Hello! My name is Maja.

I'm a registered Clinical Forensic Social worker (MSW, RSW), psychotherapist, parenting coach, and mum of two incredible, resilient and gifted neurodivergent daughters. Heck I even have ADHD myself.


I help care givers, first responders, service providers, and moms just like me get from Chaos to Calm. 


With over 21 years experience, I have supported and advocated for neurodivergent folks, including people labelled with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, Autism, addictions and a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. 


My extensive experience in the criminal justice sector began with my upbringing, as my parents dedicated decades to working at Toronto Police Services (TPS). This has given me firsthand insight into the profound impact that front-line work has on individuals and their families.


For the past 8 years I have held a number of justice related roles that included: court based community justice and mental health diversion programs, clinical support within a local detention center supporting its special needs and Mental Health and Assessment Units in collaboration with CAMH's FEIS program and as an Executive Director for a non-profit organization helping individuals recently released from custody with reintegration services and supports. I'm currently Co-Chair for the Human Justice and Coordinating Committee (HSJCC), Release from Custody Network. Additionally, I serve as an advisor for Toronto Chapter of People First, am a member of the Ontario Disability Coalition and volunteer for The Freedom is a Must Foundation.


In my clinical counselling work with first responders, supporting parents through school advocacy, or managing crisis with my own family member or those I support; I bring compassion and empathy to every interaction. I believe you are the expert of your own life and prioritize health and wellness using a person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. My practice is free from judgment and fosters an environment of understanding and genuine acceptance.


Thank you for visiting. Take the first step towards transforming your life from Chaos to Calm. Reach out today, and let's discover together how I can support you on this journey to reclaim joy, vitality and purpose in your life. I look forward to connecting with you soon!


** Please note I do not offer emergency services. If you are in a crisis please call 911 or go to your nearest mental health emergency department. 



A little bit of my story

For the past 21 years I have had the privilege of raising two special needs children with a range of neurodivergent conditions including: Autism, Learning Disability, ADHD, Down Syndrome, addictions and mental health conditions. I’m neurodivergent as well, which gives me a unique and empathetic perspective on the challenges we face.

 

Additionally, for the past 8 years, I have been a registered Clinical Forensic Social Worker and psychotherapist, supporting individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, suicidality, stress, addictions, and those seeking to bring meaning, peace and calm back into their lives. 


Working in the criminal justice system, I have seen first hand the devastating impact of stigma and tragic consequences when people are not properly supported.  I have seen the profound effect on individuals' lives when emotions go unchecked, and they and the people supporting them lack the tools and coping skills needed to manage emotions effectively.  


Within the criminal justice sector, I also see firsthand the immense stress that first responders and justice professionals experience and how that impacts both their professional and personal lives.


As an advocate in the disability community, I can attest to the severe lack of support available to families leading to extreme stress, burnout and overwhelm. Feelings of shame and inadequacy often arise when we don’t receive the support we need and feel unable to do more for our children, our families or our communities. The constant worry about our child’s future and the daily stress of having to constantly juggle multiple priorities can be overwhelming. But you are not alone


Chaos to Calm was born out of a deep desire to support special needs moms, first responders and service providers reclaim their lives, bringing them back to a place of joy, vitality and freedom. Through my extensive experience and understanding, I can help guide you on a transformative journey back to a life where you can find calm within the chaos.


Sincerely,

Maja

Skills and Education

EDUCATION


  • Masters of Social Work, MSW
  • Bachelor of Social Work, BSW
  • Bachelor Psychology, BSc

CERTIFICATES

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
  • Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP II)
  • Court Approved Anger Management for Male Offenders
  • Community Training in Concurrent Disorders
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Integrated Foundational Autism & Mental Health Training
  • Mental Health and Wellness
  • Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention
  • Opioid Overdose Education, Prevention and Response
  • Psychological First Aid
  • Seeking Safety (PTSD & Addictions) Group Facilitation
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Understanding and Managing the Stresses of Police Work

Practice Areas

Specialties

Addictions

ADHD

Anger Management

Autism

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Criminal Justice Involvement/Incarceration

Crisis Management

Developmental Disorders

Dual Diagnosis

Grief & Loss

Learning Disability (LD)

Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder)

Sleep Issues & Insomnia

Stress Management

Substance Use

Suicidal Ideation

Therapeutic Modalities

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • PsychodynamicTherapy
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Ways I can help

1:1 Counselling

Are you experiencing low mood or anxiety? Having difficulty managing stress or have had some traumatic experiences in life or through your work that is keeping you stuck? Do you lack motivation? Or perhaps you find it difficult to wake up in the morning or can't fall asleep at night because your mind keeps spinning around in circles?


If so, I can help. I offer private and confidential virtual or tele therapy that you can easily access through the comfort of your own home. Covered by Blue Cross, Greenshield, Empire Life and most insurance plans.

Parent Coaching

Do you have a school meeting, CAS engagement or  human rights tribunal coming up? Not sure what to expect or are tired of going it alone?  Maybe your child has not been receiving the disability related accommodations they are entitled to and you aren't sure of the next steps to take?  Or you are just exhausted and tired of being on the special needs parent hamster wheel and want to regain a life of passion, purpose and joy. My parent coaching sessions will show you how to get from where you are to where you want to be in easy, actionable steps.

Crisis Training

Whether you want to learn how to support your loved with behavioural issues with more confidence and less stress or you're a professional wanting to understand how to manage reactive neurodiverse people or individuals with mental health concerns. Adaptive Crisis Trainings (ACT) is a trauma-informed, collaborative holistic approach to crisis management that takes into account both the helper and the person in crisis. 


Contact me to get on the waitlist.

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