Meet the Skerrett Psychology Team

---

Psychologist

Dr. Peressotti is a licensed psychologist in Ontario and New York State. She practices clinical and counselling psychology in Ontario with children, adolescents, and adults. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Child and Youth Studies at Brock University and then pursued further education, earning a Master of Arts in Psychology and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology at Medaille University in Buffalo, New York. 

At Skerrett Psychology, Dr. Peressotti provides various psychological services, with a primary emphasis on offering and delivering treatment services. She adopts an integrative eclectic approach and prioritizes the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship. Dr. Peressotti customizes her treatment strategies to empower individuals. She is flexible, sensitive, and responsive to client preferences, personal factors, and individual strengths.

Registered Psychotherapist 

Manager of Counselling Services  

Clinical Supervisor

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. 

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.  

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 (Mexican) and to individuals and couples.

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. 

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."

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.  

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Sim completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a registered member of the CRPO and CCPA.

Sim draws from evidence-based modalities of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to address trauma, stress management, anxiety, and depression.

Sim is dedicated to applying his knowledge and experience to help his clients with their journey. He is fluent in Hindi.

Psychometrist

Madeline administers various types of assessments at Skerrett Psychology and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Trent University) as well as a Master’s degree in Education (Brock University). Madeline has worked with a variety of clientele supporting their unique educational and psychological needs. Through her time, she has developed a special interest in supporting gifted students and students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD.

Madeline understands how daunting the assessment process can be and prioritizes creating a non-judgmental space, where clients feel safe to be honest and try their best. 

Clinical Counsellor

Fatemeh completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and has experience working in both private practice and hospital settings. She has supported adolescents, adults, and families through a wide range of emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. 

Her therapeutic approach is warm and rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to be understood and supported with compassion. 

MACP Practicum Student

Ardina received a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology from Brock University. She is working towards her Master’s in Counselling Psychology with exceptional grades and an appreciation of varying counselling techniques. She has previously worked with diverse populations and needs which has allowed her to take an individualized approach to each session. She facilitates an open, supportive, and relaxed atmosphere that promotes trust and respect.

Ardina is looking forward to putting these techniques into practice and developing these skills further through her practicum. She believes “People start to heal the moment they feel heard”.