Shelly has been working with children, youth and their caregivers for over two decades in a wide range of capacities. Most recently, she has been providing services in private practice as a psychologist, assessing and treating a variety of presenting concerns. Shelly draws on the strengths of her clients to collaborate on tailored therapeutic approaches grounded in a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). She is a lifelong learner who enjoys incorporating new and innovative treatment methods into her portfolio. Equine assisted therapy has become her most recent focus, bringing her to Dr. Angela Fountain and Associates who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this modality. Shelly is Eagala certified, which is a global association of professionals integrating horses into treatment. Understanding the benefits to individuals with anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, relationship difficulties and a multitude of other mental health concerns, has been rewarding for Shelly.
Her past experience includes working as a youth and family counsellor/psychometrist in community mental health for many years followed by a decade providing services as part of the Psychological Services Department at the Durham District School Board. Community mental health involved assessment and counselling with youth and their caregivers. At the school board, Shelly provided assessment, program, and treatment recommendations, staff consultation, and therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents with a comprehensive range of needs. During her time at the school board, she also served as Adjunct Clinical Supervisor for the School and Clinical Child Psychology program in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE/UT).

Shelly’s educational background comprises undergraduate work in psychology from Dalhousie University (B.A.), a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from OISE/UT and a Certificate in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She is currently finishing up her doctoral work in psychology from OISE/UT (Ed.D.). Shelly has expanded her scope of practice to include adults in her practicum and internship work. She has been using much of her doctoral education to focus on culturally informed practices and inventive ways to reach marginalized populations who would benefit from interventions for ADHD.
Shelly has been registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario since 2013. She is registered in the areas of School and Counselling Psychology to practice with children and adolescents. Dr. Angela Fountain supervises her adult work.
In her spare time, Shelly can be found with her family, who are her center. She enjoys spending time at home with pets, practicing yoga, enjoying the arts, or on a sailboat.