About Us
Shelley Cook, Registered Social Worker (RSW) (AccFM)
Shelley Cook (Owner and Director) is a Registered Social Worker with a Graduate Diploma Degree in Clinical Behavioral Sciences. She has received the designation of Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM) by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. Her mediation/arbitration training has included University of Waterloo Conrad Grebel College and Kompass Professional.
Shelley leads a team of associates in a private setting and has established a thriving practice providing service to clients throughout parts of Canada in English and French.
She has developed a particular expertise in issues regarding children in the area of separation and divorce, families of origin and blended families. Shelley was a part-time professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario at the Centre for Continuing Education Department for several years in their Family Mediation Department Certificate Program. She is a frequent presenter on topics related to issues pertaining to the effects of separation and divorce on children and related services ranging from expert consultation to lawyers and separation planning as well as parenting plans.
Treatment plans are built using a variety of approaches to address each client’s needs and goals, using
various therapeutic perspectives.
Finally, if you feel that you simply need to consult with Shelley for the purpose of obtaining helpful information and advice based on her research and experience in the separation and divorce process and how to help the children, she would be glad to provide insight into the child’s experience surrounding the process.
Lorraine DeVrye, Office Administrator
Lorraine’s administrative experience encompass working within large corporations to small private companies. Lorraine’s strength in administration has followed her with employment across different fields and she brings this experience with her to the practice of social work and mediation.
Lorraine is responsible for the administrative operations of the practice, but even more rewarding, she enjoys talking to clients, long-standing and new, to see how we can best help them through any difficulties they may be experiencing. “It’s important to let people know that no matter what they are facing, they are not alone and that there is hope. They don’t have to go through this on their own.”
Gina Ranger, Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Gina Ranger is a Registered Psychotherapist who has been working with children and families for over 30 years. Gina has been a trainer for the Children’s Aid Society for 5 years and an instructor at McMaster University Continuing Education for 15 years within the Women and Violence Careworker Program, Police Studies Program and the Family Mediation Program. Her areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, separation, divorce and blended family support. Gina works with children, adolescents and adults. She has been married to her husband Steve for 28 years and together they have 4 grown children.
Gina is currently not accepting new clients.
Annette Sayes, Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Annette is an MSW in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers who has experience working with people from childhood through to late adulthood. She particularly enjoys working with families, teens, and young adults and has done numerous trainings in trauma treatment for both children and adults. Annette also is able to provide therapy in Spanish and French to people from diverse backgrounds.
Holly Stoodley, Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Holly Stoodley is a Registered Social Worker and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She specializes in working with children, youth, and young adults. Holly’s training and experience include positions within the non-profit sector and private practice.
Holly has a special interest in using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in supporting mental wellness. She has a unique awareness into the underpinnings of the emotional and behavioural challenges that would include dealing with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), eating disorders, low self esteem and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). Holly’s training also includes developmental and strength-based approaches. She likes to help her clients to build their own insight to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In addition, Holly has an extensive background working with complex family situations that would include separation and
divorce, blended families and parent/child conflict.
Holly is currently supporting clients both in office and online. She is a Non-Insured Health Benefits (NHIB) Mental Health Counselling Provider for First Nations and Inuit individuals. Formore information and to find out if you are eligible for NHIB benefits, please contact our office and ask to speak to our office administrator.