Meet Angela
As a young girl, I lived in Mississauga and moved to Niagara Falls when I was 11 years old. Growing up with parents with disabilities inspired in me a strong sense of justice and an interest in advocating for people who struggled. I thought I would become a lawyer or maybe a professor. However, life has a way of taking you down different paths!
As a young single mother, I attended Brock University and pursued an Honours Degree in Sociology. After graduation, I spent time reading, running, and volunteering as much as I could - trying my best to help people in need and find my way. After having three more children and spending 10 years in Executive Director roles in two non-profits, I returned to the classroom to complete my Master of Social Work and worked hard to balance my roles of mother, leader, wife, and creative problem-solver to those in my life.
These years have provided diverse and rich experiences assisting people find their path to wellness. I have a passion for books, movies from the 80s, true crime podcasts, yoga, and my dogs. I am my happiest when I am in a classroom or researching anything a bit nerdy. It is my not so secret goal to write a book! Fall is my favourite time of year, and when the air turns crisp, nothing feels more right! I love a quiet cozy night on the couch with a cup of tea and my library books. I feel most energetic and fulfilled when I am learning and growing. I am a registered social worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Is My Approach Right for You?
I will work with you to identify and achieve your goals. It may not be clear why you feel the way you do and what your goals are in the beginning…don’t worry, we will figure it out together! With honesty, empathy and even some laughs, we will get you to where you want to go! Each session will close with a gained insight or skill that will help you get to the next step.
My background in street outreach and on-scene crisis response with Victim Services Niagara put me on the front lines of many life-changing moments. I know trauma—my strength is understanding how trauma touches all aspects of an individual’s experiences and their future. Also, I have extensive training on working with depression and anxiety, as well as the various disorders that can follow a traumatic experience.
Over the last few years, I have worked in a post secondary environment creating a special connection with young adults on the cusp of diving into the next stage of their life. I enjoy with working with teens (13-17 years) and any age adults braving new changes! My therapeutic approach is an eclectic integration of a variety of models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. My practice is most influenced by Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) which focuses on changing behaviour by using mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and other ways to challenge negative thoughts and distortions. I am also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to treat PTSD.