Our Team

Mareas Team

At Mareas, teamwork is at the pinnacle of our service and we carefully select our clinical team members. We are united by a shared passion for helping children and families thrive. Every team member brings a unique blend of personal and professional experience to tailor services with the client as the focus.

“Alone we can do so little, TOGETHER we can do SO much!” ~ Helen Keller”

Management

Our Team ELISA RENDINA-ASHLEY
ELISA RENDINA-ASHLEY
Owner-Director
of Client Services
MAREAS founder
Elisa Rendina-Ashley has over 25+ years of professional experience working closely with children and families.
More About Elisa

Elisa is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and certificate studies in Social Work and Social work with Abused Children.

She has extensive experience in management roles within the corporate sector, including Operations, Management, and Strategic Planning for social service agencies. Elisa is trained in Child Development, Trauma Counselling & Investigations, and Anti-Oppressive Strategies. She is a trained SAFE home studies Practitioner & Supervisor.

Her lifelong passion has been working with children and youth, drawing her greatest inspiration and experience from her family.

Terri Winer
TERRI WINER
Owner-Director
of Operations

With over 30 years of experience, Terri Winer has been involved in the planning, implementation, and management of various programs for children & youth in residential and community settings.

More About Terri

She has expertise in Youth Justice Programs, Community Outreach, Foster Care Management, and Camp Operations. Terri’s background includes HR management, policy development, strategic planning, and licensing.

A University of Waterloo graduate, Terri has completed various McMaster University certificates in HR and leadership. As a certified Canadian Camp Director, she has overseen programs for over 600 children annually, honing her skills in program development and large-scale operations. Terri is also a SAFE home studies Practitioner & Supervisor & a Red Cross Instructor Trainer.

Our Team JENN HOUGHTON
JENN HOUGHTON
Manager of Client Care
(Behaviour Consultant)

Jenn is a graduate of Mohawk College Child & Youth Worker Program and has over 25 years experience serving and counselling youth with
complex needs and dual diagnosis.

More About Jenn

She has experience in working front line and managing in both youth residential treatment homes and section classrooms and was a foster parent herself, welcoming many children into her home.

Jenn was a Program Supervisor of a youth residential treatment home for 15 years, where she supported male youth ages 12-18. She then made the transition and became a Foster Care Supervisor for a team of treatment foster parents and their youth. These roles provided her the opportunity to develop her skills in behaviour management, clinical treatment planning, crisis management and understanding the effects of trauma, grief and loss. Jenn has devoted her life to serving others and believes that every child or youth deserves a chance to feel safe, secure, and loved.

Our Team Carrie Pastorelli
CARRIE PASTORELLI
Manager of Foster Care

Carrie is graduate of the Child &
Youth Worker program at Mohawk College, and has 20+ years of experience working within and alongside the Child Welfare system.

More About Carrie

Carrie’s career started with a placement in the Support Services department of the Children’s Aid Society and continued in the Foster Care Support unit. She then transitioned to working in private foster care as a Case Manager, using her extensive knowledge and experience to guide and support foster families and the children placed in their care.

Carrie’s efficient and effective Behaviour Modification strategies and family conflict solutions using non-threatening and strength-based approaches are invaluable to our foster parents. Carrie’s passion & dedication is translated through her work, advocating for the rights and needs of children & youth in care, to ensure they are set on a path to success.

ERIN CLEMENCE
ERIN CLEMENCE, BA
Program Coordinator

Erin holds a BA in psychology from Brock University. Erin spent time working in the developmental services field as a developmental support worker and as a support worker in residential foster care homes.

More About Erin

Erin continued her training and work experiences helping children and families at various child protection agencies as an access facilitator and has assisted in other support roles within these organizations, including foster parent support and parent support worker.

In her role as an Educational Assistant in the school board, she worked extensively with children identified with developmental, behavioural and physical exceptionalities.

Erin is passionate about working with children, youth and their families. Erin is trained in Mental Health First Aid, (ASIST) and has level one American Sign Language (ASL). She has an extensive background, both professionally and personally, working with children and youth with ASD in developing and implementing behaviour plans.

Our Team KATIE BAKER
KATIE BAKER
Case Manager

As a graduate of the Child & Youth Worker Program at Mohawk College, Katie has worked closely with children, youth, families, and community partners for over 20 years.

More About Katie

Katie began her career working with youth in Hamilton before relocating to British Columbia in 2009.

She has worked with at-risk youth, children and adults providing support with advocacy, personal development, self-determination skills, life-skill development, employment-based services, mental health, & addictions. Before returning to Ontario to be closer to her family, Katie worked in partnership with Community Living, Aboriginal Children & Family Services Society, the Ministry of Children & Family Development, and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, providing support to children, youth & adults.

Katie has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk individuals across various sectors using her skills, knowledge and voice to advocate for their needs.

Therapists

Our Team RACHEL HENRY
RACHEL HENRY, BSW, MSW. RSW
Child & Family
Therapist

Since 2013 Rachel has engaged in extensive training regarding infant-parent psychotherapy and the importance in the infant-parent dyad in clinical work.

More About Rachel

Rachel completed her Level I and 2 Play Therapy training through the Canadian Play Therapy Association (CAPT). Rachel believes that the use of play with children supports them in moving through challenging material that they may not have the language to describe or explain.
Rachel is passionate in providing support to both children and families and believes that there is a playfulness in all of us. Rachel gets lots of practice with her two young sons and all their many adventures.

Rachel works with Children 0-12 years & Family Therapy

Areas of Specialty Include:

  • Play Therapy Level I & II
  • Trauma Assessment and Treatment
  • Children’s Grief and Bereavement
  • Trauma / Anxiety
  • Infant-Parent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy
  • Reflective Family Play

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AMBERA DAMS
AMBER ADAMS, BSW, RSW
Child & Family
Therapist

Amber holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Psychology and further completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree at McMaster University and her Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor.

More About Amber

Amber continues to work with children, youth and their families to overcome struggles of mental health, addictions and conflict with the law.

Amber works with:
Individual, group and family therapy

Areas of Specialty Include:

  • Trauma/Anxiety
  • Diverse populations
  • Addictions/Substance abuse
  • Conflict with the law

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Our Team SHAILA KUMBHARE
SHAILA KUMBHARE, MSW, RSW
Child & Family
Therapist

Shaila uses an eclectic approach to practice drawing primarily from Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.

More About Shaila
Shaila believes that when traditional talk therapy is challenging or intimidating, creative means of expression can support clients in breaking through mental barriers.

Shaila works with children, teens and adults

Areas of Specialty Include:

  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Stress Management
  • Trauma & Mood Disorders
  • ADHD & Emotional Regulation (Adults & Youth)
  • Intimate partner violence & Sexual Assault
  • Neuro-Divergent Youth & Adults

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Our Team BROOKLY NARROYO
BROOKLYN ARROYO, MC. RP
Registered Psychotherapist

Brooklyn has an eclectic style of therapy that is tailored to who her clients are for a truly personalized experience.

More About Brooklyn

Her modalities include solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and compassion-focused therapy.

Brooklyn works directly with youth 13+ and adults

Areas of Specialty Include:

  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Mood Disorders
  • Trauma
  • Addictions / Substance Abuse
  • ADHD / ODD
  • Eating disorders

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AMITA RISBUD
AMITA RISBUD, MSW, RSW
Social Worker-Psychotherapist

Amita uses integrative, evidence-based approaches in her sessions and combines her training in Narrative Therapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Internal Family Systems & Mindfulness-based sensorimotor and somatic approaches.

More About Amita

Amita works from a goal-oriented, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach with a culturally sensitive lens.

Amita works with teens and adults, phone or virtual sessions only

Areas of Specialty Include:

  • Grief and Loss support, Trauma
  • Crisis intervention support for emotional dysregulation & mood disorders
  • Marital and family discords (individuals fleeing domestic abuse and/or intimate partner violence)
  • Refugees with PTSD and racialized persons from various equity-seeking communities.

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Support Workers and Specialists

Our Team Laura Givens
LAURA GIVENS, CYC, BA
Family Outreach Specialist

Laura believes strongly in meeting people where they are and building relationships to achieve goals.

More About Laura

Laura aims to foster connections with families and eliminate barriers in daily life. Laura was inspired to pursue this career after having the experience of working with a child with special needs as a Trampoline Coach. Laura became intrigued with learning about behaviour management techniques, learning strategies, and inclusivity.

Laura then obtained an advanced Child & Youth work diploma from Humber College and is in her final stage of completion of the Therapeutic Recreation program at Brock University.

Laura has extensive experience working with individuals with various needs and diagnoses, ranging from ASD, ADHD, FASD, Down Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Developmental Delay, and various rare illnesses. Laura has worked with people in many settings and uses creativity, coupled with evidence-based strategies to help people reach their full potential. Laura is certified in Standard CPR and First Aid, Safe Talk, High Five, Rebound Therapy Practitioner Level 2, Flexibounce Therapy Practioner Level 2, and NCCP Level 2 Trampoline Certification.

LATIKA GUROODITA
LATIKA GUROODITA, Bsc, Msc
Family Outreach Specialist

Latika is a dedicated healthcare practitioner passionate about empowering people of all ages and abilities to achieve their full potential in both physical and mental health.

More About Latika

In 2020, Latika completed her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, a journey enriched by her concurrent pursuit of dual minors in Education and Psychology, alongside a specialized focus on health and rehabilitation.Latika embarked on her journey to pursue a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom and successfully obtained this degree in 2023.

Latika’s diverse professional experience spans interactions with individuals of varying ages and neuro diversities in one-on-one and group settings. With over five years of clinical exposure, her roles have encompassed ABA Therapy, Exercise Therapy, Support Work, and Occupational Therapy Student positions.Her experience extends to individuals grappling with intricate needs, including those afflicted by ASD, FASD, ADHD, BPD, OCD, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, TBI, and ABIs, in addition to a spectrum of physical and mental health disorders.

 

Our Team KELLY SATRAN
KELLY SATRAN, BA, BEd, MEd, MSc
Child Life Specialist

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Education from Brock University, including a Master of Science in Pediatric Psychosocial Care from McMaster University.

More About Kelly

With over five years of teaching experience, Kelly is a registered member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers.

Trained in pediatric psychosocial care and child life support, Kelly provides compassionate guidance to children and their families who are facing emotional, developmental, or medical challenges, such as adapting to new diagnoses or managing anxiety around procedures like bloodwork. She provides services such as counseling & coping strategies, developmentally appropriate teaching, and medical play that help children, their siblings & parents process difficult experiences with confidence. Her holistic approach empowers each child to feel supported and capable of overcoming obstacles.

As a new mother and educator, Kelly is continuously inspired by her mission to support children and youth on their unique journeys.

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Our Team BRIANNA PATTERSON
BRIANNA PATTERSON, CYC, BA
Specialized Support Worker

Brianna is a passionate and dedicated advocate for children and youth with diverse needs.

More About Brianna

A graduate of Wilfred Laurier University, Brianna graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Child & Youth Studies.

Brianna is a graduate of the Autism & Behavioural Sciences program at Confederation College.

Brianna’s experiences include implementing behaviour intervention plans, assisting with academic tasks, providing social and emotional support, and facilitating inclusive learning environments for all children.

Brianna is a registered member of the Ontario Association of Child & Youth Care Practitioners, in good standing. She is also trained in CPR/AED and First Aid Level C, HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development, Behaviour Management Systems Training, and is DELF Level B1 certified. In her spare time.

HOLLY R.
HOLLY R., ECE
Specialized Support Worker

Holly is an enthusiastic and motivated Registered Early childhood Educator.

More About Holly

Holly has been working with children and youth since graduation from the Early childhood Education program at Fanshawe college in 2014. When starting her journey in the field, she recognized the need for inclusive, accessible, engaging, and meaningful learning spaces for all children, prompting her to further her education with a graduate diploma of Early Childhood Education in Advanced Studies in Special Needs from Humber college, in 2017. In 2021, Holly also completed her certificate in Children’s Mental Health.

Holly has experience supporting a Community Intervention Program, in which children with differing needs had the opportunity to practice and maximize functional skills within a low-ratio child care setting. She has experience as a Personal Support Worker within residential group homes, supporting adults with varying needs complete daily living tasks, routines and engage in meaningful activities.

Our Team SIDNEY DOOLITTLE
SIDNEY DOOLITTLE, EA
Specialized Support Worker

Sidney always had a passion for working with children.

More About Sidney

Sidney had several opportunities through co-op placements working at different school with children with varying abilities and diagnosis.

Sidney is a graduate of the Mohawk College Educational Support Program. Sidney has been able to take the skills that she learned in this program and adapt them to the various work opportunities at the Grand Erie District School Board at both the elementary and high school levels.

Sidney uses a client-centered approach when working with children & youth. Her compassionate, playful, and patient personality makes Sidney amenable to working with many populations.

Sidney’s current certifications include, but are not limited to:

  • Behavioural Management System Certificate
  • First Aid and CPR/AED level C
  • Non-Violence Crisis Intervention
  • Essential Skills Training
Our Team ELAINEJOHNSTONE-BENNER
ELAINE JOHNSTONE-BENNER, CYC
SAFE Homestudy Practitioner

Elaine Johnstone-Benner is a graduate of the Mohawk College Child & Youth Worker program, she also has certificates in Dispute Resolution and Family Mediation from York University.

More About Elaine

Elaine has been supporting youth and families for 20+ years.  Elaine began her career working in youth corrections and residential treatment.  She has experience as a frontline staff, supervisor, and foster parent.  Elaine made the transition to working as a School Child and Youth Counsellor for the Halton District School Board in 2014.

Elaine has worked with many students, families and clients who have presented with dual diagnosis complex needs such as ADHD, FASD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, conduct disorder, ODD and Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Elaine is also a certified S.A.F.E Home Studies Practitioner for Mareas.

MIKE ASHLEY
MIKE J. ASHLEY
Training Specialist

Michael brings along a lifelong passion for learning in addition to his 30+ years’ experience in the field of youth justice, training and development and corrections.

More About Mike

Early in Michael’s career he worked with the youth at risk population and gained invaluable, first-hand experience on many aspects of mental health.

His passion for this population became the foundation and framework for his ongoing work in the field and subsequently followed into his roles as a Youth Services Manager and Sergeant capacities within the Youth and Adult divisions in the respective Ministries.

Michael’s most recent role at the Ontario Correctional Services College as a Senior Staff Development Officer and MCSCS- Provincial Coordinator has afforded him the opportunity to train, design and develop curriculum for the college.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

When we were paired with our therapist, there was an immediate comfort and connection which helped my daughter reflect on and build skills for handling situations she couldn't before. This also helped me as I was using the supports to reflect on her experience and mine as a parent in the situation. The whole team is so flexible and inviting and they engage in collaboration and problem solving to meet the needs of our entire family. I am so happy we have found this support for our family.

~Karen, client & parent

I have been utilizing Mareas' services for many months. The staff is incredible and the environment is nurturing and caring. Each location of Mareas has a welcoming space that makes you feel relaxed and calm. The Mareas team has been a wonderful addition to our community!

~Connie, parent of client

I am grateful that the therapist that we have came into our lives. My teenage son was dealing with so much anxiety, and as a parent you cannot always help those you only want to love and protect. She did not simply listen to him. She taught him skills to help him cope with situations, which is exactly what he needed and wanted. He connected with her right away and was comfortable opening up to her.

While there is no quick fix for those who deal with too much anxiety, I know he is on the right track to being generally happier in life. There is nothing like hearing your child say "I feel weird...I'm actually happy."

~Bev, parent of client