ABOUT
OUR TEAM
Since 2017, Parnell Psychology has been providing psychological services. Meet Clinical and School Psychologist Natalie Parnell and the outstanding staff team below.
Natalie (Côté) Parnell
M.Ed., OCT, C.Psych.
Owner, Clinical and School Psychologist
Natalie is a Clinical and School Psychologist, and the founder of Parnell Psychology. The practice offers psychological/psychoeducational assessments and therapy to children, youth and their families, as well as support to organizations. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Natalie was an elementary school classroom and resource teacher for nearly 10 years (maintaining certification as a teacher in Ontario), and Executive Director of a community mental health agency for 5 years.
Natalie’s passion is working with First Nation, Metis and Inuit populations, bringing her and her staff to many remote, fly-in communities across Nunavut (virtually/telepsychology only), Ontario and Quebec. Natalie is French Canadian, and fluent in both English and French. Natalie has a Master’s degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary, as well as Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts degrees.
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Once a very shy child, Natalie now talks to virtually anyone, anywhere, anytime - especially if they’re walking a dog. Natalie lives by “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't yet met”, and has friends across the country and around the world. Natalie moved to Midland with her husband and teenage daughter in 2017 after living in Timmins/South Porcupine (with brief stints in Manitouwadge, Thunder Bay and North Bay) for 36 years.
Psychological Services
Cheryl Rofffe
BA, Grad. Dip. in Education, Grad Dip in School Counselling, MC, OCT C.Psych
Counselling and School Psychologist
Cheryl grew up in Kenora, Ontario and completed her BA in Psychology at Laurentian University. She went on to complete her teaching degree in Sydney, Australia at the University of Western Sydney, and met someone special. After supporting students in a variety of positions including Support Teacher/Learning Difficulties, Support Teacher/English Language Learners and Kindergarten Teacher, she trained as an Educational Psychologist at the University of Western Sydney and worked and became registered in this capacity in Western Sydney area schools. Cheryl and her family eventually returned to Ontario, and she furthered her studies at Athabasca University in the area of Counselling Psychology. She has worked as a Teacher, Psychometrist, Counsellor, Mental Health Lead with School Mental Health Ontario, and Supervising Psychologist in a variety of Ontario schools and agency settings and is registered as both a Teacher and Psychologist. Currently, Cheryl, her partner and two daughters are living in Lindsay, Ontario. Passions include family (which includes 2 dogs, 2 birds and a rabbit), hockey (playing, watching, coaching) as well as music (playing and listening). Cheryl is also very passionate about increasing understanding in the areas of: mental health, FASD, social justice, interprofessional collaboration and equity and inclusion.
Corrie Brownlee
C. Psych. Assoc. (Supervised Practice)
Corrie is currently pursuing registration through the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a Psychological Associate. Prior to beginning work as a psychometrist upon starting graduate school in 2014, she worked in children’s mental health for organizations delivering autism programming. She obtained a Master of Education degree from the University of Calgary in School and Applied Child Psychology in 2018. Corrie has developed an interest in literacy during her time working with school aged children in an assessment setting.
Outside of work, Corrie lives in Northern Ontario and spends time with partner, children, and pets. Boating, campfires, snowmobiling, riding ATVs, spending time at the cottage, and gardening fill their time.
Psychometrist
Dave Higgins
B.Sc., B.Ed., OCT
Dave has been associated with education in Ontario since for nearly four decades. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree at McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education at Laurentian University’s Nipissing campus. He has a specialist in Environmental Science from the University of Toronto. He became an Ontario Certified Teacher in September, 1982 and has taught in the primary, junior and intermediate grades. He was among the first Special Education Resource Teachers in the province and has Specialist Qualifications in Special Education. He has been an itinerant Special Education Consultant, Speech and Language Teacher and School Board Psychometrist. Dave was an elementary school principal for fourteen years and supervised special education programs and services as System Principal for Special Education for a school district in southwestern Ontario. He spent eight years contracting as Paraprofessional Support Services Lead, allocating educational assistant staff to schools in the same district. Dave spent ten years working with a Children’s Aid Society as a Child Protection Worker and was most recently their Education Liaison, focused on communication with schools, families and caregivers in assisting children and youth in care to navigate the education system and plan their pathways through secondary school and into post-secondary education.
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Dave was born and raised in Niagara Falls. He has also lived in Hamilton, Guelph, Windsor, Sarnia and North Bay. He has called Huron County and Goderich home for the last thirty-five years. Now semi-retired, when he’s not working you will find Dave engaged in just about anything that gets him outdoors. He enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing, gardening and golfing. His creative interests include wood carving, wildlife and landscape photography and playing trombone in the Goderich Laketown Band.
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Dave’s strives in his work to help parents and educators really understand the unique learning strengths and needs of their children and students and develop their awareness of strategies that can help children achieve success in school and at home, while strengthening the relationships that are so important to their development and learning.
Psychometrist
Kathryn Carriere
B.A., M.T.S, Ph.D.
Kathryn obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Ottawa, with a specialization in Canadian diversity, immigration, and cultural studies. She has worked with First Nations, Tribal Councils, NGOs, and municipal/provincial/federal levels of government. Kathryn considers herself fortunate to have worked with people of all ages over the years. She has worked with toddlers, children, high school and post-secondary students, adult learners, and has also completed a placement through Trilium Hospital’s Palliative Care unit. She’s taught various courses at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton, and has been a guest speaker on a number of occasions at local colleges and workplaces. She is also a certified diversity trainer, and is especially interested in representation and inclusion. Kathryn’s educational background and work history allows her to sensitively engage her clients, while taking their unique histories, belief systems, and cultural contexts into consideration. As she has worked extensively with migrant communities and minority groups, she is able to provide culturally responsive care to all members of the public, especially those from traditionally marginalized or underrepresented groups.
When she is not working, she goes by the title of “Mum” to four elementary-aged children, as well as a spoiled Chihuahua and feisty budgie. Kathryn may also be one of the world’s friendliest people. If you’ve met her, you are likely her friend. Her interests include music, Star Trek and most things sci-fi, and participating in deep philosophical discussions. Kathryn was born and raised in Mississauga, but has also lived in Waterloo, Ottawa, and Timmins. She and her family currently reside in Orillia, where they enjoy quiet life in the suburbs.
Supervisor of Assessment Services
Amber Palson
B.H.Ecol., B.A., MA-IS
Amber was born and raised in Kenora - a small city in Northwestern Ontario. She attended the University of Manitoba and obtained a Bachelor of Human Ecology and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology. Amber then completed her Master of Arts in Integrated Studies through Athabasca University. After working in infant and child development, Amber was able to pursue a career in psychology, and began training as a psychometrist in 2018. Amber joined the Parnell Psychology team in early 2020 as a casual psychometrist and has been completing assessments via video with children and youth from many different areas.
Emily Ostella
B.A.
Psychometrist
Emily has graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and earned a Diploma in General Arts with a Certificate in Organizational Behavior. She is currently working on achieving her Master’s from Yorkville University in Counseling Psychology. She has experience working in the school environment and being supervised under various psychologists in the psychometrist position and plans on pursuing a career in Psychotherapy.
Emily has always been passionate about the psychology field and has learned many valuable lessons through her journey of academics and experiences with mental health about the importance of peer support and empathy. She is very passionate about helping youth and adolescents gain a better understanding of their strengths and how to use them to the best of their abilities to be successful in their future achievements. Through working with Natalie and the rest of the team she will be able to make this possible for others.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends who are close to her. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures and traditions around the world to obtain perspective about the various individuals around us.
Haley Kraftscik
B.A.
Psychometrist
After graduating with a Psychology degree from Western University, Haley is excited about joining the Parnell Psychology team in May 2022. Haley is very passionate about helping others reach their goals, which is why working with Natalie and the rest of the team is the perfect fit for her.
Where can you find Haley in her spare time?
Spending time walking her two dogs Mia and Bella, with family and friends, or even enjoying some down time. You can be sure she will always have a smile on her face!
Nadia Fitzgerald
B.A.
Psychometrist
After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Queen’s University, Nadia spent over 15 years as the Education Director at several Learning Centres, where she completed psychoeducational assessments with students to create individualized learning programs. She is very excited to be working with the team at Parnell Psychology to continue her passion for helping children/youth figure out how they can best reach their full learning potential!
In her spare time, Nadia volunteers on the SCDSB Parent Involvement Committee, School Parent Council, and is a busy ‘cheer mom’, chauffeuring her daughter to practices & competitions. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, long-haired chihuahua, and close-knit extended family.
Ashley Melvin
Psychometrist
Ashley is currently completing an Honors Bachelor of Counselling Psychology at Georgian College where she developed a keen interest in psychometric assessments. Ashley completed her practicum with Parnell Psychology and her positive attitude and resourcefulness made her a natural fit with our Team. Informed by a client-centered approach, Ashley creates a welcoming assessment environment and strives to help youth and adolescents meet their academic goals. In her spare time, you can find her curled up with a good book or tackling a D-I-Y project!
Sarah Farr
Psychometrist
Sarah is currently in her fourth year of her Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology degree at Georgian College. Upon graduating, she aims to continue to develop in her two main areas of interest: psychoeducation and youth programming. Over the years Sarah has worked in various youth mental health settings, where she adopted a client-informed and youth-centered approach. When she’s not studying or at work, you can find her at home cuddled up with her dog, watching a good sci-fi movie, or nose-deep in a novel. She is also an avid traveller who loves to experience new places and different cultures.
Andrew Best
B.A., M.A., Psy. D Student
Psychometrist
After graduating from McKendree University with his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Andrew returned to McKendree to complete his Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice. He then enrolled in California Southern University’s Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy. D) while pursuing a hockey career in Sweden. Now that Andrew is transitioning out of his athletic endeavours he is seeking to complete his Doctoral degree while working under Natalie and the Parnell Psychology team. He hopes to learn from their professional staff as well as aid in their work improving their client’s lives.
During his spare time Andrew finds himself doing homework, and assisting young goaltenders as a skills training coach. He (sometimes) enjoys watching the Toronto Maple Leafs play and is an enthusiastic traveller.
Pamela Powell-Holt
B.Ph.Ed., B.Ed., OCT
Psychometrist
Bio coming soon!
Psychotherapy, Counselling and Learning Support Services
Glenn Marais
M.A., PhD Student
Wellness Practitioner/Music Educator
Glenn Marais is a singer/songwriter/educator, motivational speaker, performer and recording artists who uses his music for healing and hope with a passion for social justice advocation. His personal and professional mantra, “Give to Live”, encompasses that ideology in his wide-ranging work in the non-profit sector as Remote Programs Lead with DAREarts, working for over 16 years in fly-in Indigenous communities, formerly with ArtsCan Circle as their Programs Manager, working in seven northern Indigenous Communities, recently completed a contract as the Artistic Outreach Coordinator for the Aurora Cultural Centre focusing on diversity and inclusion, and with his own company Music in Mind, specializing in music based education, wellness and healing, equity and anti-bullying. Glenn is also a facilitator and contract educator for The University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, teaching Intro to Community Music and Music, Health and Wellness in the winter of 2021.
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Self-improvement is a constant in Glenn’s life, having recently completed a Master of Arts Degree at Wilfrid Laurier, Mindfulness and Meditation Certificate at McMaster, Reiki Level II Certification and current enrollment at Trent in the PHD program for Indigenous Studies. Glenn is a published author with a book of poetry, “Dance with Fear, Live in the Light, several children’s stories in development and the recent completion of a musical play, “Jook” and has been nominated for a Juno award, received the Donald Cousens Community Impact Award for 2021 and numerous other accolades in his work empowering and educating our young people to become the voice of change that we need to see in our world. Glenn has developed a healing practice and philosophy based on inclusive, reflective practice that reflects indigenous healing and a fusion of meditation, mindfulness, and healing through music.
Chantel Proulx
RSW, MSW
Social Worker
Chantel is a registered Social Worker in Ontario and obtained her Master's in Social Work (Indigenous field of study) through Laurier University. Prior to completing her Master's, she received a Child & Youth Worker diploma through Cambrian College and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work through Laurentian University.
Chantel has worked as a Social Worker for over 10 years in a variety of settings (a mix of mainstream and Indigenous agencies). She has extensive experience working with children, youth and families impacted by traumatic events, grief, addictions, high-risk/conflict situations and parenting challenges. She has experience providing 1-to-1 and group therapy for children, youth and caregivers.
Chantel has provided therapy and supported those struggling with mental health (ie. anxiety & depression), self-harm, parent-teen conflict, attachment concerns and those impacted by traumatic events. When providing therapy she uses an eclectic and wholistic approach to address individual needs and goals. She has experience using DBT and CBT strategies, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, art therapy, brief/crisis therapy, goal-setting strategies, and mindfulness-based approaches. She has a strong interest and passion in understanding how trauma and significant stress impact the human brain, attachment and daily functioning. She also incorporates psycho-educational opportunities in sessions to share this learning with clients.
Developing and facilitating workshops is also one of Chantel’s passions. As a parent herself to three children, she can relate to many of the ups and downs related to parenting (especially recently through a pandemic). This year, she co-developed and facilitated the first part of a workshop series titled: "Navigating & coping through challenging times while being the best parent you can be". Some of the main topics included: “The impact of high stress on parent(s) and the rippling effects on their children, a glimpse from a child’s perspective and strategies to be the best version of you”.
Tory White
M.A.
Graduate Student Clinician
I offer counselling services to adolescents, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(CBT) and Mindfulness. As a counsellor/therapist, I provide support in promoting healthy living
and overall wellness among adolescents. I provided guidance and support in navigating a range
of issues, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationships, and self-perception. I have
a particular interest in emotional intelligence and executive functioning skills, recognizing their
increasing importance in today’s world. I am passionate about empowering individuals to
develop these skills to enhance their well-being and cope with life’s challenges.
Currently, I am attending the EdD (School Psychology Field) program at the University of
Toronto and am working towards registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a
School Psychologist. My unwavering commitment is to provide therapeutic and restorative
experiences that are uniquely tailored to the needs of each individual, ensuring they feel heard,
understood, and supported.
My work philosophy is rooted in these experiences and a value system that emphasizes empathy,
understanding, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. I believe in the power of therapy
to transform lives and am dedicated to supporting adolescents on their path to wellness.
Dylan Dick
Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology Intern
Bio coming soon!
Administrative Support
Sierra Snell
Clinic Assistant
Sierra was born and raised in the area of Midland. She attended Georgian College for Medical/Health Office Administration, obtaining Honour Roll. She has always had a passion for working with Doctors and/or Psychologists, giving her the opportunity to continuously learn as no days are ever the same.
In her free time you can find her spending time with her boyfriend and their Golden Retriever, Finnigan. You can also find her indulging in her favourite TV shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy and The Office.
Shae Parnell
Administrative Support
Bio coming soon!
Hannah Baker
Administrative Support
Bio coming soon!
705-465-3017
8222 Highway 93, Tiny (Wyebridge)
Servicing all of Ontario
This is not an emergency service. If you are in need of immediate mental health assistance please contact emergency services.
By Appointment Only
Hours of Operation: 8h00 to 17h00 Messages returned within 48 hours
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