Laura Derry MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Toronto. Her Master’s Degree included specializations in both mental health and gerontology.  Since 2010, Laura has worked with adults and families affected by stroke and orthopedic injuries. She worked in both geriatric and stroke rehabilitation at Providence Healthcare for nine years, where she was also the Professional Practice Lead for Social Work from 2017 to 2019. She worked as a Research Coordinator at the Aphasia Institute for three years prior to becoming a Social Worker.

While at Providence Healthcare, she conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments and provided counselling to adults and their families. She developed an expertise in supporting families and helping to instill hope for those adjusting to a new disability, using a variety of strengths-based therapeutic approaches. In 2018, Laura was awarded a Mission and Values Award for Compassionate Service at Providence Healthcare.

Laura joined The Social Work Consulting Group in 2019. She has attended extensive trainings and workshops in the areas of Trauma, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Meditation. Laura is a strong advocate for her clients and works from a strengths-based approach when supporting individuals and families.

“Being a Social Worker means having the immense privilege of bearing witness to people’s pain but also their resiliency and joy at meeting hard-fought goals. It is very meaningful to be able to help clients to see their own strengths, allowing them to move forward in a meaningful way. I work from a strengths-based, evidence-informed, empathic approach, tailoring interventions to each unique individual.”

Carrie MacKinnon MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor.  She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Trent University.

Prior to joining The Social Work Consulting Group in 2017, Carrie’s career had focused on working within the public sector with adults who have sustained traumatic brain injuries and their families.  With 18 years in the field, Carrie has gained extensive experience working in the community providing supportive counselling, goal-oriented service planning, community integration and education to promote independence, community engagement and improved quality of life to those living with a traumatic brain injury.

Carrie is committed to providing client focused counselling drawing upon her experience using a number of social work modalities including cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed approaches, solution focused therapy and strength-based approaches.  In practice she focuses on supporting clients through their post-injury adjustment by providing the tools needed to maximize their recovery through counselling, education, community integration and social connection.  She is committed to promoting a collaborative approach with clients to ensure a positive working relationship to assist them through their post-injury rehabilitation.

“After completing my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to work with adults with acquired brain injuries.   Through this experience, I discovered a passion for helping others and was inspired to continue my education in Social Work so that I could play a greater role in creating positive change in someone’s life in the hopes of helping them overcome challenges, improving their situation, relationships and overall well-being.  Social work can play a meaningful role for those in need and provides me with a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment.”