Our Team
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
New Roots Therapy is a collaborative group counseling and wellness practice. Our associate practitioners work together to help you care for your mind, body, and relationships using psychotherapy and counseling, naturopathic medicine, and massage therapy services.
Owner & Co-Founder
Melissa Kroonenberg, MSc, RP, RMFT
Melissa is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Marriage & Family Therapist with more than 10 years of experience in the field. Melissa co-founded New Roots Therapy in 2010 after completing her graduate studies in Couple and Family Therapy at the University of Guelph.
Our Practitioners
Nicole Allan, MACP, RP
Nicole is a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist working primarily with children and youth (ages 4-24) experiencing a variety of concerns, such as: mood, stress, self-esteem, and peer relationships/bullying.
Ashley Henderson, MACP, RP
Ashley is a Registered Psychotherapist as well as our team’s Behaviour Specialist. Ashley works with children, youth, and adult individuals experiencing mood and behaviour-related concerns.
Rochelle Montague, MACP, RP
Rochelle is a Registered Psychotherapist who works with clients experiencing challenges with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and stress.
Dr. Lisa Smith, ND
Lisa is one of our team’s Naturopathic Doctors. Using a patient-centred approach to care, Lisa has experience treating concerns such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, digestive health issues, and more.
Ezza Shazada, M.A., RP (Qualifying)
Ezza works with clients experiencing areas of concern such as Depression, Anxiety, Emotional regulation, Self-esteem matters, Stress management, Attachment style, and Relational issues. Her approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, solution-focused, and emotional-focused, and is delivered through a lens of mindfulness and self-compassion.
Tyla Farley, M.A., RP (Qualifying)
Tyla's areas of focus are Individual counselling (ages 11+), Peer Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Addiction/Substance Use, Self-Esteem/Self-Compassion, Anger Management, Sleep or Insomnia
Masters Level Training Counselor
Daryl Deonarine, M.A. Candidate, - Available September - August 2024
Daryl is a Master’s Level Training Counsellor completing his graduate practicum placement at New Roots Therapy. Daryl’s focus is on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Emotional Regulation, Interpersonal Challenges, Life Transitions, and Immigrant and Low-Income Communities.
Masters Level Training Counselor
Jennifer Phyper M.A. Candidate, Available January-August 2024
Jennifer is a Master’s Level Training Counsellor completing her graduate practicum placement at New Roots Therapy. Jennifers’ areas of focus are Adults 18+, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Self-esteem, Relational issues, Parenting Challenges, and Survivors of Motor-vehicle accidents.
Georgia Campbell, MACP, RP
Georgia has a background in Psychology and Child, Youth, and Family Studies. She works with clients experiencing challenges with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and stress.
Julia Donovan, MACP, RP
Julia is a Registered Psychotherapist who has experience working with adults, youth, couples, and families. Julia’s background in theatre is uniquely incorporated into her counseling work. Julia is also a part of our Couples’ Clinic.
Dr. Albert Iarz, ND, RMT
Albert is a naturopathic doctor and registered massage therapist who takes an individualized approach to his patients. His practice focuses on: Chronic Pain Management, Digestive Health, Hormone Health, and Mental Health.
Kelly Onofre-Turcios, MACP, RP
Kelly works with individuals & couples experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and self-esteem challenges to improve their overall well-being. Kelly has a background in health and fitness, addictions, and mental health.
Jennifer Vieira, MSW, RSW
Jennifer is a Registered Social Worker with 22 years of experience in children’s mental health. As a Child & Family Therapist, Jennifer works exclusively with children from infancy to age 12 and their families
Sarah Lo, M.A., RP (Qualifying)
Sarah works with clients whose concerns cover Anxiety, Depression, emotion regulation, relationship concerns, trauma, grief, self-esteem, and bullying.
Masters Level Training Counselor
Karen MacDonald, M.A. Candidate, Available January-August 2024
Karen is a Master’s Level Training Counsellor completing her graduate practicum placement at New Roots Therapy. Karen works with individual adults and older adults facing life changes and challenges to mental well-being. Karen’s experience in bereavement support and her background in the corporate world contribute to her counselling approaches.
Masters Level Training Counselor
Sarah Walton, M.A. Candidate, Available January-August 2024
Sarah is a Master’s Level Training Counsellor completing her graduate practicum placement at New Roots Therapy. Sarah’s areas of focus are Individual Therapy 13+, 2SLGBTQIA+, Anxiety and Depression, Relationship Challenges, Trauma, Grief, Self-Esteem/Self Compassion, and Life Transitions.
Terence Dayot, M.A., RP
Terence is a Registered Psychotherapist who has experience working with adults dealing with concerns including anxiety, depression, and
trauma.
Bernadette Folk, M.A., RP
Bernadette provides support to individuals experiencing mental health concerns, addictions, and crises. As an RP, she uses a trauma-informed approach to support clients with mood, stress, and trauma-related concerns.
Jaclyn Kearns, MACP, RP (Qualifying)
Jaclyn works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem/self-compassion, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, trauma, and life transitions.
Jasmine Raea Perry, MACP, RP (Qualifying)
Jasmine works with clients experiencing challenges with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and stress. Jasmine is also available for Family Therapy.
Samantha Yorke, M.A., RP (Qualifying)
Samantha has experience supporting newly-migrated families and at-risk youth experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, culture shock, bullying, etc. She is also currently training in Couples Therapy.
Masters Level Training Counselor
Paige Leach, M.A. Candidate, Available January-August 2024
Paige is a Master’s Level Training Counsellor completing her graduate practicum placement at New Roots Therapy. Paige's areas of focus are Individuals 13+, Managing Anxiety, Stress, low self-esteem, Relationship concerns, and self-compassion.
Masters Level Training Counselor
Candine Blackbeard, M.A. Candidate, Available May- December 2024
Candine is a Master’s Level Training Counsellor completing her graduate practicum placement at New Roots Therapy. Candines areas of focus are Depression, Emotional regulation, Acute and chronic illness, Chronic pain, Neurodivergent Identities, Trauma and Anxiety, Stress and PTSD, Relational issues, Substance Use, Traumatic Brain Injury/Acquired Brain Injury, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Grief and End-of-Life Care, LGBTQIA+ Concerns, and Major Life Transitions.
New Roots Therapy Client Care Team
Jenny E.
Jenny is our Clinic’s General Manager. Jenny is currently available Monday-Friday, 8-4 pm, to answer any questions you might have about our services.
Madison C.
Madison is our Client Care Specialist. She is available Monday-Friday, 2-9 pm, to answer any questions you might have about our services, and assist you with scheduling your appointments.
Brianna T.
Brianna is our Team Lead Support. Brianna is available Monday-Friday, 9-5 pm, to answer any questions you might have about our services and assist you with scheduling your appointments.
Faatimah A.
Faatimah is our Client Care Specialist. She is available Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 pm, to answer any questions you might have about our services, and assist you with scheduling your appointments.