Melanie Forest
Art Therapist
Melanie graduated with distinction in 2006 from Concordia University earning a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. Melanie is an art therapist specialized in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She provides sessions in English and uses techniques from different approaches such as art therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness in her practice
Melanie has worked extensively supporting children within the public school system, and working with at-risk children, adolescents and their families. Having years of experience in schools settings, Melanie provides recommendations and interventions that can be shared with school staff to improve the support of children and their families.
Melanie has extensive experience working with individuals who present symptoms in areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment issues, life transitions, anger and aggression issues, self-esteem and self-confidence issues, relationship issues, and gender identity/sexuality issues, as well as individuals with special needs. Melanie works with children and their families to reduce the presenting problems and help children become mentally and psychologically strong to better cope with unpleasant life events. Melanie is available for online or in-person sessions at our Pointe Claire office. Book an appointment with Melanie here.
Deniz Naji
Art Therapist | Counsellor (C. C. C.)
Deniz is a professional member of the Quebec Art Therapy Association working with adults, teens and children from diverse backgrounds. She has several years of experience working systemically in schools, in private and community settings with minors and families on issues such as family and peer relationships, transitioning and adjustment issues, self-harm, anger issues, LGBTQ+ issues, low self-esteem, emotional and behavioural dysregulation. Deniz can provide progress and recommendation reports to schools in supporting children with their process.
Deniz uses an integrative approach, combining holistic therapy drawn from psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, mindfulness and CBT. She incorporates expressive arts, counselling, somatic awareness, movement and play into her work. Deniz is trained in play therapy, IFS, EFT and EMDR.
As a member of the Iranian diaspora, she works through a decolonizing, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens to enhance resiliency and promote recovery, understanding that personal experiences of trauma are layered in structural intersectionalities and social inequalities.
Deniz provides individual and couples therapy sessions in Brossard. She practices in English and Farsi/Persian at our Brossard location. Book an appointment with Deniz here.
Nada Khashaba
Drama Therapist | Counsellor (C. C. C.)
Nada Khashaba is a drama therapist whose particular experiences working within cultural communities firmly roots their anti-racist and anti-oppressive, decolonial perspective in reality. Nada graduated with a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies – Drama Therapy option from Concordia University in 2019, and completed her heuristic research project on how to create cultural safety as a settler drama therapist working with Indigenous clients. Nada works with all ages, and all gender expressions, but has specific experience working in religious communities and with youth. Nada can provide therapy in English or Arabic, and draws from Play therapy, Developmental Transformations and Psychodramatic techniques in her work. Nada has experience working in elementary schools and can provide supportive intervention and psychoeducation to staff and parents of children they work with.
Some of the diverse topics Nada has experience working with include, but are not limited to, immigration and diasporic experiences, family and cultural trauma, colonial trauma, gender/sexual identity and/or trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, boundary work and goal-setting, holistic healing and creative dreaming. Nada can provide therapy sessions in English and Arabic. Nada is available for online and in-person sessions at our Downtown location. Book an appointment with Nada here.
Cyndie Bussière
Art Therapist | Counsellor (C. C. C.)
Cyndie Bussière holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Concordia University and is a professional member of the Quebec Art Therapy Association (AATQ). With over 10 years of experience working with children, Cyndie has worked as an art therapist with children and youth in a pediatric center, where she honed her skills in a systemic approach. She has also worked in a mental health center, providing individual and group services for adults using a humanistic and psychodynamic approach.
Throughout her career, she has followed various trainings to develop a unique multidisciplinary approach, including play therapy, nature-based expressive art therapies, ritual practices, mindfulness, somatic art therapy, and trauma-informed art therapy. Her experiences have enabled her to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. She is also a visiting art therapist to the Indigenous communities in the North of Quebec.
Cyndie collaborates with her clients, offering personalized services that meet their needs. She creates a welcoming space with a client-centered approach, allowing clients to express themselves on a wide range of topics, such as self-awareness, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, anxiety, identity issues, emotional regulation, mourning, and relationship issues.
Cyndie offers art therapy services in both French and English via online therapy. Book an appointment with Cyndie here.
Ashley Asuncion
Art Therapist
After completing her Master of Arts in Art Therapy at Concordia University, Ashley became a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and the Quebec Naturotherapist Association (ANQ). With extensive experience in non-profit organizations and public health clinics, she is trained to work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Ashley integrates a variety of therapeutic frameworks tailored to each client’s needs, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, person-centred, solution-focused, and psychodynamic approaches. As a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive art therapist in Montreal, she specializes in supporting individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, identity, self-esteem, emotional regulation, grief, ADHD, and life transitions.
Her practice aims to create a safe space for self-expression, self-exploration, and self-understanding, fostering self-compassion and resilience. Ashley values the therapeutic process of art-making, empowering clients to communicate and embrace their creativity. If you’re seeking art therapy in Montreal for trauma, depression, or emotional regulation, Ashley is here to help.
Ashley offers art therapy sessions in our Pointe-Claire office in both English and French.
Book an appointment with Ashley here.
Antigoni Sarlis
Art Therapist
Antigoni Sarlis graduated from the Art Psychotherapy Diploma program at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) and is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, the Association des Art-Therapeutes du Quebec and Canadian Counselling & Psychtherapy Association and the Association of Naturotherapeutes du Quebec.
Antigoni has experience working with children adolescents, adults and seniors, helping them navigate conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and stress. Through the use of creative, non-verbal methods, she provides a supportive and safe space for clients to express themselves, gain insight, and foster emotional healing. All of this, while integrating traditional techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment theories.
Antigoni is dedicated to supporting women, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, who have experienced intimate partner violence, Neurodivergent experiences (ADHD, Autism), College/University stress-related issues. Through creative expression, she helps clients explore their stories, reclaim their voices, and begin the healing process in a safe and affirming space. Her practice centres on empathy, empowerment, and the transformative power of art.
Antigoni has experience working in school settings across the school boards as well as experience working in an elementary school in Kahnawake. She is trained in working from a Solution-Focused and Short-Term Therapy with Indigenous clientele.
She offers art therapy in English, French, and Greek and works with clients in-person in Pointe-Claire. She also offers virtual therapy sessions.
Book an appointment with Antigoni here.
Stacey Meiklejohn
Art Therapy Intern
Stacey Meiklejohn is an art therapy intern at Montreal Art Therapy. She is in the process of completing the Dual Diploma program in Art and Expressive Arts Therapy at Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (WHEAT). She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music with additional graduate level training in play therapy, perinatal psychology, and sandplay therapy.
Stacey brings nearly 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and families in educational, community and public health settings. She has worked with clients in the areas of mental health, grief, parenting, developmental challenges, neurodiversity, relational issues and attachment difficulties. For many years she taught early childhood music groups to inspire creativity and support healthy development. More recently, Stacey has worked in psychosocial intervention supporting women and families in the perinatal period. These experiences offered her the opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural-racial-linguistic backgrounds, including individuals from immigrant and Indigenous communities.
With a gentle and collaborative spirit, Stacey fosters authenticity and expression in the therapeutic space. Guided by a person-centered approach, her services are trauma-informed and tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Stacey believes in cultivating a warm and respectful environment that supports healing and personal growth.
Appointments are available in French and English and provided online or in person at the Brossard location.
Book an appointment with Stacey here.
Jonathan Reinglas
Drama Therapist | Counsellor (C. C. C.)
Jonathan Reinglas is a Drama Therapist and Counsellor who offers a compassionate, creative, and collaborative approach to therapy. He works with adolescents (14+), adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, and interpersonal struggles. Drawing from drama therapy, counselling, and experiential approaches, Jonathan helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in ways that foster greater self-awareness, resilience, and connection.
Jonathan is available for online and in-person sessions at our Brossard location.
Book an appointment with Jonathan here.
Rachel Chainey
Art Therapist
Rachel Chainey graduated from the MA in Art Therapy from Concordia University in 2018 and is a professional member of AATQ, CCPA and RITMA. Rachel practices from trauma-informed, strength-based, neuro-affirming, queer-affirming and culturally sensitive perspectives. She works with children, teenagers, adults and families across the lifespan who experience mental health challenges, neurodivergence, grief, and life transitions. She is an experienced group facilitator and works with adults and caregivers for grief, , anxiety, depression, and traumas.
She applies techniques from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, mindfulness, humanistic and systemic approach in her practice. She is specifically trained to work with individuals with depression, anxiety, psychosis and adjustment disorders, and attachment disorders. She also offers ADHD symptoms management and supports individuals with an autism diagnosis.
Rachel provides therapy services in English and French at our Downtown location.
Book an appointment with Rachel here.
Sandra Rumbold, MA
Art Therapist Intern
Sandy is an art therapy intern, completing her art therapy training at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria and a postgraduate diploma in Addictions Treatment and Prevention from Georgian College.
For over 12 years, Sandy has worked in the mental health and substance use field, providing therapy and support to youth, adults, and families affected by trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use. She has also supported individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, as well as family and relationship challenges.
Sandy’s approach is person-centred, attachment-based and trauma-informed. She integrates art therapy with techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and strengths-based approaches, tailoring each session to the unique needs of the individual. She strives to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, past experiences, and personal challenges through creative expression.
Alongside her clinical work, Sandy maintains an active collage, painting, and photography practice, which continues to inspire her work as an art therapist. She values authenticity, curiosity, laughter, and connection, and enjoys supporting clients as they discover new ways of creating, understanding themselves, and being in the world.
Sandy offers online and in-person art therapy sessions in English for children, youth, and adults.
Book an appointment with Sandra here.
Yagmur Aksu
Expressive Arts Therapist
Yagmur Aksu is an Expressive Arts Therapist, who holds a Graduate Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapies from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) and has a Bsc in Psychology from McGill University. She also has additional training in family therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Yagmur is a professional member of the Quebec Art Therapy Association and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) in British Columbia.
Yagmur offers a gentle, trauma-informed approach that honours each person’s unique experiences and identities. Her practice is affirming and culturally responsive, creating a welcoming space where clients can explore their experiences, discover new ways to express themselves, and reconnect with themselves through the creative process.
In her practice, Yagmur has supported children, youth, and adults from diverse communities, including neurodivergent individuals, Indigenous communities, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+ youth, and people experiencing homelessness. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory’s school system, supporting those experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, emotional regulation challenges, and behavioural concerns.
Drawing on expressive arts therapy, somatic practices, attachment theory, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and CBT, Yagmur meets each client where they are. She believes that every person has an innate capacity for growth and healing, and feels honoured to witness and support that journey.
Yagmur offers expressive arts therapy in downtown Montreal in both English and Turkish.
Book an appointment with Yagmur here.
Jude Ibrahim
Art Therapist
Jude Ibrahim graduated with an MA degree from Concordia University and she is a professional member of the Quebec Art Therapy Association, Canadian Art Therapy Association and the Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists in Canada.
Training and working in a variety of community centres, therapy clinics, educational settings, and non-profit organizations, Jude has witnessed how art making & the creative process can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, storytelling, and a form of connection & communication amongst many communities.
Throughout her therapy practice, Jude has worked with a range of ages & diverse experiences related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, intrapersonal difficulties, life transitions, immigration, and forced displacement. She aims to collaboratively work with clients to create a safe and personalized process that helps each individual explore their own needs, express themselves, and witness their strengths.
Jude provides therapy in English and Arabic and values integrating non-judgmental, client-centred, culturally-humble, and trauma-informed principles in the therapeutic services and spaces she offers. She is available for online sessions.
Jude is not taking new clients at the moment.
Man-Hsuan (Man) Chen
Art Therapist
Man is a professional member of the Quebec Art Therapy Association (AATQ), l’Association des Naturothérapeutes du Québec (ANQ) and the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She has worked with a diverse range of clients, including students, adults, seniors, and asylum seekers.
Her therapeutic approach integrates Humanistic, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused methods, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for exploration. Man is committed to fostering a safe, accepting, and nurturing space characterized by open-mindedness, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to her clients’ well-being.
Man focuses on addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, ADHD, and dementia. Her expertise also extends to cultural topics, LGBTQ+ topics, selfcare, and empowerment.
Her sensitivity to cultural contexts enriches her practice, allowing her to effectively support clients from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about the transformative potential of art therapy, she believes in its strength to foster change and creativity in the therapeutic journey.
Man offers therapy in both English and Mandarin, and is available for virtual sessions in the early morning and late evening.
Man is not taking new clients at this time.
Cara Rosa
Art Therapist
Cara Rosa obtained her MA in Counselling with Art Therapy Specialization from Athabasca University and Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Cara has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She works with individuals with different cultural backgrounds and provides the sessions in English.
Cara has a special interest in using art to explore and develop identity and self-esteem, particularly with women and older adolescents. Cara works from an integrated approach, combining person-centered art therapy with CBT and mindfulness techniques aimed at helping clients attain their therapeutic goals.
Cara is not taking new clients at this time.
Émilie Hamel
Art Therapist
Émilie completed her Master’s degree in art-therapy at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT). With experience of more than 10 years in working with children and teenagers, she has a comprehensive knowledge of difficulties that can affect children and youth. She also has experience supporting adults in their parenting, relationships, life transitions and mental health issues. Her works with individuals aim to support and improve self-expression and empowerment.
Émilie can provide support for individuals with a history of addiction and cyber-addiction, anxiety, depression, gender or sexual identity/issues, physical or psychological abuse, trauma as well as self-confidence and self-esteem issues, life transitions, anger issues, etc. With a client-centered practice, she applies techniques from different approaches such as gestalt-therapy, psychodynamic approach, cognitive-behavioral-therapy and systematic therapy. Émilie provides art therapy in English and French.
Émilie is not taking new clients at this time.
Vanessa Weva
Psychologist
Vanessa completed her Ph.D. degree in School and Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology at McGill University and is a professional member of the Order of Psychologist in Quebec (OPQ). She completed a field placement at a CLSC in Montreal, and her residency training at the Montreal Children's Hospital. She has vast experience in psychological assessments as well as interventions among clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her therapeutic approach involves CBT, ACT, DBT, and systematic based therapies.
Vanessa offers services in French and English.
Vanessa is on maternity leave. Please contact us to be added to her wait list.
Jo Turner
Administrative Assistant
Jo Turner is the administrative support professional at Montreal Art Therapy. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Visual Art earned at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, as well as a Graphic Design diploma from Humber College in Toronto. For nearly twenty years, Jo dedicated herself to teaching English as a Second Language, engaging with diverse groups of learners in South Korea and Canada. During her teaching career, she frequently utilized art as a method to convey complex concepts and abstract notions effectively.
While living abroad, Jo enjoyed an extensive period of more than three and a half years as a photographer, embarking on journeys through Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe where she befriended countless feline companions.