About Our Founder
I started Compassion in Caregiving after seeing substantial gaps in the availability of mental health supports for caregivers, particularly as I was struggling with my own caregiving journey for both my mother and grandmother.
I truly understand the ongoing and ever-changing emotions, demands and stressors of caregiving. I have also witnessed first-hand the complexities of our healthcare system and everything that comes with its navigation.
After my own caregiving experiences and having worked with hundreds of patients and their family members as a social worker, both in an inpatient hospital setting, a transitional care unit and in my own private practice, I knew a change was needed. Caregivers deserve custom care, effective care and someone who can truly understand them. This became my passion, my mission and my goal.
And I truly believe we have acheived that goal at Compassion in Caregiving.
Each and every one of our clinicians has worked in our healthcare system and with caregivers for many years and many have been caregivers themselves. We aim to support caregivers with excellent support that leads to change, validation and understanding.
We know how hard this journey can be and we appreciate you trusting us as you find your way through it.
My clinical experience
I have a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and am trained in numerous therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (University of Toronto), Psychodynamic Therapy (University of Toronto), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Psychwire with Russ Harris). I am additionally registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSSW) in good standing and am a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
For over 8 years, I worked as an acute care Registered Social Worker at one of North America's top research hospitals with caregivers and those they care for. I work with clients experiencing a multitude of health concerns as they navigate the healthcare system and experience the daily ups and downs of navigating their rapidly changing life and environment.
I have worked in numerous dementia care programs at several hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area, both with caregivers and the people they care for. I additionally have significant experience working with eating disorders and have conducted research in eating disorders and the neuroscience surrounding eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
I am regularly involved in public speaking to raise awareness about caregiver mental health and mental health advocacy and am a member of several caregiving committees and advocacy projects. I am the co-chair of Caregivers CAN (Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence) and a member of the Caregiver Centered Care Physician Advisory Network (University of Alberta) and the Baycrest Hospital Young Caregivers Advisory Network.