Meet our team

Sonia McDonald

Team Leader

CYW, CYC cert.

Sonia is a Certified Child and Youth Counsellor with many years experience working in the Mental Heath field. She has worked extensively with youth and families in all areas of Mental Health. Her expertise lies in Suicide intervention and program development. As a mental health advocate, her dream was to create a hub that allowed for a 'no wrong door' policy; a space where well rounded services are offered and everyone is welcome. Creating awareness about Mental Health and Suicide along with creating community connections has always been her passion.

...and here we are ....The Edify Centre!

Brian McFadden

Head Coach

Brian is our Head Coach and partner at The Centre. He contributes a wide range of skills and experiences to this role that help others everyday. From coaching in the Physical Focus Program, to creating Community Partnerships to assisting with Mental Health workshops, Brian is able to create balance and a positive outlook for everyone. He is a strong believer in creating good healthy habits that will in turn help people overcome the challenges they face in everyday life.

Lacey Fogden

Counsellor, RSSW

Lacey started her journey towards helping others heal when she found a my passion in mental health and wellness. She has worked with children with intellectual disabilities, adults living with different dual diagnosis, as well as young people in a residential living environment.

Lacey loves her work and hopes to continue to help people heal and grow in a safe, non-judgemental environment through one-on-one counselling.

Jolene Bonning

Coach

Jolene is a decorated boxer winning the Ringside World Championships in Kansas City, taking Bronze at the Canadian Nationals and brought home a

Gold Medal at the Ontario Provincials.

She is a committed coach and a positive, inspiring part of our team. For those who don't know, not only is Coach Jolene a fantastic boxer and a super human being, she is also a very caring and committed Early Childhood Educator. We can't wait to get started on the fun new programs we are working on together

Mike Roesch

Coach

Mike has been a long time supporter and friend of The Edify Centre. He is a fantastic boxing coach with a passion to teach new skills to anyone who gets in the ring. He is not only a coach, he has a understanding of Mental Health Concerns and has been certified in Suicide Alertness since 2017

Erin Hooper

Counsellor, RSSW, RSW

Erin has joined our team as a counselor! Erin achieved her Social Service Worker diploma from George Brown College in 2015 and in 2022 graduated with honors in Social Work from York University.

Erin has worked with newcomers to Canada and has experience with the geriatric population. She is currently supporting teens and adults with complex mental health concerns at The Centre

Danny Mancini

Counsellor, RSSW

Danny has joined our team as a boxing coach AND a counselor! Danny is an R.S.S.W & Certified Boxing Ontario Coach.

He has developed a unique balance when supporting clients in a therapeutic conversation whether that is in the ring or in a session. His counselling journey has only just begun and clients provide the most wonderful feedback about their sessions.

Ashley Martindale

Counsellor, CYC

Ashley’s approach to working with children, youth, and families is being person-centered & inclusive while also maintaining an anti-oppressive lens.

With a commitment to making a positive impact, Ashley is excited to foster therapeutic relationships and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where children & youth can thrive.

Ashley is also our Flow Arts instructor at the Centre. She offers a calming approach to supportive conversations while incorporating hoola hoop instruction.
Thirty minutes of private one on one work in the gym followed by thirty minutes of counselling with Ashley

Liane Westlake

Counsellor, BSW, BAH

Liane is skilled and a fantastic human

with her degree in Psychology and Indigenous studies, followed by her Bachelor of Social Work from York University

Liane thoroughly enjoys working alongside young adults and seeing them reach their full potential. She is often heard saying “nothing about them, without them.” She brings to The Edify Centre over 28 years of experience in helping youth strive to become their best versions of themselves