Book an Appointment
We provide assessment and treatment services (therapy and counselling) to individuals living in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas. Our team works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. We offer a free initial 15-minute consultation for individuals who have questions about the services we offer.
Welcome to our online booking site
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapists are highly skilled clinicians that provide both occupational therapy and psychotherapy services. Each clinician works with different age groups and has expertise in unique modalities, assisting individuals with sensory needs, emotional coping, and the skills they need for everyday life.
Individual Therapy
In individual therapy, we are here to help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. We focus on supporting individuals in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal growth. Utilizing an evidence-based and trauma-informed view of treatment, we believe in taking a collaborative approach to help you reach your goals. We are passionate about creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Each clinician works with different age groups and has expertise in unique modalities.
Family Therapy
In family therapy, our aim is to focus on the entire family system and provide a safe place for all members. A wide range of issues can be addressed, including communication difficulties, conflict resolution, behavioural concerns in children, mental health conditions, and building stronger relationships.
Couples Therapy
In couples therapy, we aim to support couples at all stages of their relationship challenges. Whether you’re navigating communication challenges, resolving conflicts, or seeking deeper intimacy, we strive to provide a safe space for both partners. We utilize a variety of modalities to support and encourage couples throughout their therapeutic journey toward a resilient and thriving partnership.
Melissa Aguto
(She/Her/Hers)
M.Sc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Melissa Aguto is an experienced mental health clinician, and Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). She received her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology at Western University in 2006, and completed her Master of Science (Occupational Therapy) at McMaster University in 2008.
Melissa has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private clinics, and universities. Recently, Melissa worked in the Specialized Mental Health department at Grand River Hospital’s Freeport campus, working with adults and seniors who have severe and persistent mental illnesses. Prior to that, Melissa was an accessibility consultant at Wilfrid Laurier University, helping students with disabilities access their courses through accommodation plans.
Currently, Melissa works in Child & Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry at Grand River Hospital’s KW campus. Melissa helps young folks leaving the emergency department get connected to resources; does short-term counselling for youth transitioning between hospital and home; and consults with a multidisciplinary team on the complex cases that come through Outpatient Psychiatry.
Melissa provides a safe, inclusive space for diverse clientele, and is passionate about supporting people in their individual therapeutic journeys. She assists people through crisis situations and empowers them to discover and participate in meaningful daily activities.
Client populations seen: children, adolescents, and adults.
Areas of focus: anxiety, depression/anhedonia, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities.
Melissa Aguto is an experienced mental health clinician, and Registered Occupational Therapist wi... Read More
Amy Battistone
(She/Her/Hers)
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Amy is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW), holding both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees from Lakehead University, the latter of which she completed in 2012. She has extensive experience in the mental health field, working with children, youth, and adults. Amy describes herself as not-so-ordinary, and her favourite part of her job is helping people recognize that they can thrive by accepting and embracing all aspects of themselves. She is committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate space for her clients.
With over 10 years of experience in both counselling and school board settings, Amy worked with a wide range of individuals on different goals. She has worked with children, teens, and adults who identify as differently-abled, neurodivergent, and 2SLGTBQ+, as well as individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and significant life stressors. She possesses a strong knowledge of various evidence-based therapies and is passionate about delivering person-centered and trauma-informed care. Amy collaborates with her clients to build a better understanding of themselves and what is important to them. During sessions, clients explore everyday practices that enhance their quality of life and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
In her spare time, Amy enjoys being with her village of family, friends, and pets. She loves exploring new hiking trails, cheering for family members, and taking moments to appreciate the simple, yet lovely, things in life.
Amy is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services ... Read More
Katie George
(She/Her/Hers)
MSc., OT Reg. (Ont.)
Katie George is a skilled clinician with nearly 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. Having graduated with an Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western University, she began her career working in an Augmentative Communication Clinic, supporting children, youth and adults with diverse physical abilities with their writing needs.
Katie later transitioned to a role at KidsAbility, supporting young children and their families, helping children realize their potential. Specialized training in Writing Skills, Sensory Processing, PECS, Autism, Therapeutic Listening, Solution-Focused Coaching and Neuro-Developmental Treatment are just a few areas that Katie has pursued.
Working with clients and their families to establish goals that are meaningful to them is at the heart of the work she does. Utilizing a family and client-centered approach, supports addressed include picky eating; self-care skill development; self-regulation; attention; social skills; executive functioning and school-readiness skills.
Katie looks forward to welcoming clients and their families to her practice to address their goals in a collaborative, client-centered manner.
Katie George is a skilled clinician with nearly 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapi... Read More
Lori Hill
(She/Her/Hers)
B.A., B.Sc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Lori Hill is passionate about her role as an Occupational Therapist. As a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier and Western University, she began her career in a home care setting, followed by 26 years at KidsAbility in both the Early Years and School Years programs. At KidsAbility, Lori focused on the occupations (or daily activities) clients established as goals for themselves. She enjoyed this position, as well as mentoring new staff.
Lori has experience in numerous areas of occupations/daily living within a diverse population of abilities in clients 18 years of age and younger. Specific areas of daily living skills have included eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene, as well as fine motor skills, play, attention to tasks, transitions, and self-regulation. She utilizes a sensory processing framework to empower children and teens to increase independence in desired tasks.
Lori’s focus of attention is on the client’s and family’s goals and working together to create a joint therapy plan in order to move forward. She is very knowledgeable using a variety of strategies as well as community resources to assist in achieving her client’s goals.
She looks forward to working with you and your family.
Lori Hill is passionate about her role as an Occupational Therapist. As a graduate of Wilfrid Lau... Read More
Christina Kahlou
Christina is a dedicated, compassionate social worker that brings with her over 20 years of experience with children, teens, adults, and seniors. She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Social Work from Carleton University.
Christina specializes in personalized, dynamic treatment approaches tailored to your unique needs. She blends an attachment-based perspective with acceptance and calming strategies for your nervous system, creating a safe space for healing. When appropriate, she incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to enhance emotional awareness, regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Additionally, using EMDR, Christina helps clients process and resolve distressing memories or traumatic events, fostering profound healing.
Throughout her career, Christina has been passionate about fostering families that feel safe, function harmoniously, repair mistakes, and embrace joy. She has extensive experience working with youth—providing trauma and attachment counseling across Eastern and Northern Ontario—supporting children in schools and youth housing to stay safe and well. Her work in Edmonton included developing learning and developmental programs in hospitals, supporting foster and adopted children, and educating families and professionals about trauma and attachment. She has also created a safe, non-judgmental space for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and gender-questioning children and teens.
Additionally, Christina has provided emotional support to patients and families at the London Regional Cancer Program, working with adults aged 22 to 82. She helped clients find acceptance, create new purpose, plan for the future, and navigate life’s transitions—whether sharing difficult news with loved ones or managing the challenges of ongoing treatment.
Christina believes in the innate wisdom within each of us—that we know where change is needed. Her goal is to support you in living a life of balance: reducing disconnection, overwhelm, and feeling stuck, while fostering more connection, communication, and joy. She looks forward to partnering with you or your child on this journey—working collaboratively at your pace, with strategies that empower you to make small, meaningful steps toward lasting positive change.
Christina is a dedicated, compassionate social worker that brings with her over 20 years of expe... Read More
Di-Anne Martin M.S.W.,R.S.W.
Di-Anne Martin is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OASWSSW) and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Renison University College as well as a Master of Social Work degree, with honours, from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Di-Anne describes herself as a natural born helper and someone who is passionate about supporting and empowering others. Prior to starting her career in social work, she devoted her time to being a full-time foster parent and adoptive parent to five children with special needs. She brings forth a wealth of experience providing collaborative, strength-based and client-focused care to individuals, groups, couples, and families who are struggling with various issues impacting their social, emotional, and mental well-being.
Although Di-Anne’s specialty is supporting neurodiverse individuals and those struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm, she also provides support with parenting and relationship issues, eating disorders, self-esteem, conflict resolution and gender affirming care. She has an eclectic, evidence-based and trauma-informed approach to treatment, utilizing a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and more. She also has a specific interest in working with couples.
Di-Anne believes we are all experts of our own lives and that each of us has the ability within to overcome our challenges. She is passionate about helping empower people to recognize their internal strengths and to build the courage and confidence needed to overcome their challenges. Di-Anne is committed to creating a space where people feel safe to be their authentic self and will provide support and encouragement throughout their therapeutic journey.
Di-Anne Martin is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Socia... Read More
Dana Orton MACP, RP
Dana specializes in supporting young children (10 and under), as well as their caregivers, in navigating challenges associated with anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, attachment, and parenting. Her approach is both trauma-informed and collaborative in nature, encouraging caregivers to take on an active role in their child’s care. She supports caregivers in building on their existing strengths and developing new skills to best support their child and enhance their relationship.
She integrates various modalities in her work with children that are primarily play and art-based; this aids in creating a safe space for her young clients to explore their challenges and build the skills needed to overcome them. Similarly, she provides psychoeducation to caregivers on attachment styles and how to effectively communicate with their child. She largely incorporates aspects from the Circle of Security Parenting Program in her work.
Dana’s focus is to build on the child-caregiver bond and work from both sides to strengthen this invaluable relationship. Her belief is that, with a secure attachment between child and caregiver built on trust and stability, children can overcome great adversity and grow into emotionally-mature individuals.
Dana specializes in supporting young children (10 and under), as well as their caregivers, in nav... Read More
Andreea Sindiescu M.Sc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Andreea Sindiescu is a registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Guelph-Humber, and her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Andreea’s professional experience has predominantly focused on the treatment of pediatric clients and in the creation of practical resources for family caregivers.
In her occupational therapy practice, Andreea welcomes clients of all ages and addresses a diverse range of needs. With pediatric clients, her commitment extends beyond individual therapy, actively collaborating with families to create practical strategies that will actually work. Andreea firmly believes in implementing client-centered principles to ensure the most effective outcomes. Some common goals clients may see Andreea for include self-regulation, sensory support, attention and executive functioning support, fine and gross motor development, social skill improvement, toileting, picky eating, the alleviation of symptoms related to anxiety, fears, and depression, and more.
Andreea Sindiescu is a registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapi... Read More
Angelina Vaccaro MSW, RSW, PH.D. (c)
Angelina Vaccaro is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OASWSSW). Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University, as well as a Master of Social Work from York University. She is currently a doctoral candidate with York University’s School of Social Work, where her PhD thesis utilizes an arts-based, collaborative research approach of digital storytelling to explore and better understand strategies to make society more inclusive for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
Angelina is a passionate and dedicated social worker who specializes in working with neurodivergent children, youth and their families with a focus on the autism spectrum and ADHD, as well as those experiencing complex mental health challenges including anxiety disorders, depression, suicide ideation and self harm. Angelina firmly believes in collaborating closely with parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in a child’s life. By working as a team, she ensures a holistic and comprehensive approach to treatment that maximizes progress. Angelina also works with adults who are neurodivergent.
Angelina’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities to ensure the best outcomes for her clients, drawing on gender-affirming and trauma-informed CBT, DBT and EFT. Using these modalities, she collaborates with children, youth and their families to modify their unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, as well as work on improving emotional regulation, build self esteem, work on social and interpersonal skills, and promote healthier patterns of thinking and coping.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and those on the autism spectrum, Angelina adopts a strengths-based approach to therapy with the firm belief that every individual possesses inherent strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. By recognizing and building upon these strengths, Angelina creates a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment that encourages positive change and fosters resilience.
Angelina’s priority is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where children and young individuals feel heard, understood, and supported. Her ultimate goal is to empower her clients to thrive and lead fulfilling lives where they embrace their identities and flourish in a world that celebrates their individuality.
Angelina Vaccaro is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Soc... Read More
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Need Help? 226-212-4842 info@drkathysmolewska.ca