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. Since 2003, 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. 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.

David Bruce, RP (Non-Council Member)

David Bruce, RP is the Associate Executive Director of St. Michael’s Homes, a mental health, and addictions agency in Toronto. David was a United Church minister for twenty-five years and completed two doctorates (Fuller Seminary, 2006 and University of Toronto, 2012) before moving into the social services sector to work with the homeless and other vulnerable populations. David completed his MBA (Herriot-Watt, 2016) and registered with the CRPO in 2017. David currently manages an array of clinical programs, from Residential (and Online) Treatment to Supportive Housing. Working with volunteer therapists and graduate students from several recognized training programs, David oversees a free one-on-one psychotherapy program for those on social assistance. David is also a partner in private practice, serving clients with complex PTSD and personality disorders, while providing clinical supervision to new registrants. David enjoys his work with the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, saying that it makes him a more-informed supervisor.

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.

Jamie Consoli, RP (Non-Council Member)

Jamie is a Mushkego Cree woman and mental health practitioner. She has worked as a counsellor in the post-secondary education system since 2012, with a focus on supporting Indigenous students. She has a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from Western University. Originally from Northeastern Ontario, Jamie now resides in the Niagara region with her husband and son.

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.

Kayleen Edwards, RP (Non-Council Member)

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.

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

Kali is a Registered Psychotherapist with 32 years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist, initially specializing in sexual abuse, women’s issues and eating disorders, and working from somatic and feminist perspectives. 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 has completed doctoral course work in feminist psychology and community organizing at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in Toronto, a Masters degree in Somatic Psychology and Education at Antioch University, San Francisco, and a clinical internship at the Centre for Attitudinal Healing in Sausalito. Leading groups for members living with chronic and terminal illness demonstrated the impact of personal narrative in either feeding one’s development or starving it, and gave Kali the life-affirming opportunity to witness the power of cherishing life when one surrenders and faces one’s fears.

More recently, 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 Panel 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 also teaches at her own dojo, Regent Park Community Aikido and has taught at Aikido at Tendokai and Naka Ima. 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.

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.

Muriel McMahon, RP (Non-Council Member)

Muriel McMahon, M.Ed. is a registered psychotherapist (CRPO), a Zurich trained Jungian Analyst (IAAP), a retired Teacher and secondary school guidance counsellor (OCT), and a Child and Youth Care Worker. She has worked in the education and psychotherapy fields for over forty years. Muriel currently conducts a full time (online) international Jungian analytical psychotherapy praxis and is a sought-after speaker and presenter on archetypal dimension of the psyche.

Miranda Goode Monastero, RP (District 5 – South West)

Miranda Goode Monastero is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice, working with individuals and families since 2011.  Miranda blends her Humanistic training with Relational Gestalt for a unique, experiential approach in her practice.

Prior to training as a Psychotherapist, Ms. Goode Monastero studied Psychology and Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.  She enjoyed a long, distinguished career as a Brand Strategist in the Advertising industry for 20 years.

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).

Ahil currently works as a student counsellor at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and is a part-time Non-Council Committee member for the CRPO.

Henry Pateman, Public Member

Bio coming soon.

Carla Ribeiro, RP (Non-Council Member)

Carla Ribeiro is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice, working primarily with clients from BIPOC communities.  She received doctoral training in Counselling and Psychotherapy and earned a master’s in education from OISE-University of Toronto.  She also earned an additional master’s degree in Women and Gender studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University.

Carla was born in Trinidad and Tobago and has been calling Toronto home for 32 years.  Before moving into private practice, she worked in senior leadership and clinical positions in a variety of mental health settings (hospital, community, education, etc.). She currently serves on the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee.

Kafui Sawyer, RP 

Kafui Sawyer is a Psychotherapist, and a Trauma Consultant for Health Canada. She is the Clinical Director for Joy Health and Research Centre, a mental health clinic in Ottawa. She is also the Founding Chair of the Black Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association. She helps children, youth and families who have experienced traumatic experiences, assists government employees who have suffered as a result of experiences (such as racism) in their workplace, and much more. She is also a specialist in treating clients who struggle with personality disorders and is a clinical trainer in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She has provided services to clinicians across Canada and in the Arctic Regions. Kafui lives in Ottawa with her spouse and 3 teenage children.

Keri Selkirk, Public Member

Keri Selkirk has held management and leadership roles in Ontario not-for-profit and healthcare organizations including her previous role as the inaugural Executive Director at the Thames Valley Health Team. Keri is currently a Senior Consultant at the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness. A past president of the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, and current member of the South West Area Committee for Legal Aid Ontario. Keri holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph, a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Master of Law from Osgoode Professional Development, York University. In the past, Keri has been a lecturer at the Health Sciences Program in the Faculty of Health Studies, Western University, and has volunteered her time at the Canadian Diabetes Association, Habitat for Humanity Heartland and St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

Sasha Sky, RP (Non-Council Member)

Sasha Sky, MSc., RP, is a member of Migisi Sahgaighan (Eagle Lake) First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Sasha currently works for an Indigenous non-profit community agency, providing wholistic therapy to children and youth. She also maintains a private practice.

Radhika Sundar, RP (District 6 – Central West)