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. 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.
Dave Higgins
B.Sc., B.Ed., OCT
Psychometrist (Happily Retired)
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. 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. 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 Da Silva
B.A., M.T.S, Ph.D., M.A. Psych
Kathryn obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Ottawa, with a specialization in Canadian diversity and cultural studies. She has worked with First Nations, Tribal Councils, NGOs, and various levels of government. 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, has taught in various high schools casually, and has been a guest speaker on a number of occasions at local post-secondary institutions 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 stories 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 historically marginalized or underrepresented groups. When she is not working, she goes by the title of “Mum” to four children, as well as a spoiled Chihuahua and feisty budgie. Her interests include music, most things sci-fi, and participating in deep philosophical discussions. Kathryn was born and raised in Mississauga, but has also lived in Germany, Waterloo, Ottawa, and Timmins. She and her family currently reside in Orillia, where they enjoy life in the suburbs.
Supervisor of Assessment Services
Amber Cain
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 became full-time in 2022 as our supervisor of assessment services! Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, adventurous toddler, and their pets. You can find her at the campground in the summer months and reading a good book in the winter. Amber is passionate about working with children and families, especially being able to provide psychology services to Northwestern Ontario.
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.
Haley Kraftscik
B.A.
Psychometrist
Haley, a Psychology graduate from Western University, found her passion at Parnell Psychology in May 2022. Driven by her dedication to helping children and young adults thrive, she seamlessly fits in with Natalie and the team. During her downtime, you can find Haley training for a half marathon. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends and boyfriend, embracing her love for animals, and exploring the world through travel. Known for her warm and welcoming smile, she aims to make a positive impact in the community wherever she goes.
Ashley Melvin
Hons. B. Counselling Psych, M. Ed. Student
Psychometrist
Ashley is a psychometrist with a strong passion for psychological assessment and evaluation. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology degree from Georgian College and is currently a graduate student in the MEd School and Applied Child Psychology Program at the University of Calgary. Ashley is dedicated to delivering comprehensive assessments and takes pleasure in travelling to and engaging with diverse communities. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys hiking with her partner and wire fox terrier, exploring new places, and crocheting.
Sarah Farr
Hons. B. Counselling Psych
Psychometrist
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Counselling Psychology from Georgian College, Sarah has focused on 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 fussing over her plants and geckos, 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
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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
Pamela was born in Toronto and raised in Orillia and St. Catharines. She attended Brock University where she earned a Bachelor of Physical Education and Health. She attended Sheridan College where she earned a Diploma in Sports Injury Management. She worked as an Athletic Therapist in the provincial Basketball system, university and private school systems for 5 years before going to University of British Columbia to earn a Bachelor in Education (Primary/Junior). She has qualifications in Special Education, Language Difficulties – Aphasia, Mathematics and Strategies in Trauma Awareness and Resilience. She has been in the education system for over 30 years. She taught in the public and private school systems in the primary, junior, and intermediate grades but she mainly worked as a Special Education Resource Teacher. As a SERT, she worked with students individually or in groups, and completed educational testing. She enjoyed working with students who have difficulties learning and co-planning with classroom teachers for these students. Pamela moved with her husband and family to the Penetanguishene-Midland area 20 years ago to have a more relaxed lifestyle. When her children were young, she volunteered as an athletic therapist for their sports teams. She was the supervisor for cross-country skiing lessons and school cross-country skiing races at the local and regional level for over 15 years. She continues to be active in the region hiking, cycling, canoeing, camping, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
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Dylan Dick
Hons. B. Counselling Psych
Psychometrist
Dylan is another one of our passionate psychometrists at Parnell.
Bio coming soon!
Psychotherapy, Counselling and Learning Support Services
Tory White
M.A.
Graduate Student Clinician
Tory offers counselling services to adolescents, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. As a counsellor therapist, she provides support in promoting healthy living and overall wellness among adolescents. She provides guidance and support in navigating a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationships, and self-perception. She has a particular interest in emotional intelligence and executive functioning skills, recognizing their increasing importance in today’s world. Tory is passionate about empowering individuals to develop these skills to enhance their well-being and cope with life’s challenges. Currently, Tory is attending the EdD (School Psychology Field) program at the University of Toronto and is working towards registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario as a School Psychologist. Her 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. Tory's work philosophy is rooted in these experiences and a value system that emphasizes empathy, understanding, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. She believes in the power of therapy to transform lives and is dedicated to supporting adolescents on their path to wellness.
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 fiancée, her daughter and 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!