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Ken O’Neil, CYW – Owner

Ken O’Neil is a dedicated and empathetic Child and Youth Counsellor with over 25 years of experience in counselling, consulting, and community program development. He founded and has managed his own counselling and consulting business since July 1997, operating as The WAY Out Counselling Services (1997–2020) and as P.A.C.E. Inc. since 2020.

Ken began his career shortly after earning an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work from Lambton College in 1996. Since then, he has continually expanded his expertise through professional development in areas such as Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Trauma and Grief Response, Community Violent Threat Risk Assessment, and Mental Health and Addictions programming. He has also contributed to the field by teaching in the Child and Youth Worker Program at Lambton College and serving as a Faculty Advisor for over 11 years.

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On a personal note, Ken is a proud father of three and has been happily married since 1996.

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Professional Partnerships and Community Work


Throughout his career, Ken has collaborated with numerous organizations, including Walpole Island Health Centre, Enodmaagejig Social Services, Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, Walpole Island Home and Community Care Program, Bkejwanong Children’s Centre, National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, Lambton-Kent District School Board, Southwest Area First Nation Health Board, Kettle & Stony Point Hillside Elementary School, and various Children’s Aid Societies.

Since 1997, Ken has developed, implemented, and coordinated a variety of community-driven programs within Walpole Island First Nation and the Lambton-Kent region. Notable initiatives include the Men’s Support Program, High School Integration Program, Walpole Island Trauma Response Team, P.A.C.E. Program, Specialized Elementary Support Program, and the Walpole Island Community Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy.

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Certifications

  • Violent Threat Risk Assessment Level 1 & 2

  • Trauma and Loss Consultant

  • Trauma and Loss School Specialist

  • Critical Incident Stress Management / Debriefing

  • Restorative Justice Forums

  • ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • RedPath Addiction Treatment Program

  • Death Notification – MADD

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Andrew Thomas, CYW, CTRP-C – Manager and Counsellor

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Andrew Thomas has been a lifelong member of the Sarnia–Lambton community and has dedicated his career to supporting local youth. He completed the Child and Youth Worker Program at Lambton College to pursue his passion for working with young people and further advanced his expertise through STARR Commonwealth, becoming a Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner – Clinician (CTRP-C).

Since 1997, Andrew has worked with diverse populations of youth aged 8 to 24, gaining experience in group homes, open custody facilities, and managing a grassroots organization in Sarnia. He has also served as a faculty advisor at Lambton College in the Child and Youth Care Program. Andrew is committed to recognizing the potential in every youth he works with and helping them transform that potential into meaningful outcomes.

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On a personal level, Andrew is a proud father of two daughters.  He enjoys creating family memories, travelling, camping, and fishing.

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Certifications

  • ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

  • Level 1 Violent Threat Risk Assessment Training

  • Red Cross CPR and Emergency First Aid

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • Initiative to Address Human Trafficking

  • Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification

  • Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Certificate

  • Certification in Combatting Anti-Black Racism

  • Critical Incident Stress Management

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Session Availability:


Sarah offers therapy sessions in Wallaceburg, Chatham, and Windsor, as well as through secure virtual platforms and telephone appointments for your convenience.

Sarah VanRoboys, MSW, RSW – Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist

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Sarah VanRoboys is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She holds an Honours Bachelor of Sociology from the University of Windsor and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, specializing in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She has also completed a Chemical Dependency Counselling certificate through St. Clair College.

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Using a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach, Sarah integrates multiple therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems theory, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

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Sarah has extensive experience supporting individuals coping with substance misuse, trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), grief and bereavement, stress, and interpersonal conflict. She is particularly passionate about working with trauma survivors, recognizing the psychological, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual impacts of trauma. Sarah provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel supported, valued, and heard. She believes that seeking help is a sign of strength, confidence, and resilience.

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Sarah’s therapy sessions may be covered through some extended health care benefits and First Nation Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

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Session Availability:


Alisha offers therapy sessions in Wallaceburg, as well as through secure virtual platforms and telephone appointments for your convenience.

Alisha Rombouts, BA, RP – Art Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist

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Alisha Rombouts holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Psychology from the University of Waterloo (2018) and completed her Master’s-level diploma at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

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Alisha specializes in art therapy, an expressive form of therapy that uses the creative process of art-making to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art therapy focuses on the process rather than the final product, helping clients explore and understand emotions, uncover personal insights, and work through underlying causes of distress.

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Her approach is person-centered, collaborative, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. Alisha is passionate about creating a supportive and safe environment where clients can engage in healing, learning, and self-reflection.

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She provides trauma-informed, strengths-based art therapy and psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults, and families, with a focus on trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

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Alisha’s therapy sessions may be covered through certain extended health care benefit plans as well as First Nation Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

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Session Availability:


Denise offers therapy sessions in Wallaceburg, as well as through secure virtual platforms and telephone appointments for your convenience.

Denise Sylvain, RP, MMH, CYW – Registered Psychotherapist, Masters in Mental Health

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Denise Sylvain brings over 20 years of experience working in diverse mental health settings, including intensive in-home support for families, one-on-one counselling, and hospital-based mental health inpatient care. She earned her Child & Youth Worker Diploma in 2001 and recently completed her Masters in Mental Health through Southern Cross University. Denise has been a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) since 2017.

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Her therapeutic approach is holistic and client-driven, grounded in the belief that individuals are always doing their best. With a non-judgmental and compassionate approach, Denise supports children, youth, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational attachment challenges. She provides individualized therapy that promotes healing, personal growth, and resilience, helping clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence and support.

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Denise’s therapy sessions may be covered through certain extended health care benefit plans as well as First Nation Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

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Session Availability:


Judy offers therapy sessions in Wallaceburg and Sarnia, as well as through secure virtual platforms and telephone appointments for your convenience.

Judy Casteels, MA, BSW, RSW & OHS Certificate – Registered Social Worker, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

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Judy Casteels brings extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of mental health and wellness challenges. Her approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive, ensuring that every client feels heard, understood, and supported.

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Judy specializes in developing practical, goal-focused care plans tailored to each client’s unique needs. She works collaboratively with clients, families, and professional partners to promote mental, emotional, and occupational wellness.

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Services Offered

Individual, family, and couples therapy

Crisis support and intervention

Occupational mental health consulting

Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care

Goal-oriented care planning and resource navigation

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Why Work With Judy?

Extensive experience in community, clinical, and hospital settings

Skilled in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including DBT and CBT

Experienced in supporting diverse populations, including Indigenous and Métis communities.​ Committed to helping clients build resilience, self-sufficiency, and well-being

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Judy’s therapy sessions may be covered through certain extended health care benefit plans as well as First Nation Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

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Session Availability:


Kylie offers therapy sessions in Wallaceburg and Sarnia, as well as through secure virtual platforms and telephone appointments for your convenience.

Kylie MacKenzie, RP – Registered Psychotherapist & Registered Marriage & Family Therapist (RMFT)

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Kylie MacKenzie is a warm and empathic psychotherapist who supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment injuries, and mood-related challenges. She helps clients explore the deeper patterns and experiences that shape their emotional world while also developing practical coping strategies for daily life.

Grounded in psychodynamic and attachment-focused therapy, Kylie integrates evidence-based approaches—including CBT, DBT, and EFT, —to provide a balanced, supportive, and clinically effective experience. Her style is collaborative and client-centered, rooted in the belief that meaningful therapy occurs when clients feel safe, understood, and supported.

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As a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist, Kylie has specialized training in relational systems, couples communication, and family dynamics. She works with couples navigating conflict, attachment wounds, infidelity, communication challenges, and life transitions. In family therapy, she emphasizes restoring connection, improving emotional safety, and strengthening relationships.

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With over 8 years of clinical experience in trauma, addiction, dual diagnosis, crisis recovery, and severe mental illness, Kylie brings a strong clinical foundation informed by her PsyD training in assessment, diagnostics, and treatment planning. She has supported clients in diverse settings across Ontario and California, including community mental health, telehealth, crisis programs, and psychological assessment clinics.

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Kylie is deeply committed to providing a compassionate and grounded space where clients can heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves.

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Kylie’s therapy sessions may be covered through certain extended health care benefit plans as well as First Nation Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

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