When we are stressed, 
we are not our best selves.
Ripple Effect Services can help children navigate life’s difficult moments.
Our History
Bringing together over 70 combined years of experience working within various mental health settings, Lisa and Ron founded Ripple Effect Services in 2018 to share their enthusiasm for relational, neurologically informed approaches. Their passions for self-development and continued learning have coalesced to create the Ripple Effect Model.
Contact us today to discover how we can support you and your family.
Our Amazing Team of Humans and More than Human!
Anika Edwards, RECE, Counsellor
Anika is the epitome of a vibrant clinician. She has a mission to make the world a more kind and loving place. Her love of helping children and youth is the stuff of legend! She is equipped with an undergraduate degree in Childhood Studies and a Masters degree in Counselling. She's been an Early Childhood Educator, and her fire for creating a safe, nurturing space for kids is unmatched. With Anika on their team, young people can soar to new heights, and she's all about letting them take the lead and build their confidence. A unique fact about Anika is her love for reptiles, particularly snakes and geckos. Anika enjoys creating art and her favorite food is pizza.
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Katherine Borak, CYW, BA CYC, MEd, PhD, RSW
Katherine is a highly experienced practitioner with a commendable 25-year track record in diverse clinical environments focused on children, youth, and families. Her career has been predominantly dedicated to inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry and instructing in post-secondary education. Passionate about learning from young people, Katherine actively fosters spaces where exploration and the exchange of new ideas flourish. Her commitment to enhancing the well-being of those she serves extends beyond clinical expertise, incorporating empathy, creativity, and a genuine dedication to the growth and happiness of young individuals and their families.
Ashlee Parker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Ashlee is a clinical social worker with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work. She believes in creating a therapeutic space that is fun, playful and honours the individual goals and perspectives of the youth and children she works with. Ashlee is passionate about mind-body informed approaches that promote strength, resilience, and wellness.
Ron Old, BA, CYC
Ron Old has worked as a Child and Youth Care Worker in a variety of settings since 1980. He has a diploma in Child and Youth Work from George Brown College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Counselling from Toronto Metropolitan University, and is a part-time Instructor in the Child and Youth Care Program at Humber College since 2006. Today Ron coordinates the intake process for new clients and facilitates Ripple Effect’s Parent Workshops.
Fareezeh Avari, LMSW, RSW
I am deeply committed to helping young minds navigate their emotions, build resilience, and unlock their full potential. Drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including somatic techniques and play therapy, I create a safe, nurturing space where children can express themselves freely and develop the tools to navigate life's challenges. Central to my practice are creative approaches that integrate fun, movement, and engagement, making therapy both enjoyable and transformative. I believe in fostering a therapeutic environment where children connect with their innate strength, creativity, and emotional resilience, all while addressing their unique emotional needs.
I am proficient in English, Urdu, and Gujarati.
Nancy Marshall, PhD, MA, CYC, RSW
Nancy holds a BA and MA in Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University. In 2024, she earned a doctoral degree from York University in the Faculty of Education with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming care for autistic young people. She has over 20 years experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent young people and their families in school and community settings. Her therapeutic approaches with all young people are playful, relational, emotion-focused, and polyvagal-informed.
Courtney Chow, RP, R-DMT
Courtney is a registered psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counselling and Dance/Movement Therapy. Courtney’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with other body-based and artistic forms of healing. She is committed to helping children and youth overcome challenges and move towards their personal goals.
Kelly Cassano, MSc, CYW, CYCP
Kelly holds a MSc in Child and Youth Care (CYC) and has spent the last 20 years learning from resilient and bright young people, in both direct practice and management. She has also spent over 12 years teaching in CYC programs, where her students continue to inspire her work.
Sahana Karunakaran SSW, BSW, RSW, MSW candidate
Sahana is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at York University and is excited to be completing her practicum with Ripple Effect Services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) and has a strong foundation in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds to recognize their strengths, achieve their goals, and continue growing with confidence.
Sahana is especially passionate about working with children and youth, and looks forward to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they feel seen, heard, and empowered to be themselves.
Outside of work, you can find Sahana crafting, binge-watching her favourite shows, or playing board games with friends and family. Proficient in Tamil. Reduced Costs sessions beginning September 2025.
Joshua Cabecinha-Alati
BSW, MSW candidate
Joshua is a Master of Social Work Graduate Intern from Wilfrid Laurier University. He has a background in mental health, addictions, and youth justice, and brings experience working with diverse populations. Joshua is passionate about trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and relational approaches to care. When he's not engaged in research or practice, you can find him hiking with his family dog, at the gym, or rewatching his favourite shows.
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Reduced Costs sessions beginning September 2025.
Shaun Mazzocca, RP, CCC
Shaun is a Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in working with creatives, performers and athletes. He has an understanding of creative individuals and the unique traumas that contribute to the development of behavioural patterns that can keep us feeling stuck or dissatisfied. Shaun has a passion for acting and loves to use drama exercises in his therapeutic approach.
Christina Lee, MA, RP, DTATI
Christina is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Master’s in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and a Professional Art Therapy designation. She believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to explore personal challenges in an empathic, non-judgmental, and collaborative space. She has worked at the Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre to support families who are experiencing serious illness, grief, and bereavement.
Lisa Marucci, CCW, MSW, RSW
Lisa is the Clinical Director of Ripple Effect Children’s Services. She holds a Masters of Social Work, Women’s Collaborative Program, from U of T, a BA in Women’s Studies from York University, and a diploma from George Brown College as a Child Care Worker. Lisa has been an Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University for 17 years, and has operated a private child and adult clinical Social Work practice in Toronto since 2001.
