Luca Ballarini, BA, MA, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts Degree in Psycholinguistics and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the Social Work Consulting Group in 2023, his professional experience included working as a Psychotherapist and as Crisis and Trauma Intervention Clinician with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Toronto Children’s Aid Society, Griffin Adolescent Centre, University Health Network and Mackenzie Health Hospital. He was also Manager of Operations at Ceridian LifeWorks Employee Assistance Program. In the late ‘90s, Luca pioneered the Mental Health Court Diversion Program, aimed at diverting clients diagnosed with a mental illness from the Criminal Justice System to the Mental Health System, with the goal of Rehabilitation and Treatment, rather than Criminalization and Incarceration. This program now exists at almost every courthouse in Ontario and across Canada.

He has attended extensive trainings and workshops in the areas of Crisis Intervention, Trauma, Emergency Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Addictions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Meditation, and Clinical Hypnotherapy.

He is also the father of a young man who has been diagnosed with a major mental illness and hospitalized several times. In an unexpected turn of events, he found himself on the other side of the Social Work profession, becoming the one in need of reassurance and hope. He experienced firsthand what it is like to be in the middle of several ongoing mental health crises, and to be the one in need of help. This has made him a much more understanding, compassionate and empathic clinician. He has made it his mission to advocate for his clients, and to work towards destigmatizing mental illness, reducing shame, and educating people about the reality that no one is immune from illness, whether it is physical or mental. “The brain is an organ, just like the lungs, the heart or the liver, and it can just as likely get diseased.”

In his spare time, Luca enjoys spending time with friends, family and dogs, travelling, studying new languages, hiking, playing tennis and pickle ball, watching foreign movies, reading, playing cards and chess, riding motorcycles, and engaging in ongoing personal and spiritual development.

“Social Work, like no other profession, motivates me and affords me the opportunity and privilege to serve my fellow human beings and to make a difference in their lives, to teach and learn from each other, and to feel integral part of the human family, with all its greatness and all its challenges.

Lynne Harford MSW, RSW is a registered therapist with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Glendon College-York University. Prior to her university studies, Lynne pursued a career in business and received a Marketing Administration Diploma from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. In 2013, Lynne achieved her designation of Art Therapist graduating with an advanced diploma in Art Therapy from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.

Lynne has had an extensive work history in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining The Social Work Consulting Group in 2008, she was employed at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) where she spent five years providing clinical social work services to children and their families in the Trauma Program. Throughout her career, Lynne has been an active member in the larger community participating in various committees as well as presenting at a number of community based, insurance and legal conferences. Other areas of specialization in which Lynne has focused and devoted her practice to include, acquired brain injury in children and youth, acute and chronic illness, domestic violence, separation/divorce and issues related to grief and loss. Lynne is both a therapist and advocate who is committed to enriching the lives of children and adults in the aftermath of physical and emotional trauma.

Marissa Sylver MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She also earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario. In addition, in 2013, Marissa received her Diploma from the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine.

Marissa began her career at The Catholic Children’s Aid Society in 1998. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and their families. She excels at conflict resolution and crisis management. She has also developed an expertise in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Marissa joined The Social Work Consulting Group in 2015. She has attended extensive trainings and workshops in the areas of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Trauma.

Marissa has a passion for helping others and is deeply committed to the well-being of her clients. She brings a strong understanding of and respect for a collaborative approach. In addition to working with her clients from a family systems perspective, she is skilled at working with a variety of support professionals in order to promote individualized solutions aimed at facilitating positive change.

“Helping people overcome their struggle is what attracted me to social work. Watching someone evolve and regain a piece of themselves is one of the most rewarding things you can experience, not just at work but in life. I learned this first-hand, growing up with a younger brother who has special needs. I saw how much of a difference I could make helping him navigate his day to day struggles all the while nurturing his overall confidence and well-being. Knowing that my work can have such an impact is what drives me every day as a Social Worker “

Meghan Jones MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Her Master’s Degree included a specialization in working with children and families. Meghan received her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Criminal Justice and Public Policy from the University of Guelph.

Prior to joining the Social Work Consulting Group, Meghan gained valuable leadership experience as the Director of Social Work at a specialized child, adolescent, and family psychology clinic. In this role, she managed and mentored a team of social workers while also serving as a field instructor for both the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University. Her professional history also includes foundational experience as a Family Services Worker at the York Region Children’s Aid Society.

Meghan has extensive clinical experience in providing specialized counselling and support to children, adolescents, and adults dealing with severe and persistent mental health concerns. Her practice is focused on addressing a wide array of social, emotional and mental health challenges, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, addiction, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school refusal, and suicidal ideation.

Committed to delivering evidence-based care, Meghan has completed extensive training and workshops in a variety of key therapeutic modalities. Her specialized training encompasses Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Play Therapy, Crisis Management, and Brainspotting (Phase 1).

Meghan is a dedicated advocate committed to the well-being and recovery of her clients, particularly those navigating the aftermath of physical and emotional trauma. She utilizes a collaborative and non-judgmental approach, which focuses on identifying and leveraging the inherent strengths of each individual and family. Meghan considers it a unique privilege to walk alongside clients as they pursue personal growth and healing.

Nathalie Bouchard is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary and an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Women and Gender Studies and Communication Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University. Nathalie supports both adults and children experiencing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. She works with clients who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or impacted by past experiences, offering a safe and supportive space to explore their stories at a pace that feels manageable.

Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based therapies. Nathalie has advanced training in Narrative Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a trauma-focused approach that supports the processing and healing of difficult experiences. She also has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Focused Therapy, Art Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. She is an EMDRIA-approved Consultant-in-Training, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence. Her academic background informs a thoughtful, trauma-informed, and developmentally informed approach to care across the lifespan.
Her professional experience spans community healthcare, non-profit organizations, private practice, and palliative care. This diverse background supports a holistic understanding of mental health, including the impact of life transitions, loss, and chronic stress.

Nathalie is dedicated to creating a respectful, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel heard and supported. Her work focuses on helping individuals build insight, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Nazia Hoque BSW, MSW, RSW completed both a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from York University. She has had extensive experience working in the developmental disabilities sector and with the dual diagnosis population in various clinical and community-based settings. Prior to joining The Social Work Consulting Group in 2019, Nazia worked in the developmental sector and was deemed a Certified Assessor by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to conduct assessments for adults in Ontario’s Central East Region. Nazia also has a research publication present in an academic journal which has contributed to the topic of ethical navigation in social work practice.

Nazia comes from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective when supporting those in need, wanting to ultimately empower individuals to re-gain self-management and determination over their lives. She is certified in Brainspotting Therapy (BSP), a brain-body based treatment, an advanced psychotherapeutic neuroscience based approach processing a range of emotional and physical problems and trauma. Nazia draws from her knowledge pertaining to Somatic Therapy, Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy and Mindfulness. Nazia speaks Bengali and has connected with clients from various cultural and religious backgrounds, often providing a sense of cultural connection and understanding throughout their recovery.

“My interest in social work peaked at a young age as I became more cognizant of vulnerable populations in the community. I strongly believe that support is most influential through structural and psychoemotional practice. Social Work has allowed me to work with a multidisciplinary team while celebrating victories, big or small that come along with a client’s journey in recovery. The knowledge gained during practice has been significant in understanding human behavior, brain functioning and the impact that emotions have on our experiences and response to the world which has been a pleasure in helping individuals learn more about themselves while healing from traumatic experiences.”