Our Moderators

​Specialties:

The Autism Group

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Alex was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism later in life and what a beautiful chaos of a journey it's been! In her day job she's a licensed therapist with a trauma-informed, multicultural, existential and humanistic approach that specializes working with ADHD, Autism, and early childhood trauma of neglect and narcissistic abuse. She thoroughly believes that community support, and our peers within, is how we build deeper connections to ourselves and others. Living with Autism can be a lonely and 'othering' experience, especially in a world not built for neurodivergent brains. Autism has been grossly misunderstood by others, which is why she is invested in this moderator role to create and maintain a safe space for us Autistics/individuals living with Autism to process our experiences and view of the world.  Our unique perspectives and varying [special] interests provide depth into who we are as individuals. If you are living with Autism and would like to connect with your peers in this community, we would love to have you! Come as you are, wherever that may be on your journey. No masking necessary, just respect for the group's community guidelines we will create and uphold together

Specialties:

Changing Your Thoughts and Mindset & Depression

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Colleen is a Credentialed Master Coach CMP. She has 30 years' experience of working in and with organizations and focusing on growing people and in turn organizations. She creates a space for people to be vulnerable and and to feel non-judged as they come to terms with change, connection, managing their stress, achieving BIG goals and finding the meaning in their lives

Specialties:

Anxiety & Stress

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Dina is a dedicated psychotherapist-in-training with a deep passion for helping individuals overcome anxiety. Having personally navigated the challenges of anxiety, Dina brings empathy and valuable personal insight into her work. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Psychotherapy, she is committed to equipping you with the tools you need to manage your stress. Dina aspires to specialize in humanistic therapy and trauma informed care, creating a compassionate space for healing and growth. In her downtime, she enjoys unwinding with her pets, rewatching comfort sitcoms, and collecting trinkets

Specialties:

ADHD Peer Support Group

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Harris is the Co-founder of ADHD Toronto and the Organizer of the Toronto Adult ADHD Support Group. Recognising the need for affordable Adult ADHD support, Harris launched ADHD Toronto in 2018 to support the countless individuals who are uninsured, unable to afford the high cost of private treatment or navigating the medical system. He is committed to helping others develop healthy habits without paying thousands

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Specialties:

First Gen Connect: Support group for First generation young adults

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Kelly's therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a strong, collaborative relationship with her clients, where healing and growth are co-created. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic approaches through a holistic lens, focusing on mind-body connection. Kelly is dedicated to creating an open and inclusive space where individuals not only feel heard but are understood and valued. Her goal is to empower you by honoring your unique experiences and guiding them toward personal growth and self-discovery at a pace that feels right for them. Kelly has experience working with diverse clients and is working to specialize her skills with the adolescent and young adult population facing life transitions, stressors, and family dynamics in the NYC area. She also focuses on clients within the Latinx community and first generation adults. Kelly is supervised by Rebecca Pistocchi, LMHC. In her free time, Kelly enjoys listening to music, reading, catching up on her favorite TV shows, and spending time with friends and family

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Specialties:

Managing Bipolar to Live Your Best Life

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Matthew is a mental health peer-support specialist, nonprofit leader, educator, and author living in the suburbs of Washington, DC. As a person with lived experience, Matthew uses his own story as a channel for others to heal through. Professionally, Matthew commits his time and energy to expand opportunities for professionals with mental illness in the DC Metro area and across the US. He’ll be running "Managing Bipolar to Live your Best Life" group Tuesdays at 5:30pm ET, once per month

Specialties:

Anxiety and Stress & Autism

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Mike's a believer that harmony lies in imperfection and impermanence - he's equally a believer that Daffy Duck is better than Bugs Bunny and Metallica's St. Anger is actually decent. A geeky, straight edge, introverted, rough-around-the-edges creative who found purpose in peer-support, Mike strives to utilize his lived experiences with suicide, depression, anorexia, and late-diagnosed autism to arm others with the tools he so desperately lacked; acting as a walking marquee to the importance of shared stories and that the capacity for betterment exists within the individual. In particular, he's a devotee to the potential art and media hold in mental recovery and connecting to the existential parts within yourself. He invites everyone, no matter how much of an outsider they may view themselves, no matter how lost or "different" they may feel, to join for a chat in the safety of being authentically themselves

Specialties:

The Women's Group for Self-Love and Self-Esteem

 

Monique Wischusen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the state of Georgia who specializes in Women's Therapy. Monique has been working in the mental health field for over 13 years and runs her virtual private practice Aspire Counseling, LLC. She is also an adjunct professor for the Psychology Department at Southen New Hampshire University. Monique is passionate about supporting women of all ages and stages. She is married and a mother to her 6-year-old daughter and two dogs: Bruce and Clark. Monique loves to read comics, salsa dance, and play tennis in her off time.

Specialties:

 Healing and Recovery from Trauma, Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Group and The India Group

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Simran is a graduate student currently pursuing a Master of Psychology (MPsy) at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. With an MSc in clinical psychology from India and a background in English lit, she brings a diverse academic foundation to her work. She has experience providing mental health support in community settings. She believes in the power of psychoeducation to foster awareness and facilitate positive change. She advocates for a client-focused approach, empowering individuals to find their own solutions while creating a safe and supportive environment

Specialties:

Anxiety & Stress

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Suramya has an expertise of working with issues of transitional age, 5+ years of working with adolescents and young adults who never cease to impress her. She has successfully handled both clinical and non-clinical issues; such as anxiety, trauma, adjustment issues, peer relationships, transitional challenges, to name a few. With the experience of working in high paced, extremely demanding clinical settings she has thoroughly polished her skills of initial interview, assessments and several modes of therapy such as Narrative, EFT, SFBT, Mindfulness, Art & Play therapy. She loves the challenges of working in the mental health industry as it only makes her a better professional and better person

​Specialties:

Male Survivors of Abuse

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Brian was brought up in the care system / various children's homes as a child. As a child, Brian was sexually abused multiple times by those professionals caring for him. As a teenager, Brian turned to alcohol to block out the child abuse and had many suicide attempts before becoming homeless at 16 years of age. Brian became alcohol dependent for 20+  years alongside many years of an abusive relationship prior to being given 6 months life expectancy in March 2005. After an emergency admission to an alcohol treatment clinic on 30th June 2005, Brian had an alcohol detox and is now 19 years in recovery/ alcohol free. Over the last 19 years, Brian has trained in mental health, addictions and suicide prevention  / suicide awareness helping hundreds over the years.  The last few years Brian has set up an organisation- BraveHearts (SCOTLAND) - A SafeHaven For Male Survivors of Abuse " to support other male survivors of abuse, including domestic abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse and child abuse. Brian wants to support as many male survivors of abuse as he can, and now offering his support through Pay What You Can Peer Support where you can pay what you can afford.  No Questions Asked. Register and Brian will get in touch to chat briefly prior to your first time attending the group

Specialties:

The Women's Group for Self-Love and Self-Esteem and Grief

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Daphne is a compassionate peer support specialist who supports others who wish to implement a wellness-oriented lifestyle. She believes that everyone can achieve wellness, both personally and professionally. Daphne has over 20 years of providing training programs that promote growth,  empowerment, and teamwork. She believes people have the ability to achieve anything when they receive the right support and leadership. 

 

Daphne’s passion is to promote people’s wellness and boost employee satisfaction. She has co-authored a national warm-line training for people who want to transform their lives. She has a knack for helping others who need a new way to live. Daphne has offered her expertise in co-creating the nation’s first Integrated Forensic Peer Support Curriculum, and she believes in the power of togetherness and collaboration. Daphne is also the author of "365 Days of Peer Support: Sharing Hope Through Experience." 

Specialties:

Depression & Eating Disorders

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Elena Hatzakos is a Licensed Clinician and an Advanced Life Coach who founded a practice that merges the two fields meant to improve one's quality of life. Elena, a veteran of the field for over a decade is also a mommy of two boys. She is here to help you build a network of support to keep you grounded and loving all aspects of your life

Specialties:

Adult Independence After College

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India approaches each session with a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy. She believes that one of the best ways to get through things is to talk through it and make space. India understands that seeking therapy or help can be hard, especially if there is stigma surrounding it, and hopes to help young adults navigate through these times. She works to ensure a positive relationship with trust built with compassion, understanding, and active listening to provide the best care. When she's not working, India enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, and playing with her dogs

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Specialties:

Living with Chronic Pain, Illness & Disability

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 Laura created this session which is close to heart, as she has personal experience with it, “Living with Chronic Illness and Disability”. Laura is a Certified Social Worker and Grief Therapist with extensive knowledge and experience in research and counselling in the fields of aging, disability and rehabilitation. Laura is experienced in psychosocial/psychoeducational assessment, counselling, practicing as a group facilitator and experienced lecturer

Specialties:

Find Your Next Step- Life Design and Direction

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Maurice Thibodeau is a creator and a connector. As a Certified Master Hypnotherapist trained in Accelerated Emotional Release Therapy and a professional facilitator, Maurice's magic is in his ability to connect with people and pull out their wisdom. In a session with Maurice, you'll know more about yourself and have greater clarity of where to go next. He sees his job as partnering with you to find it what you need most. In group sessions, all participants benefit from the process, each learning and being present for the others.  Maurice is a father of 3, husband of one, a lover of animals and nature, with a passion for business and entrepreneurship. He loves connecting with people and making ideas come alive. He lives on 80 acres North of Winnipeg, MB, where they host festivals and private personal development retreats in the summer. He is the creator of the Life Inventory Assessment - an assessment that helps individuals become clear on their life priorities and direction

Specialties:

LGBTQ+ Group​

Michael is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a BS degree in Business Administration. Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael has lived in all four corners of America: New Jersey/New York, Nevada, Washington and now calls North Carolina his home. Michael is a longtime advocate for equity and inclusion for everyone not just some. Michael believes that the best way to fight injustice, discrimination and oppression is through education coupled with meeting people where they are at. When we no longer come from the opinions of “right and wrong” we have a much greater freedom to be with others thus opening the door to meaningful and enlightening conversation. Michael is also an active volunteer for Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Recently retired, Michael also enjoys traveling and has been actively engaged with Animal Rescue over the past 25 years. Michael’s motto has always been “Change cannot and does not happen by being silent”.

 He and his husband David will be celebrating 30 years together in May 2025

Specialties:

Emotions Unfiltered

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Olga is a licensed professional counselor in private practice. She is deeply passionate about mental health and believes that emotional intelligence is one of the most powerful and transformative skills a person can develop. Over time, she has committed to studying psychology, exploring various cultures and belief systems, and deepening her understanding of the human experience. This dedication to learning has shaped her holistic and integrative approach to therapy. In her practice, Olga works with individuals, couples, and families, helping them develop self-awareness, enhance communication, and strengthen their emotional intelligence. She employs evidence-based strategies and mindfulness techniques to support clients in navigating life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience. Believing that true transformation starts from within, she empowers her clients to deepen their emotional insight and foster lasting personal growth in a meaningful and sustainable way

Specialties:

 Depression

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Spencer is a long-time spiritual seeker and current Mental Health Substance Use Clinician in Kelowna, British Columbia. Initially planning to build a career in education Spencer worked in the United Kingdom, remote indigenous communities and in Canada providing different forms of educational programming. In his early 20s he began to suffer from addiction/mental health challenges which seemed untreatable. Through a holistic wellness approach Spencer was able to achieve his wellness goals and transcend his previous level of functioning. Having gone through severe addiction/mental health challenges first hand and its subsequent recovery he transitioned into providing MHSU treatment in 2020 to help others move through a similar journey. Outside of this he is passionate about locally grown, home-cooked food, poetry/art, community and terrible "Dad jokes". Where do babies go after a peak-a-boo accident? The I.C.U...

Specialties:

Relationships

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Witnessing many in a cycle of exhaustion, having to separate from reality to continue on, and wondering why they are unhappy, Vera believes to be suffering in an ailing society is a human experience, not a personal deficiency. Vera believes in holistic health, seeking to help you address all of the avenues that contribute to your well-being. She approaches therapy from an empathic lens, drawing from elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution-focused therapy, and psychodynamic approaches to help you adapt to and cope with issues you are facing. She provides an open space for you to express yourself fully and empowers you with the tools you need to achieve your treatment goals because she recognizes toxic positivity under the guise of “optimism,” disregards the lived experiences of real people. Vera is dedicated to maintaining a non-judgemental space, balancing self-acceptance with self-improvement.

Vera has experience working with individuals and couples facing stressors, life transitions, and other issues. She also has experience working with diverse clients, with LGBT-affirming care. She shares a passion for helping people explore their sexuality and work on their relationships, fostering a space for vulnerability and authenticity. Influenced by feminist, counterculture, and alternative subcultures, Vera understands what it feels like to be on the outside and is committed to welcoming and supporting people from all walks of life. Vera is supervised by Rebecca Pistocchi, LMHC.

During her free time, Vera loves listening to music, reading, shopping, exercising, and cleaning up the environment

​Specialties:

Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Group and Healing and Recovery from Trauma

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Charlotte Munro is a former graduate of the Child and Youth Worker program at Fanshawe College and is currently an undergrad in the Indigenous Social Work program at Laurentian University. As a person with lived experience, Charlotte actively participates in patient engagement and has presented at addiction medicine conferences, co-authored opioid-related research and advised on drug policies. She is a SMBC (single mother by choice), an independent program facilitator, supporting individuals with barriers and their families, and a volunteer in various capacities. As a social justice advocate in her community, she promotes peer support, harm reduction, trauma-informed approaches and works to address social inequalities in marginalized populations. She is also an artist, mixed media creator, and avid vinyl collector

Specialties:

OCD

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Dedric runs the OCD session Fridays at 7pm ET. Dedric is a Clinician at The OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center in Salt Lake City, Utah and does CBT, among much else with those suffering from OCD

Specialties:

Managing Bipolar to Live Your Best Life, OCD and Relationships

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Guerin is 30 years old and currently lives in Heber City, UT. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University in Child and Family Development and has worked with children for 10+ years, primarily as a behavior technician for individuals with autism. She is currently a graduate student at the University of the Southwest studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She's struggled with ADD, major depressive disorder, anxiety and OCD before finally receiving a bipolar diagnosis in 2021. Surprisingly this diagnosis changed her life for the better. Through both cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy as well as the support of family and friends, she has gained better insight into herself and her relationships. She wants to share this insight with others and instill hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. She is passionate about connecting with others through shared experiences and creating a safe environment where people can explore difficult thoughts and feelings. She believes in the power of empathy and authenticity and will take a teamwork approach to promote healing, confidence, and hope for the future

Specialties:

OCD

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Jessica is a dedicated mental health advocate and resident of Tennessee who has turned her personal struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) into a mission to help others. Jessica has navigated the complexities of OCD, including pure obsessional, existential, religious, contamination, and harm OCD. Her journey towards healing began with effective treatment from an OCD specialist, which sparked her passion for advocating for Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Jessica is currently pursuing further education in the mental health field, broadening her understanding of psychology, and deepening her expertise in various therapeutic approaches. Jessica finds solace and joy in music. She enjoys playing the guitar, which serves as both a creative outlet and a therapeutic activity

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Specialties:

OCD

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Lydia Davies is 34 years old and lives on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She remembers having symptoms of OCD since the age of 5, yet was only diagnosed at 24. She has attended the Friday night OCD support group since November 2021, & loves to connect with & support others who are on a similar journey to her. She has struggled extensively with her own somatic OCD, religious OCD/scrupulosity, "just right" OCD, dermatillomania (Compulsive skin picking), & has tasted and can relate to most of the other various subtypes of OCD, including sexually intrusive thoughts. She was able to get specialised OCD treatment in 2021, & has since managed to overcome a lot of her OCD, although it is still something she deals with & attempts to manage daily. She was able to share her Story on The OCD Stories podcast in Jan 2023. She loves drawing, surfing, hiking, & spending time at the local bird sanctuary

Specialties:

OCD 

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Melissa runs her OCD session Mondays at Noon ET. She 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 is trained in Exposure with 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

Specialties:

Female Singlehood in 30s​

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Molly believes in helping her clients achieve short-term relief while working through mid- and long-term goals using elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and strengths-based approaches. Her goal is to provide a warm environment where clients feel supported and can experience therapy at their own speed. Molly is interested in working with people from all backgrounds and situations and she has experience with life transitions, career issues, grief and loss, caregiving and chronic illness, and relationship and family dynamics. She believes in each human’s inherent value and that everyone deserves to have someone “in their corner.’ In her free time, Molly practices yoga and loves to surf. She enjoys scary movies, local coffee shops, road trips, and stand-up comedy

Specialties:

Integrating Well-Being and Resilience

 

​Sara thrives at the intersection of people, ideas, and technology, with a passion for bringing clarity and meaning to everything she works on. She loves simplifying complex ideas and ensuring communication feels human and authentic. Pulling from resources with creativity, she is dedicated to a life of recovery and service. As a fellow human being, Sara values curiosity and diverse perspectives, encouraging everyone to share their unique voices and insights. Whether guiding discussions or sharing from her lived experience, Sara fosters genuine dialogue that inspires meaningful, purpose-driven change

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Specialties:

Thriving in Business and in Life

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Steve discovered his calling at a young age and is now on a mission to share his secret sauce for success. He thrives on forging meaningful connections, sharing referrals, and watching people flourish. His contagious passion for the Law of Increase makes his podcast "Doing Business with a Servant's Heart" so successful. This show is chock-full of inspiring stories about overcoming challenges and serving others. Steve has a knack for spreading good vibes and elevating those around him. He learned from his dad that the entrepreneurial spirit is a great way to make money. He shares stories of how people serve, struggle, and win. We must overcome something, so why not learn to serve and overcome it much faster? He learned early on the importance of customer service. He knew the more he served, the more it was a win-win for everyone. He enjoys working with people, referring people, and helping people grow. The Law of Increase is his mission when he networks around the world.  

He loves to mentor businesspeople and offer all the resources he has. To win, you must grow yourself first; then, you can share this with others! And he is an avid reader and resides in San Diego, California