I believe that it is never too late to take small steps to change. With the right support and some simple tools hope can be found in some of our lowest days.

Andrea is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Andrea obtained her Masters of Social Work with a focus in health and mental health at the University of Toronto. Andrea has worked with older adults and their caregivers in both community and acute care settings, providing support to people navigating health and mental health challenges including chronic illness, dementia, depression and anxiety. Andrea has an interest in grief and loss, recognizing that loss is an inherent human experience. Andrea is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. Andrea practices from a person-centred and strengths based approach, meeting an individual where they are at.

When Andrea is not working, she is busy chasing her two littles, ideally outside. She also enjoys playing softball, going for walks and whipping up something tasty in the kitchen.

I believe that it is never too late to take small steps to change. With the right support and som... Read More

I believe that we all come to being our present selves with inherent strengths and coping abilities, based on our lived experience. Sometimes we just need someone to work with us to realize these strengths anew and enhance our coping skills.

Karla is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She completed her Master of Social Work program at Lakehead University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree at McMaster University. She has experience in community mental health, supporting survivors of sexual trauma and childhood abuse. She has extensive experience working with women and their partners during pregnancy and after, and has specialized training in perinatal loss and grief, and crisis intervention. Karla also has experience in supporting those dealing with major life changes, anxiety and depression.

In her free time, Karla loves to travel and explore different cultures. She enjoys live music, reading, baking, walking and painting with watercolours. She feels the ability to laugh at life is one of her best skills.

I believe that we all come to being our present selves with inherent strengths and coping abiliti... Read More

Samantha Devereaux is a Registered Psychotherapist in Qualifying status with the College of Registered Psychotherapist’s of Ontario. Samantha soon graduates from Yorkville University with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. Sam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health. Sam holds the role of a group facilitator, individual counsellor and family therapist at Laka.

In her free time, Sam is either outdoors with her Mini Australian Shepard or practicing Yoga. Samantha’s favourite season is Summer as she loves to be out on the water where she spends her off time as a Marine Captain. Set sails on your journey to wellness and call today for more information the services that can be provided by Sam.

Samantha Devereaux is a Registered Psychotherapist in Qualifying status with the College of Regis... Read More

I believe in the power of genuine human connection and that all behaviour is communication. Our experiences shape and give context to who we are today. What would be possible for you, if you could put down the weight from the past?

Megan is a Registered Social Worker currently practicing Psychotherapy. Megan achieved a Master of Social Work degree from The University of Western Ontario with a focus on the impacts of trauma on young relationships and mental health. Megan also completed a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from The University of Western Ontario with interest in crisis intervention. Megan’s current interests are focused on mindful self-compassion and the inner critic.

In her free time, Megan is breathing in the fresh air. Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking, camping, and trying to find love for gardening. Megan feels the most grounded and aligned when near the water which brings her journey to Laka wellness. Megan is most passionate about supporting individuals living with symptoms of borderline personality disorder, teens, and folks seeking to develop a healthy relationship with themselves. Invest in your wellness journey by contacting Megan to learn more.

I believe in the power of genuine human connection and that all behaviour is communication. Our e... Read More

Taylor McConnachie (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO), Sex Therapist, and Certified Sexologist. Taylor has completed her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from York University.

Taylor identifies as a sex-positive and queer-friendly therapist, as well as a LGBTQ2S+ advocate. She aims to provide a safe, validating and affirming space for individuals to navigate the diverse issues and challenges they may be experiencing.

As a sex therapist, Taylor has completed advanced training in holistic sex therapy, focusing on areas such as sexual health, desire, sexual trauma, out of control sexual behaviours, gender affirming care, sexual medicine, sexual and pelvic pain, and ethical/consensual non-monogamy.

Taylor passionately supports individuals, couples and all relationship structures in becoming more empowered in their sexual experiences and overall sexual wellness. Taylor has a special interest in supporting individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, are navigating desire discrepancies, sexual/pelvic pain, ethical/consensual non-monogamy, or who are requiring support in exploring sexual orientation and gender identities.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys getting tattooed, listening to 90s HipHop, and reading a good book. Contact Taylor at Laka Wellness to make the next step in your journey to wellness.

Taylor McConnachie (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO), Sex Therapist, and Certified... Read More

I believe that each individual has unique experiences to share which impact how they see and are in the world. My focus is on collaboration and uncovering the strengths each individual already holds.

Alexandra Clarysse is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Registered Social Worker. Alexandra completed the Master of Social Work program at Wilfrid Laurier University and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction: Treatment and Prevention. She has also completed a certificate program in Advance Trauma Treatment with The Ferentz Institute. Alex has a variety of specialized training, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and has completed intensive training to offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. At Läka, Alex is a group facilitator and individual therapist with a focus on addictions, trauma and borderline personality disorder.

In her (limited) free time, Alex is often chasing her kids around the house. Alex also enjoys baking, cake decorating and watching hockey. Take a step towards wellness and contact Alex for more information.

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Everyone deserves to have support, connection, and safety to explore life’s biggest joys, obstacles, and everything in between. I aim to embody curiosity, compassion, and authenticity to meet everyone where they are on their own unique journey. I work from a client-centred and holistic space, exploring possibilities to support all parts of the self; mind, body, and soul.

Emily is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Emily completed her Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Emily has specialized training in and passion for supporting grieving children, teens, young adults and families who have experienced a death. In addition to grief, Emily enjoys supporting folks through anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, life transitions and health and wellness using a variety of supportive tools and therapeutic modalities.

When she’s not connecting with awesome humans, Emily can be found busy with her little one and family, letting her inner foodie shine in the kitchen, and spending time outside. Connect with Emily today to explore your wellness goals.

Everyone deserves to have support, connection, and safety to explore life’s biggest joys, obstacl... Read More

I believe that every single human will experience a time in their life where a little extra support, compassion and the right tools can can create a world of difference for their future. Melissa supports individuals through a person-centred approach to therapy.

Melissa Malley is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Melissa completed and obtained her honours Bachelor of Social Work through Laurentian University, Melissa also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies. Melissa has completed intensive Dialectal Behavioral Therapy training, Motivational Interviewing, and Anxiety Disorders Certification.

Melissa’s passion and interests are in the areas of mental health and addiction, with a focus on anxiety and mood disorders. In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, spending time outdoors by the water, and working on puzzles.

Take the first step towards achieving mental wellness and contact Melissa today !

I believe that every single human will experience a time in their life where a little extra supp... Read More