Susan Kay
MSc., RP, RMFT
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Registered Psychotherapist Registered Marriage & Family Therapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 1
Susan welcomes the opportunity to work with individuals, couples and families as they seek to face the challenges that life can bring, and enhance their individual, family and relational experience. She is excited to celebrate the journey and growth of those she has the privilege to work with. Susan has had a long-standing passion to facilitate awareness, understanding, and healing in the lives of people.
She returned to school as an adult to pursue this passion and completed her Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Waterloo. She received her Master of Science degree at the University of Guelph in the Couple and Family Therapy Program. This program is recognized in Canada in its uniqueness as it educates and trains therapists by integrating contemporary theory with strength-based perspectives that respect the diverse experiences and communities of clients.
Susan is particularly skilled in her ability to develop strong therapeutic relationships that are grounded in respect, a non-judgmental stance, and genuineness. As a person, she is warm, empathetic, sensitive, patient, flexible and committed to celebrating the uniqueness of each individual situation. She is also dedicated to her own lifelong learning through clinical advancement for her personal journey and for the benefit of those who share their lives with her. Her life experience, coupled with the intense and sophisticated training she has obtained contributes to her ability to be a highly effective therapist with individuals, couples and families.
Susan is an actively involved mother of three adult children (plus mother in law to one in the bonus round!) who are well on their way to become independent and thriving adults, she is also cherishing her role as 'Grandma'. She enjoys time spent with family, great friends, fabulous food and she loves to travel. Susan is an avid gardener and finds time spent outdoors to be therapeutic and relaxing.
Sandy Broad
MPS, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Spiritual Care Practitioner, Certified
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 6
Sandy had the privilege and determination to return to school after working in the not-for-profit sector for many years. Her own sensitivities and experience with grief and bereavement were a catalyst for her interest in personal suffering and trying to find meaning in the midst of life’s challenges. She completed a Master of Pastoral Studies, specializing in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto.
Sandy is a Spiritual Care Practitioner certified with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care. Spiritual Care emphasizes wholeness as the individual works towards healing spiritually, emotionally and relationally. Sandy is also a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and utilizes both spiritual care and psychotherapy when working with individuals and families.
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Much of Sandy’s time is spent supporting the spiritual and psycho-social well-being of individuals and families in both a residential and community hospice in Toronto. Many of her clients are those who are facing the end of their own life, grieving the loss of loved ones, or providing support to caregivers.
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Sandy has engaged in her own development towards self-understanding, acceptance and a deep personal spirituality in individual psychotherapy, as well as reflection, education and training. She has gained significant insight and has a passion for working with individuals who are committed to asking the tough questions and learning to live in the reality of their circumstances. Sandy honours the individual’s decision to choose their own path and respects the uniqueness and diversity that her private practice clients bring to their own journey.
Sandy is a warm, genuine and empathic person, and brings these qualities to her work in psychotherapy. She deeply appreciates the journey of discovery, insight and growth that occurs as she and her clients work together in a collaborative process.
Sandy and her husband of over 35 years have raised two children and are now experiencing a family of 10. She enjoys a variety of creative outlets including singing, watercolour painting and quilting, all of which replenish her in ways that are helpful personally and professionally.
Jeff Dienesch
MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 9
Jeff Dienesch is a registered psychotherapist providing individual, couples and family therapy. Jeff holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Religious Education from Emmanuel Bible College and a MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. He is a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Counsellors, Consultants, Psychometrists and Psychologists and is a registered member with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Jeff also has a background in business including customer service, sales and franchise ownership.
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Jeff draws from vast experiences and training in different modalities including CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy), EFT (emotion-focused therapy) and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). Jeff’s deep compassion and love for people is powerfully motivating for him. Specific areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, anger management, grief and loss, couple conflict and communication, parenting and family conflict resolution.
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Jeff and his wife Cathy have been married for 35 years and love the time they get to spend with their kids and grandchildren.
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In his spare time, Jeff enjoys sports, especially golf, and finding time to read a good book. He and his family also love to travel, attend concerts and view sporting events together.
Colleen Kennedy
BCC, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 8
When life feels out of control and you feel stuck in unhealthy patterns, Colleen’s passion is to restore hope that change is possible. As a registered psychotherapist (RP), Colleen supports her clients to find a new zeal for life through developing a strengthened sense of self and healthy relationships. Working from an integrative counselling perspective to best meet her client’s needs, she is foundationally emotion-focused in her counselling approach. She sees relational connection through the lens of attachment and enjoys supporting her clients to understand their attachment style and how it plays out in their relationship dynamics everyday. She treats clients who are suffering from a variety of issues, and specifically with traumatic stress, with empirically validated approaches to treatment, such as cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), and polyvagal techniques. She further uses eye-movement, desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and the creative, non-verbal approach of sandtray therapy, allowing her clients to experience relief and hope again in their life and relationships. Deeply committed to her client’s healing and growth, she has a compassionate style of counselling, and provides support and treatment for adult individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Colleen has helped individuals and couples in the areas of anxiety and depression, relationships and marriage, parenting, self-esteem and shame, abuse and trauma, sexuality, stage of life adjustments, grieving and loss, emotional awareness and regulation, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues and life stressors. Seeing treatment as a holistic journey, and as a therapist who is a Christian, she also has a passion for supporting clients who would like to explore matters of faith and incorporate it into counselling, with a focus on relationship with God and spiritual growth.
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Colleen has a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counselling (MA, Liberty University), and is a registered psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She further has a 3-year diploma in Bible and theology, and a bachelor’s degree in Christian counselling (BCC, Canada Christian College). Other professional qualifications include certificates and training in EMDR, mindfulness, sexual relationship issues, sandtray therapy, child-parent relationship therapy (CPRT), and emotion-focused therapy (EFT). She is a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP).
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Further, Colleen has been married for over 40 years, and as a mother of three adult children and a grandmother, has much practical experience in raising children from infancy to adulthood. Reading a good book, listening to music, photography, gardening, hiking and canoeing, and spending time with her family, are all things Colleen enjoys in her spare time.
Tara Lalonde
PhD, OAMHP
Registered Psychotherapist
Email correspondence only.
Tara brings over 20 years of experience in private practice as a psychotherapist. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with individual adults and couples navigating a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges. Her deep compassion and heart for hurting people allow her to form strong connections with clients — offering them hope, perspective, insight, and lasting change.
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Specializing in Trauma Recovery
Today, Tara’s practice is focused exclusively on trauma recovery. She works with clients who suspect or recognize that their present struggles may stem from unresolved past experiences, traumatic events, or limiting beliefs formed earlier in life. These challenges may manifest as resurfacing memories, irritability, overwhelming guilt or shame, intense fears or insecurities, or patterns of unhealthy and codependent relationships.
Tara’s approach is deeply client-centered. She creatively integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities to help individuals reach their healing goals, including:
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Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Sand-tray Therapy
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Mindfulness
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Integrated Marital Intensive Therapy (IMIT)
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Christian spiritual growth strategies
Faith-Integrated Therapy
Tara has a special passion for working with clients who wish to incorporate their Christian faith into their therapeutic journey. With both of her degrees earned from Christian institutions, she brings rich insight and understanding from her theological training. She especially enjoys helping clients explore the connection between their faith and how modern science increasingly affirms biblical truths and God’s design for healing and wholeness.
Credentials and Professional Memberships
Tara holds a PhD in Professional Counselling from Liberty University and a Master of Divinity in Professional Counselling from Tyndale Seminary. She is a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP).
Tara is known for her respectful and accepting presence, offering clients a safe and welcoming environment. Her approach is marked by warmth, wisdom, and grace—combined with gentle but honest truths.
Author & Speaker
Tara is the author of An Unexpected Freedom and co-author of Empowered to Love. She has been a featured guest on 100 Huntley Street, The 700 Club, and Focus on the Family Broadcast. She also produced a 6-session trauma series with Focus on the Family Canada.
Outside of her professional life, Tara has been happily married for over 20 years. She enjoys reading, puzzling, traveling, hiking, quiet retreats, and spending time with family and friends.
You can schedule an initial consultation or book an appointment with Tara at https://taralalonde.janeapp.com
Melanie Moses
RN, BScN
Registered Psychotherapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 2
Melanie is both a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Nurse, working for the last 13 years in the field of Public Health and currently as a home visit nurse supporting families during the perinatal period.
Melanie has specialized training working with women during the perinatal period, trauma, anxiety, depression, couples, and neurodivergence. Melanie is skilled in and enjoys supporting people with their self-esteem, shame, trauma and anxiety.
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From her own experiences and the experiences of some of those closest to her, Melanie believes that mental health exists on a continuum and that what impacts a person’s mental health is a unique and subjective experience. While every person will have their mental health affected at some point in their life, some at multiple points, every person is able to achieve mental health.
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Melanie believes that every behaviour stems from a need, and it is often through uncovering that need and understanding its roots that shame is lifted and change is made possible.
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Melanie will work with you to instill hope, create, and sustain change that will help you find joy, peace, and excitement in your life and recognize the unique gifts that exist within you.
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Melanie has been married for 14 years and is the mother of three children, 12 and under, and five fur babies: an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie named Gracie and four lion-head bunnies. She can be described as warm, caring, compassionate, authentic, sincere, nonjudgmental, and empathic. Her interests include spending time with family, the outdoors, hiking, reading, and travelling.
Leslie Mountjoy
BRE, MDiv
Registered Psychotherapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 3
Leslie is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Leslie recognizes that life is a process, or a journey with highs and lows that sometimes challenge us. It is her goal to come alongside each of her clients with compassion and respect to help them meet their goals, accentuate their strengths and find freedom.
As young as a child, Leslie recognized she was a helper - friends would often come to her for support and when faced with a crisis, Leslie was never afraid to jump right in to help. This calling grew and she enrolled in Social Service Worker program. For years, Leslie worked part time and raised her children, while the calling to therapy never relented. Finally, with more life experience under her, Leslie returned to school getting her Bachelor’s degree, and her Masters in Clinical Counselling right after.
Leslie passionately tells people how much she loves therapy, and being a therapist. She feels her role at Evergreen is one that brings her much joy, and has a deep appreciation for each of her clients and the role she gets to play in their life. She recognizes that therapy can be uncomfortable, and she strives to bring a non-judgemental, supportive, and collaborative approach to her therapeutic relationships. Having overcome many of her own struggles, she appreciates the delicate position clients are in when they come to therapy and her empathy for all clients demonstrates this.
Leslie enjoys working with adults of all ages, individuals and couples. She appreciates the worldview of each client - coming from their own family of origin, social identity, experiences, and core beliefs. She is sensitive to the diverse experiences that each client brings with them to therapy. Leslie is a naturally encouraging person, and this helps her facilitate growth and change in her clients. She has completed training in EMDR and is always trying to learn new tools to best support her clients.
During her personal time, Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband of over fifteen years, Matt, and their four children. She loves to camp, travel, and drink a warm tea on her back deck. Leslie enjoys staying up to date on recent events, learning new things, and shamelessly cheers for the Leafs hoping to one day see her loyalty pay off.
You can schedule an initial consultation or book an appointment with Leslie at https://alongthewaycounselling.janeapp.com/
Darlene Peel
MDiv, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 4
Darlene's work with individuals and families began over twenty-five years ago. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Tyndale Seminary, Toronto, where she majored in Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy. In addition to being a therapist, she is also a certified teacher in Ontario with a focus in Special Education. She has a wealth of experience working with children, youth, and families.
As a professional counsellor Darlene has helped clients with: loss and grief, couple conflict and communication, stress management, addictions, mood and anxiety disorders, parenting, family dynamics, trauma and abuse, life transitions, and self-esteem. An area of particular interest for Darlene is working with families who have children, teens, and young adults with developmental differences.
Darlene's own story of healing and personal growth has instilled within her a deep compassion for those who are struggling. She uses a non-judgmental and goal-oriented approach, combined with empathy and a sense of humour, which offers her clients a refreshing perspective on difficult issues. Darlene's extensive knowledge of health and wellness supports and community resources provides her clients with an integrative approach to growth and change. It is her sincere desire to see every person living to their full potential.
Together with her husband of over 30 years, Darlene has experienced both the joys and challenges of marriage and raising a family. She has two daughters and a son-in-law and two grandsons. Darlene takes time to unwind and refresh by being outdoors, reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
Ethan Stender
MDiv, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Tel: (905) 240-4600 ext. 5
Ethan is deeply committed to his client's growth and transformation. His goal is to meet clients where they are and create a tailored experience that meets their individual needs. He considers himself a collaborative therapist, walking alongside clients to identify their strengths, passions, and goals. This strength-based and person-centred approach draws from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy (FST), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS).
As a psychotherapist, Ethan has helped clients of all ages with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, trauma, and other concerns. Ethan particularly enjoys helping children and adolescents use their imagination and creativity in the therapy room to process their emotions when verbal communication is difficult.
Ethan’s respectful and validating approach balanced with his sense of humour and relatability provides a comfortable and safe environment for the clients he supports.
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Ethan holds a Master of Divinity, Major in Clinical Counselling, from Tyndale University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. He is a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Mark J. Veenstra
MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Mark has a passion for people. Their well being is what motivates him in the work that he does. He is excited to collaborate with his clients around their strengths and explore life’s challenges in to opportunities for growth.
Mark is gifted in his work with adolescents and young adults, which has played out in his career. In 2002, Mark started his career in a Children's Mental Health in the public sector as a therapist to youth and their families. In 2007, he started working with at-risk youth involved in Youth Justice sector who also struggle with mental health concerns.
Mark is able to capitalize on childhood and adolescent struggles, supporting the youth in their journey to adulthood. He excels at helping parents redefine their relationship with the adolescent and young adult children.
Mark received his Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. He continued his studies at Tyndale for a year in the M.Div Pastoral Counselling program. Mark’s educational journey then took him to Freson California where he completed his M.A. in Marriage, Family and Child Counselling. Mark has continued to learn and grow, having extensive training in a variety of interventions including extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and in the assessment and treatment of adolescents that engage in sexually harmful behaviour.
Mark is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) and a Clinical Associate Member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA).
Mark is proud of his family and enjoys spending as much time with his wife and 4 kids as he can. Having grown up in Clarington, he is happy to have his children grow up in this community and is excited to help those in the community to grow.