Our Therapists
Find the right fit for your family and your children’s needs.
Shannon Holmes
Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Play Therapist
Sonia Nicolucci
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Payal Rudra
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Shannon Bernhardt
MSW candidate (Intern)
Shannon Holmes M.A., RP, CPT
Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Play Therapist
Hello! I’m Shannon Holmes
Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Play Therapist
My interest in helping others started in high school when working at a daycare with a child who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. I started my career as a child and youth worker in an Assessment Receiving Group Home for the Children’s Aid Society. I then left the group home setting and worked for the School Board.
I started as a school-wide behaviour specialist. I strongly feel that all individuals have the potential to be successful, just for some there are more struggles. I firmly believe that investing time in another individual can leave a lasting impression on them and/or be what they need to see their inner success.
I mainly work with children and adolescents, but counselling for adults is available too.
Client Focus Age
Toddlers / Preschoolers (0 to 6)
Children (6 to 10)
Preteens / Tweens (11 to 13)
Masters of Arts in Practice Based Play Therapy
Honours Bachelor of Art in Psychology
Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Play Therapy
Child and Youth Worker diploma
Certificate in Clinical Traumatology
Shannon’s Story and Skills
My Story
Once I began to learn more about play therapy, I realized it truly placed the child at the centre of the therapy, and focused on their goals and making them successful within themselves.
This goes in line with my values and my passion for helping others.
We are all capable of success, we have the obstacle of finding out our path and having the strength and support to follow it.
All individuals know what they need, but get weighed down by other things in life. Having someone there to support you in expressing what you need is a key to success.
My Approach
The first step is getting to know your child and understand the caregiver’s concerns as well. We first do a detailed intake where we try and get as many relevant details as possible. The next step is to review all this information and start some sessions with the child to get a deeper understanding.
We then begin to work with the child using a directive or non-directive approach as appropriate. Throughout the sessions we keep the caregivers informed and discuss how the caregivers can continue to work with the child at home as needed.
Sonia Nicolucci
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Hello! I’m Sonia Nicolucci
Sonia’s formal schooling started at Ryerson University achieving a Bachelor of Applied Science in the discipline of Nutrition and Food.
After working in the field of Nutrition for some time, her focus and priority turned to family. Being a new mom in a world filled with advice and skepticism, she decided to attend a parenting seminar. Seeing and experiencing hands-on how Adlerian-based parenting was making a difference in her growing family of now three boys, she decided to become a Certified Parent Educator. Facilitating seminars for parents and teachers along with individual and group sessions, Sonia strives to support families and schools.
Sonia continued her education in the field of Adlerian Therapy and obtained a Master’s Degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy from the Adler Graduate School in Minnesota. Supporting the entire family has been one of Sonia’s primary goals. Obtaining a Diploma from Play Therapy UK/International completes the therapeutic circle, assisting parents, children and teens.
Sonia’s passions do not only reside in supporting families. Combining her array of skills along with the new technology of Neurotrack-X, Sonia champions athlete on and off the court.
Client Focus Age:
Toddlers/Preschoolers: (1 to 6)
Children: (6 to 10)
Preteens/Tweens: (11 to 13)
Master’s Degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy
Diploma from Play Therapy UK/International
Payal Rudra
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Hello! I’m Payal Rudra
Payal’s passion for working in a helping profession began very early through various volunteer opportunities and school internships.
After completing a bachelor’s in Health and Society Payal went on to pursue a diploma in Child and Youth Work which further solidified her passion for helping others and providing mental health support to children and teens. Payal is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
She hopes to create meaningful therapeutic relationships during her time here through her compassionate persona and empowering her clients to make a change in their lives.
Through a collaborative approach Payal is interested in supporting individuals who are dealing with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression and self-esteem along with providing support to children and teens during transitional periods of their lives.
She provides a wide range of therapies including but not limited to Cognitive-behavioural therapy, Dialectical- behavioural therapy, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, solution focused therapy and culturally sensitive therapy.
Client focus age:
Children (7-10)
Adolescents (11-17)
Bachelor’s in Health and Society
Diploma in Child and Youth Work
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Shannon Bernhardt
MSW candidate (Intern)
Hello! I’m Shannon Bernhardt
With over 16 years of experience, I am deeply committed to supporting the emotional and mental well-being of children, youth, and families.
My professional journey has taken me through varied settings, including education, youth justice, and mental health agencies, where I have developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed and person-centred practices.
I am pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) and hold an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.
I offer play therapy services under the supervision of a clinical social worker and licensed psychotherapist.
Read More About Shannon Bernhardt
My approach is rooted in relational practice, emphasizing the importance of building transparent, trusting relationships
with children and their families. I believe in the therapeutic power of play to help children express themselves, process complex emotions, and build resilience.
Outside of my professional life, I am passionate about creative arts, social justice, and self- growth. These personal interests inform my approach, bringing an innovative and empathetic perspective to my interactions with children and families.
I am dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore their feelings and experiences through play, supported by evidence-based practices. My work is guided by a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive framework, ensuring that the diverse identities and experiences of those I work with are respected and valued.
Driven by core values of equity, respect, and advocacy, I am passionate about empowering young people and their families. By combining my extensive experience with the most recent advancements from my studies, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.
Master of Social Work (MSW) – Candidate
Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care
Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.
"The therapist aids the child in their exploration by reacting in a specific manner."
Let’s Work Together!
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(905) -230-5555