented a credit course on First Nations Psychotherapy – Adler School of Psychology. He was responsible for the creation of a curriculum framework for Urban First Nations education for the Toronto School Board, in Ontario, Canada. He has conducted seminars for personal development for the governing councils and staff of a number of First Nations and non-First Nations communities, organizations and industry. He has also conducted a European envoy/lecture tour in Belgium and Holland. His contacts and experiences cover a broad spectrum from communities and governments to multinational corporations.