Staff

Having worked in Social Services for over 30 years, Elske is an experienced WrapAround facilitator and, as the former Coordinator of WrapAround York, successfully helped to pioneer the use of the WrapAround program by churches.

She began her career in Young Offender services and has served in managerial positions within Child Welfare (foster care), developmental services and adult mental health. She has also worked as a Child Advocate at the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy at Queen’s Park. Elske has been the Co-chair of the Board of Directors, North York Women’s Centre and has facilitated within the Levels Program (Separated and Divorced Network), Hamilton Catholic Diocese.

Elske is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Social Services program and the Ontario Management Development Program.

Prior to joining Shalem, Michelle worked with children with behavioural difficulties in the school setting, elderly persons in the end stages of dementia, and adults recovering from brain injury and lengthy hospitalization.

At Shalem, Michelle has worked with children and families with issues of addiction, divorce and separation, those experiencing grief, anger issues, and children with behavioural difficulties at home and school. Michelle enjoys working alongside parents and families of these children throughout the therapy process and includes them in the art-making experience.

Michelle completed her undergraduate studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. with a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in psychology and criminal justice. She completed her graduate studies at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute.

Susan has more than 20 years of experience in the field of marriage and family therapy, and worked for 13 years as a family counsellor at Family Services Durham prior to joining Shalem in 2011. Susan has extensive experience in working with individuals, couples and families. She offers support to those who are dealing with a variety of presenting issues, including abuse, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, grief, family transitions and conflict, and trauma.

She completed her undergraduate degree at Redeemer University College and a master’s degree in counselling psychology at McGill University. She has additional training in couple and family therapy, and is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (RMFT) as well as an Approved Supervisor with the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT). She is a certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) couple therapist. Susan is also a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She offers clinical supervision for therapists working toward their CRPO or CAMFT certifications or other professional designations.

Susan also loves reading, photography, and playing games with her family.

Elisabeth graduated from York University with a major in Geography and, after a few years of travel and mission work, began administrative employment. At Shalem she provides administrative support to various programs, including the intake process for the Hamilton clinic and Congregational Assistance Program (CAP). Prior to coming to Shalem, Elisabeth was the Assistant to the Vice-President (Academic) at Redeemer University College.

Elisabeth still enjoys international travel and mission work, alongside her husband and children, but more regularly indulges in family games of UNO and Monopoly.

As a counsellor and registered social worker, Bernadine has enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families in a variety of settings. She provides a supportive and safe space for people to work through the hurts and difficulties they are experiencing and move towards healing.

Bernadine has completed her undergraduate degrees in Social Development Studies and Social Work through the University of Waterloo and has completed her Masters in Social Work. Bernadine is a Family Group Decision Making Coordinator and is registered with the George Hull Centre for Families in Toronto. Bernadine is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Bernadine has recently completed an externship in EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy) and has joined the ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy) network. She is continually engaging in opportunities for growth.

Bernadine enjoys spending time with her family, disappearing into a great book or walking a golf course with a good friend. Bernadine is also an active member of her church community.

Shawn is part of the clinical team as a therapist. Shawn has a broad range of life experience that has added to his empathy, knowledge and spirit. He is a graduate of Tyndale Seminary with his Masters of Divinity in marriage and family counselling, and is working toward designation as a registered marriage and family therapist.

Shawn has a warm, calm and inviting presence. Shawn’s degree in Theology at Redeemer University College has been formative in developing his welcoming pastoral bent, which complements his professional counselling training. Shawn enjoys helping people through a variety of life challenges and celebrates growth and positive change. His areas of counselling interest include anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, pornography, life transitions, grief and trauma. Shawn is also a trained Prepare and Enrich facilitator for premarital and marital counselling tools.

Outside the office, Shawn pursues many interests like producing maple syrup, cycling, exploring Hamilton’s trails and waterfalls, reading, and fixing lawn mowers.