Experience

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  Spark* Lifecare

  • Clinician & Child Psychotherapist

    • Dec 2012 - Present

    Play is the child’s natural medium of expression, a misunderstood and underappreciated form of creative problem solving and meaning generation that is vital to healthy psychosocial development. Therapeutic Play gives children the opportunity to “play out” their feelings and problems in a safe and guided environment, to access and make use of their inner and outer resources, and most importantly, to help them make sense of their own world. Therapeutic Play begins with the establishment of a uniquely secure and safe environment where the children are unfettered by typical social expectations. Through play, journaling and artistic expression, they are then given the space and opportunity to tell their own story, a seemingly simple but powerful opportunity that many children are rarely given. Once they have been able to share their story, they can begin moving into deeper issues, learning to identify their feelings and express them in honest and constructive ways. This sets them on a path toward a fuller self-understanding and a deeper, more holistic well-being.

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  Carleton University

  • Adjunct Professor

    • 2002 - Present

    Courses taught: Child Rights, Children in Conflict, Status of Children in post 9/11 context, Children and Peace through survival, protection and participation.

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  CACPT

  • cerified child psychotherapist&play therapist

    • 2000 - Present

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  Family Service Center of Ottawa

  • Children's Counsellor

    • 2000 - 2012

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  Webster University Thailand

  • Visiting Professor

    • Jan 2007 - May 2007

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  YMCA-YWCA

  • Ottawa, Canada Area

  • Coordinator of Family Services Program

    • 1994 - 2000
    • Ottawa, Canada Area