Ph.D. (Candidate), Psychology Doctoral Resident

Karen is a Psychology Doctoral Resident completing her full-time psychology residency year at Dr. Fountain and Associates. Karen holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (Fielding Graduate University) and a Master’s in Educational Psychology (Mount Saint Vincent University). She is also currently completing her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University.

Karen joins the clinical team at Dr. Fountain & Associates with a longstanding career in adult and child welfare, community mental health, residential care, and private practice. She brings a wealth of experience supporting children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as neurodivergent individuals, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other cognitive or learning differences. She also has extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and intellectual or developmental disabilities. At the practice, Karen provides intervention and assessment services under the supervision of a member of the psychology team.

Karen takes a trauma-informed, relational approach to therapy, using evidence-based practices such as Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is also strongly influenced by attachment theory and neurodevelopmental models, helping parents and caregivers understand the “why” behind a child’s behaviour and build practical strategies for connection, emotion regulation, and healing. Warm, down-to-earth, and deeply knowledgeable, Karen works with individuals (children, adolescents and adults) and families navigating emotional, developmental, and behavioural challenges, helping them feel seen, supported, and understood.

In addition to her clinical background, she is a parent and former foster parent to twelve children, many with FASD and complex needs. She also brings a passion for education and advocacy, having taught at Seneca Polytechnic in the Behavioural Sciences program as an Adjunct Professor and authored published books in the field of psychology. When she is not at work, Karen enjoys time with her husband, family, friends, dogs, and horses. She believes deeply in creating safety, joy, and meaningful connection, both in therapy and in life.