The Metamorphosis Addiction Treatment Team

Dr. Marco Aldrovandi spent his entire childhood growing up in Richmond Hill, Ontario with his close-knit community of friends and family. Following high school, he accepted an offer from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. During this period, he would go on to be part of the University Rowing Team, spend a year studying in Italian at the University of Bologna (Italy) and discover his passion for the outdoors.

The year following university Dr. Marco spent taking care of his ailing grandparents who inspired his career change to Chiropractic. His passion for taking care of others led him to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto where he spent four more years of education discovering how Chiropractic care could help guide the way to a healthier community.

Dr. Marco has taken additional education in Smart Tools Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue technique and nutrition. His approach to patient care is research based and aims to help individuals of all ages achieve their health goals in a proactive and progressive way. The way to a long, healthy and mobile life starts with the small everyday changes that Dr. Marco will help inspire you to follow.

Kaustubh studied life sciences at Queen's University, and subsequently earned his medical degree at the University of Toronto. He completed his post-graduate training in family medicine at Dalhousie University.

Jan Taliga, MD has been practicing adult and geriatric psychiatry in Windsor since 2013.

He has a special interest in overlap of psychiatry and physical health conditions, hence gravitates to patients with ADHD and dual diagnosis, geriatric patients, patients with co-occuring disorders.

He has completed his residency at Wayne State University, and his fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at University of Michigan.

Originally from Montreal,Dr. Bienenstock completed Medical School at McGill University before relocating to Toronto for his Residency in Family Medicine at Toronto Western Hospital. He has since acquired additional training in Addictions Medicine, Psychotherapy, and Minor Surgery. Above all, he is passionate about caring for those who suffer from addictions and mental illness. When enjoying downtime, Dr. Bienenstock enjoys playing squash, woodworking, chess, and playing bass guitar. Dr. Leonard Bienenstock is fluent in English and French.

Dr. Merrifield completed Medical School at the Nothern Ontario School of Medicine in his hometown of Sudbury before attending the University of Toronto for his Family Medicine Residency. By pursuing training opportunities in Addictions Medicine throughout his medical education he fostered a passion for practicing in his field. He has also done research on understanding patient perspectives regarding the link between chronic pain, high dose opioid perscriptions and addiction. Since entering practice he has completed training in Opioid Dependence Treatment with the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Merrifield also strives to integrate psychotherapy into his practice in order to provide his patients with comprehensive care. Outside of medicine he is a music aficionado, an outdoors enthusiast and an avid reader.

Katie is a Registered Practical Nurse who received her nursing diploma in Calgary Alberta and was awarded the Humanitarian and President's Award. Her nursing career has led her to multiple opportunities which has provided her a breadth of experience including Acute care on surgical units, college instructor and management in Community Care.

Addiction lies close to her heart and has touched her life in many ways she has always wanted to help make a difference. Other than being a mom to two amazing littles she feels her purpose is to help others live their best lives. She has a holistic view of health and is honored to be part of the Metamorphosis mission. When she's not momming or nursing she likes to be a part of community theater and you can find her either on stage or helping behind the scenes.

I am a graduate from the Practical Nursing program at Durham College in 2022. Currently, I am bridging to get my Registered Nursing degree through Ontario Tech University-Georgian College. Over the years, I had experience in acute care, geriatric care and mental health. I am dedicated to advancing my skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for my patients. I have a growing passion for addictions care and mental health whilst managing the complex needs of patients.

I speak fluently English, Romanian and Hungarian. Outside of nursing, I enjoy baking, going for hikes and reading.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and an Art Therapist

Diane is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and an Art Therapist with over twenty years of experience. From private practice to front-line child protection, she has been privileged to work with individuals of all ages and families through some of their most difficult times. Diane brings a creative and collaborative approach to meeting challenges and learning new skills. She loves sharing her passion for the arts by engaging people in discovering more about themselves through the creative process.

Diane has lived in Wasaga Beach and area for twenty years and cannot imagine living anywhere else. She loves being outdoors with her husband, their two children and their dog Doug.

Rincy is a Registered practicing nurse, Psychotherapist, and mental health and addictions counsellor with over 10 years of experience in various clinical settings. Along with some of the specializations such as Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal counselling, and CBT, Rincy provides an individualized approach to help clients self-reflect and gain insights while boosting their confidence. Rincy will work with you to help manage the stressors or difficulties you are experiencing and to achieve a goal of independent stress management and the best use of your untapped cognitive skills.

Carly is passionate and motivated to assist the people she works with to embark on the journey of tapping into their inner strength and power to lead the life they envision for themselves.

Carly is a clinical and community social worker and psychotherapist with over 6 years’ experience working with individuals, families, and communities with the goal of increasing social and mental well-being.

Carly holds a Bachelor of Social degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and a Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

Carly’s practice prioritizes the therapeutic alliance and relationship with the people she works with to create a space that is open and non-judgemental where together goals can be worked on. By creating this space, she believes real healing can happen where life experiences and trauma can be processed.

Carly takes a strengths-based approach that recognizes your resiliency, coping mechanisms, and strategies that you employ daily to overcome life’s struggles. She is passionate and dedicated to delivering high-quality ethical counselling and psychotherapy that meets your needs.

Jessica is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, and recently, a candidate for her Doctor of Counselling & Psychotherapy degree, Jessica has always valued higher education.  Jessica has worked with substance use/alcohol use disorder and substance addictions for over 10 years as a specialty. Jessica's other mental health specialties include anxiety/depression [mood disorders], Borderline Personality Disorder, Child & Family therapy, ADHD, and eating disorders. Jessica takes a unique approach to psychotherapy, she does not believe a one-size-fits-all approach is effective. Through psychotherapy, Jessica will get to know you as a person, work with your strengths, and collaborate with you to develop goals to strive towards for your program. Jessica is looking forward to working with you!

Kristen is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Bachelor or Arts in both Psychology and English Language and Literature from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University. Throughout her many years of teaching, Kristen identified the need for strong mental health supports within the school system as well as the need for greater access to mental health resources within the community. Kristen is a strong advocate for mental wellness and constantly strives to remove the stigma surrounding mental health. Her passion is supporting those going through difficult times and to continuously normalize that, at some point, we all struggle, and it takes a tremendous amount of strength to seek support.

Hema is a professional and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario who also has extensive experience as a Social Worker. She has a Masters Degree in Psychology and Bachelors Degree with English Honors. She has a certification in CBT from Adler University Toronto. She is proficient in knowledge and practice of Cognitive Behaviour therapy. She has over 20 years of experience working as a counselor in India and Canada. As part of her private practise she has been working with clients with Motor Vehicle Accidents suffering from PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She is experienced in doing needs assessments, group interventions and providing individual and group counseling. She is sensitive to issues of multiculturalism, anti racism, family violence, youth, women, child and senior abuse.

In addition to English Hema is also fluent in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu languages. Her extensive experience includes working with the City of Toronto in the Toronto Newcomer Initiative Project and also working with COSTI Immigrant Services. She is able to communicate effectively with clients and adapt her style and techniques according to individual needs and personalities. She enjoys the challenges of working with different people and find the work incredibly rewarding. The rigorous education with specialized training and experience in Cognitive and behavior management strategies adds to her commitment to help clients overcome adversity and to become healthy and productive citizens.

I hold a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counselling, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. For the past 20 years I have been successfully supporting and counselling clients throughout the Windsor and Essex County area, as well as the Province of Ontario, and assisting them with mental health, addictions and personal self-growth. I aim to introduce clarity and self-motivation while working to help create self empowerment to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life.

Megan is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has provided psychological support and treatment to adolescents, adults, and families since 2000. With an educational background including Human Science, Psychology, Drug and Alcohol Counselling, and Social Service Work, Megan is as versatile in her treatments approaches as she is in her educational background.

Through her work in private practice and community mental health programs, Megan has acquired extensive experience in providing therapeutic supports utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and relaxation strategies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), as well as substance use disorders with Structured Relapse Prevention to name a few.

Clinically, Megan’s broad range of experience includes working with clients struggling with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder; occupational stress injuries; chemical dependency; eating disorders; grief and bereavement issues; compulsive hoarding; and relationship difficulties.

Gerardo is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Registered Psychotherapist specializing in adults, teens, children, couples and family therapy. Gerardo’s broad experience with more than 20 years of counselling experience in Canada and 5 years in Mexico. Gerardo’s education background: master’s degree in psychotherapy, postgraduate certification in gestalt psychotherapy, a certificate in emotion-focused therapy, sex therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, brief & narrative therapy, EMDR therapy, clinical hypnotherapy. Yoga and mindfulness practitioner. Gerardo uses positive psychotherapy bringing your strengths to promote balance. His deep interest in human nature allows his counselling practice to be eclectic, open, unlabeled and without prejudice; he believes that every person is doing the best they can, even when their coping ability may feel that it has become strained beyond endurance. Gerardo believes that mental health is possible when there is a balance/harmony between mind, body, emotions, spirit and relationship with others.

Sometimes trying to make positive changes in our life can be very difficult when we are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and low self-esteem due to barriers that we may not even be aware of. Most people are searching for nothing more than to live a life filled with happiness, contentment, and a sense of purpose that they are passionate about. Kerri would be honored to support you as your guide towards attaining the best life you desire. As a Registered Psychotherapist, working in the mental health field for over 25 years, Kerri believes in taking a more balanced, holistic approach to therapy focusing on ones mental, emotional, physical, and nutritional health. It is her passion to support clients by providing the best possible treatments and therapy strategies. Kerri teaches her clients evidence based tools and strategies while focusing on the clients strengths and building on them. Kerri's warm, non-judgmental demeanor makes clients feel at ease which aids in building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Kerri specializes in a wide range of therapies which includes: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment Based/Trauma Informed Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal Theory. Kerri is also a certified Personal Trainer and Certified in Personal and Sports Nutrition. It is Kerri's belief that once a client can understand and learn how to connect to their body, that the body knows what to do in order for it to heal.

Growing up in a small northern town, I've dedicated several years to pursuing a career focused on helping people find meaning and purpose in life. My journey began as a teenager, volunteering with Children’s Aid, where I found a deep passion for supporting others in need. This led me to pursue a path toward becoming a trauma and grief therapist. Currently, I’m working toward my degree in behavior analysis, with the ultimate goal of earning a master’s degree in trauma therapy to become a licensed therapist. Throughout this journey, I’ve volunteered with a women’s crisis line, gaining invaluable experience, and completed several specialized courses in trauma, including trauma within oneself, trauma within the body, and anxiety.

I now have the privilege of working as a support worker at the Metamorphosis Centre for Change, where I’m constantly inspired by a dedicated team that pushes me to grow both personally and professionally. My mission is simple: to help people understand their worth and empower them to live fulfilling lives.

My holistic approach to assessing and helping you heal were honed through clinical placements with complex mental health at Centre for Addictions and Mental Health; addictions at Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital; mental health and addictions at St Michael’s Rehab Centre and private practices. If you desire, I incorporate spirituality to your care, irrespective of your religious or lack of religious affiliation.

My backgrounds and experiences in a multicultural, multi-religious developing country and developed countries; careers in pharmacy, management, business education, change and project management and life experiences in parenting, marriage, and family life have been great assets in caring for clients.

A Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario with master’s degrees in Spiritual Care /Psychotherapy and Ministry/Spirituality; and a Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions.

Sara is a dedicated addictions and mental health counsellor with a passion for helping individuals overcome their struggles with substance abuse and addiction. With personal life experience and family history of addiction, Sara has developed a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face when attempting to overcome mental health and addiction and is committed to providing compassionate and effective support to those in need. Sara has her diploma in addictions and mental health and is known for her warmth, empathy, and ability to create a safe and supportive environment for clients. Sara believes that every individual has the capacity for growth and change and is dedicated to helping individuals build the skills needed to overcome their obstacles and live their best lives

Todd has been helping people, either directly affected by addiction and mental health (clients) or those affected in-directly (family) for over 30 years. Formally Clinical Director at three previous treatment Centre's in Canada, Todd has had the privilege to help people struggling, in multiple roles as Primary Counselor, Case Manager and Interventionist. Todd's perspective is to treat each person in a complete, holistic format utilizing evidenced based therapies and constructing detailed and individualized treatment plans specifically designed for the uniqueness of that individual.

Jennifer brings with her many years’ experience with addiction both personal and professional. It is from this experience that her passion for helping others grew. Jennifer went on to complete with honors an advance diploma in child and youth care at Georgian college. Jennifer then focused her education in addiction treatment and prevention completing her one year post graduate certificate at Georgian college as well.

Jennifer works with clients from a client centered/strength based approach looking at the entire person, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural frameworks. Using these frameworks Jennifer helps to guide clients to their own truths, uncovering negative core beliefs and other distorted thinking patterns.

Jennifer is passionate about helping people live happy healthy lives and with this passion she believes helping her clients learn to love themselves is key in their transformation. Building self-worth and employing tools such as mirror work and affirmation use are some of the areas Jennifer focuses on. Jennifer believes that knowledge is power and therefore gives her clients ample opportunity to learn and grow even when not in a session.

Jennifer has a passion about the healing power of nature and the spiritual lessons it provides. When Jennifer is not with her clients you can find her at her trailer enjoying the birds, animals and the peaceful tranquility of the country side

After graduating with honours in Addiction Counselling and Community Service Worker, Rick Clement has spent the last nine years working as an Addiction Counsellor in private recovery centres. Rick is extremely dedicated to each client’s individual path to recovery and thoroughly enjoys assisting each client honouring their true selves and beginning to enjoy their lives. He believes addiction is a band-aid for the core problem and is passionate about getting to the root of the issue. When he is not in the office, Rick can be found outside enjoying his beautiful backyard with his wonderful wife, puppy and pond fish.

Vicky discovered her passion to help people at a very young age, which led to going to school as a single mom in the 90s to become a PSW. Vicky returned to school in 2011 after raising her children to become a community support worker and addictions counsellor where she began her education to better serve people struggling with addictions and Mental health graduating with honors. Her strong people skills and passion for helping people allowed her to mesh well in all environments and work with people on a personal level and provide the right level of care in both Addictions and Mental Health.

Vicky Reid is a Mental health, community support worker and Addiction councilor. Prior to working at Metamorphosis Centre for Change she worked in two other addiction facilities. Vicky also works in mental health in group homes on her weekends off.

Vicky loves the outdoors, diving, kayaking, and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

Vicky also feeds a lot of homeless people on the streets and provides them with clothes she has bought second hand or has had donated.

Vicky has strong background in community support, addictions counselling and mental health care.

Justin has worked supporting those struggling with addiction and the families for his 8 years of experience as an addictions counsellor. Justin aims to approach addiction from a strength based approach under the belief that fostering natural resilience and strengths are some of the key foundations of recovery. Justin found his way to helping those impacted by addiction through their own personal experiences in recovery and completed his Mental Health and Addictions Worker Diploma from Canadore College and worked to become certified under the CACCF as a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor (CCAC).  Justin comes with 5 years of experience in residential treatment services and has worked as a community addictions counsellor in Northumberland Ontario for the past 3 years providing outpatient Addictions Counselling to those struggling with Substance Use Disorder and their Families/ loved ones.   Justin utilizes solution focused interviewing, Motivational Interviewing and has a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to assist individuals working to heal from addiction; and to support a loved ones of those struggling. Justin aims to utilize his skills and experience to provide after care support services from the approach of psycho-education, skill development, and to bridge the gap between treatment and returning to ones new life in recovery.

Kerri Badger is our new Administrative Assistant. She was an elementary school secretary with the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board for 33 years before moving to Phelpston and working with the Town of Wasaga Beach. Kerri has her Diploma in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is First Aid and WHMIS trained and as well as operating a family farm and being a mom to six grown children, she will be managing the day to day functions of our busy office area.

Chis Mazzawi is a husband, father of three and an all-round great guy. He loves a challenge; in fact his friends call him the professional problem solver. Chris enjoys making new connections with people and works hard to make his profession an enjoyable art form. He has spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry and has loved every minute of it. Chris believes that this type of business is one where a customer’s satisfaction is the number one objective and of the utmost importance. His commitment to this belief is a major contributor to his success. Chris has seen struggles with addiction among family members and has also seen the success that comes from recovery. “I am so looking forward to being part of the journey into a positive transformation for all of Metamorphosis’s clients.”

After graduating with honours in Addiction Counselling and Community Service Worker, Rick Clement has spent the last nine years working as an Addiction Counsellor in private recovery centres. Rick is extremely dedicated to each client’s individual path to recovery and thoroughly enjoys assisting each client honouring their true selves and beginning to enjoy their lives. He believes addiction is a band-aid for the core problem and is passionate about getting to the root of the issue. When he is not in the office, Rick can be found outside enjoying his beautiful backyard with his wonderful wife, puppy and pond fish.

Frank’s journey into this field started from his own challenges in life with mental health and addiction. After a few attempts at sobriety Frank put together a 1 year clean. This led him to want to give back and he decided to go back to school. Frank got a diploma in addictions, followed by a certificate in Psychology from Ryerson University. While at Ryerson, Frank started working for the private Addiction treatment centre industry. For the last 10 years he has been working for the top centres in Ontario. Working with four different centres have given frank the research and experience on how to create a better Mental health and addictions treatment program. Frank has a unique approach which is what allows him to connect with the clients. Frank says that “everything is fixable, including our thinking”.

Metamorphosis Centre for Change

Joseph brings over thirty years of customer and client service expertise to admissions at Metamorphosis. He respects people for what they can do, who they are, and the life they’ve lived. His personal experience with addiction and mental heath is what motivates him to help others.

Joseph is versatile and multitalented. He believes that lifelong learning is key to living a good life

Soke Michelle Maizis is a world-class martial artist with over 40 years of experience. An eighth-degree black belt in Chinese Kempo, she has also studied various styles including Jiu Jitsu, Sankudo, Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Hapkido, Chito Ryu, and Tai Chi C’huan.  She is a member in good standing with the Canadian Martial Arts Association and the Police Martial Arts Association.   Soke Maizis is the head of the Genki-Do Kempo system.  A multi-time World Champion and Hall of Fame inductee, she brings to the table a wealth of knowledge.  The essence of martial arts and its physical and mental benefits are something she truly believes in.  Soke Maizis uses her unique skills to empower others to become the best they can be, improving balance within their lives.

Leslie has been involved in Yoga for over 20 years, teaching for the last 11. She has embraced yoga as a way of life and feels so fortunate to be able to share her love and passion with the people around her.  Her desire, mixed with the sheer joy that yoga has brought her,  has led her on a path of personal growth and wellness. Yoga has made Leslie better in mind, body and heart. The nature and unity of yoga ultimately are what inspire Leslie to share and teach it.

When Jennifer discovered yoga over 30 years ago, she knew that one day, she would teach it!

Seven years ago she realized her dream of becoming a Yoga Instructor and now feels so grateful to not only teach yoga but to own a yoga studio in Wasaga Beach!

“Yoga helps me focus, helps me relax and keeps my body and my mind flexible. It grounds me, strengthens me and gives me tools to remind myself to live mindfully.

My goal in teaching is to share my passion and my love of yoga with my students so that they can have the opportunity to discover and reap the benefits of yoga in their own lives“

Stephanie Williams is the Executive Chef at Metamorphosis Centre for Change. She began her cooking career in Calgary Alberta, where she attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and completed the Culinary Arts Program. From there Stephanie worked as a Garde Marche and Pastry Chef at the very prestigious Bears Den restaurant in Bearspaw Rocky View. Then she moved to Toronto to work as a Pastry Chef at Joe Badalis Restaurant in Downtown Toronto. Stephanie has always loved cooking and being in the hospitality industry. After she started a family, she opened her own macaron business. She struggled with alcohol addiction for many years and has now been recovered for over 5 years. She can relate to and understand guests at Metamorphosis and is thrilled to be running her own kitchen.

Hi, my name is Catherine Wilms and I work in the kitchen here at Metamorphosis. I love cooking, baking and spending time with family and friends. My other interests include photography, music, travel, nature and art.

Hello, my name is Teresinha Ribeiro. I am originally from São Paulo ;Brazil !

My love for cooking at a yearly age due to necessity and a desire to learn the trade. I began working at Le Tróis Normand in Yorkville and Fare Exchange as well as working as a Chef, running the kitchen of St Rafael Centennial home, a Rehab for women who have issues with addictions. I went on to enrol at George Brown College Culinary of Arts where upon graduating I worked with the Boulevard Club as a fine cuisine chef. I then started up my own company called Chef on the Run. This lead me to work with the film industry, when the Film industry in Toronto was called the film capital of the North! I then started a restaurant named Cornucopia in Toronto ! All the years work as a professional chef was great satisfaction and is truly a gift from God !

It is a privilege to have the chance I have been given ; to create marvelous meals without a food budget!

Looking forward in meeting you and to be a part of your journey in collaboration with the vision at Metamorphosis!

Good afternoon, I'm Adam. I'm an easy going, fun guy. I grew up in Richvale, Ont. I had rink beside me so I skated everyday in winter. At 13, we moved to Innisfil where I got married ,had a beautiful girl named Katie and three amazing grandchildren. We moved to Wasaga Beach and have been here for ten years now. We love it here . I have met some great people and now work at Metamorphosis Center in Maintenance. I love the job which doesn't feel like a job at all. The staff are friendly and professional which makes me want to stay employed here until my retirement. It's a great place to work and a great place to be if you need help.