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Board of Directors






OSRP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

NATASHA TULETTA-BOWMAN

RP (Qualifying)
PhDs, SMIM, MBA, BA, NYLC, CCPS
Certified Solution Focused Brief Therapist



President
Chair, Advocacy Committee
Chair, PRPA Sub-committee
Chair, EDI Committee
Chair, OSRP-CRPO Committee
Chair, Wellness Committee

I joined the board because I noticed that it is made up of members who are passionate about the call of duty. Also, I discovered that, from the inception of the organization, there have been positive changes. That said, there is still much to do, which requires the help of everyone, especially psychotherapists. I know that I am motivated and possess diverse skills and global knowledge that can be of great use to this wonderful organization. I greatly admire that the organization is made up of leaders that have the best interest of all psychotherapists in Canada at heart. Additionally, I believe that I can best serve the organization as an active member of the board of directors.

I bring with me over 20 years of professional experience within diverse fields, and I have held senior active leadership positions. I have had the privilege to sit on local and global boards. With that said, I am zealous about the advancement of mental health locally and internationally. I am committed to continuing to work towards eradicating the stigma associated with obtaining professional mental health services. Also, I comprehend the urgency for more to be done globally, especially in Canada, to safeguard the field of psychotherapy. Such urgency also brings greater attention to the fact that psychotherapy, like its counterpart, psychology, has its own unique platform and is not second best to any approach.

Click here to read Natasha's full profile.

Contact Natasha: president@psychotherapyontario.org

Contact Natasha: advocacy@psychotherapyontario.org

Contact Natasha: edi@psychotherapyontario.org

DAN SILESHI

RP
Vice-President
Chair, Nomination Committee

Dan Sileshi is a registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapist Ontario) with certification in Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Conflict Management and Negotiation, DNMS (EMDR based attachment therapy), Coherence Training, Life Coaching and Deplomate Clinician in Logotherapy.

In July 2010, Dan joined the OSRP. In 2017, after participating as a regular member for seven years, Ms Kimberly Cato, being Chair of the Professional Development Committee, invited Dan to join the Committee and they organized several training seminars. These include the 30-hour, two-part supervision training program, which was well received.

Dan's experiences in the Committee sharpened his focus on the bigger purpose behind the work of the OSRP as it serves the interests of psychotherapists in Ontario; they informed his decision to accept Ms Cato’s invitation to join the Board of the OSRP in 2022 in the role of Member-at-Large. He became Vice-President of the OSRP in 2024.

Membership of the Board has been a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth for Dan. He sees possibilities for significant, positive impact on this profession and on its members, through the collaborative work that takes place at the Board level. He would, therefore, strongly encourage members of OSRP to join the Board as we commit ourselves to the overall vision of this organization. The Board seeks to be accountable, and to work towards goals that will be beneficial for the work we do as psychotherapists. Dan warmly invites you to join us as we put systems in place to make the OSRP a stronger, safer home for all.

Click here to read Dan's full profile.

Contact Dan: vice-chair@psychotherapyontario.org

Contact Dan: nomination@psychotherapyontario.org

KIMBERLY CATO

RP
Past-President

Kimberly Cato is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of True Roots Counselling Services where she provides trauma responsive and asset-based services through an anti-racism, anti-oppression, social justice, and somatic abolitionism lens. As an empathic and intuitive Black woman who navigates the world from a wheelchair, Ms. Cato, with intersectional insight, offers therapy, community building, and corporate consultation for those within her sphere of influence.

Ms. Cato is intentionally engaged in dismantling racism by decolonizing therapy through Afrocentric modalities and culturally adapted therapeutic practices that build multi-racial communities that thrive. She is committed to eradicating racism by facilitating healing circles designed to identify and address racial trauma, thereby empowering people to fully manifest their Ancestral Excellence.

Kimberly Cato is excited about her position as OSRP’s Board of Directors Chair and the process of embedding EDI principles in every aspect of the Society. In June of 2023, the EDI Committee launched the Race-Based Data Collection Initiative to establish a baseline understanding of who makes up the membership and who is missing from decision making tables within the Association. The resulting data aids in creating a space in which race and other forms of marginalization are not barriers to entry into the field of psychotherapy, resulting in an OSRP that can accurately represent the diversity of the community seeking therapy in Ontario.

Click here to read Kimberly's full profile.

MICHAEL DIOTTE

RP
Clinical Counsellor / Certified Trauma Counsellor
Treasurer

Michael Diotte is a registered psychotherapist and certified trauma counsellor with offices both in Don Mills (Toronto) and Whitby, Ontario.

His counselling experience spans over 25 years with special attention given to individual, family and relationships in general along with a focus on emotional, mental and personal issues.

Michael's motto is “Refreshing through Reconciliation.” Michael's calm, engaging and personable approach seeks to create a safe, welcoming, understanding and positive counselling environment.

He offers client-centered therapy incorporating a variety of therapeutic approaches, which he has come to term "Fusion-Therapy." This focus highlights the client's strengths and abilities while guiding them towards their desired outcome.

When one is reconciled to their dreams and goals, a refreshing comes to their being. This renewed purpose brings significant benefits to their life and relationships.

Michael also provides coaching and mentoring for work, career and school related issues such as: Career Transition & Development; Work-Life Balance; Workplace Bullying, and Leadership-Coaching.

Michael now works with First Responders as well as WSIB and MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) clients.

As a registered psychotherapist with the CRPO, Michael is also a certified member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Practitioners (OAMHP) and a member in good standing of OSRP, ONSAP and ICISF.

Also, married / 3 adult children / foster parent 23 years to over 60 children to date / plays guitar (mostly); piano and trumpet / sings – produced 2 albums, one a Christmas Album / has done background acting for movies / two oldest children full time film industry / is a Métis Citizen.

Sat on an Interfaith Board through Rogers TV for 22 years / chairman for 4 years / sat on the Durham Oshawa Métis board as a counsel-member.

Business background – family business / business management out in Alberta & BC / graduated with Business Admin Certificate from Sault College – major Accounting.

Worked 3 + years with the Northern Ontario Indigenous peoples through SLFNHA & Dalton Associates as Clinical Coordinator and Community Counsellor.

Finished second PhD in counselling May 2021 and is a Certified Life Coach with Canada Coach Academy.

Click here to read Michael's full profile.

Contact Michael: treasurer@psychotherapyontario.org


OSRP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MAHSHAD ARYAFAR

RP
Chair: Connect Committee

I am an integrative psychotherapist and integral professional coach™, in private practice since 2011. I draw from a variety of modalities such as psychodynamic, trauma-informed, developmental theories, complex systems, and cultural identity theories to name a few. Most of all, I am inherently curious about life, exploring this thing called being human and the universal qualities we share. I bring an intentional focus on what connects us, rather than on what creates division. My own immigration experience has brought special attention to what it means to cultivate a cohesive cultural identity and sense of self when the host culture and original culture are at odds. In my practice I support individuals and groups to locate their sense of cohesion and inner compass, honouring the multiplicity that makes them who they are with the unique gifts they bring to the world.

In my personal time I nourish myself by cycling, spending time in nature, drawing, dancing, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with loved ones. I am creative and playful by nature and bring those qualities to everything I engage in, including my work.

My wish is that by joining the OSRP board I can be of service in supporting our members feel part of a larger whole, a place where their beautiful complexity is welcomed and celebrated.

Click here to read Mahshad's full profile.

Contact Mahshad: connect@psychotherapyontario.org


ALETHIA CADORE

RP
Co-Chair, EDI Committee
Chair, Protect Subcommittee

Click here to read Alethia's full profile.

Contact Alethia: edi@psychotherapyontario.org

CARL DALEY

RP
Co-Chair, Wellness Committee

Click here to read Carl's full profile.

CINDY ELKERTON

RP
Co-Chair, Wellness Committee

Cindy Elkerton has her own private practice in Toronto, Papillon Psychotherapy Services, where she has worked with individuals, couples, and families since 1999 and has been teaching/supervising since 2011. She is an integrative psychotherapist, drawing on a variety of modalities, such as relational psychodynamics, family systems, cognitive and behavioural therapy, personality type, and attachment theories.

Cindy has worked in various settings, including hospitals, rehab, long-term care, and hospice. She is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) and holds a Master of Arts from Acadia University. She is also a Certified MBTI Practitioner, a licensed Humanist Celebrant, and has a Trauma Certificate from Wilfred Laurier University.

Cindy and her partner are raising three boys in the Bluffs; she has a 16-year-old and 14-year-old twins.  Cindy serves on the Parent Council at her son’s school and she and her partner are active with their kids’ scouting program.  As a family, they enjoy camping across Canada and the US.  Her personal interests include reading autobiographies and memoirs, writing short stories, supporting local theatre and drinking tea! 

Cindy Elkerton has served on several committees, commissions, and Boards outside of the OSRP, including those related to professional practice standards, bereavement, and women’s groups. She is excited about serving the OSRP membership on the Board of Directors.

Click here to read Cindy's full profile.

HAMMAM FARAH

RP
Co-Chair, Advocacy Committee 

I am a Palestinian Canadian whose life was greatly impacted by the experience of childhood immigration and political developments in the Middle East. In my spare time, I fight injustice and inequality as a human rights activist and community organizer. I have also worked with immigrants and refugees, providing settlement services and group counselling sessions. My passion for psychotherapy stems from my conviction that a better world is possible.

As hard as change was for me in my own life transitions, it would be change that would drive me forward; the desire to understand myself and improve, to do the work that would be necessary to become the person I am today.

I hope to bring my passion for change to the OSRP as we continue to grow and inspire.

Click here to read Hammam's full profile.

Contact Hammam: advocacy@psychotherapyontario.org

Shira Smith Bloomfield

BES, MACP, RP

The Board of the OSRP is the heart of this organization, of which I am honoured to now be part. It plays a crucial role in advocating for psychotherapists, with the potential to positively impact mental health across Ontario. As a Board member, I’m committed to supporting the mission of the OSRP and advancing the best interests of both our members and the public.

I came to this profession as a second career, graduating with an MACP in 2022. My practice focuses on clients who feel overwhelmed, burned out, or anxious — often parents and often dealing with physical pain. I work with individuals who identify as Highly Sensitive People, as described by Elaine Aron, helping them make sense of their experiences and struggle to contextualize their lived experience within the world they encounter. My approach to treating chronic pain and discomfort is grounded in neuroplasticity and evidence-based pain research, including my training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy. I aim to help clients find the delicate and teeteringly unsatisfying balance between caring for self and navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate differences.

Where did I learn this? My personal journey has shaped my perspective. Leaving and later reflecting on a religious belief system, along with my undergraduate studies led me to value ethics and integrity in my work. I’m particularly grateful for courses on informal argumentation, ethics, and epistemology that help me understand complex issues. As a mother of four who homeschooled for many years, and through years of volunteer work (including sitting on a local ratepayers’ executive board), I’ve also gained firsthand insight into how idealistic and academic ideas translate into the messy realness of everyday life (spoiler: it’s often as hard as it seems).

    Click here to read Shira's full profile.

    Yasmin Kowlessar

    RP

    I offer an approach to therapy that centres anti-oppressive ways of healing. As a queer Trini-Canadian psychotherapist, I combine my training in psychology with my political values and lived experience when supporting my clients. I specialise in working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (racialized) clients as well as intersectional identities.

    Much of my clinical experience has been focused around providing anti-oppressive therapy for folks who are LGBTQ, BIPOC (racialized), neurdo-divergent, or have multiple intersecting identities. My lived experiences, openness, and warm personality help to create an affirming environment for those who have been historically excluded from mental wellness services.

    Click here to read Yasmin's full profile.

    Wellness Committee

    Chair: Natasha Tuletta-Bowman
    Co-Chairs: Carl Daley, Cindy Elkerton

    The objective of the Committee is to support the overall health and well-being of our members, in order to thrive professionally.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.

    Executive Committee

    The Executive Committee is the nucleus of the OSRP Board of Directors. Members of the Executive Committee include the President, Vice-President, Past President, Treasurer and Secretary of the OSRP Board, and any Board members and any other members in good standing that the Executive may, from time to time, appoint.

    The Executive Committee provides a concentrated administrative function for the OSRP Board. Each month, it reviews the past and planned work of the Board. It also receives and discusses any pressing issues that have suddenly emerged from inside or outside the organization. With this information, the Executive Committee sets priorities and plans the agenda for the upcoming Board meeting. It reports to the Board its recommendations concerning any significant action or policy that is not part of another committee’s work to bring forward or to carry out.With the Treasurer, the Executive Committee monitors OSRP financial matters. With the Secretary, the Executive Committee monitors minute keeping and communication among Board members. It is the committee within which the past, current and next OSRP presidents confer to provide joint leadership to the Board and the organization. The Executive Committee as a whole is responsible to maintain, on behalf of the Board, a useful working relationship with the administrative management service provider hired by OSRP, currently Funnel Communications. The Executive Committee is responsible for organizing and executing the Annual General Meeting of the OSRP, which includes a meeting of the Membership Council and a Business Meeting. The Executive Committee meets monthly, usually one week before the monthly Board Meeting. Other meetings may be scheduled as necessary.

    Advocacy Committee

    Chair: Natasha Tuletta-Bowman

    Co-Chairs: Hammam Farah, Dan Sileshi

    This committee advocates on issues that benefit and impact Registered Psychotherapists as a whole. The Advocacy Committee aims to stay aware of policies and issues affecting RPs coming from the College, provincial and federal levels of government, the media, membership requests, and related sectors especially mental health, professional training and insurance. The Advocacy Committee determines (“triages”) which issues to pursue based on urgency, relevance, impact on RPs and available committee resources and engages with the respective stakeholders to influence policies for the benefit of the practice of psychotherapy. Advocacy is a huge portfolio and requires many volunteers to cover it fully. That is why the OSRP joined forces with the 12 other psychotherapy associations in Ontario since the early 2000s in order to include our voice with others when we couldn’t possibly cover every issue ourselves. OSRP is both a leader and a joiner in advocating for RPs.

    Click here to read the committee’s terms of reference.

    Click here to watch a video about this committee

    PRPA Sub-Committee

    Chair: Natasha Tuletta-Bowman

    This is a subcommittee of the Advocacy Committee. The purpose of this task force is to liaise with the Partnership of Registered Psychotherapist Associations (PRPA) and the Government Engagement Working Group (GEWG). Its responsibilities are to liaise with PRPA (Partnership of Registered Psychotherapist Associations) and the GEWG (Government Engagement Working Group).

    Committee members attend PRPA & GEWG meetings to represent the interests of the OSRP and its members, and inform/advise the Executive and Advocacy Committees about potential areas of focus.

    PRPA is a collective of Ontario associations joined in discussion regarding advocacy issues as they emerge for Ontario Registered Psychotherapists. The goal of the PRPA is to strengthen the profession of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario by responding to and advocating for issues pertaining to the practice of psychotherapy.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.

    Connect Committee

    Chair: Mahshad Aryafar

    The Connect Committee is the communication arm of the OSRP Board. It ensures that our members are kept up to date on all things that benefit them and their practices, including: professional development opportunities and supports, important CRPO updates, relevant events and more.

    We connect our members directly to each other and foster community through a variety of channels including our listserv, blog and social media, to assist prospective clients in finding a therapist and to help therapists find a warm, safe and professional home.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.

    Click here to watch a video about this committee.

    Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

    Chair: Natasha Tuletta-Bowman
    Co-Chair: Alethia Cadore

    The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee understands that multiple approaches and points of view make up the core values of the practice of psychotherapy. It also understands that exclusion and racism are systemic in our culture and have affected our practices in deeply embedded, often unconscious ways. The committee, therefore, aims to ensure that residents of Ontario, including our most marginalized, vulnerable populations, are able to confidently and safely access the highest standards of therapeutic care available.

    And we intend to make sure that our practitioners receive as much insight and support as they need in order to bring their empowered, full and authentic selves to the conversation. This pioneering initiative of the OSRP holds anti-racism, anti-oppression and social responsibility as its defining ideals.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.

    Click here to watch a video about this committee.

    Click here to watch the recording of our race-based data lunch and learn seminar.

    BIPoC Bursary & Scholarship Committee Sub-Committee

    Chair: TBD

    This committee reviews applications for OSRP’s BIPoC membership bursaries and CRPO Exam Prep Course scholarships and makes recommendations to the OSRP board based on those reviews.

    Ethics Committee

    Chair: TBD

    The goal of the Ethics committee is to revise/improve By-laws including conflict of interest, the Policy Manual and the Code of Ethics. It is also responsible for developing Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment and Pro-Accessibility Policies for the OSRP.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.

    Protect Sub-Committee

    Chair: Alethia Cadore

    This sub-committee help RPs, RP(Q)s and Students to protect themselves by identifying common ethical challenges and self-education around practising safely and ethically. It initiates programs including webinars, newsletter articles, etc., that help protect members before an ethical breach happens, from which complaints to the CRPO may arise, and drives discussions in Community groups for RPs.

    Click here to watch a short video about this sub-committee.

    Finance Committee

    Chair: Michael Diotte

    This committee prepares the annual budget to present to the OSRP Board for approval, reviews and makes recommendations on the financial policies and procedures of OSRP.


    Nomination Committee

    Chair: Dan Sileshi

    The Nomination Committee is responsible for filling positions on the OSRP Board. The committee is responsible for carrying out all the details concerning elections and, at the request of the Board of Directors, for submitting names to the Board in the event that an office becomes vacant before completion of the term. As a welcoming contact, the Nomination Committee would inform new members of the existing committees and task forces and solicit some input on the new member’s interests and skills. Included in the process would be recording a Member Profile form to be used for follow-up calls when positions are being filled. The committee orients new members and provides them with information, guidance and leadership, especially during the Interim Period between AGM and first Board meeting. It also provides oversight and leadership of the AGM.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.


    OSRP/CRPO Committee

    Chair: Natasha Tuletta-Bowman

    The purpose of the committee is to create open dialogue and communication between the OSRP and CRPO in regards to member questions, areas of concern or clarification, and so forth. As the governing body for psychotherapists, it is important that we maintain a co-operative relationship with the CRPO through ongoing, open communication, while also ensuring that the needs/concerns of our members are addressed.

    Click here to read the committee's terms of reference.


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