Meet the Skerrett Psychology Team
Skerrett Psychology was founded by Dr. E. Rachel Skerrett Director and Psychologist
Rachel is a registered psychologist in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. 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, The American Psychological Association -Division 55, 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. She is currently completing a post-doctoral master of science in clinical psychopharmacology.
Rachel has been the director of Skerrett Psychology Professional Corporation since January 2011. She has experience working in private practice, hospitals, agencies, and school settings. Currently, she supervises staff, provides consultation, teaches, and provides direct service to clients.
Administrative Staff
Carla Dal Bianco Administrative Manager
Carla Dal Bianco Administrative Manager
Carla Dal Bianco Administrative Manager
Carla is a graduate of Fanshawe College in London, specializing in medical office administration. She brings with her previous administration, management experience, and knowledge from a wide array of health-related offices. In her spare time outside of the office, she loves hiking, kayaking, and travelling.
Laura Torres Administrative Assistant
Carla Dal Bianco Administrative Manager
Carla Dal Bianco Administrative Manager
Laura graduated from George Brown College with Honours in the Medical Office Administration program.
She has years of experience working in the medical field and brings an empathetic and understanding presence to our front desk. She is also an animal enthusiast.
Therapy Staff
Amy Doucet, M.Sc.
Marissa Peressotti, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Amy Doucet, M.Sc.
Manager of Counselling Services & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology from York University, in Ontario, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow, Scotland. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and has a special interest in emotional regulation.
She is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
She understands how intimidating the counselling process can be and is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment to encourage recovery, healing, and empowerment.
Megan Cosco, B.A.
Marissa Peressotti, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Amy Doucet, M.Sc.
Assessment Coordinator &
Clinical Counsellor
Megan has been an invaluable member of the Skerrett Psychology team since 2016. Megan sees children, adolescents, and adults for individual counselling, and provides a variety of other services including psychoeducational and mental health assessments, CBT, and biofeedback training.
Megan has a special interest in trauma, driving anxiety, group therapy, eating disorders, and self-compassion work.
She believes that most individuals can benefit from trying counselling and likes to leave clients space for laughing, breathing, and feeling in their sessions.
Marissa Peressotti, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Marissa Peressotti, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Marissa Peressotti, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)
Marissa obtained her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2021 at Medaille University located in Buffalo, New York. She has had unique opportunities including teaching undergraduate students and authorship.
She has gained a vast array of clinical experience working for outpatient agencies, inpatient facilities, and within a forensic setting. Marissa has conducted various psychological and psychoeducational assessments, has been a member of interdisciplinary teams that care for individuals with serious mental illnesses (i.e., Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder), and has received specialized training in working with young people and families affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Marissa prioritizes the therapeutic relationship. She tailors her treatment approach to empower others. She is flexible, sensitive, and responsive to client preferences, personal factors, and individual strengths.
Penny Miller, Ph.D.
Jason Burdon, R.Kin, BHK, M.Ed.
Marissa Peressotti, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Registered Psychotherapist
Penny brings a variety of clinical skills to our team with a Bachelor's degree from the International University of San Diego, California, a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of the America’s, Mexico City, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Penny has extensive clinical experience both in and out of hospital settings. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania and a Registered Psychotherapist in the province of Ontario.
Penny has focused her interests on individual, child, marital, and family therapy. She has practiced on three continents and works in both Canada and the United States. Penny provides services in English and Spanish and to individuals and couples.
Steve Balz, Ph.D.
Jason Burdon, R.Kin, BHK, M.Ed.
Jason Burdon, R.Kin, BHK, M.Ed.
Registered Psychotherapist
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.
Jason Burdon, R.Kin, BHK, M.Ed.
Jason Burdon, R.Kin, BHK, M.Ed.
Jason Burdon, R.Kin, BHK, M.Ed.
Registered Psychotherapist &
Registered Kinesiologist
Jay Burdon 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 to 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.
Spencer Lucas, M.Sc.
Karen Lizzotti, M.Ed.
Julietta Ferrara, M.A.
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 the next 20 years. He has worked in residential treatment homes, supported those with acquired brain injury, counselled 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 storytelling 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."
Julietta Ferrara, M.A.
Karen Lizzotti, M.Ed.
Julietta Ferrara, M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Julietta holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trent University and a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Julietta has worked in correctional environments and educational environments with children. She provides services to children, adolescents, and adults at Skerrett Psychology. She hopes to continue her education and further develop her special interest in trauma and trauma therapy. Julietta believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the significance of benevolence. She enjoys music, reading, and writing in her free time.
Karen Lizzotti, M.Ed.
Karen Lizzotti, M.Ed.
Karen Lizzotti, M.Ed.
Psychometrist
Karen obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Special Needs from Western University as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology from Brock University. She completed a Graduate Certificate in Learning Disabilities Specialist at Cambrian College and is a Certified Learning Disabilities Strategist.
Karen has worked with a diverse group of children, adolescents, and adults in both educational and employment settings. She is passionate about working with students to help them access appropriate supports and services to reach their full learning potential.
Karen values a high-quality of service delivery that is based on trust, open communication, positive interactions, and a supportive environment that accommodates individual needs.
Amy Holliday, B.A.
Simranjit (Sim) Chhabra, B.A.
Karen Lizzotti, M.Ed.
Animal Assisted Therapist & Psychometrist
Amy is a Brock University graduate and current student at Yorkville University, specializing in counselling psychology. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors in laboratory and counselling settings.
Amy has completed research on attachment, self-esteem, habits, and relationship dissolution. She enjoys working with individuals navigating the transitions of life, both personal and relational. She has a special interest in helping individuals move through depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
She is deeply committed to providing supportive and accessible service and believes that everyone deserves to receive timely treatment and assessment. In her spare time, Amy likes to crochet, bake cakes, and take her two dogs, Georgia and Ghost, to the park in her area.
Simranjit (Sim) Chhabra, B.A.
Simranjit (Sim) Chhabra, B.A.
Simranjit (Sim) Chhabra, B.A.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) & Practicum Student
Sim is currently a student at Yorkville University working towards his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and he is an active member with CRPO and CCPA.
Sim has studied various evidence-based modalities to address trauma, stress management, anxiety, and depression. He is dedicated to applying his knowledge and experience in helping his clients with their journey.
Sim is fluent in Hindi.