When we are stressed,
we are not our best selves.
Ripple Effect Services can help you navigate those difficult times.
Our History
Bringing together over 70 combined years of experience working within various mental health settings, Lisa and Ron founded Ripple Effect Services in 2018 to share their enthusiasm for relational, neurologically informed approaches. Their passions for self-development and continued learning have coalesced to create the Ripple Effect Model.
If you are seeking help for yourself or someone in your life, contact us today to discover how we can support your personal journey.
Values
Safety & Connection
We work towards creating a societal climate of safety, connection, and harmony where the uniqueness and vibrancy of people is recognized and celebrated.
We encourage awareness of how our human responses and actions reveal our ancestral histories, past traumas, and unconscious biases.
Anti-Oppression
We strive for humility, compassion, brave conversations, and deep curiosity of ourselves and others. We believe these qualities are the routes of change for societal injustices.
Diversity & Inclusion
We acknowledge the injustice of privileges granted to us through the ongoing systemic oppression of Indigenous, Black, racialized peoples, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people and 2SLGBTQI+ folx everywhere.
Courtney Chow, RP, R-DMT
Courtney is a registered psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counselling and Dance/Movement Therapy. Courtney’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with other body-based and artistic forms of healing.
Fareezeh Avari, LMSW, RSW
With a deep understanding of the South Asian community, I am committed to supporting you in a journey towards self-awareness and healing. I speak Urdu, Gujarti and English. I create a space where healing can take place, self-discovery is enhanced and growth becomes a natural outcome.
Whether you are facing specific challenges or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, my goal is to guide you toward greater clarity, self-compassion, and empowerment. Together, we can navigate the roadblocks in life and help you tap into your fullest potential.
Ashlee Parker MSW, BSW, RSW
Ashlee is a clinical social worker with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work. She believes in the power of an authentic human connection and employs a stance with clients that positions them as the experts of their own lives yet also works to foster growth and insight. Ashlee is passionate about mind-body informed approaches that promote strength, resilience, and wellness.
Nancy Marshall, PhD, MA CYC, RSW
Nancy holds a BA and MA in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University. In 2024, she earned a doctoral degree from York University in the Faculty of Education with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming care for autistic young people. She has over 20 years experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent young people and their families in school and community settings. Her therapeutic approaches with all young people are playful, relational, emotion-focused, and polyvagal-informed.
Kelly Cassano, MSc, CYW, CYCP
Kelly holds a MSc in CYC and has spent the last 20 years learning from resilient and bright young people in the field of Child and Youth Care, in both direct practice and management. She has also spent over 12 years teaching in Child and Youth Care programs, where her students continue to inspire her work.
Lisa Marucci, CCW, MSW, RSW
Lisa is a Master’s level clinician with degrees from U of T in the Masters of Social Work Women’s Collaborative Program, an Honours BA in Women’s Studies from York University, and a diploma from George Brown College as a Child Care Worker. Lisa has been an Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University for 17 years, and has operated a private child and adult clinical Social Work practice in Toronto since 2001.
Anika Edwards, RECE, RP(Q)
Anika exemplifies a dynamic new therapist. Her passion for assisting folks of all ages is informed by her years of understanding human growth and development. Anika's fervor for establishing a secure and nurturing environment is unparalleled. With her on your team individuals can experience an empowering relationship wherein they can take the lead to towards their own path to growth and health.
Ron Old, BA, CYC
Ron Old has worked as a Child and Youth Care Worker in a variety of settings since 1980. He has a diploma in Child and Youth Work from George Brown College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Counselling from Toronto Metropolitan University, and is a part-time Instructor in the Child and Youth Care Program at Humber College since 2006.
Shaun Mazzocca, RP(Q), CCC
Shaun specializes in working with creatives, performers and athletes. As a qualifying Registered Psychotherapist, he has an understanding of creative individuals and unconventional lifestyles. Shaun approaches therapy with an understanding of unique individual traumas that contribute to the development of behaviour patterns that can sometimes keep us stuck in life, relationships, and career.
Sophie Mihevc BSW, MSW Intern
Sophie is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at York University and is thrilled to be completing her practicum with Ripple Effect! She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and has gained valuable experience working with children and youth in various settings, including nature-based programs and grief support. Sophie is passionate about fostering relationships that help children and youth feel supported, engaged, and empowered.
Reduced Fee Sessions available between Januray - June 2025
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Katherine Borak, CYW, BA CYC, MEd, PhD, RSW (pending)
Katherine is a highly experienced Child and Youth Care Practitioner with a commendable 25-year track record in diverse clinical environments focused on children, youth, and families. Her extensive career has been predominantly dedicated to inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry and instructing in post-secondary education, specifically within Child and Youth Care Programs. Katherine holds both an Advanced Diploma and a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Youth Care. Additionally, she has earned a Master's Degree and a PhD from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education-University of Toronto. Continuously motivated by the students she instructs and the youth and families with whom she collaborates in practice, Katherine remains steadfast in her commitment to enhancing the well-being of those she serves.
Christina Lee, MA, RP, DTATI
Christina is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Master’s in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and a Professional Art Therapy designation. She believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to explore personal challenges in an empathic, non-judgmental, and collaborative space. She has worked at the Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre to support families who are experiencing serious illness, grief, and bereavement.
Sophie Mihevc BSW, MSW Intern
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Sophie is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at York University and is thrilled to be completing her practicum with Ripple Effect! She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and has gained valuable experience working with young people in various settings, including nature-based programs and grief support. Sophie is passionate about fostering relationships that help folks feel supported, engaged, and empowered.
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Reduced Fee Sessions available between Januray - June 2025
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