Professional - Compassionate - Confidential
Call or Text Us Now:
519-355-9576 or 519-328-4632
Therapy, Counselling, Case Management and Consulting
Email: Info@pace-inc.com
Ken O'Neil, CYW - Owner
Ken is a caring and empathetic Child and Youth Counsellor, who has owned and managed his own counselling and consulting business since July 1997 (The WAY Out Counselling services 1997-2020; P.A.C.E. Inc. 2020). Ken began his business endeavor one year after graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work at Lambton College in 1996. Since then, he has continuously added to his credentials by participating in numerous training opportunities such as, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Trauma and Grief Response, Community Violent Threat Risk Assessment, and Mental Health and Addictions programming. Ken, in the past, has contributed to his profession by teaching at Lambton College in the Child and Youth Worker Program, as well as serving as a Faculty Advisor for over 11 years. On a personal level, Ken is a proud father of three beautiful children and has been happily married for 21 years.
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Since the inception of his business, Ken has had multiple opportunities to work in partnership with the Walpole Island Health Centre, Enodmaagejig Social Services, Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, Walpole Island Home and Community Care Program, Bkejwanong Children’s Centre, Bkejwanong Children’s Services Unit, 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, to name a few.
Over the last 23 years, Ken has had the opportunity to develop, implement and coordinate many different programs within Walpole Island First Nation, and the Lambton-Kent region. Programs such as: Men’s Support Program, High School Integration Program, Walpole Island Trauma Response Team, P.A.C.E. Program, Specialized Elementary Support Program, and Walpole Island Community Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy are some, among many, community-driven initiatives that Ken has proudly developed, implemented and facilitated over his vast career in Human Service.
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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
Andrew has been a member of the Sarnia – Lambton community his entire life. He completed the Child and Youth Worker Program at Lambton College so he could further his passion for working with youth in his community. He has also completed his training through STARR Commonwealth and is a Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner - Clinician.
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Since 1997, Andrew has had the opportunity to work with diverse population of youth ranging in age from 8 to 24 years old. Some of his past job experiences include working in group homes and open custody facilities, being a manager of a grassroots organization in Sarnia, and being a faculty advisor at Lambton College, in the Child and Youth Care Program. Andrew sees the potential in all the youth that he supports and enjoys working with them to make that potential become a reality.
On a personal level, Andrew is the father of 2 daughters and husband to a loving and supportive wife. He enjoys creating memories with his family, travelling, camping and fishing.
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Certifications:
A.S.I.S.T. - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Level 1 Violence 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 on Combatting Anti-Black Racism
Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management
Cherrie Lalonde, RSSW, CTS
Registered Social Service Worker/ Counsellor
Cherrie grew up in Wallaceburg, where she lives now, with her husband, Kim. She has 2 sons, both married, 6 grandchildren, with one on the way. When Cherrie's children were younger, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom. When they were both in school, she joined the workforce.
In 2006, Cherrie decided to go back to school and enrolled in the Social Service Workers program at Lambton College, graduating in June 2008. A Clinical Trauma Specialist, Cherrie also belongs to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
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In November 2006, Cherrie joined Ken O’Neil at the ‘Way Out” Counselling Services at Wallaceburg District Secondary School in the P.A.C.E. program. Cherrie has been working in the P.A.C.E. program going on 18 years now.
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"I love my job helping the youth in our community. It is such a rewarding job. God willing I can continue for years to come."
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Certifications:
Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist
Suicide Intervention
Level 1 VTRA Training
Mental Health First Aid
TECIP Training
ASIST Training
REAL JUSTICE Conferencing Facilitator Training
Victim Services - 60 hours core training
Death Notification Training
Alyssa Sands, CYC-P
Counsellor
Alyssa Sands is a proud member of Walpole Island First Nation, who holds an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care, from Lambton College (2019). Alyssa began her Child & Youth Care journey with the PACE Team, having completed both her first and third year placements with the PACE Program at Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, and Wallaceburg District SS. Understanding that the therapeutic relationship thrives on mutual respect, honesty, and trust, Alyssa is an empathetic and non-judgmental Child and Youth Care Practitioner; utilizing lived-experience to support and join with her clients. She offers a unique approach, implementing both Western, and Indigenous approaches to mental wellness.
A grand-daughter, daughter, and niece of Indian Residential School survivors, Alyssa is determined to be a force against the cycle of intergenerational trauma. In 2020, Alyssa created a Land Based Mental Well-being Program, based in the culture and language of the Anishinaabe of Bkejwanong Territory. Alyssa counts herself fortunate to sit on several committees in and around her community. She is Mental Health Support for Ji-Bi-Skaabiiwad - Walpole Island Indian Residential School Survivors, CAMH Community Advisory Circle (WIFN research), she was co-author on Lambton College’s first large-scale Human Trafficking Research project, a member of the Sarnia-Lambton Coalition Against Human Trafficking, as well as the Program Advisory Committee for Child and Youth Care at Lambton College.
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Certifications:
VTRA - Level 1 Critical Incident Stress Management
ASIST, Mental Health First Aid,
​SafeTALK
Helping Trafficked Persons
Trauma & Resilience Specialist
Sarah VanRoboys MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Sarah is a registered Social Worker of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She attended the University of Windsor where she completed a Honours Bachelor of Sociology and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, specializing in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She has also completed a Chemical Dependency Counselling certificate from St. Clair College.
By using a harm-reduction, trauma-informed approach, Sarah utilizes many modalities of therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Family Systems theory. Sarah has recently completed EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy training and is now using it with her clients.
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Sarah has experience supporting individuals who struggle with substance misuse issues, trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), grief and bereavement, stress and interpersonal conflict.
Sarah is passionate about working with trauma survivors, and recognizes the psychological, emotional, physical, social and spiritual impact of trauma on the individual. She strives to provide her clients with a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel supported, valued and heard. Sarah believes asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather signs of strength, confidence and resourcefulness.
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Sarah's therapy sessions can be covered through some extended health care benefit packages as well as First Nation Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
Alisha Rombouts, BA, RP
Art Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist
Alisha majored in Fine Arts and Psychology at the University of Waterloo and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2018. She has completed her Master’s level diploma at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and is a Registered Psychotherapy with the college of registered psychotherapists of Ontario.
Alisha specializes in art therapy, it is a form of expressive therapy which utilizes the creative process of art making to expand and improve one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Art therapy can help in integrating and understanding a range of feelings. In art therapy the emphasis is not on the product but on the creative process and is intended to facilitate insights into the reasons for emotional distress by uncovering many underlying dimensions of our personal stories.
Her approach is person-centered, collaborative and individualized in order to meet the unique needs of each client. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment for clients to engage in healing, learning and reflection.
Alisha provides art therapy and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults and families that is trauma informed, strengths based treatment specializing in trauma, anxiety, and other emotional dysregulation.
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Alisha's therapy sessions can be covered through some extended health care benefit packages as well as First Nation Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
Denise Sylvain, CYW
Registered Psychotherapist
Denise has experience working in a variety of mental health settings for over 20 years, such as intensive in-home with parents and families, in office one on one, and in hospital (Mental Health Inpatient). She received her Child & Youth Worker Diploma in 2001 and is currently working toward her Masters in Mental Health through Southern Cross University. She has been a registered member with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) since 2017.
Denise’s therapeutic approach is client driven, and holistic, with acceptance that individuals are always trying their best. With a non-judgmental approach, she offers support and guidance to children, youth and adults who may be struggling with mental wellness, due to the impact of anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational attachment. Denise seeks to provide individualized therapy to promote healing and personal growth that will support your journey in life.
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Denise's therapy sessions can be covered through some extended health care benefit packages as well as First Nation Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
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Kendra Neveau, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Kendra is a proud member of Batchewana First Nation, who was raised on her reservation in Sault Ste. Marie. She is developing her skills in understanding what it means to be an Indigenous Social Worker. She provides a sacred therapeutic space by honoring the unique experiences and challenges that we all individually face, regardless of if it’s the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, or other mental health concerns. Kendra will collaborate with you to create a therapeutic experience that you can feel connected with, feel safe, and empowered by.
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Kendra is a registered Social Worker of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She attended King’s University College and recently completed the Master of Social Worker Program with a concentration in mental health (2023). Kendra has also completed her Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree at Laurentian University, where she focused on Indigenous studies (2022).
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Kendra has experience supporting children ages (5 year and above), who struggled with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, and coping through life challenges. Kendra has also supported individuals who are struggling with parenting skills, experiencing trauma symptoms (PTSD, disassociation, flashbacks, body regulation), borderline personality disorder, grief and loss, life transitions, and unhealthy relationships. Kendra focuses on providing informed therapeutic modalities in CBT, mindfulness, somatic informed, and IFS. Kendra uses aspects of play and art therapy when working with her clients.
Bernadette Briand, BSW,RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Bernadette is a mother of two grown children, a daughter, sister, auntie, and friend who finds strength, love, guidance and connection with all in nature. Each morning begins acknowledging the gift of the sunrise with gratitude and peace.
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Bernadette is a registered Social Worker of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She attended King's University College, University of Western Ontario where she completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a focus on women's studies that included gender studies, equity and diversity.
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Bernadette is currently completing a 5-month advanced course in the School of Awakening: Becoming a Teacher of Presence with Eckhart Tolle. In addition to learning to be present in the moment, this course teaches 'being with', and understanding our pain bodies as we begin to unfold personal history and experiences as one journeys towards healing.
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Bernadette's practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive lens. For the past 12 years, Bernadette has been working with children, youth and families walking along side through experiences of crisis, trauma, exploring gender identity, youth justice concerns, anxiety, depression and suicidality while using a variety of therapeutic modalities that have included CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), mindfulness and land-based therapy.
Bernadette strives to embrace each new day rooted in a passion to interact with all living beings with humility, reciprocity, kindness and acceptance and is fully committed to continued learning and growth.
Dena Ellis, MSW,RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Dena is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She received a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, followed by her Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor.
By using a client-centered, strengths based approach, Dena utilizes many modalities of therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotional Focused Individual/Family Therapy (EMIT/EMFT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
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Dena is passionate about recognizing individual resilience and strengths, and supporting problem solving, radical acceptance, increasing personal self-worth, and strategies to manage emotions and feelings of overwhelm during those difficult times.
Dena has experience supporting individuals who are feeling pressures from ADHD symptoms, relationship issues, stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and personal growth. Her clients can expect to take an active role in their healing journey provided by a safe space, where they can feel heard, seen and validated for their experience without judgment. Dena will also aid in improving communication, setting boundaries, and building coping strategies that support her client’s goals.
Dena’s therapy sessions can be covered through some extended health care benefit packages as well as First Nation Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
Tammy Beckner, CYC-P
Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Counsellor
Tammy is a kind, empathic and compassionate CYC-P. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care, from Lambton College (2023). A proud member of Lennox Island First Nation P.E.I. Tammy is a mother of 4 and grandmother of 5. She is the granddaughter of a Shubenacadie Residential School survivor and the daughter and niece of (14 Aunties and Uncles) 60’s scoop survivors.
Tammy went back to school as a mature student amid the pandemic. She has always been a helper and working with children and youth just comes naturally. She volunteered on the Sarnia Lambton youth crisis line when they first got started in 2021. Before that, she volunteered on the regular crisis line and Tel-check with the Family Counseling Center. During her Field Placement she worked at The Mental Health Initiative where she used Let’s Face It social media platforms as an educational tool to share her reclamation journey and called it Truth Justice and Reconciliation Thursdays.
Tammy was the first Lambton College Student to facilitate a youth led Have a Heart Campaign to raise awareness for Indigenous Childrens Rights. Through doing so Tammy was able to distribute cookie kits to youth in the community who chose to participate, including a few agencies who served youth in her community. Tammy has also made time to practice Storytelling and share other cultural information in public schools for National Indigenous Peoples Day. She likes helping children be curious about other cultures believing that changing cycles starts early in life with education.
She is passionate about supporting children and youth to thrive in today's world and believes that every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Tammy enjoys advocating for youth and their families but encourages youth to find their voice and practice self-advocacy.
Tammy uses a strengths-based approach that focuses on building on the strengths and resilience of children and youth, rather than just addressing their problems. She also believes in working collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to create a supportive and safe environment for children and youth to grow and thrive.