Jodie Gillier, MPEd, RSW

Jodie Gillier, MPEd, RSW is registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Ms. Gillier obtained a degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa and chose to further her education at the University of Western Ontario where she obtained a Masters Degree in Professional Education. Ms. Gillier is also certified in providing Voice of the Child reports.

She has worked for over 25 years in social services and brings to the team knowledge about career, academic, and personal counselling. Ms. Gillier has worked in various practice domains including, employment, academic, addictions, child protection, emergency response and counselling. She is experienced in brief and ongoing counselling supports to clients for various needs including, post-separation reconciliation, crisis intervention, disabilities, anxiety, grief, ADHD and relationship concerns. Ms. Gillier is familiar with numerous therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical behaviour Therapy (DBT), Strength based approaches, Skill Streaming, Circle of Security, Life Space Intervention, Play Therapy and Crisis Intervention. Ms. Gillier has knowledge and experience navigating community resources and is passionate about advocating for her clients. She has been employed at the post secondary level to teach therapeutic intervention courses. Ms. Gillier has a strong knowledge of post secondary pathways along with disability supports and is able to assist clients navigate options to achieve their post secondary goals.

Here at Kaleidoscope, Ms. Gillier is now accepting clients and offers individual and family counselling to children, adolescents and adults. She is also available for consultation and presentations within the community on a variety of topics.

Linda Shoebottom, B.A., RSW

Linda Shoebottom, B.A., RSW, is registered as a social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She offers services to children, adolescents, families and community groups, and has specialized expertise in serving children under 6 years of age.

Mrs. Shoebottom graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo. Her concentration of courses was in social work and psychology.

Mrs. Shoebottom worked for 29 years in the field of child development and mental health at the Chatham-Kent Children's Services, working extensively with children with a variety of exceptionalities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, anxiety disorders and behavioural concerns. Mrs. Shoebottom  has also offered services to medically fragile children and their families.

Mrs. Shoebottom has training in Theraplay® techniques and is a Parent Educator in the COPEing with Toddler Behaviour program. She is also a Master Status Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Trainer® and a Registered Circle of Security Parent Facilitator, and is trained to offer the Incredible Years® Parenting Program. She has completed several courses of training in treating trauma and in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour therapy and expressive arts techniques. Mrs. Shoebottom has provided information sessions on behaviour concerns and management strategies, bullying, preparation for school transitions, advocacy within the school system and various other topics. She has established solid working relationships with the Lambton-Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District School Board and many community agencies.

At Kaleidoscope, Mrs. Shoebottom offers individual and group counselling to children and adolescents between 2 and 19 years of age, as well as adults of all ages. She is available for consultation and for presentations within the community on a variety of topics. Mrs. Shoebottom also serves as a psychometrist, working collaboratively with Dr. Robert Clark C.Psych, from Paragon Psychological Services located in Windsor, ON. The collaboration allows families in the Chatham-Kent area the ability to access psychological assessments without having to travel to the Windsor area.

Associates

Amanda Ruggiero, MSW, RSW

*Currently not accepting clients*
Amanda Ruggiero, MSW, RSW, is a registered social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Ms. Ruggiero is also registered as an early childhood educator in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. 

Ms. Ruggiero graduated with diplomas in Early Childhood Education and Child and Youth Work from St. Clair College. She later graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, followed by a Master of Social Work degree from the same university. Ms. Ruggiero has worked in the field of mental health with children, adolescents, adults and families in school, hospital and community settings. She has offered support to clients individually and in groups, helping them manage various concerns related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, anger management and bullying. Ms. Ruggiero utilizes a number of therapeutic approaches to meet her clients’ needs, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), narrative models, and solution-focused therapy.

Here at Kaleidoscope, Ms. Ruggiero offers individual and group counselling to children, adolescents and adults. 

Andrea Wathy, M.A., RSW

Andrea Wathy, M.A., RSW, is registered as a social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has worked for 20 years in the field of mental health in school, hospital and community settings. Ms. Wathy has been employed with the Chatham-Kent Children’s Services since 2003, working with children, youth and their families to support them in addressing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-injury, anger management, peer conflict, sexualized behaviour, grief and self-esteem.

Ms. Wathy graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree in Human Services from Athabasca University in Alberta and later with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick.

Within her practice, Ms. Wathy utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour (CBT), dialectical behavioural (DBT), narrative and solution-focused therapies, as well as feedback informed treatment. She passionately approaches therapy through a strength-based lens. Ms. Wathy has additionally completed trauma assessment and treatment certificate programs. She has participated in DBT skills training, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and the ASK workshop to assess for risk of suicidal ideation. Ms. Wathy is trained to offer the Triple P Parenting Program. She has also facilitated numerous parenting, social skills and CBT groups.

At Kaleidoscope, Ms. Wathy is pleased to offer a variety of counselling services to adults (18+ years of age).

Elizabeth Unger, CYW, MSW, RSW

Liz Unger, CYW,MSW,RSW, is a registered social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Ms. Unger graduated with a diploma in Child and Youth Work from St. Clair College. She later graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Social Work, followed by a Master of Social Work degree.

Ms. Unger has worked in the mental health field for several years, where she has worked with children, adolescents and adults to address mental health concerns, substance use and everyday challenges. Ms. Unger has experience working with individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and self harming behaviours and operates from a strengths -based approach to assist individuals through challenging times. She is passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and school related concerns. Ms. Unger utilizes a number of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to create tailored experience for each client.

Ms. Unger believes that each individual has inherent strengths and resiliency to grow and heal. Working from a realistic approach to counselling, Ms. Unger utilizes education, creativity and humour to connect with individuals.

Here at Kaleidoscope , Ms. Unger is now accepting clients and offers individual and group counselling( when permitted due to COVID 19 restrictions) for children, adolescents and adults.

Allison Eaton,BSW,MSW,RSW

AllisonEaton(she/her) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Ms. Eaton graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, later followed by a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor.

Ms. Eaton has worked for over 16 years in the field of mental health in many community settings. Ms. Eaton has been employed with CMHA, Chatham Kent Children’s Services (LinCK), Family Services Kent ( counsellor and manager - current) and various contract social work positions through Erie St. Clair LHIN ( Home and Community Care), Beginnings Family Services and Changing Ways.

Within her practice, Ms. Eaton utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), narrative and solution focused therapies, brief solution focused therapy as well as trauma informed treatment. She has also facilitated numerous parenting and educational groups. She offers support to clients individually and in groups, helping them manage various concerns related to anxiety, depression, adjustment to illness, low self-esteem, stress, OCD, trauma, anger management and bullying, as well as post adoption therapy for birth parents.

Ms. Eaton aims to produce the confidence, knowledge, and skills necessary for individuals and families to move forward and resolve issues in one to three sessions. Sometimes, more sessions are needed in order to meet treatment goals. However, a minimal amount of sessions can often be enough to make positive steps forward. She focuses on a strength based, confidential, supportive and judgement free approach to guide individuals and families in living their best lives. Life is too short to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. Ms. Eaton will help you learn and develop better ways to handle the issues that are standing in the way of your goals.

Going to see a mental health counsellor should be as acceptable as going to the hospital for a broken arm. Ms. Eaton ensures to offer a safe and stigma-free environment to work together to address concerns. You are the expert of your own story, and Ms. eaton is here to listen and guide you. The goal is to collaborate and work towards your goals and overall well-being.

Here at Kaleidoscope, Ms. Eaton is accepting clients and offers individual and group counselling to children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

Kaitlyn Marchand MSW, RSW

Kaitlyn Marchand (she/her) is a registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Kaitlyn graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, later followed by a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor.

Kaitlyn has worked in the mental health field for a few years, where she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults to address mental health concerns, substance use, and daily life challenges. Kaitlyn has been employed by Community Living Wallaceburg, CMHA, and Family Service Kent (current counselling position). Kaitlyn has experience working with individuals experiencing life changes, behaviour concerns, suicidal ideation and self harming behaviours. Kaitlyn operates from a strengths-based and client-centered approach when assisting individuals through challenging times.

Within her practice, Kaitlyn utilizes therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapies, and trauma-informed care. Kaitlyn is passionate about working with children and youth who are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, school-related concerns, ADHD, emotional dysregulation. Kaitlyn also has a passion for working with children and youth who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Kaitlyn is also interested in growing her practice by designing group work sessions.  Stay posted for updates on group counselling opportunities.

Here at kaleidoscope, Ms. Marchand offers individual counselling to children and adolescents.

Emily Toll MSW, RSW

Emily Toll, MSW, RSW, is a registered social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Ms. Toll obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology from Brock University, followed by a diploma in Child and Youth Work from St. Clair College. To complete her educational journey, she graduated with a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor.

Ms. Toll has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, both individually and in groups. Recently, she designed a 6-week Self Esteem group for women and currently facilitates this group as part of her role at Family Service Kent. Within her practice, Ms. Toll utilizes various therapeutic approaches based on the needs of her clients, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, all while amplifying the strengths of each client she works with. Ms. Toll is passionate about providing support to individuals who are experiencing concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, relational conflicts and more.

Ms. Toll understands that reaching out for help and starting therapy can be very intimidating. She strives to offer a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment for all her clients. She believes in working collaboratively with her clients to develop goals and work toward them in a way that is right for each client. The time it takes to achieve these goals will vary from client to client, but Ms. Toll will listen to, guide, and support you in your journey to reaching them and to feeling like you again.

Here at Kaleidoscope, Ms. Toll is accepting clients and offers individual and group counselling to children, adolescents and adults.

Melissa Alves, MA, RP

Melissa Alves, MA, RP, is a registered psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years and has been employed with Linck - Child, Youth & Family Supports (formerly Chatham-Kent Children’s Services) since 2005. Ms. Alves has experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults to support them in addressing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, emotional dysregulation, peer issues, anger management, and self-esteem.

Ms. Alves graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor and later with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University in New Brunswick. Within her practice, Ms. Alves takes a strengths-based approach and utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities based on the individualized needs of clients including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and trauma-informed treatment.

Ms. Alves brings warmth and compassion, fostering a safe and comfortable therapy space for clients to learn new skills and develop the tools needed to help them achieve their individualized goals. Here at Kaleidoscope, Ms. Alves is accepting clients and offers individual counselling to children, adolescents, and adults.

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Conflict of Interest Statement