Kim Christink, M. Div., D. Min:

Bayridge Family Center Director
Specializing: Couple Therapy, Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Corporate Coaching, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

You ask me why do I do, what I do? It is simple!

I love it!

Nothing brings me alive like helping someone see what they have never seen before!
Nothing excites me more than witnessing the miracle of love restored!
Nothing empowers me more than finding a way when it seems there is no way!
Nothing causes me to dance inside like when I have helped someone overcome their fear of driving again after the trauma of a motor vehicle accident!
Nothing is more sacred to me than providing another person a listening and non-judgmental ear!
Nothing touches my soul as when I see in the eyes of a person, that they too, now see the wonderful person I see!
Nothing brightens my day like seeing the dark clouds of depression fade away!
Nothing sends my emotions soaring as when I see someone emotionally grow in leaps and bounds!
Nothing allows me to sleep at night like knowing that I have fulfilled my calling again today!

That’s why I do what I do. I just may have the greatest job in the world! It certainly is the greatest job in my world!

My mission is to provide people just like you the safety and tools to overcome the challenges of life so that you may become more than you are and all that you can be!

Todd Adamowich ,BA., MSW :

Therapist
Specializing: Adolescent Male Issues

Todd Adamowich completed his honours undergraduate degree in Psychology and Theatre Arts at Redeemer University College and his Masters of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University with a specialty in Individual, Couple and Group counseling.

Todd has worked in a variety of settings with children, adolescents and adults including psychiatric assessment, family counseling centers, street involved youth shelters and in child welfare. His experience has also included training in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therpay and Solution Focused Therapy. He has also been trained in the treatment of children who are or have been affected by sexual abuse.

He has a special interest in working with adolescents who are dealing with a variety of the issues teens face in today’s society from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, questions about sexuality, parent/teen conflict, divorce and separation issues and is open to other concerns as well.

Pat Brodie, Reg. N., CPMHN, PHN:

Therapist/Counsellor
Specializing: Individual & Group Therapy: Unipolar depression, postpartum, Bipolar, and Anxiety Disorders, Interpersonal Therapy

Pat is a registered nurse and a University of Toronto graduate in public health nursing. She is a certified mental health nurse with the Ont. College of Nurses. She is also a graduate of McMaster University with a Clinical Behaviour Sciences Diploma. She has worked as a faculty member in Health Science Department at McMaster teaching and supervising various programs. in Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy(CBT). Her experience in mental health has spanned over twenty years as a St. Joseph' Hospital employee at Community Psychiatry Services in Hamilton.

Gail Bruneau, BA, MSW, RSW:

Therapist/Counsellor
Specializing : Individual and Couple Therapy, Mood Disorders, Conflict Management and Communication Counselling, Anger Management, Grief Counselling

Gail Bruneau received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Waterloo and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto. Her previous experience has included working in the areas of Child Welfare, Children with Special Needs, Corrections, and Mental Health Services.

Gail has completed additional professional training in the areas of Conflict Resolution as well as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy, two therapies effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Gail knows that life has its very stormy seasons, and it is very tempting to run for cover. However, it is a real privilege to partner with people who courageously choose to fight through the storm, and finally, through the struggle, discover and develop inner strengths and resources, gifts for life’s journey.

She is married with two adult children & two `amazing’ grand-children. She has a passion for the outdoors and especially enjoys gardening and birding.

Donna Burtis, B.A., M.S.W., R.S.W.:

Therapist/Counsellor
Specializing: children dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and adults dealing with partner abuse and/or childhood sexual abuse

Donna graduated with a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has continued her education through Clinical Behaviour Science courses at Mc Master University, as well as through continuing education workshops and seminars.

Donna’s experience spans child welfare, medical social work and community social work. For the past fifteen years she has been employed by North Hamilton Community Health Centre. In her work there, she has done therapy with clients of all ages and with a variety of issues, while working within a multidisciplinary team. As well, she worked with community groups and she tutored social work students and family medicine residents concerning psychosocial issues and therapy. She earned the title, Practice Instructor, from Mc Master University, School of Social Work.

Jonathan Christink, B.A. :

Specializing: Psychology

Jonathan Christink has received a B.A. Honours degree in Psychology from Guelph University and is presently completing the last course towards the completion of a Masters in Education from the University of Victoria. His previous experience includes working with individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities. He has assisted individuals with learning disabilities at the post-secondary in order to realize their academic potential. He is also trained in the psycho-educational assessment of children and adolescents at risk for learning difficulties.

Furthermore, he has experience counseling individual adolescents and young adults through difficult and turbulent times. Currently he is teaching at a school for exceptional learning, working with children with learning disabilities, autism, down syndrome, and a variety of behavioral needs.

Jonathan loves children and teens! They inevitably love Jonathan!

This provides the needed safe and secure relationship where they can feel comfortable.

In this comfortable environment personal growth can be cultivated.

Jonathan believes that counseling offers a positively unique relationship that has the power to dramatically affect personal change and maturation

Lynne Fenton, BA( Psychology), MDiv (Counselling):

Therapist/Counsellor
Specializing: Adolescent and Individual Therapy

Lynne studied in the area of Psychology for over eight years and presently considers her career both a vocation and pursuance of a personal interest. With the belief that the role of a counsellor is a privilege, she enjoys walking beside others during the experience of "the dark night of the soul". She views each person as unique and with a high degree of respect thus approaching each counselling issue from a variety of perspectives including spiritual, emotional, behavioural, cognitive, social and familial.

Lynne works with Adolescents and Individuals in a variety of areas including the following: Suicide, Eating Disorders, Adolescent and Women's Issues, Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Sexual), Self-Esteem, Spiritual Issues, Generational Issues, Addictions, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management.

Sheryl Guest, B.C.M., ACCC:

Career & Life Coach

Sheryl is an Associate Certified Career Coach, has a Certificate in Counseling and is a member of the International Coach Federation.

Sheryl’s coaching logo includes a caterpillar and a butterfly. “There are so many things in our lives that direct our path....career, family, finances, health, even ministry. Sometimes that path deepens and becomes a rut and then it starts to close in over us like a cocoon. We forget that we have choices. We lose sight of our goals or somehow just can’t achieve them. Those things were never intended to box us in, they were intended to help us fly. Coaching allows me to watch people push back the walls that were closing in around them. Out comes a beautiful butterfly who is still responsible in their career, family, finances, health and ministry but this time, they are flying! It’s a beautiful process to watch!”

Mark Laing, B.A. Honours Psychology:

Specializing:Individual & Marital Therapy/Counselling

I believe that therapy is not something you do to someone rather something you do with someone. Any one person will encounter times in their life when they feel stuck or trapped. Friends can offer some help but often the friendship itself disallows you from receiving the appropriate help, challenge and insight needed to make the appropriate changes or adjustments.

My work centers on marriages in crisis, the effects of affairs, the damage of pornography addictions, the hopelessness of mood disorders (depression, anxiety etc,), the frustration of inappropriate anger and the paralysis caused by low self-acceptance. Equipped with an honors degree in clinical psychology and certified as a pastoral counselor, I am able to help my clients from not only a clinical perspective but also a spiritual one as well.

Involvement with our Mood Disorder Program, author of a manual on marriage and currently writing a book on marriage are just some of the extracurricular activities I am involved with. Married with five children I also have the experiential understanding that furthers my ability to help you or your marriage get back on track.

Meghan Lederman, B.C.W. (Youth Work), C.Y.C. (Cert.):

Counsellor
Specializing : Child and Adolescent Behaviour Problems, Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Disorders, School Issues, Developmental/Learning Disabilities

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away!” – Dr. Seuss

Meghan is a Certified Child and Youth Counsellor, and holds an undergraduate degree in Community Welfare, as well as a diploma in child and youth work. Meghan continues to further her studies through the completion of a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Meghan’s experience with children and families is broad, and includes work in children’s mental health services, child psychiatric facilities, domestic violence shelters, child welfare, and residential treatment facilities.

Meghan is a firm believer in a strength-based, solution-focused, client-centered approach. Meghan has experience in providing in-home counselling and support to families, allowing her to provide in-the-moment coaching to families facing child and adolescent behaviour challenges. Meghan values individual and family differences; the strengths and skills families bring to the change process; family participation as a vital component to successful outcomes; and family collaboration in the treatment process.

Jaime Lidstrom, B.A. Honors Specialization Psychology:

Specializing: Individual and Youth Issues

I believe there is nothing more powerful than re-gaining the feeling of hope after it has been lost. In my early years, my life was dramatically changed through counselling and since that time I have been devoted to give back to my community and the great individuals I have the pleasure of working with to get the same positive experience and needed direction I once received. Counselling is something that I believe everyone can greatly benefit from, for we can all grow, learn, and be inspired to reach our full potential.

As a counsellor working with youth and young adults, my work centers on self-esteem, body image, assertiveness, divorce recovery, teen-parent relationships, addictions, and depression/anxiety. I provide a relatable experience with passion and care.

I have extensive experience working with youth and their families in a variety of group and individual settings. With additional certifications in child development, mental health promotion, addictions and teen programming, I feel passionate to provide encouragement and understanding to help you live the life you want and deserve.

Ellis Nicolson, BA., M.Div. :

Therapist
Specializing: Individual Male Issues

Ellis is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (www.amft.org) and the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (www.oamft.on.ca). Ellis has an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters Degree in counseling focusing on couple and family therapy from Tyndale Seminary.

Ellis has expertise in couple and family counseling. Ellis’ practice also focuses on teens, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, grief, stress, communication, conflict resolution, divorce/separation, self-care, boundaries, life transition, trauma, violence, and addictions.

It is personally satisfying when my clients are empowered to resolve their life issues and achieve well being. My goal is for each of my clients to experience their life in a new way, i.e. healthy relationships, learning to care for self, and discover the truths about who they are.

“Ellis helped me confront key questions in my life; questions of identity, personality, vocation etc. For a long time I struggled with these questions in my life. He helped me work through my negative and positive thoughts, and most importantly gave me the power to make wise choices on my own. I now feel that I can make my own decisions without being overly critical of myself. More and more I am becoming more comfortable with who I am, and because of Ellis, I feel like he didn’t just tell me what to think or do, but helped me arrive at this destination myself.” -JP

Kim Ott BA,MSW,RSW:

Counsellor/Therapist
Specializing: Adolescence, Individual & Family Therapist

Kim has completed two undergraduate degrees and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She has professional experience counselling teens, young adults and families, in individual and group settings. She has also worked with high-risk children and youth in Child Welfare.

In addition to her educational and professional achievements, she has also pushed her limits in her personal life. She spent several years snowboarding in Whistler, B.C., completed a mountain bike tour through the south Island of New Zealand and succesfully trained for and finished a marathon.

Kim's goal is to motivate and coach teen, individuals and families to reach their full potential by providing them with the tools and techniques that may be used to manage depressive and anxious thoughts. She believes that through a physically and spiritually balanced life, anyone can achieve and maintain a quality and purposeful way of living.

Lorne Shepherd, C.P.C. :

Counsellor
Specializing: Pastoral/Christian Individual, Couple Counselling

Lorne’s approach to counselling rests firmly on the foundation of the Biblical Scriptures, and is well grounded in personal experience. He has been married for 42 years, has three grown children, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He learned family responsibility early in life, as the eldest son in a farmer's family which included eight children.

Lorne travels the country every year presenting marriage seminars which include such themes as "Getting Your Priorities Straight", "Marriage: God's Idea", "How to Love", "God's Plan For Our Sexuality", "Communication", "Spiritual Warfare", and many other topics which are absolutely vital to marriages destined to survive and thrive in these days. His many years in television work impressed upon Lorne the very negative influence that the media is having on marriages and the family and provided the impetus to lead him into full-time ministry in this area.

Elaine Sigurdson, MA (Psychology):

Career Coach

Helping clients find work that is uniquely suited to them, and coaching them to maximize their potential through work- has been primary focus and passion of my own career.

Whether the client has been an executive in transition, a young person facing difficult career /educational choices or a mid career professional seeking advancement or help in dealing with a challenging work situation, the messages are the same:

Take charge. Know yourself. Do what you love. Be alert to changes in the market. Keep retooling and developing your skills. Stay connected. Stay balanced.

My background includes a Masters degree in Psychology and over 25 years of diverse experience as a career coach in the academic and consulting environments, an executive recruiter, a consultant in the human resources practice of a large international consulting firm, and an entrepreneur. Clients can count on me for a real world approach grounded in current knowledge of the workplace across a variety of functions and sectors – as well as expertise using psychological tools to help them obtain career self-awareness.

While experience has been the best teacher, I have had a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and professional development. I am a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), and longstanding member of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants. I hold certification as a Career Management Fellow (CMF) through the Institute of Career Certification International, and recently became certified as a Professional Coach through Erickson College International, an International Coach Federation accredited training program. I have been active in professional affairs, and am a past President of the Association of Career Professionals International, Toronto Chapter

In my personal life, I am the proud parent of two wonderful young women, who are themselves expressing their uniqueness and passions as they prepare to create their own best work lives

Brenda Stephenson, B.Soc.Sci, MA (Psychology):

Counsellor/Therapist
Specializing: Individual & Couple Therapy/Counselling

Brenda Stephenson studied for her undergraduate degree in Social Work and Psychology in South Africa and completed a Masters degree in Counselling/Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College in Illinois.

She has worked as a therapist in a variety of different settings, including mental health, childrens' oncology, and the child and family unit at Tara Psychiatric Hospital in Johannesburg, SA. For 12 years she has worked in private practice treating both children and adults in long-term psychotherapy.

Her special interest is in the integration of Depth Psychology and Spirituality, with particular reference to mid life. Jung believed that the crisis occurring at this stage always involves a crisis of faith and Brenda believes that this is the crossroads in a person's life for choosing to "live" or not.

Alice Wiafe, B.A., M.A.:

Counsellor/Therapist
Specializing: Individual & Group Therapy

Alice has graduated with a Masters of Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Psychology and a B.A of Psychology from York University. Currently, she is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrics and Psychotherapists (OACCPP).

Alice is keen on motivating and encouraging individuals. Her goal is to help people identify, align and then discover the courage to be the best they can be. She likes to work with individuals as well as groups and focuses her practice in the following areas: Mood Disorders, (Depression, Anxiety), addiction, self esteem and self- assertiveness, Forgiveness Training, and Life Transitions.

She is married and a mother of two young children. She has 10 years in the corporate sector and understands the dynamics of both the workplace and the home. She has a very strong spiritual basis for all her endeavors.

 

Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Bayridge Family Center is to be a leading counselling facility designed to promote interpersonal growth through the integration of mental, emotional, physical & spiritual development.

Bayridge is committed to high standards. A minimum Master's level counselling psychology degree or equivalent is required for all our therapists. We also interview prospective team members extensively to find professionals with solid clinical skills and a diversity of experience.

Our team is composed of a Medical Doctor, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Pastoral Counsellors, Addiction Specialists and Child & Adolescent Counsellors.

Our Principles

The Bayridge Family Center has been founded on the following principles:

• The Duality & Equality of Humanity
  Humanity is only truly represented through both males and females. Each individual is to be honoured & respected regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age or faith orientation.
• The Relational Nature of Humanity
  We are social by design, meant to enjoy healthy relationships with God, others and ourselves.
• The Progressive Nature of Humanity
  We have within us a desire to grow, to change, to become more than we were.
• The Volitional & Responsible Partnership of Humanity
  We are designed with the power & gift of choice, from which we are called to be responsible for our relationships, our families, our communities & our world.