A Career Rooted in Healing and Connection

For Amanda George, MA RP, the path to psychotherapy was an evolution, not a destination. After spending 30 years as a psychometrist, assessing cognitive and emotional functioning, she realized there was an opportunity to go deeper—to not only evaluate but to support the emotional, cultural, and spiritual identities of her clients. This shift led her into the world of psychotherapy, where she now works in virtual private practice, providing care that is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

Her work primarily supports BIPOC community members who have experienced childhood and/or racial trauma. As a therapist, she has found deep fulfillment in holding space for healing, empowerment, and growth, integrating her extensive experience in assessment with a compassionate, culturally responsive approach.

Merging Psychometrics with Therapeutic Care

Amanda never fully left her background in assessment behind. One of her most meaningful projects has been introducing standardized assessment measures into existing grief services at a pediatric hospice. By blending clinical assessment with therapeutic support, she is helping to enhance care for grieving families, ensuring that emotional needs are met in a more structured, yet deeply human, way.

Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Mental Health

Beyond her practice, Amanda is an active member of the Board of Directors, and on the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) Task Force. For her, community and connection are essential—and she is eager to contribute to initiatives that make OAMHP a more inclusive and welcoming space for all mental health professionals. She is committed to helping colleagues identify ways to foster belonging and amplify diverse voices within the association and beyond.

A Passion for Learning, Movement, and Creativity

Amanda’s love for learning extends beyond the professional realm. She is currently studying to become a Kundalini yoga teacher, a practice that aligns with her holistic approach to healing. She is also rediscovering childhood hobbies, including playing the piano and sewing, and she finds joy in working on intricate 1000-piece puzzles.

When she’s not working or studying, Amanda loves traveling with her daughter and sister, whether it’s overseas adventures or day trips to picturesque small towns. And at home, she is kept on her toes by her almost two-year-old puppy, who, despite her sass, is undeniably adorable.

A Therapist Rooted in Care and Community

Amanda’s journey is one of growth, adaptability, and deep commitment to others. Whether in her role as a therapist, psychometrist, or advocate for equity and belonging, she brings thoughtfulness, skill, and heart to everything she does. Through therapy, assessment, and advocacy, she continues to build bridges between science and soul, fostering healing that is as informed as it is compassionate.

Holding Space, Inviting Growth

Connie Marasco’s journey into the field of psychotherapy began with a personal understanding of what it feels like to struggle and seek understanding. Inspired by her own mental health challenges, Connie set out to become the kind of therapist she once searched for: someone who’s truly listening and provides a space to work through the hardest parts of being human.

A Registered Psychotherapist and Independent Contractor with Dig a Little Deeper, Connie works closely with the neurodivergent community and is passionate about supporting those who, like herself, are exploring what that means to them.

In addition to being on the OAMHP Board of Directors and on the Governance & Risk Management Committee, she is currently, co-facilitating a workshop designed to help people move toward change in their relationships, even when they’re unsure where to begin. For Connie, the work is about more than outcomes, it’s about creating conditions for trust, reflection, and possibility.

“Being part of OAMHP means being part of a community that values growth, advocacy, and ethical practice,” she says. “It means collaborating, learning, and contributing to a field that is constantly evolving.”

And when she’s not doing therapy? Connie is all about music! She once auditioned for Canadian Idol—not for fame, but because she loves the kind of vulnerability both singing and therapy require. Whether in a clinical session or behind a microphone, Connie shows up with heart, humility, and a deep belief in the power of human connection.

Désirée Jones

A Passion for Connection and Change

For Désirée Jones, psychotherapy is more than just a career—it’s a way of fostering connection, advocating for change, and supporting both clients and mental health professionals in a field that is constantly evolving. With 2 decades of experience spanning both public and private mental health sectors, Désirée has dedicated her career to making mental health care more accessible, ethical, and sustainable.

Currently serving as Clinical Operations Director at Shift Collab, one of Canada’s largest group therapy practices, Désirée’s work focuses on bridging the gaps within mental health service delivery. She helps shape policies and programs that not only support clients but also ensure that therapists are well-equipped, supported, and able to thrive in their roles.

A Unique Path to Psychotherapy

Désirée’s journey into mental health was not a conventional one. Before becoming a therapist, she was deeply immersed in the music world, performing and composing, with an early career performing in Canadian Opera Company productions and Hamilton Opera as well as others. Music and storytelling were central to her upbringing, and they remain key influences in how she connects with people today.

Her decision to transition into psychotherapy was inspired by her own experiences in therapy as a young person. She recognized that the deep sense of connection and emotional expression she found in music was also present in psychotherapy—just in a different form, “Music and therapy are both about helping people feel seen, heard, and understood.”

Her early career was heavily public-sector focused, working in community mental health, crisis intervention, and in leadership roles. She spent years navigating large healthcare systems and non-profit organizations, advocating for better mental health care at every level.

But, like many in the field, Désirée eventually faced a crossroads. The demands of the public sector were at odds with the life she wanted to build for herself and her family. The transition to private sector leadership was unexpected, but ultimately, it allowed her to find balance while still driving meaningful change in the mental health space.

Expanding the Scope of Therapy

One of Désirée’s core beliefs is that psychotherapy doesn’t start and end in the therapy room. The field is dynamic, ever evolving, and deeply interconnected with broader social systems. She is passionate about:

• Advocating for therapist well-being—ensuring that those who care for others have the resources, support, and financial security they need to continue doing their work sustainably.
• Innovating mental health care delivery—exploring new ways of making therapy more accessible and effective, from integrating technology to supporting alternative and emerging therapeutic approaches.
• Bringing a business lens to mental health—understanding how financial, operational, and systemic structures influence the profession and advocating for change where needed.

Beyond her work at Shift Collab, Désirée is a board member with OAMHP and is the Chair of the Certification Committee. She is also deeply invested in her local community in Brampton, working to advocate for better mental health infrastructure and services in the rapidly growing city. She is also Vice Chair of the Brampton Library Board where she is proud of both her work and the work being done by the board.

A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Désirée’s passion for mental health extends beyond the professional realm. She believes in living a full, balanced life, something she had to actively cultivate after years of overworking in the public sector. Her journey to finding work-life balance has led her to rediscover:

• Animal therapy and alternative mental health approaches—She is a strong advocate for incorporating non-traditional therapeutic modalities like animal-assisted therapy into mainstream mental health care.
• Physical and creative outlets—Music remains a huge part of her life, as does movement, whether it’s walking, hiking, or exploring new places.
• Her role as a mother and wife—One of her greatest joys is watching her daughter grow and finding ways to pass on the lessons of connection, creativity, and resilience.

For Gail Clarke, RP, OVCS, CCTP, learning is at the heart of everything she does. Whether working with clients, mentoring peers, or engaging in professional development, she believes that growth and curiosity are essential in the mental health field. “If I ever feel like I’ve learned enough,” she says, “it’s time to stop and take stock of what I’m offering to clients.”

Gail is the Manager of Clinical Services at Regional Support Services/Woodstock Hospital, where she works with an interdisciplinary clinical and case management team supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers through evidence-based practices. She also operates her private practice, GC Counselling Services, where she provides therapy tailored to the needs of her clients.

A Career Rooted in Listening, Learning, and Strength-Based Care

What drives Gail’s work is the privilege of walking alongside clients on their healing journeys. She is passionate about truly listening and honoring the strength, resilience, and survival strategies that have carried people through life’s challenges. For her, celebrating successes and building on each person’s strengths is a cornerstone of effective therapy.

Her own experiences receiving support during difficult times inspired her to enter the field. Having benefitted from compassionate counselors who helped her find her way, she wanted to offer that same guidance and support to others.

A Journey of Resilience and Community

Gail understands firsthand the importance of having a strong support system. She raised four children as a single mother while returning to school, a journey she credits to both professional and personal networks that uplifted her along the way. That experience shaped her deep appreciation for community, mentorship, and the power of human connection in healing.

OAMHP: A Professional Home and a Source of Strength

Gail first discovered OAMHP (formerly OACCPP) through a workshop speaker who encouraged her to explore the association’s opportunities. She attended her first OAMHP conference and immediately felt the power of connection, shared knowledge, and peer support. She has since become actively involved on the Board and various committees, helping shape professional development and advocacy efforts for fellow mental health professionals.

A Passion for Adventure and New Experiences

Gail’s love for learning isn’t limited to her professional life—it extends to exploring the world and trying new things. Recently, she took up motorcycling, embracing the challenge and thrill of riding on her own. Her favorite season is summer, when she enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing. She also loves traveling in the winter, whether for sunshine and warmth or to experience different cultures and histories.

No matter what she’s doing, Gail is always learning, always growing, and always finding ways to support others along their journey.

“Being part of a professional community like OAMHP helps keep us all stronger than we could ever be alone.”  - Gail Clarke

Helen Ilios has been an OAMHP member since 2005 and has volunteered on the Board in various roles since 2015. Her career spans psychometry, psychotherapy, and clinical psychology, and she’s been in private practice since 2004, providing both assessments and therapy.

Helen’s work is grounded in collaboration and care. She’s especially passionate about trauma recovery, addiction, workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents and supporting new graduates as they transition into the field. She also has a strong interest in ethics and legal issues in mental health—areas she continues to explore through her clinical and professional leadership.

She values the connection and community OAMHP provides and continues to be an engaged voice in advancing the profession.

Outside of work, Helen loves to travel with her family, cook, and entertain.

Hi, I’m Jane, and I became an OAMHP member back when I was a student to connect with other mental health professionals and to support my professional development - OAMHP felt like such a warm and wonderful community. I very much value that OAMHP is inclusive and represents the full spectrum of mental health professionals - psychotherapists, psychologists, psychological associates, behavioural analysts, social workers, and psychometrists - and that OAMHP supports both regulated and non-regulated practitioners working to support their clients.  My passion for the OAMHP drew me towards becoming Certified with the association and joining the Board; this volunteer work has been a hugely enriching volunteer experience, and, over the past 13 years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving on and chairing a variety of Committees. I served as OAMHP President during the height of the pandemic, and it was my honour to work with OAMHP in reducing isolation for practitioners during that time.

I have a private practice in York Region and have experience supporting people with physical challenges/special needs, eating disorders and mood disorders. In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I also enjoy drawing people together via facilitating workshops for practitioners.

Fun Fact: Before becoming a registered psychotherapist, I did voice work and worked as an audio technician in a recording studio.

My name is Jennifer Lane, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Group Practice owner from Woodstock, Ontario, practicing in Hamilton. I run a group practice, Roots in Wellness, with my business partner, Kayleen Edwards, RP, where we focus on learning, supervision, inclusivity, and access to care. I have supervised Yorkville students for a number of years, as well as qualifying Psychotherapists, and am passionate about mentorship and advocacy for the profession. I also provide training and learning opportunities for therapists, including workshops on working with the queer community, and a workshop to help prepare for the CRPO Entrance Exam.

As a queer woman it's always been important to me to have access to care for people from all walks of life, which is why it's so important to me for Roots in Wellness to be a safe space for everyone and to have representation in its members. We have clinicians from a variety of different backgrounds, religions, sexualities, genders, ages, and cultures, and offer affordable therapy to help improve access to care.

As someone who believes in advocacy, I became a member of the OAMHP early in my career, and joined the board of directors over 5 years ago. I'm now acting as the Chair of Professional Development in my second term, working with an incredible committee to bring the membership professional development opportunities and assist them in their career paths in the mental health field. I am also on the Public Policy Committee, working to advocate for the profession in any and every way that we can, and I'm so proud of the work that has been done over the past few years to help remove HST and increase insurance coverage for RPs, among other things.

In my personal life, I like to stay active, playing sports most nights of the week. I play soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, golf, and just got into hockey at 33! I help out with managing (and playing for) the Woodstock FC women's competitive soccer teams, and have been involved in the Oxford County Pride committee in the past as well. I live with my partner and our many pets, including two cats, a snake, a leopard gecko, a puffer fish, lots of fish, and some snails. I consider myself a pretty laid back, authentic, and easygoing person with a sharp sense of humour, and I love making people laugh.

Juli Fyfe

I am deeply passionate about helping people navigate the chaos of life and discover the joy that exists within it. In my work with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), this passion translates into supporting the amazing mental health providers who are dedicated to making a difference. I believe it's crucial to ensure these professionals feel connected, supported, and well-resourced, so they can continue to provide the best care possible to those who need it most.

Professionally, I hold a deep respect for all mental health professionals—whether you're a behavior analyst, psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker. I believe each of us plays a critical and unique role in serving the diverse needs of Ontario’s communities. The demand for mental health services is great, and we can achieve so much more by working together, lifting each other up, and fostering a strong, united network of professionals.

Being part of OAMHP means that I am not isolated. It means that I am part of a community that understands the challenges we face, celebrates our wins, and supports each other through the difficult moments. It’s a sense of belonging that fuels my passion and reminds me that we are all stronger when we work together.

Whether you're just starting out as an intern or have years of experience, OAMHP is a home for all mental health professionals. It's a place where we can grow, support one another, and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. I am proud to be part of this incredible community and to contribute in any way I can.

I love travelling and exploring when I’m not working and I am a ski instructor in the winter months.

Katharine De Santos, MA RP

Owner and Clinical Director at Healthy Minds Psychotherapy

Member since: 2018

For over 20 years, I’ve been at the forefront of helping children, adolescents, and adults conquer life’s most complex challenges—anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, eating disorders, and relationship issues in both Canada and the US.  I’m also deeply committed to supervising and mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals, helping them sharpen their skills and develop a strong therapeutic foundation. This dynamic blend of direct clinical work and supervision keeps me engaged and energized, allowing me to continually adapt and grow while providing top-tier care. I’m passionate about creating an environment where every person feels empowered, understood, and ready to heal.

What’s most important to me in my work is helping people discover their inner strength. Whether it's navigating life transitions or working through trauma, I aim to be a guide on their journey toward self-acceptance and transformation. I’m also deeply passionate about advocating for mental health professionals and ensuring that mental health support is accessible, effective, and always evolving.

I was inspired to enter this field by my grandmother, who always told me, "Listen, because you never know what someone is going through." Her advice has shaped how I approach both therapy and life—empathy and understanding are key to making a real difference.

I also have the privilege of serving as President of the OAMHP Board of Directors and Chair of the Public Policy Committee, where I work on shaping the future for mental health professionals. Additionally, I am an advisor with White Ribbon’s initiative on preventing incel radicalization and on the WSIB Engagement Table for Community Mental Health—two vital projects that will make a difference for mental health professionals and their clients!

Being part of OAMHP means working alongside incredible professionals who are making a difference every day. I’m honored to be part of this community, advocating, collaborating, and shaping the future for mental health professionals in Ontario.

Fun Fact: Rosie is my newest sidekick (a 10-month-old cockapoo) and a future therapy dog in training! She is already an expert at spreading joy, offering cuddles, and—of course—stealing socks.

Kristine Lake

Kristine Lake’s journey into psychology was never linear—it was a path shaped by curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Kristine initially set out to become a teacher, earning a Bachelor of Education. However, when teaching jobs were scarce, she found herself drawn to the field of mental health, where she could still fulfill her passion for supporting and educating others—just in a different way.

Her career began at the Addiction Research Foundation (now CAMH) in Toronto, but the birth of her daughter brought her back to Thunder Bay, where she has spent the last 30 years working in diverse mental health roles. Her professional experience spans corrections, children’s mental health, outpatient adult services, and forensic mental health, where she has worked for the past six years. She has dedicated much of her career to providing care for individuals with complex mental health concerns, including trauma, psychosis, and personality disorders. In addition to her public sector work, she established a private practice more than ten years ago, expanding the ways she could support those in need.

Even with an established career in mental health, Kristine’s thirst for knowledge never faded. After 14 years as a psychological practitioner, she decided to return to school to broaden her expertise. Rather than continuing in psychology, she pursued a Ph.D. in Educational Studies, which she completed while working full-time and raising two children. But she wasn’t done yet. At 55 years old, she enrolled in an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Health Law through Osgoode Hall Law School, driven by a desire to better understand the legal and systemic barriers to mental health care.

Through her work in forensic mental health, Kristine has seen firsthand the barriers that prevent people—particularly those who are marginalized—from accessing appropriate mental health care. Human rights in mental health care have become a significant focus of her work, and she is committed to advocating for greater accountability in the system. Her involvement with the OAMHP – both on the Board of Directors and on the Public Policy Committee - allows her to broaden her advocacy efforts, ensuring that mental health professionals are supported in providing effective, ethical, and accessible services to those who need them most.

Kristine describes herself as quiet and introverted but also determined and always up for a challenge. Her passion for learning extends beyond formal education—she’s always picking up new hobbies, skills, and perspectives when she can find the time. Reflecting on her career, Kristine shares, “For people to have trusted me with the most personal aspects of their lives has been the greatest of privileges. I have come to understand the world, humans, and myself in ways that I could not have otherwise.”

Her work, her advocacy, and her lifelong dedication to learning continue to shape the field of mental health, making it more accessible, accountable, and compassionate for everyone.

My name is Liana and I have been practicing as a registered psychotherapist for over 30 years and a proud board member of over 10 years. I'm a Validated Supervisor and a peer facilitator for CRPO and OAMHP.

At my core I'm an advocate in the truest sense of the word. I'm motivated by helping my clients, our OAMHP members and my family. This is what originally drew me to the profession. Helping my clients heal, removing barriers to our members practicing to the fullest of their abilities and inspiring connections and empowering my kids to grow up and create paths to fulfillment, brings me a sense of accomplishment and creates constant opportunities for me to learn and shape my own growth.

My daughters are budding psychotherapists, one an RPQ.

They told me that they were following in my footsteps as I inspired them by having a job I loved that gave me balance and allowed me to be a good, available mom to them as well. Values they too are looking for in their own lives. It brought me to tears when they told me this.

For my health, and to stay grounded and strong both physically and mentally I do Pilates, meditate, take restorative yoga and play pickleball and tennis depending on the season.

It has been my pleasure working with OAMHP, in a leading capacity as President elect, President and now past president. It was a long hard road working with many people to bring HST to an end for RP’s, a passion project for me, and getting more and more insurance companies to cover RP under personal health benefits, a task I still engage in, one win at a time.

I will continue to advocate for you in my capacity as chair of the WSIB committee working towards being acknowledged as RPs in independent practice and hopefully being treated as such down the road. Stay posted, my energy and passion for my work in advocacy has not ended with OAMHP!

Lisa Wilvert

As a lifelong-learner, I am always excited about new learning opportunities that allow me to grow my knowledge and understanding of the vast and dynamic field of psychotherapy and its applications.  I love that I work in a field that allows me to continue to grow and explore in my professional practice and work with clients.

It is a perfect fit for me to offer my enthusiasm and gained knowledge in learning to serve the Professional Development Committee as Vice Chair and on the Board of Directors of the OAMHP.  In this role, I am working to support other mental health professionals in their learning goals and quests to secure professional development that meets their needs.  This includes offering and developing affordable learning opportunities in various formats that illuminate professional standards and ethical guidelines, safe and effective use of self, business practices and developments in the environment for mental health professionals.  It also includes understanding the diversity of mental health professional’s needs that includes, learning styles and preferences and their career progression from entry to practice to new practitioner to seasoned professional.

My training, continuing education and my practice reflect an integrated counselling approach that draws on a number of psychotherapeutic models and modalities.  I bring this integrated perspective to my role on the Professional Development Committee and the Board of Directors.

I first joined the OAMHP in 2009 as a newer therapist looking for both liability insurance and community.  I feel that I have been beautifully supported by the OAMHP through my career progression.  It is with such honour and joy that since 2022 that I serve the OAMHP in a role to support other new and seasoned mental health professionals.

I’m a Psychological Associate nearing the end of my career in school psychology. As I reflect on my career, I am filled with a mixture of pride and relief. I’m proud of my long career, but I’m also relieved that I will soon be able to lighten my load. Although it has been a blessing to support so many families over the past 33 years, it has been a very heavy responsibility. At times, I have longed for an easier profession. This is not the kind of job that can be taken lightly; there is too much at stake. School psychology literally changes the course of people’s lives.

I found my path to psychology at a very young age. I became a caretaker as a child. This was a blessing in disguise. I learned how to navigate difficult situations. I learned to use my words to de-escalate a crisis. I learned how to bring comfort and hope to people in despair. I learned that I could change, or even save, a life with my words.

These are all lessons that I brought to my chosen profession. As a teenager, I decided that since I was already doing this work, I would devote my life to it (and actually get paid for it!). The more I learned about psychology, the more I understood human nature. The more I knew, the more I wanted to use that knowledge to help others. Since my favourite people are children, school psychology seemed to be a perfect fit! I could help “tiny humans” while they are still young enough to change. This added an element of hope to a profession that can be daunting at times.

I am awed by the students I have met over the years, and shocked by some of the stories they have shared. I am humbled by the trust that their parents put in me to work with their child. I never take this for granted, especially when I have to diagnose a serious life-long disorder such as Autism or an Intellectual Disability. Sharing this news with parents takes a delicate balance of compassion, expertise, and patience. Some parents aren’t ready to hear the diagnosis, so we proceed very slowly. The challenge is helping parents realize that their child must take a different path than the one they had originally planned. But they are still the same loving and lovable child that they were before the diagnosis. The difference is that now the parents have the benefit of finally understanding why learning is so hard or why their child behaves in certain ways. When there are tears, we stop. When they feel ready, we keep going, at their pace. When they finally understand the diagnosis, we are finished. And then it all starts again with the next case, and so on, and so on.

I sometimes describe my job as running at high speed while juggling baby birds. Fast paced but delicate work that must be done as carefully as possible. The end of June feels more like being flung off of a merry-go-round! Dizzy, nauseas, and eager to slow down for long enough to have the energy to do it all again in September. This job has never been easy, and it has never been boring, but it has always been worthwhile!

Therapist. Educator. Advocate. Bold Bloom in the Field.

If you’ve ever met Marcelane Barrett-Tynes, known to many as Dr. Marcy, you’ll remember her presence: confident, compassionate, and brimming with purpose. A longtime OAMHP member and proud psychotherapist, Marcy has blended education, advocacy, and a personal philosophy rooted in humor and resilience to build a life of meaning and service.

Her journey into the world of psychotherapy began with a single course, an introduction to abnormal psychology, that lit a spark and never let go. Since then, she’s earned her Master’s degree, completed a doctorate in psychology, and carved out a career as a Professor at Seneca College, where she inspires future professionals not only with knowledge, but with perspective and heart.

“As therapists,” Marcy reflects, “we are like practitioners of kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery. We don’t hide the cracks, we honour them. We help people see the beauty in what’s been broken.”

Marcy’s own lived experience and courage to be imperfect have given her a gift: to be present with others in their healing process. That capacity for presence, combined with a deep love of teaching, led her to create a college course on resilience, a subject she believes is vital to the next generation.

As an OAMHP Board Member and active contributor to the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) Subcommittee, Marcy is dedicated to ensuring that psychotherapy remains responsive, inclusive, and rooted in justice.