Jennie Cruickshank is a Nurse Practitioner who has been working in both hospital and community settings over the past 8 years. She is passionate about getting to know each client as an individual and engaging them in making informed decisions together. She recognizes that often individuals are burnt out with the medical system and works to instill some trust and hope again in their medical care. She specializes in adult medical care and working through complex health experiences. She is excited to be joining such a passionate group of therapists at OCD North and working together to provide excellent, innovative OCD-informed treatment.

Jennie Cruickshank is a Nurse Practitioner who has been working in both hospital and community se... Read More

Monique completed her practicum at OCD North, where she discovered her passion for working with the OCD community. Monique is a therapist with 5 years of experience working from an anti-oppressive lens to support the mental wellness of children and families. Monique is a Registered Social Worker and is trained in Exposure with Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

Monique is registered to provide treatment in Ontario.

Monique completed her practicum at OCD North, where she discovered her passion for working with ... Read More

Sarah is available to accept new clients.

Sarah is a social worker who greatly values the importance of person and family-centred care. Sarah practices from a solution-focused and goal-oriented framework, blending the tenants of cognitive behavioural theory into her work with clients and their families. Positive client outcomes are what matter most to Sarah and for this reason, she is committed to evidence-based therapies.

With over 7 years experience working with neurodiverse children and families, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder among other cognitive and developmental differences. Sarah appreciates the complexity of the mind and is passionate about working with clients in their pursuit of overall wellbeing.

Sarah is registered to provide treatment in Ontario, offering virtual sessions.

Sarah is available to accept new clients. Sarah is a social worker who greatly values the import... Read More

Samantha is available to accept new clients.

Samantha is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience in supporting individuals and families. Her down-to-earth approach is rooted in the belief that successful therapy hinges on a strong, empathetic therapeutic relationship. She has completed extensive specialized training, including Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Yale University and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) through the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Samantha is passionate about providing OCD-informed support to individuals and their loved ones, helping them navigate their unique challenges with compassion and the expertise needed to foster lasting change.

Samantha is registered to provide treatment in Ontario. She offers virtual sessions and in-person sessions in Barrie, Ontario.

Samantha is available to accept new clients. Samantha is a Registered Social Worker with over a ... Read More

Melissa is available to accept new clients.

Melissa is a social worker that has been working in the community for over 7 years with folks who are dealing with severe mental health and/or substance use challenges. These opportunities have allowed Melissa to understand, and work through, a client centred approach. Melissa believes in meeting clients where they are at in their mental health journey, and working from there.

With lived experience of OCD, Melissa is committed to supporting folks to reach their goals and create a life where they are in charge.

Melissa has completed training in Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD by the Centre for the Treatment and Study of anxiety at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

Melissa has become certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work at Laurier University.

Melissa is registered to provide treatment in the following provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, and PEI. She offers virtual sessions.

Melissa is available to accept new clients. Melissa is a social worker that has been working in ... Read More

Jayden is an MSW student intern currently completing his Master of Social Work practicum at Daemen University in Buffalo, New York. He has worked with adolescents in case management roles and supported adults through various community-based services. His practice is grounded in trauma-informed care and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Jayden is passionate about supporting individuals with OCD and is committed to developing his clinical skills to better serve diverse client populations.

Jayden is an MSW student intern currently completing his Master of Social Work practicum at Daeme... Read More

Nicole is available to accept new clients.

Nicole is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo. Having completed her clinical practicum at OCD North, she gained over 450 hours of direct experience before officially joining the team. Nicole has also completed advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) through the Centre for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) at the University of Pennsylvania.

Nicole brings a wealth of experience in supporting children and families with complex mental health needs. With a specific focus in paediatric OCD, she offers a unique perspective to treatment. Her empathetic and compassionate approach, along with her understanding of family dynamics and specialized training in OCD treatment, helps to create a space where individuals feel safe, supported, and understood.

Nicole is able to treat clients from Ontario (virtual only) and Alberta (virtual and in-person).

Nicole is available to accept new clients. Nicole is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s ... Read More

Shaina is available to accept new clients.

Shaina is a Registered Social Worker and is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD at the CTSA, Perleman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

Shaina’s passion for working with individuals and families living with OCD bloomed when she saw the disorder’s lack of understanding and support, often leaving individuals feeling misunderstood, isolated, and hopeless. However, she was also able to see first-hand so many individuals and families take their lives back from OCD through Exposure and Response Prevention (Ex/RP) therapy. Seeing the strength, resilience, and power that shines from those on their recovery journey captivated Shaina, and she knew - OCD could be beaten, and she had to be a part of it.

Having utilized the services of a social worker herself over the years, Shaina recognizes the bravery it takes to advocate for oneself and seek help. She celebrates with each individual who does so, no matter how hard the journey. Shaina aims to create a non-judgemental space where her clients feel safe, accepted, seen, and able to express vulnerability because it is in these spaces we find healing.

Shaina has a Master’s of Social Work and trauma-informed certification from the University of New England. She seeks continued education and training in cognitive behavioural modalities and clinical skills to continue to serve her clients to the very best of her ability. Shaina practices evidence-based therapies through a culturally-informed and client-centred lens.

Shaina wholeheartedly believes that there is no shame surrounding the OCD experience and that overcoming OCD is possible. As a result, Shaina’s goal is not only to collaborate with you, support you, and cheer you on but to “work herself out of a job.” Her absolute favourite day of treatment is the day that she can say goodbye to her clients with complete confidence that they can handle OCD all on their own.

Shaina is an avid reader, loves spending time with her family (and by herself!), and takes board games very seriously.

Shaina is registered to provide treatment in Ontario and Saskatchewan. She offers virtual sessions and in-person sessions in Barrie, Ontario.

Shaina is available to accept new clients. Shaina is a Registered Social Worker and is trained i... Read More

Erin is not available to accept new clients.

It is not uncommon for lives to unravel when OCD consumes your life. Your experience with OCD, and its impact on your life, is unique to you. Erin Fairbanks is a veteran of connecting with clients to understand their unique circumstances and cater their care to their own needs and goals. She helps her clients understand how OCD consumes their life and guides them in finding healthier versions of themselves, while strengthening their relationships, so that they can feel more at peace.

She is the owner of a private medical foot care practice, and an empathetic social work intern who excels at one-on-one counselling and group oversight with children, youth, and adults.

Erin’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph and a diploma of Chiropody from the Michener Institute, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) for the treatment of OCD from the University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) from Yale University.

Erin is registered to provide treatment in Ontario and in Newfoundland and Labrador. She offers virtual sessions and in-person sessions in Barrie, Ontario.

Erin is not available to accept new clients. It is not uncommon for lives to unravel when OCD co... Read More

Merrisa is unavailable at this time.

Merrisa is passionate about helping kids and families overcome OCD. Founder of Canada’s first privately funded and specialized OCD clinic, Merrisa has helped hundreds of children, adults, and their families find a path to recovery through exposure and response prevention and family-based treatment. Her joy comes from empowering individuals and parents by teaching them how to live with and overcome OCD and what to do about it while instilling confidence to tackle their own unique hurdles to have a bright and successful future.

Merrisa works best with families who have children living with OCD struggling to find recovery. Using a parent-based model, she teaches parents how to support their child’s recovery rather than inadvertently giving into the OCD. I help parents get their families, and their life back from this terrible disorder.

Merrisa is unavailable at this time. Merrisa is passionate about helping kids and families overc... Read More

Cara is not accepting clients at this time.

Cara is currently completing her master’s degree in social work at the University of Windsor while working as a student intern at OCD North. With over 15 years of experience in the social service sector, she has developed a strong professional background in supporting children, youth, families, and individuals within nonprofit and community-based organizations. Cara employs a strengths-based and client-centred approach in her practice, demonstrating a remarkable ability to build rapport and foster collaborative relationships.

Cara is enthusiastic about developing her micro social work skills and is dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the OCD community.

Cara is not accepting clients at this time. Cara is currently completing her master’s degree in ... Read More