Our Team

CERTIFIED PSYCHOMESTRIST, SUNSHINE CIRCLES FACILITATOR & TRAINER (QUALIFYING)

Meaghann Walton is a trained Psychometrist working under Dr. Browne’s supervision to administer psychoeducational assessments at Family First. Meaghann obtained her Bachelor of Arts at Western University and her Master of Science of Education at Medaille College. She completed her Psychometrist Certification in September 2022, and joined the Family First team that year. Meaghann is an OCT teacher with specialist additional qualifications in Reading, Mathematics, Kindergarten and Librarianship. Meaghann is working towards specialist qualifications in Writing and holds additional basic qualifications in Intermediate History. In addition to her work as a teacher, Meaghann is working on certification to be a Sunshine Circles facilitator and trainer. Sunshine Circles is a structured, play therapy-based program used in classrooms across Canada and around the world.

Meaghann’s experience working with a variety of populations creates a low-stress and comfortable assessment environment for students. She is passionate about providing assessment services that serve to assist families in better understanding their individual child’s strengths and needs cognitively, emotionally and academically.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Michelle is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. She has an MA in Creative Arts Therapy (2008, Concordia University) specializing in Drama Therapy. In 2015, she completed post-graduate training in Levels 1-3 of Play Therapy (CAPT). Michelle has over 15 years of experience working with children and youth ages 3-17 years in a variety of settings including a pediatric hospital, community counselling centre, children’s mental health agency, and since 2020, virtual teleplay services from the comfort of your own home!

She has expertise in working with anxiety, neurodiversity, 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth and families, and using nondirective and directive techniques incorporating CBT, Sandplay, puppets, yoga and mindfulness, and expressive arts experiences.

Michelle is a creative, playful therapist passionate about supporting children and families in sharing their stories, witnessing, validating and guiding them through the process of healing, growth and change. She is so excited to be joining Family First in 2022!

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Anna is a registered Social Worker and graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, in 2007. She has been working with children, youth, adults and families in community-based services, for most of her adult life. Anna continues to be curious and inspired by the strength, creativity and resilience of people of all ages, when faced with a wide range of challenges.

In order to thoughtfully connect with individuals, couples and families, Anna is warm, attuned and down-to-earth. Her style is influenced by her skills and experience in a range of modalities that are attachment and trauma informed, as well as play and mindfulness based. It is important to Anna to gain a good understanding of what it is that brings you to therapy. She wants to ensure that you are getting the most from your time, while valuing your input and being respectful of your pace. In addition to including play, laughter, and new perspectives in your work with Anna, her hope is that you will feel welcome, accepted and energized.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Jenna is a registered Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work-Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency from the University of Toronto. Jenna is a trauma-informed, holistic therapist who uses an eclectic approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

Jenna has supported individuals and families in diverse settings including shelters for the unhoused, remote northern communities, and in hospice. She incorporates directive and non-directive techniques including sand tray, puppets, clay, bibliotherapy, and mindfulness. She has completed her Foundational training in Theraplay and is working towards her Intermediate level.

Jenna provides a warm, non-judgmental space for all clients. She utilizes a collaborative, strength-based approach to assure clients and families feel supported throughout treatment.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Stacy is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She received her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 2009. Stacy has provided therapeutic support to individuals and their families in hospital and community-based settings. She has experience working in areas of mental health, crisis intervention and trauma and substance use. Stacy is a holistic therapist who uses a mix of therapeutic approaches with directive and non-directive tools to support clients in meeting their goals.

Stacy takes an empathetic, strengths based and collaborative approach to therapy with clients and their families. She is passionate about creating a comfortable and safe environment that supports and empowers clients to address their needs and concerns and improve their overall well-being.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Lexia Ramjitsingh is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a Theraplay Intern with the Family First Team. Lexia achieved her Master of Social Work from York University in 2023. Throughout Lexia's post-secondary career, she has worked with children, youth, and families in a wide range of sectors such as education, low-income, developmental and mental health. Her passion lies in mental health and supporting Family First clients on their journey allows her to enrich that passion.

Lexia has a client-centered and anti-oppressive approach which is partnered with further approaches and modalities based on the client's unique needs. She wants to ensure a strong rapport is built with clients to foster a healthy relationship of trust and openness.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Gagan Gill is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Gagan earned his social work honours at Lakehead University and his Master's in Education from Vancouver Island University. As a former teacher, Gagan understands the complexities of classrooms and how those challenges can manifest into unwanted behaviours in children. He has spent many years working with children on the spectrum, teens and adults entangled in the criminal justice system, individuals from heavily impoverished communities, and children affected by intergenerational trauma.

Gagan is well-versed in working with clients of varying backgrounds and is dedicated to walking alongside clients as they develop their unique identities, boundaries, and self-worth. He is client-centric, uses humour, warmth and authenticity to build rapport with the people he sees and seeks to help families understand one another.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Christian is a Registered Psychotherapist, licensed with the CRPO, and is working towards full licensure as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists (CPO). He holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and brings a decade of extensive experience in various mental health roles, including Youth Mentor, Mental Health Support Staff, and Child and Youth Counsellor at The Hospital for Sick Kids.

For the past three years, Christian has dedicated himself to private practice, directly supporting clients as a mental health clinician. He has had the pleasure of working with diverse populations, including children (5+), adolescents, adults, families, and geriatric clients, always with the approach of creating a strong therapeutic alliance with each person in his care.

Christian specializes in helping families seeking psychotherapy and counselling for their youth and adolescent children. His approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on building a supportive and trusting relationship with both the young clients and their families. Christian works to empower youth, enhance their self-awareness, and develop the skills necessary to navigate life's challenges.

Whether your family is dealing with issues related to self-confidence, managing change, or enhancing relationships, Christian is here to support you every step of the way. He understands that the first step—reaching out—can be the hardest, but connecting for a quick call can be easily done.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Amanda is a dedicated and experienced social worker committed to supporting children and youth, and their caregivers in their journey towards healing and growth. With a strong educational background and extensive professional development, Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge to her work with children, youth, and their families. Amanda is registered with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers in good standing and is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Additionally, Amanda is a member with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy and is enthusiastically working toward her certification as a play therapist.

Amanda’s commitment to professional growth is evident in her educational achievements and ongoing professional development. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Social Work and an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, both with first class standing, at Lakehead University. Her pursuit of training in areas such as Child Centered Play Therapy, Trauma Counselling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy reflects her dedication to providing comprehensive support to her clients. Amanda has also completed Intensive Filial Therapy Training and the Introductory Theraplay & MIM training. Through her employment highlights, including practicums with child and family therapy services and North Simcoe Victim Services, and working as a Designated Capacity Assessor, Amanda has demonstrated her ability to apply her knowledge and skills effectively in various settings with diverse populations. Additionally, her involvement in community initiatives, such as Elizabeth Fry Society and Talk2Nice, showcases her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her professional practice. Amanda employs a compassionate, client-centered approach, using her knowledge and diverse skill set to work closely with caregivers and parents to empower their children and youth so that together they can reach their maximum potential.

Doctoral Student | Clinical Psychology

Erica completed her undergraduate training in Psychology at the University of Guelph, her Master’s degree at York University, and is currently a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University.

Erica has worked with a variety of institutions including Homewood Health Centre and on the Mental Health Support Team with the York Regional Police. Erica has spent many years as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor and has training in a wide-range of evidence-based modalities including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.