Council and Committee

Heidi Ahonen, RP (District 1 – West)

Heidi Ahonen was born in Finland and obtained her PhD at the University of Joensuu, and her psychotherapy training at the Psychotherapy Institute, Helsinki. In 2001, Heidi moved to Canada to work as Music Therapy Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. Years 2003-23, she has also been the Director of Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research. Heidi is group analyst, accredited music therapist, and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in trauma treatments. Her most recent training was the Harvard University Global Trauma Recovery that specializes in refugee trauma, a topic she often presents in conferences and community events. From 2009-2015, Heidi served as a Professional Member at the Transitional Council, and since 2016 she continued serving on the Registration Committee/Panels, and Discipline committee. She currently serves as the Chair of the Examination Committee. An active researcher, Heidi has authored eight books and 100+ articles. She is also clinical supervisor and has conducted vicarious trauma workshops all over the world.

Elda Almario, RP (Non-Council Member)

Elda Almario was born and raised in the Philippines, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and masters-level education in Human Development Psychology. She completed the Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM) bridging program in Canada.

She moved to Canada in 2018, bringing with her years of experience in psychotherapy, having worked with children, youth, and families, who have experienced behavioural concerns, life transitions, addiction, and mental health conditions.

She has worked in both community mental health and private practice settings. Currently, she runs her own practice in the city of Pickering. She has a special interest in working with children and youth, neurodiverse individuals and their families, and the Filipino community. She is currently working towards her certification as Play Therapist. In 2020, Elda was appointed as a non-council committee member of the Registration Committee of the CRPO.

Steven Boychyn, Public Member

Steven Boychyn was born and raised in Oshawa, he attended R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate and Vocational Institute where he obtained his Certified Bilingual Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In 1997 he completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada in the Reserve Entry Training Program. Post graduation he has spent 22 years in the Reserve Force with 32 Combat Engineer Regiment as well as positions in various private and public companies across many industries.

Steven started with Celestica Inc, an electronics manufacturer, as a quality engineer. He has held several positions at Celestica in supply chain management, including Global Manager Supply Chain Environmental Engineering and has worked with plant general management and operational staff in the Americas, Europe, Eastern Europe, and South East Asia. From 2010 – 2019 Steven lead teams in various industries including Heavy Construction, Military Recruiting, Contract Furniture Manufacturing, and National Distribution of Health and Wellness products where he held senior engineering, logistics and information technology roles focusing on strategic planning, risk management, and executive leadership. Steven most recently accepted the position of National Program Coordinator with Wounded Warriors Canada, a charity delivering programs to uniformed service personnel suffering from Operational Stress Injuries.

At 32 Combat Engineer Regiment, LCol Boychyn is currently the Commanding Officer and has held staff positions such as Adjutant, Operations Officer, Recruiting Officer; has commanded 47 Field Squadron and 2 Field Engineer Squadron and been the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Regiment.  He has taken part in various Summer Manoeuvers, Exercises, has commanded the Domestic Response Troop, as well as participating in the northern response exercises such as Trillium Response.  LCol Boychyn deployed on Operation KOBOLD from Nov 2013 to May 2014 with NATO’s Kosovo Force as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Joint Logistic Support Group. While serving on the NATO tour he was awarded the Commander’s Commendation from Major General FARINA for his exceptional performance of duty. He has been awarded the NATO Non Article 5, Canadian Peace Service Medal, Queens Diamond Jubilee and Canadian Decoration.

Felipe Cepeda, RP (Non-Council Member)

In my multiple roles as a practicing physician, consultant, board member, and university professor, and RP. I have been responsible for multiple projects and teams in fast-paced and dynamic workplaces, adapting my communication strategy to match the audience diversity. I have a proven track record designing and implementing successful solutions including process optimizations, guidelines development, workflows and algorithms, key performance indicators (KPIs), database design, automatization, and change management. I am evidence based and client-centered, with robust analytic abilities and the skill to identify and elucidate data connections and relationships, coming up with solutions to deal with the business complexity.

Laurinda Cheng, RP (Non-Council Member)

Laurinda Cheng (she/they) is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice in Ottawa.  They obtained a Masters in Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa.  They specialize in complex trauma, and somatic healing.  They have been a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group of the CRPO since its inception in 2023.

Carol Cowan-Levine, RP (Non-Council Member)

Carol is a Child and Family Therapist (Registered Psychotherapist) in private practice in Toronto. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a post graduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practice with individuals, children and families. Her foundational training was in psychodynamic psychotherapy and her ongoing educational focus has been in the areas of attachment and emotionally focused therapy; her additional post-graduate certificates reflect that organizing framework. Her long-standing interest in psychotherapy has been demonstrated in her previous work at the Hospital for Sick Children, the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, as a trainer in the Ontario Child Welfare Training System as well as in the Bridge Training Mental Health Program, and as a practitioner in her own professional practice for the past 25 years.

Professional accountability has been of utmost importance to Carol and led her to accept a government appointment to the Transitional Council of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario, initially serving as President (2011-2015) and subsequently President of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) (2015-2017), as the all-Ontario elected member of the College.

Carol’s commitment to community has been reflected in the numerous Boards of Directors on which she has served–past Chairs of: Women’s College Hospital, the former and current Women’s College Hospital Foundations and the Child Development Institute; additionally she has served as a Director of Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, the Offord Centre (Centre for Studies of Children at Risk), and the National Ballet School.

Currently, she sits as an Honourary Member of the Board at Women’s College Hospital, a Member of the Advisory Board of the Child Development Institute, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Women’s College Hospital Foundation, Trustee of Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital, Chair of Eli’s Place Rural Residential Treatment Centre, member of the Advisory group to the Mennonite New Life Bridge Training Mental Health Program, and the current Chair of the Discipline Committee of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Carol remains a passionate advocate for excellence in healthcare.

Janet Cullen, RP (Non-Council Member)

Janet Cullen is a Registered Psychotherapist working with children and families since 2010. Janet completed her undergraduate degree in British Columbia and her Master’s in Counselling Psychology degree in Lynchburg, VA, USA. Janet returned to Canada in 2012 and has been working for not-for-profit mental health agencies ever since. Janet is currently the Director of Services for the Phoenix Centre in Renfrew County and part of a private practice collaborative with Pembroke Psychological Services.

Darlene Cyrus-Blaize, RP (Non-Council Member)

Darlene Cyrus-Blaize, Ed.D, MA, is a Registered Psychotherapist with 15+ years of clinical experience. She participates as a non-council member for the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee at the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO). She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Hope 24/7-a community organization supporting survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Additionally, she’s an Associate Faculty at City University of Seattle-Canadian Campus teaching numerous courses within the counselling psychology Graduate-level program. Darlene’s primary area of professional interest includes Counselor Education, Development, and Supervision. Her past research includes the development of Counsellor Self-Efficacy in the capacity of facilitating Distance Counselling. Her current research aims to explore the self-care practices of BIPOC Clinicians who address Race-based stress issues within their Clinical Practice. Her favorite self-care activity is taking meditative and reflective walks in nature. Darlene is the proud owner and Founder of Fruits From The Roots- A culturally-diverse Psychotherapy and Consulting Private Practice serving the GTA.

Darlene Denis-Friske, RP (Non-Council Member)

Darlene is a Registered Psychotherapist, a certified member and Validated Supervisor with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and part of the leadership with the Indigenous Circle of the CCPA. She holds a doctorate in counselling and psychotherapy, a master of arts in counselling psychology, a diploma of studies in an attachment-based developmental approach, and a Child and Youth Worker Diploma. She has completed studies in wholistic healing practices and Indigenous research methodologies via the Centre for Indigegogy at Laurier University. Darlene is part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group of the CRPO.

Since 1988, Darlene has worked with children, youth, and adults in a variety of rewarding settings, including psychiatric hospital (child and youth crisis intervention / assessment); two Renfrew County school boards (elementary, secondary, alternative, and continuing education); private practice; and currently works in a family health team setting in Pembroke, Ontario.

Darlene’s advocacy, research, and focus centres around a deeper understanding of Indigenous wholistic theory, ethics, and values in approach to helping work. As an Algonquin Anishinaabe, she is passionate about honouring deeper cultural wisdom in her ways of seeing, being, and doing. Darlene is committed to a wholistic-centred lens of Relational Wise Practices in counselling work, which is an expression of a Wise Practices concept articulated by Darlene through the process of her doctoral research.

Kayleen Edwards, RP (District 5 – South West)

Kayleen Edwards is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice both online and in Hamilton, Ontario. She obtained her master’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, and has been practicing psychotherapy since 2014.

Kayleen provides psychotherapy to individuals, using a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. She is passionate about continuing education and provides Clinical Supervision to both interns in counselling graduate programs, in addition to other psychotherapists and supervisors. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals and has served as a member of the CRPO’s Quality Assurance Committee since 2019.

Nicolas El-Kada, RP (Non-Council Member)

Nicolas El-Kada has a BA, Lic. Th, MA in Psychotherapy, Counselling and Spirituality, Certificate in Leadership and Management from Rotman and Telfer Schools of Business and has completed training to practice EMDR. He is Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with the CRPO, Professional Practice Coordinator for Spiritual Care Services at The Ottawa Hospital and a CASC Certified Supervisor-Educator. Nicolas has several years of experience in psychotherapy with clients who are dealing with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and existential issues.  Nicolas is a psychotherapist and spiritual practitioner for the Emergency Medical Assistance Team-Ontario, as well as founder and  team leader for the Ottawa Hospital Emergency Spiritual Care Assistance Team.  Nicolas is a published author and presenter for various topics such as bereavement and grief, pain and suffering, spiritual care, self-care, leadership and management, and spiritual care intervention and management in disasters.

Sherine Fahmy, Public Member

Sherine is a young professional living in Mississauga, ON. She completed her education at the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelors in Health Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health. In addition, Sherine complete a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Toronto and earned her Project Management Professional designation.

Currently, Sherine works as a Project Manager at Trillium Health Partners. She was previously a Health Policy Analyst at the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Linah Hashimi, RP (Non-Council Member)

Linah Hashimi is a registered psychotherapist with a virtual private practice based out of Ontario. Her lived experience as a child of immigrants and her passion for inclusivity, coupled with her education from her BSc from McGill University and Masters of Arts from University of Toronto, has allowed her to create a psychotherapy practice that is anti-oppressive, respectful, and decolonized. Linah believes that the social determinants of health are key factors contributing to the wellbeing of individuals and places great importance in participating in social justice initiatives within the community to create systemic change.

Kathleen (Kali) Hewitt-Blackie, RP (District 7 – Central)

Kali is a Registered Psychotherapist with 36 years of clinical experience as a somatic psychotherapist specializing in sexual abuse, women’s issues and eating disorders – all approached from a feminist perspective. Kali works with individuals, couples, and families, focusing on relational issues to help her clients discover balance-in-relationship. Her methods are at once challenging, direct, and supportive. Kali completed doctoral course work in feminist psychology and community organizing; a Masters degree in Somatic Psychology and Education at Antioch University, and a clinical internship at the Centre for Attitudinal Healing in Sausalito. She led groups for clients living with chronic and terminal illness which demonstrated to her the power of healing through narrative work. Kali completed five years of Gestalt training and is a founding member of the Gestalt Institute of Toronto Alumni Association. In 2015, Kali was appointed as a non-council committee member of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) of the CRPO, where she was recently appointed as ICRC committee Chair. Kali has practised Aikido, an integrated Japanese martial art, since 1990, and at 5th Dan is one of the highest ranked females in Canada. She teaches at her own dojo, Sandokai Community Aikido. The essence of Aikido is presence and connection which Kali aspires to in everything she does. For Kali, being present for others flows from her commitment to ongoing learning and development, both professionally and personally.  She derives much joy and professional satisfaction from her supervision of student therapists, and other psychotherapists.

David Keast, Public Member

David Keast’s career was in policing for 35 years, initially with the Toronto Police Force, then the Timmins Police Service and lastly as a Municipal law Enforcement Officer with the City of Kawartha Lakes.

His community involvement includes participating as a Member, Board Member and Chairman/President for several community based organizations including: Police Services Board, Economic Development Committee, Community Living Association, Legion, Lions, Kennel Club, and Council Remuneration Committee.  David as a member of the Economic Development Committee participated in the creation of the Strategic Plan for Trent Hills.

He Chaired the Trent Hills Police Services Board which dealt with the provision of police services, law enforcement and crime prevention in the community while working hand in hand with the OPP on budgetary and personnel matters.

Kenneth Lomp, President (District 4 – Central East)

Kenneth Lomp retired in 2016 from his position as a Professor and the Program Coordinator for the graduate program in Addictions and Mental Health at Durham College. Prior to his twenty-year tenure with the college, Mr. Lomp was a researcher and clinical coordinator at Lakeridge Health Corporation. While at Lakeridge he authored several research publications in addictions and provided clinical supervision for a multidisciplinary team of psychotherapists. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto, his Master’s degree in Psychology from Carleton University, studied Clinical Psychology at York University and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Toronto. Mr. Lomp served on CRPO’s Transitional Council and on the Council’s Competency Profiles Task Group as a subject matter expert.

Michael Machan, RP, Vice-President (District 8 – Ontario)

Michael Machan was born and raised near Portland, Ontario.  He attended the University of Guelph and completed an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business in 1989.  Michael began working at Canada Trust at that time and remained with Canada Trust until 2003.  During his tenure at Canada Trust worked as a branch manager and as a relationship manager for Learning and Development.  Michael was very involved in the training needs of retail employees during the merger of Canada Trust and Toronto Dominion Bank.

Michael returned to school in 2008 to attend the University of Western Ontario to complete a second undergraduate degree in Psychology and World Religions.  This was followed by completing a Master of Arts degree in Counselling and Spirituality at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.

Michael presently works for Family Services Ottawa where he is the Director of FSEAP (Family Services Employee Assistance Program).  Prior to Family Services Michael worked at Saint Paul University as the Director of the Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre.   Michael was instrumental in the process from which Saint Paul University achieved recognition status with the CRPO.  Additionally Michael owns and operates a small private practices with 4-6 clients per week.

Michael has been involved with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s National Capital Region Chapter 2011 and has contributed with many roles including President.

Laura McNeilly, RP (Non-Council Member)

Laura McNeilly is a Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor currently in private practice in Guelph, Ontario. She is a trained Massage Therapist, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, and Spiritual Director, a former faculty member at Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic, and a former Board Member for the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington. She is a peer coach for the CRPO and a consultant on the CRPO’s diversity, equity, inclusion working group. She has provided seminars and workshops related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for the University of Guelph, Algoma University, the National Arts Centre of Ontario, and House of Friendship. Over the years, Laura’s oath to naturopathic medical holistic principles has translated into an integrative psychotherapy approach that explores not only the multidimensional realities of lived experiences, but also the diverse therapeutic approaches employed in the healing process. Her work centres holism as a decolonizing praxis.

Judy Mord, RP (District 2 – North)

Judy Mord is a Registered Psychotherapist from Timmins, Ontario, in private practice working virtually within Ontario. Judy received her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Judy is an advocate for Northern Ontario having participated as a member of various boards as well as previous government appointments as the Northeastern Ontario representative. Judy is client focused, provides trauma informed care, and has experience with children, youth, and adults. Prior to working in private practice Judy worked in community mental health for children/youth and families.

Ahil Nageswaran, RP (Non-Council Member)

Ahil Nageswaran obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University in 2010. In 2014 he completed his Master of Education at the University of Toronto in the Counselling Psychology program. He is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He is also a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Ahil first grew his interest in psychology and mental health when he started working in Vancouver BC’s Downtown East Side in 2008.  He had an opportunity to work with individuals who were struggling with addiction, homelessness, vocation, and finances due to challenges with physical and mental illness. This experience helped him commit to further pursue mental health work. His therapeutic approach has also been greatly influenced from his work in the Downtown East Side. He tries to understand individuals with the belief that they are doing the best they can and are the expert of their own life (Virginia Satir).

Erefaa Ogbuaku , RP (Non-Council Member)

Erefaa Ogbuaku Jnr is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice, working primarily with clients from BIPOC communities. She earned her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Graduate Diploma in Addictions and Community Service from Willis College Ottawa, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Erefaa is from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has been living in Ottawa with her family for seven years. Before becoming a psychotherapist, served individuals from multicultural and diverse backgrounds and ethnicities for over a decade and also worked in the community serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness and addictions and supporting immigrants settling in the community.

Henry Pateman, Public Member

Bio coming soon.

Christopher Rudan, RP (Non-Council Member)

Christopher Rudan is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor currently working at a mental health and addiction agency serving South Eastern Ontario, where he also supports his colleagues as a union steward.  He has worked with a diversity of populations both in the public and private sector as a case manager, addiction and mental health therapist, and particularly enjoys helping individuals maximize their quality of life through an integrated existential, solution-focused, non-pathologizing, gender-affirmative, harm-reduction and person-centered approach.

Christopher was born and raised in Brampton Ontario, began his clinical career in Fort McMurray Alberta, and now calls Brockville Ontario his home.  In 2015 he graduated from Queen’s University with a Double Major in Psychology and Religious Studies, and in 2020 graduated from Athabasca University with a Masters of Counselling in Counselling Psychology.  In 2023 Christopher was appointed as a non-council committee member to the CRPO’s Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee.

Carla Ribeiro, RP (Non-Council Member)

Carla Ribeiro is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice, working primarily with clients from BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.  In addition to her Master in Education in Counselling & Psychotherapy, she received 4 years of doctoral level training (Counselling & Psychotherapy) at OISE – University of Toronto.  Prior to that Carla also earned a Master of Arts degree in Women and Gender studies, as well as a Bachelor (Hons.) degree in Psychology from York University. She is also a trained EMDR clinician.

Carla was born in Trinidad and Tobago and has been calling Canada home for 34 years.  She lives in Toronto with her partner and their young adult children. Before moving into private practice, Carla worked in senior leadership and clinical positions in a variety of health and mental health settings (hospital, community, education, etc.). At CRPO she has served on the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group and the Nominations Committee.

Kafui Sawyer, RP (District 3 – East)

Kafui Sawyer is a Psychotherapist, Family Therapist, Trauma Consultant and Researcher. She works as a consultant for Health Canada. She is also the clinical director for Joy Health and Research Centre, a mental health clinic in Ottawa. She is the founding chair of the Black Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. She helps children, youth, and families who have experienced traumatic experiences. She is a consulting clinician for the Children’s Aid Society. Kafui is also an EDI consultant for McGill University.

For over 15 years, Kafui has worked with diverse children, youth and adults in schools, rural communities, and governmental organizations. She previously worked with the Miramichi School District in New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Community College, the Ministry of Children and Development in British Columbia, and the Stehiyaq Healing and Wellness Village in British Columbia. She also assists government employees who have suffered due to experiences (such as racism) in their workplace and everyday life. Kafui is a clinical supervisor for psychotherapists. She has worked effectively with Black, Indigenous and Racialized People and provided mental health services and clinical support to professionals across Canada and the Arctic Regions. She also specializes in treating clients who struggle with borderline personality disorder, addictions, and complex mental health issues. She is a clinical trainer in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). In her current role with the CRPO, Kafui is chair of one of the ICRC panels. As an elected council member, Kafui also sits on the disciplinary committee.

Kafui advocates for mental health promotion within racialized communities. She engages in ongoing research that supports families experiencing barriers to mental health care. Kafui resides in Ottawa with her spouse and children.

Radhika Sundar, RP (District 6 – Central West)

Jeff Vincent, Public Member

Alex Zebeljan, RP (Non-Council Member)

Alex Zebeljan is a registered psychotherapist currently in private practice. They received their Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph and Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Their experiences of marginalization have made them a passionate advocate against discrimination. Alex values respect and authenticity in their work with clients and colleagues.