Saturday, July 2, 2022

Meet Skerrett Psychology

Skerrett Psychology offers expertise from a team of psychologists, psychometrists, counsellors, and educational consultants, who are trained in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of behavioural and mental conditions.

Meet Our Team

Rachel Skerrett

Director & Psychologist

Rachel is a registered psychologist in Ontario and Alberta. She practices clinical, counselling, and school psychology with children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Rachel is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association, The Ontario Association of Psychological Associates, The Canadian Psychological Association, and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research. She is listed on the Canadian Register of Health Psychologists and is a member of Chi Sigma Iota and Psi Chi.

Rachel completed her B.A. at Simon Fraser University, her M.Sc. at Canisius College, and her Ph.D. at Grand Canyon University.

Rachel has been the director of Skerrett Psychology Professional Corporation since January 2011. She has experience working in private practice, hospital, agency, and school settings. Currently, she supervises staff, provides consultation, teaches, and provides direct service to clients.

Rachel's research interests include evaluating the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on attention and sleep. She is also interested in research on QEEG for personalized medicine, and, in general, non-invasive neuromodulation.

Outside of psychology, Rachel's interests involve horseback riding, travel, hiking and music. She and her family own a small farm in rural Niagara.

Heather Roest

Administrative Manager

Heather is the Administrative Manager at Skerrett Psychology and has been with Rachel and her staff since the doors opened in Fort Erie in November, 2011. From initial inquires to final appointments, she will cheerfully and competently assist you with scheduling appointments and billing.

Paula Faulkner

Administrative Assistant

Paula and her family have lived in the Fort Erie area for 30 years. She has many years of experience in office administration and has special interests in mental health care. Paula brings a compassionate and supportive mindset to the team. When not working, she and her husband enjoy cruising and spending quality time with family.

Amy Doucet, M.Sc.

Clinical Counsellor and Psychometrist

Amy is the Supervisor of Counselling Services and holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology from York University, in Ontario, in addition to a Master’s degree in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow, Scotland. She has extensive experience working with children, and has a special interest in developmental disorders, behaviourism, and emotional regulation.

A note from Amy… I understand seeking counselling services can be a daunting process, so I look forward to making your time at Skerrett Psychology a relaxing and enlightening experience in a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment.

Megan Sunners, B.A.

Psychometrist and Counselling Intern

Megan holds a B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University and has two years experience as a peer counsellor in clinical, individual and group settings. She takes a caring and empathetic approach with clients to provide a supportive, therapeutic space for personal development.

Megan has a special interest in eating disorder treatment and self-esteem building. She has worked in outpatient treatment facilities and acted as a Recovery Speaker on behalf of Mental Health and Developmental services in the Waterloo region.

Steve Balz, PhD.

Psychotherapist and Clinical Counsellor

Steve Balz obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Windsor in 1996, and is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He has taught psychology at the University of Windsor, Niagara College, Mohawk College, and in the Mohawk-McMaster Nursing Program. Steve has extensive training and experience in psychometrics and has performed several hundred assessments in various contexts, including with clients of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Motor Vehicle Insurance industry, and private patients. However, he spends most of his time treating clients who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders. Many of his clients struggle with symptoms of PTSD acquired through military service, motor vehicle accidents, or workplace accidents.

Penny Miller, PhD.

Psychotherapist and Clinical Counsellor

Penny brings a variety of clinical skills to our team with a Bachelors degree from the International University of San Diego, California, Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from University of the America’s, Mexico City, and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Penny has extensive clinical experience both in and out of hospital settings. Penny has focused her interests in individual, child, marital, and family therapy. She has practiced on three continents and works in both Canada and the US. Penny provides services in English and Spanish.

Spencer Lucas, M.Sc.

Clinical Counsellor

Spencer received a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology from Laurentian University, in Sudbury, Ontario. He went on to do a Master’s in Human Development before working in the mental health field for next 20 years. He has worked in residential treatment homes, supported those with acquired brain injury, counseled First Nation youth, and has extensive experience helping children and their families.

A note from Spencer… I believe that people are natural storytellers. I bring story telling into all the work that I’ve done from therapy to teaching. Those seeking mental health services are taking a great step in helping themselves and I will treat them like the unique person they are. The most important story I want to hear today is yours.

Marissa Peressotti

Clinical Counsellor

Marissa received her master’s degree (M.A.) in Psychology in 2018 and is currently finishing up her doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) at Medaille College located in Buffalo, New York. In addition, she holds a bachelor’s degree with Honours (B.A.) in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University.

Marissa has had unique opportunities, including teaching undergraduate students and authorship. Similarly, she has gained a vast array of clinical experience working for outpatient agencies, inpatient/hospital facilities, and within a forensic setting. Marissa has conducted various psychological and psychoeducational assessments, has been a member on interdisciplinary teams that care for individuals with serious mental illness (i.e., Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder), and has received specialized training in working with young people and families affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Marissa prioritizes the therapeutic relationship, and strongly believes in collaborative process. She tailors her treatment approach to empower others and to ensure she is flexible, sensitive, and responsive to client preferences, personal factors, and individual strengths.

Jay Burdon

Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Kinesiologist

Jay Burdon is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Kinesiologist. He is a member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association and the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.

Jay completed his Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor and his M.Ed. at the University of Calgary. He has experience working with adolescents and adults through WSIB, the insurance industry and post-secondary education. Combining his background in psychotherapy and kinesiology, Jay takes a multi-disciplinary approach towards assisting individuals with chronic pain, depression, anxiety and many other life stressors.

A lifelong resident of the Niagara Region, Jay enjoys baseball, hockey, running, cycling and swimming.

Sophia Nelson

Administrative Assistant (St. Catharines)

Sophia is currently in her final year of an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience. After which she will continue her education with a degree in Midwifery to combine her passions for mental health and family planning.

Sophia is eager to assist you throughout your treatment from booking your appointments to assisting with assessments. Outside of the office, she loves hiking, camping and adventuring with her two dogs.

Emily Mete

Psychometrist

Emily obtained a Master of Arts in Applied Disability Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Child & Youth Studies, both from Brock University. She has a wide range of experience working with children and adults within the disability sector. Her background is in intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. She has developed a greater interest in working within a clinical setting to help clients access optimal supports.

Outside of work, she enjoys giving back to the community where she is a volunteer for several local organizations. Emily lives an active lifestyle and is an avid hockey fan and coach.

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