OUR TEAM

Meghan Nash, CYCP

Meghan's strength-based, individual-centered approach to behaviour and social/emotional skills development helps children and youth identify emotions, connecting their needs to desired outcomes.

Meghan utilizes choice-activities to reinforce healthy concepts in a non-threatening and engaging manner. She has a special interest in working with children/you who are experiencing behavioural difficulties in the school environment as well as those who have experienced grief and loss.

Kellsey Brown, CYCP

Kellsey uses a person-centered approach to help young people identify how their strengths can be used to build confidence, overcome obstacles and cope in their   present lives.

Kellsey has experience working in residential treatment, foster care and educational settings, helping children and youth manage depression, anxiety,  anger, trauma, school behaviour and social issues. Kellsey uses a variety of techniques derived from narrative therapy, Gestalt Therapy and mindfulness to assist with healthy emotional and behavioural development.

Vanessa Wraight, CYCP

Vanessa specializes in mental health and wellness using evidence-based strategies (CBT and DBT), Behaviour Management and Tracking and Play Therapy. She helps children and youth understand their brains, improve thought patterns, and develop social skills. Vanessa's clients learn learn to improve their self-esteem, challenge negative thinking and deal with bullying.  

With extensive experience in residential care, school settings, and SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) programs, she supports parents and advocates for necessary services to help children navigate emotional and mental health challenges.

Nathaniel Anderson, CYCP

Nathaniel works from an anti-oppressive, relational and strength-based approach. He uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help children and youth navigate through their life challenges.

Nathaniel has over 19 years experience in the field of social services, specializing in behaviour management support for school issues, mental health and parenting support.

Nathaniel is a Positive Parenting Triple P Practitioner, supporting parents in responding to challenging misbehaviour in children and teens. 

Daniel Share-Strom, BSW, RSW

Daniel Share-Strom specializes in a strengths-based, positive psychology approach to counselling, helping clients to improve their mental health by setting and achieving goals that are important to them.
He specializes in working with Autistic and other neurodivergent clients of all ages. 

In addition to counselling, Daniel is an experienced speaker, author, and television writer, with his work primarily focused on creating a more inclusive world for his fellow Autistics.

View Daniel's TedxTalk here!

Christine Gaitens, MSc, CYCP, RSW

As a member of Otonabee Family Counselling Centre, I support children, youth and young adults with mental health, trauma, relational and behavioural issues and school issues through a combination of strong, meaningful therapeutic relationships and evidence-based interventions.  

I offer virtual and in-person counselling in Ottawa to suit your preference and needs. I provide a strength based approach, informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and activity-based learning.

Rebecca Cowling, CYCP

Becky has worked with children in a variety of different settings, including education, residential treatment and medical facilities. She has has experience helping young people adapt to their unique learning, developmental, behavioural and mental health exceptionalities.

Becky's approach is informed by narrative therapy as well as behavioural strategies focused on social skills, self-regulation and life skills development.

Heather Purdon, MSW, RSW

Heather specializes in counselling focusing on one of the most important personal relationships - the couple. She works from an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) framework and goals for therapy are mutually set by the couple.

Heather offers a neutral and non-judgmental environment for couples to explore challenging interpersonal dynamics and topics. She provides a safe space for LGBTQI and queer family systems.

Graham Watson, MSW, RSW

Graham has specialized in the assessment and treatment of children, youth and their families for his entire career as a social worker. He is certified in the provision of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Graham offers services specific to anxiety, anger, mood issues, communication/social skills, trauma and sexual health.

Learn more at grahamwatson.ca

Deb Cockerton, BST, CYC

Deb provides behavioural as well as strengths-based counselling to address a variety of issues in children and families . Her activity-based learning introduces and reinforces the concepts in a non-threatening and engaging manner.

She has a special interest in children who are caught up in the cycle of bullying behaviours and welcomes the opportunity to assist young people in dealing with these issues.