The Behaviour Matters Team
At Behaviour Matters our team has a vast degree of professional and personal experience within the mental health sphere. Our team is highly trained in evidence-based treatments and takes a solution-focused and strength-based approach. We tailor our treatment plans to our clients' unique and individual needs and are here to support and guide you through the process of understanding your social, emotional, and mental health profiles. Our evidence-informed programs, workshops, assemblies, training, coaching, child, youth, and family therapy sessions will help children, teens, parents, and adults develop the skills they require to lead happy and successful lives.
Tania DaSilva, Clinical Director, Child, Youth and Family Therapist,
Hons. BA, CYW, CYC
Tania DaSilva holds an Honours Bachelors of Arts and Science Degree majoring in Psychology and Sociology. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy from OISE University of Toronto. She holds an Honours Advanced Child and Youth Care Diploma from Humber College, specializing in counselling, interventions, treatment, and therapeutic activities. Tania has also received certification in Applied Behavioural Analysis for Educators through the Geneva Centre for Autism and Neuroscience Psychology accredited by the CCE. She also specializes in Emotional Intelligence and is certified to administer the renowned EQ-i2.0 assessment. Tania has taken countless workshops in modalities such as DBT, Art Therapy, and Mindfulness.
She has worked at The Dunblaine School, a school dedicated to students with various developmental and learning disabilities. Within the TDSB working with the entire population, but more specifically with children with special needs and those in need of emotional and behavioural assistance. She was also part of the multi-disciplinary team at the North York General Hospital in the Psychiatric Unit, specifically in the eating disorder day program.
Tania DaSilva has a passion for mental health awareness, which is apparent in her work as well as in her media appearances; she is a regular Child, Youth, and Family Therapist expert on CP24, Global News, CTV, Breakfast Television, The Social, Forbes, Marilyn Denis, Omni TV, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star and more. Tania was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as a teenager which gives her a unique edge in her work. Her passion for the field and personal experience has led her to create a space like no other for the children, youth, families, individuals, and corporations Behaviour Matters services.
Sarah Frank, Social Skills and Emotional Regulation Program Coordinator and Group Facilitator, BA
Sarah completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics, but soon after starting a job as a camp counselor, she realized her passion was working with youth to develop pro-social skills. She was inspired to pursue an education in social services and holds a diploma in Social Services. Sarah has explored and developed her passion by running many after-school programs for youth in under-resourced communities; she continues working with children and youth through programming and facilitating various social-emotional programs.
Sarah is experienced in child and youth program planning, delivery, and evaluation. She believes that you must start by building a relationship based on trust, support, positivity, and mutual respect to work successfully with children and youth. Sarah does this effortlessly with children and youth of all ages, her favourite part of the work she does is watching the children grow in ability, skill, and confidence daily. Sarah works extremely hard to create an environment that allows children to develop real relationships with peers and feel understood and supported within our community.
Emily Rogers Nannarone, Clinical Supervisor, Social Worker, B.A., MSW, RSW, CASW
Emily has an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree from Trent University and a Master’s of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier. She is also a Certified Trauma Counsellor and trained in Mental Health Counseling, Autism Support, Accommodation Planning, Workshop Facilitation, and Curriculum Development. She has spoken at several clinical conferences and has been a part of numerous panels, task forces, and committees. Emily has extensive experience providing support and services to individuals with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, Autism/Asperger’s, learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and trauma survivors.
As a Clinical Supervisor, Emily is committed to helping children, youth, and families achieve their goals. She enjoys working with the team to create and provide the best service and programming possible. Her favourite part of her job is hearing parents' positive feedback and witness the growth in the team and students for herself. Emily is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).
Tyler Schwartzberg, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, MSW, RSW
Tyler holds a Master of Social Work degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and received an additional certification for his focus on child welfare practice. He also holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Tyler has a strong background working with children in school, welfare, and therapy setting, and direct experience with individual and group therapy practices.
Tyler recognizes the many challenges children and families face in their lives and works hard to support them. He takes a strengths-based approach to help develop positivity and instils personal growth in his clients. He has a deep understanding of children’s mental health concerns and aims to help clients develop the skills to overcome them. Tyler has experience utilizing different therapeutic modalities including cognitive behaviour therapy, narrative therapy, emotion focused therapy, and play therapy. He understands the value of trust and strives to establish a strong bond with his clients to provide a safe and healthy environment where they feel comfortable sharing.
He has supported children, youth, families, adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, transitions, behavioural issues, neurodiversity and much more. He looks forward to create a safe and enjoyable space to grow with you in your goals.
Rachelle Cervantes, Child Youth and Family Therapist, MSW, RSW
Rachelle is a graduate from the Faculty of Social Work at The University of Toronto and holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in Health and Mental Health. Prior to this, she completed a double major in Psychology and Sociology at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Starting her career at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), she worked at the hospital in support of clients struggling with mental health and addiction. Rachelle is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Rachelle has a strong background working with children, youth, and adults struggling with mental health, and is committed to creating a non-judgemental space in which they can feel safe, learn, and heal. As a BIPOC individual from A Chinese-Filipina heritage, Rachelle recognizes the importance of working from a strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lens. A majority of Rachelle’s experience comes from working with marginalized and racialized children, youth and their families in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver where she worked as a Lead Youth Leader with at-risk youth and Lead Child-Minder with single parents and their children. This experience deepened her understanding of intergenerational trauma and resilience. In this role and past roles with The Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Coquitlam Schoolboard, and The University of British Columbia,
Rachelle has supported clients experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, ADD, ODD, schizophrenia, bipolar, and various learning disabilities. In addition, Rachelle has experience in individual and group counselling, utilizing a variety of evidence-based perspectives including art therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and motivational interviewing. Rachelle works from a holistic, solution-based approach in which she continuously works to understand her client including their intellectual, emotional, social artistic, and creative abilities. In this manner Rachelle is dedicated to working with her clients to develop their own strengths and tools to approach, navigate and overcome life’s transitions and difficulties, as well as standing alongside them in their accomplishments and what fulfills them.
Eve Kasakevich, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW
Eve earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Windsor and is in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Before pursuing her MSW, she completed a double major in Childhood Studies and Disability Studies from the University of Western Ontario. In her practice, Eve draws upon a range of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and a somatic approach. As a certified yoga instructor, she is passionate about integrating breath-work and mindfulness techniques into her sessions.
Eve specializes in supporting children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioural challenges, social anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, and issues related to anxiety and depression. Her diverse experience has included working as an ABA Therapist, tutor, camp counselor, assistant educator and within hospital and rehabilitation settings.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Eve is eager to create positive, supportive relationships with her clients, empowering them to thrive in their daily lives and become the best versions of themselves.
Kezia Allen, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW
Kezia is a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW, and supporting people through life’s ups and downs is her passion. She received her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Renison University College, attached to UWaterloo, and she also has her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Toronto. She specializes in working with children and families, emphasizing the importance of child development and family system interventions. Coming from a clinical background of working with families within the foster care system and government-funded programs, she knows that families can look like everything and anything!
She utilizes aspects from a series of therapeutic modalities and theories, including Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Attachment Theory. Still, her main focus is you and your needs, she believes therapy shouldn’t use a cookie-cutter approach – one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to your emotional and mental well-being. We are all so different, and we all need a listening ear sometimes and a little extra support other times. Kezia aims to adjust the therapeutic process to fit your needs; together, you can find realistic and specific strategies that work for you.
She is the kind of Social Worker who wants to work with you to develop emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, and stress-management methods that you can keep in your back pocket. Her goal is to help you feel capable of pushing through personal challenges years down the line. As the old proverb goes, teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime – that is the same mentality she uses when working with any of her clients. She offers clinical support coming from Trauma-Informed, Strenghts-Based, and Anti-Oppressive approach – for the young to young at heart, we all could benefit from someone to talk to who will be there for as long as you need - thats what Kezia aims to provide!
Je pouvais aussi vous-aidez en Francais si c’est plus accessible pour vous!"
Loretta Corkum, Social Skills and Emotional Regulation Group Facilitator, CYC CYW
Loretta has a degree in Child and Youth Care with a minor in psychology from Ryerson University. She has experience supporting young people of all ages and abilities in various residential and community-based settings, as well as in after-school programs. She has worked in a variety of programs supporting children and youth with intellectual disabilities and dual diagnoses. Loretta believes these opportunities have given her in-depth knowledge about creating and implementing individualized programs for young people and have also allowed her to develop the creativity and flexibility required to provide young people with daily opportunities for learning and skill-building. She takes a strength-based approach to every aspect of her work and aims to help young people build on their unique strengths. Her belief is that everyone benefits when the voices of young people are valued and she commits to creating safe spaces in which they can develop the pro-social and emotional skills needed to be successful in improving their overall mental health.
Loretta's favorite part of the work she does is being fortunate enough to witness true healing and personal transformation when young people feel understood, respected, and empowered with skills and resources. She loves working with and has a great deal of respect for young people and feels she often learns just as much from them as they do from her. Their unique perspectives and curiosity inspire her daily, and she feel truly grateful to have the privilege of supporting children and youth to grow and achieve their goals.
Martina Santoro, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, MSW RSW
Martina is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) who has extensive experience working alongside children, youth and families using strength-based, client-centred, solution-oriented approaches. Prior to pursing her MSW at York University, Martina completed a BSW with a minor in Psychology to articulate her passion for promoting mental well-being among clients with diverse trauma concerns. Her education, stemming from critical theory, demonstrates her commitment to conceptualizing client experiences within the contexts of the intersectional, systematic barriers they exist within. Martina is equipped with several years of clinical experience in providing therapeutic interventions to youth experiencing complex mental health concerns, diverse physical, emotional and cognitive needs, addictions, and resource management barriers. She has worked within many intervention-based environments including ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board and Peel Children's Aid, where she developed her passion for helping youth and their families manage complex socioeconomic, mental and emotional barriers.
In her practice, Martina places emphasis on coping mechanisms, emotional regulation techniques, and psycho-education that helps clients take leadership of their therapeutic journey. Martina values creating a non-judgemental, explorative safe space where her clients can tap into abundances of empowerment and resilience! She believes that therapy is an integrative, individualized experience that should reflect the client's goals. Her practice is supported by evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational interviewing and Applied Behaviour Analysis. With an extensive background supporting neuro-divergent clients and their families, Martina’s core belief within practice is reflexivity. She acknowledges that therapy can be an uncomfortable experience for clients… thus, welcoming everyone with optimism, active listening, and being receptive to a vast repertoire of therapeutic modalities is what she relies on to foster a transformative experience. Martina celebrates each client’s unique progress and looks forward to curating a therapeutic journey that is fulfilling in every way imaginable!
Liz Tettman, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Liz holds a Master of Social Work from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at University of Toronto and is registered in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. In addition, she received an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science majoring in Child, Youth and Family studies from University of Guelph. Liz is a dedicated learner as she embarks on new opportunities with curiosity and continues to engage in professional development activities.
Liz is a compassionate and committed therapist with experience supporting children, adolescents, parents/caregivers, couples, and families in a variety of community and healthcare settings. She empowers individuals to be leaders in their therapeutic journey, utilizing a client-and family-centered care approach to co-design treatment plans with individuals based on their specific needs, goals, and strengths. She incorporates elements of evidence-based interventions such as Emotion-focused Family Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, while undertaking solution-focused and strengths-based approaches.
Liz specializes in supporting individuals who experience various emotional, behavioural, and social wellbeing concerns. This includes intellectual and developmental disabilities, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and self-worth, emotional regulation difficulties, traumatic experiences, as well as anticipated loss and grief. She also has experience supporting parents/caregivers, couples, and families with family planning, psychoeducation and behaviour management skills, relationship challenges, coping with difficult life transitions, and supporting aging parents. In her recent position at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, she supported children and their parents/caregivers with managing new diagnoses, behaviour management, skill-development, and building their support systems.
Liz believes therapy is a creative and collaborative journey of self-discovery. Using trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices, Liz celebrates individual experiences and goals. She uses a holistic approach to care by appreciating that therapy goes beyond sessions, and seeks to better understand individuals supports systems, interests, culture, and spirituality. Liz creates a safe space where individuals feel supported, empowered, and inspired.
Ryan Ashley, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Ryan graduated with a Masters of Social Work from Carleton University, holds a Social Service Worker Certificate from George Brown College, and a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Psychology from the University of Guelph. He is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) in good standing. Ryan has a vast background working with children, youth, and families in therapeutic and camp settings. He believes his camp experience helped him learn to build rapport quickly, and is a huge asset in making therapy sessions fun, engaging, relatable and effective.
Ryan takes an anti-oppressive, strengths-based approach to therapy, he recognizes the difficulties that children and families can face and tailors his therapeutic approach to best support their needs. Ryan has training in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Theory), and is familiar with EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) Play Therapy and Narrative Therapy. He integrates these different therapies, as well as many others to create a personalised approach that will best support his clients and achieve their goals.
He has supported children, youth, families, and new immigrants in navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, behavioural issues, autism spectrum disorder and more in a variety of settings, spanning from camp, to schools to private practice. Ryan is looking forward to working with new families, growing with, and supporting them in achieving their goals.
Lina Zomparelli, Child, Youth Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW
Lina has an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Social Work (York University), and a Master of Social Work (University of Windsor). She is certified in Trauma Counselling, CBT, DBT, and holds certificates in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Grief and Bereavement, and Infant Mental Health. She takes an integrative, collaborative, and strength-based approach to therapy, focusing on the issues you identify, and leverages the approaches that work best for you. Utilizing CBT/ DBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction techniques, and Solution Focussed Therapy, Lina works with children, youth and families to help individuals achieve their stated goals. She works to build relationships on a strong foundation of trust, commitment, and teamwork.
Lina is a knowledgeable social work professional with in-depth experience working with children & adolescents and providing parent coaching in the areas of affect regulation and impulse control, communication and positive discipline that connects to your child’s heart. She has had the privilege of partnering and providing services to families who experience trauma, grief and other social-emotional issues in a community setting. As a school social worker Lina’s strength-based approach has enabled her to support students with various exceptionalities in developing new skills. Lina has also worked from a trauma and attachment-based perspective, with a focus on women and children.
On your journey together, she will provide you with insights, recommendations, and tools that empower you to build a roadmap leading to increased positive outcomes.
She is backed by solid credentials including registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).
Sarah Taylor Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Sarah Taylor is a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in mental health and social services. She obtained her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Windsor. Sarah has obtained certificates in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Counselling, Mindfulness and Crisis Intervention.
Sarah has extensive experience in community, treatment centres and government settings, working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors. She has helped support clients with various matters, such as life transitions, relationship distress, low self-esteem, anger management, chronic pain, gender identity struggles, developmental disorders, mood and anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, Sarah is passionate about helping others accept and embrace their authentic selves. Known for her genuine, non-judgmental and compassionate style, Sarah’s priority is to create a safe space for her clients to express themselves and achieve their goals. You will often hear her say, “Be you, everyone else is taken!”.
Sarah’s therapeutic approach is client-centered, strengths-based and solution-focused. Her style is flexible; she pulls from a variety of therapeutic modalities to best foster growth in her clients. Sarah will typically utilize a mixture of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy techniques. Sarah works together with her clients to develop an individual therapy plan to ensure their unique needs are considered.
Stephanie Blumenfeld, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW, RSW
In her practice, Stephanie incorporates her innate empathy and unconditional positive regard into each session, promoting a non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences in order to gain insight. Stephanie believes that feeling heard, validated, and understood are essential ingredients for change. She values providing emotional regulation skills that are not only about managing difficult emotions but also about learning how to feel and be in your feelings by supporting clients to connect to themselves and their experience. Her approach to working with children, youth and families is an integrative approach, using a variety of evidence-based modalities such as, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy.
Stephanie holds her Master of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Social Work degree from York University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender and Women’s Studies from York University. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Her education, rooted in critical theory, has provided her with an in-depth understanding of systemic issues which underlie her commitment to supporting children, youth, families and individuals facing a difficult time in their life.
Stephanie’s experience stems from supporting at-risk youth in residential and emergency housing settings with 360 Kids where she provided youth with emotional support, motivation and worked with clients to reduce their risk of harm. She was a part of the team at TDSB, working with children and teens through issues related to self-regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and familial as well as peer conflicts. She worked with parents and their children to develop skills that promote child development and gain tools to cope with mental health distress. She has also worked at an Employee Assistance Program providing counseling for young adults and adults all over the globe who are experiencing a wide array of life changes and distress.
Stephanie is looking forward to collaborating with you to create roadmaps to guide you through barriers and propel you onto a path of wellness, growth, and self-actualization.
NEW PROFILE COMING SOON
NEW PROFILE COMING SOON
Hailey Merten, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Hailey Merten is a Child, Youth and Family Therapist who holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Seneca College, a Bachelor of Social Work from York University, and a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University. In addition she is certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and is passionate about continuing to invest in her professional development. Hailey is recognized as a social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
Hailey has gained diverse professional experience working with individual, family and couples counselling, crisis intervention, social-emotional development, mental health and addictions services, domestic violence, LGBT+ communities, and senior residential services. She has also volunteered at JACS Toronto, as a public speaker and advocate providing education surrounding drug and alcohol abuse in middle schools and high schools.
Hailey’s passion for working with children and youth began when working at a summer camp as a 1:1 counsellor for over 6 years supporting children who have been diagnosed as neurodiverse. She provided her campers with skills to support them with emotional regulation using a creative approach which further sparked her passion for working with children and youth. Hailey has also volunteered with the Make a Wish Foundation and Chai Lifeline supporting families during difficult times. She continued to support children, youth and families in various roles within community mental health before transitioning into private practice.
Hailey understands that there are many obstacles children and families face in their lives. Hailey is dedicated to supporting clients in efforts to change and grow by uncovering their abilities and strengths to overcome challenges. Hailey understands the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance and places emphasis on creating a safe, open, and non-judgmental space to grow, learn and achieve goals. Hailey works from a trauma informed, person-centered, and strength-based lens. Her approach is integrative to help meet each client’s unique needs and she draws from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). She will often incorporate mindfulness exercises and other modalities into sessions as well.
Hailey offers a flexible schedule, including after school and weekend appointments to accommodate.
Rita Da Eira, Child, Youth and Family Therapist, Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Rita holds a BA and Masters in Social work and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Rita has always had a passion for working with children and youth, especially in supporting their overall mental health. She has experience working with children and youth in community-based programs as well as within the school board, working with a variety of age ranges. She has supported a vast range of needs as well, students with mental health and behavioural needs, learning exceptionalities, autism and in social-emotional development.
Rita believes in the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health and highlighting the importance of social-emotional skills building. She works towards creating a space that her clients feel safe in and where they enjoy their time with her, leaving feeling like they acquired new and simplified skills to take into their day to day. Rita understands the importance of educating parents on how to continue the work outside of the office to ensure it is absorbed, especially with the younger kiddos she supports.
Rita always looks forward to meeting new families, building strong and beneficial therapeutic relationships and celebrating the successes with them!
The Founders
Cheri Boros, Co-Founder, Certified Child and Youth Counsellor, CYC, CYW
Cheri Boros is a Certified Child and Youth Worker with over 25 years of clinical and group experience. In addition to being a co-founder of Behaviour Matters, Cheri has worked with children, families and teachers in hospital, educational, day-treatment, mental health and home settings. Her areas of expertise includes developing and implementing effective social skills, self-esteem and anger management group programs for children, as well as working with parents to help them increase and develop positive parenting skills.
Karen Connort, Co-Founder, Certified Child and Youth Counsellor, CYC CYW
Karen Connort is a Certified Child and Youth Worker with over 25 years of clinical and group experience. In addition to being a co-founder of BEHAVIOUR MATTERS, Karen was a member of the Child and Adolescent Health Services team at North York General Hospital, where she was the intake coordinator. Her expertise includes child development and behaviour, providing resource services for families, and developing and implementing dynamic and credible social skills and anger management programs for children.