Mental Health Worker in Peer Support Workshops
EDD, RP, CTTS
Mental Health Professional

Barbara is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is also a certified in eye movement and desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, and certified trauma treatment specialist (CTTS). Barbara graduated from a doctoral program in counselling psychology from the University of Toronto. She is also trained in cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma- focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and cognitive processing therapy, to name a few.

Due to the many years Barbara has been working with trauma, she has been humbled by the numerous opportunities she has had to study with world leaders on the importance of safe, ethical trauma theory, protocols and treatment.

In her current position, she is the clinical director of the Trauma Centre, in Sharon, Ontario. She has a unique therapy practice in a sanctuary setting, with a devoted administrative team and trauma- informed therapists (e.g., social workers, psychotherapists and psychologists). With its specialization in trauma response, the centre works daily with first responders and civilians who have suffered adversity related to trauma.

Barbara has been involved in community volunteer work in many capacities throughout her career. These include the board of directors of the Family Life Centre of York Region, founding board of directors for Victim Services of York Region, National Task Group on PTSD for the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, to name a few.

In 1996, Brad and Barbara co-founded the York Region Critical Incident Stress Team, a volunteer organization that assists first responders after critical incidents at work. Barbara was the clinical director for eighteen years, also supporting other police agencies in trauma response. In addition to her clinical work with first responders, Barbara has also worked with local organizations in her community to deal with homicide, suicide, SARS, H1N1, etc. Earlier in her career, she was also involved in national and international disaster response at Peggy’s Cove, 9/11, as well as Hurricane Katrina, and in family excursions to build projects with Habitat for Humanity.
As the recipient of many awards in her career, those that relate to work with first responders and leadership have special significance such as the Excellence in Education Award; the Tema Conter National Public Service Award; In Celebration of Women, Protective Services Award; and the Badge of Life Canada, Warrior Award.

Barbara is also as co-author of the book, “Slay the Toxic Dragon, Police Leadership Impacting Member Wellness” with Syd Gravel and Brad McKay.

Barbara is a strong advocate of servant leadership and mentorship. She has had the privilege of mentoring others from what she learned from Dr. Stephen Stokl, Dr. Muniini Mulera and Stan Snider. They have provided servant leadership and mentorship to her at different stages of her life and career. Although Barbara learned different skills from each of them, what they all possessed in their leadership roles was humility, integrity and kindness.

Barbara is a proud parent of her loving son and daughter, proud mother-in-law of her daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and an especially proud grandmother to her three little grandchildren, who provide a constant source of wonderment and joy. She lives with her partner of fifty years. She is truly grateful to her family, colleagues and strong circle of friends for their support, encouragement, solace and enduring friendship and loyalty.