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Toronto, Mississauga, Guelph, Vaughan,
Markham, & Windsor
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Mon to Sun, 8AM-11PM

Our Team

Our Therapists

We are a diverse team of over 60 licensed therapists with thousands of collective hours of therapy, working with equally diverse clients. All of our therapists are unique in their strengths and styles, yet all share the same values and approaches to therapy. Feel free to book a free consultation with as many of our therapists as you’d like to help you find the right fit.

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JUSTIN MICHEL, MA, MSc, RP, RMFT

Founder of Building Bridges Psychotherapy

I believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. I believe that relationships are the heart of our well-being and mental health concerns. I decided to create Building Bridges Psychotherapy to help people connect with what’s most important to them—family, partners, culture, community, and themselves.

I provide a calm, non-judgmental, and supportive space for my clients to explore deeper emotions and gain insight. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Locations: Mississauga and Phone/Video
Disciplines: Individual Therapy, Couple Therapy, Family Therapy, and Clinical Supervision
Specialties: Relationship Issues, Divorce/Separation, Polyamory/Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM), Culture, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessions and Compulsions (OCD), Sex-Related Concerns, 2SLGBTQI+, and Family Conflict
Languages: English, French, Arabic, and Coptic

Contact Justin
Justin's Website

Our Staff

Jasmine Panesar

Branding & Design

Hi! I’m Jasmine, passionate about mental health and overseeing Branding and Design at Building Bridges. In addition to my design role, I’m also a Psychotherapist (Qualifying), guiding individuals through their mental health journeys at the practice. While working with a fun team at Building Bridges, I aspire to make a positive impact within the South Asian community. Outside of my role, you’ll often find me at the gym, lifting weights, reading or painting!

Asma Qaiyum

Administrative Manager​

Hi! My name is Asma and I’m the Administrative Manager. I’m also pursuing my Masters in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Working at Building Bridges Psychotherapy is very fulfilling because of the great team that we have. Our therapists are extremely dedicated to their clients. As a future psychotherapist, I think they’re great role models!

I’m extremely passionate about mental health awareness and hope to work with youth and adolescents. My other passion is reading; I’m also a book reviewer for most of the major publishing companies in North America.

Malak Sadek

Analytics Specialist

Hey! My name is Malak and I’m an Honours student in Psychology at Western University. I’m in my final year and I’m planning to pursue graduate school and a career in clinical psychology or psychotherapy. I’m extremely passionate about mental health and the well-being of others, and I’m hoping to be able to support and help people with this matter as much as I can. My other passions are arts, writing and cooking. It is a pleasure for me working with Justin and the whole team. Looking forward to doing research for Building Bridges Psychotherapy. I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience and will definitely add great value to my career.

Dadrian Clarke

Office Manager

Hello my name is Dadrian Clarke and I am the Office Manager at Building Bridges Psychotherapy. My duties and responsibilities include providing a comfortable atmosphere for our in-person clients, as well as ensuring that our therapists have everything they need so they can do therapy comfortably and safely in our offices. When I’m not working, I love a good vibe with good music and awesome people. BBQ on the deck is everything!

Sierrah Hamilton

Client Care Specialist

Hello! My name is Sierrah Hamilton and I am the Client Care Specialist with Building Bridges Psychotherapy. My main goal is to foster and maintain positive relationships with our clients and to ensure they are comfortable, satisfied and heard.

I, myself, am an aspiring psychotherapist. I am currently a third year psychology student studying at York University. I am passionate about mental health and recovery, with a special interest in individuals experiencing depression, anxiety and emotional trauma.

Outside of my work and studies, I really enjoy travel adventures, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and hanging out with my kitten.

Tarana Steinke

Administrator

Hey there! My name is Tarana and I am honoured to be one of the voices answering your phone calls at building bridges! Aspiring to become a psychotherapist, I am currently enrolled in a masters in Counselling Psychology at Western University. I am passionate about mental health accessibility, sex education, and the importance of healthy relationships during adolescent identity development. When I’m not studying or working you may find me on a canoe trip, playing board games, or blending voices with my choral buddies.

Marena Gileini Fam

Administrator

Hey there! I’m Marena, one of the admin team members and one of the voices behind the calls and emails! I am an aspiring psychotherapist, currently enrolled in my master’s program! I am interested in working with children, adolescents, and families. I am passionate about mental health, self-care, and helping others reach their full potential. I hope to further help and support others through their journey. I am honoured to be a part of this amazing team at Building Bridges Psychotherapy where I am surrounded by so many amazing therapists and can learn from each of them!

Pierre Toma

Administrator

Hi! My name is Pierre Toma, and I am a Psychology student at Western University. I am currently in my final year of studies and am excited to embark in the psychotherapy field. I am passionate about delving into the complexities of the human mind, and mental health conditions to support people in living happier and healthier lives through psychotherapy. In my free time, I love playing squash as it keeps me active and in good health. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family in my spare time.

Elizabeth Bushara

Elizabeth Bushara

Client Care Specialist

I am a finance manager by day and a client care specialist by night! I love helping others and connecting with people, which is why I always look forward to doing this job. Although I don’t work in the field, I have my BSC in Psychology & Health Sciences from UofT, and I am extremely passionate about learning how our behaviours are developed and affected by things and people around us! Outside of my work, I spend my free time serving my church community, tutoring children and serving low-income families. I strongly believe that we are all here to help each other and never judge others. I’m always happy to learn new things and help others when given the opportunity, and watch a lot of TV when I can!

Gurashish Panesar

Volunteer

Hello, my name is Gurashish Panesar, and I am currently volunteering at Building Bridges Psychotherapy while studying Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. I have a strong passion for both physical and mental health, which drives my interest in working out and my commitment to supporting others well-being. When I’m not at Building Bridges, you can often find me reading self-care books or lifting weights at the gym!

Nat Brown

Executive Assistant

Hi there! My name is Nat and I am Executive Assistant to Justin Michel, founder & CEO of Building Bridges Psychotherapy. I am so honoured to be a part of the BB team, helping to make sure everything continues running smoothly. I have always been passionate about mental health awareness and although I don’t work directly as a therapist, it is so fulfilling working alongside this brilliant team and providing support through strong communication & organization (two things I am also passionate about). Outside of work my hobbies include building Lego, cooking, listening to music & watching movies

Ama Nwigwe

Administrator

Hello, My name is Ama. I’m an undergraduate psychology student who is very passionate about the needs of others in any and every form. At Building Bridges Psychotherapy I am currently working as an Admin, where I have gotten the opportunity to submerge myself in the workplace I strive to one day practice in as a therapist myself. I hope to make a wonderful first impression on behalf of Building Bridges to all who seek out the support we all need and deserve! I look forward to assisting you and being that small (but necessary) step in your journey.

Leila Donis

Marketing Volunteer

Hello! My name is Leila, and I am thrilled to be volunteering at Building Bridges Psychotherapy as a marketing volunteer. I focus on creating engaging Instagram posts and content that highlight the valuable work of our therapists. As a highschool student with a big interest in studying psychology in the future, I want to help spread awareness about our programs and the importance of mental health in our community. Outside of school or work, I mostly enjoy reading, drawing and snacking on salt and vinegar chips!

Shalakha Singh

Outreach Coordinator

Hi, I’m Shalakha Singh, and I’m one of the Outreach Coordinator here at Building Bridges Psychotherapy. In my role, I connect with medical professionals and other community partners to help promote the benefits of psychotherapy and spread awareness about the valuable services we offer at Building Bridges. My goal is to create strong partnerships that make it easier for individuals to access the mental health resources they need.
In addition to my work here, I also work full-time as a Senior Recruiter, specializing in Accounting and Finance talent in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I hold an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a joint specialization in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. I’m deeply passionate about mental health and the power of psychotherapy, which is why I was drawn to Building Bridges. Their mission to provide compassionate and accessible care resonates strongly with my personal values. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. Weekends are my time to recharge and reconnect before diving into the week ahead!

Myrna Iskander

Marketing Volunteer

Hi! My name is Myrna and I’m an undergraduate honours student studying psychology with research specialization at Wilfrid Laurier University. I’m planning to pursue graduate school and a career in clinical psychology or psychotherapy. I’m extremely passionate about mental health and care deeply about the well being of others. I am hoping to help facilitate this mental health journey by advocating and promoting its importance as well as providing compassionate support to those who need it. I am extremely excited to demonstrate and elevate my skills here at Building Bridges Psychotherapy. Outside of work and studies, you’ll find me reading, at the gym, trying new food and hanging out with my dogs.

Jessica McDonald

Marketing Manager

As a lifelong creative, I am honoured to steer the marketing ship here at Building Bridges Psychotherapy. With a background in psychology, photography, musical theatre, and podcasting, I bring a unique blend of strategic thinking and heartfelt passion for mental health advocacy.

Human connection and therapeutic healing are key themes that led me to start my podcast, Human to Human, back in 2020. I am incredibly excited to harness my skills of hosting, editing, and producing, to showcase the diverse range of therapists we have here at BB therapy. Stay tuned for spring of 2024 as our very own podcast, Mental Health Matchmaker will be launching!

Patrick Abdel Masih

Administrator

Hello! My name is Patrick, and I am pleased to say I am part of the beautiful Building Bridges Psychotherapy team as an admin! I am currently studying at Brock University and planning to pursue post-graduate education in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My motivation for my future endeavours is planted by my intrigue in the connection between mental and spiritual health, which is why you might find me reading and studying these fields in my own time! I am also passionate about community service and sports (specifically soccer, basketball, and volleyball, but all sports are awesome!).
I firmly believe that I ought to treat others as I want to be treated, and I hope to apply the qualities that are implied by this belief to all the interactions in my life, including here in my role as an admin at Building Bridges Psychotherapy!

Salina Rezene, MMASc-GHS, B.Sc.

Animation Producer

My name is Salina Rezene, and I am a digital animator at Building Bridges Psychotherapy. In collaboration with Justin Michel, Founder & CEO of Building Bridges Psychotherapy, I am able to combine my passion for developing animation videos with my interest in mental health to create animated videos that help explain various therapeutic concepts, mental health conditions, and coping strategies. I currently hold a Master’s degree in Global Health and Management as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and a minor in Environmental Sciences. Outside school and work, I love painting and volunteering at my local community center.

Richie Han

Administrator

Hello there! My name is Richie and I am an administrator on the Building Bridges Psychotherapy team. I have been practicing psychotherapy for four years in the United States and am preparing for the process to practice in Ontario. I am excited to be working alongside such an amazing team and in connecting them to people seeking support. Outside of my professional life, I am lucky to have a beautiful wife and two pups who can be great depending on the day.

Veronica Benyamin

Administrator

Hi there! My name is Veronica and I am a fifth-year Specialized Honours Psychology student studying at York University. As an aspiring Psychotherapist, I hope to work with and help romantic couples as I believe that an individual’s well-being and the quality of their interpersonal relationships are interconnected. As such, I am grateful to be part of such an amazing team here at Building Bridges Psychotherapy. Outside of school and clinical work, I enjoy painting, stargazing, singing (though not well), and all the desserts.

Sara Guirguis

Administrator

Hey everyone, I’m Sara! I have a background in medicine but I’m currently pursuing my Masters in clinical counselling at Tyndale University. I find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in being a safe space for others to speak and share openly so I’m looking forward to the day I start practicing. I’m very excited to be part of the team at Building Bridges and to learn from our amazing therapists!
When I’m not studying or working I like reading, listening to music, watching movies/shows and hiking. I also like to think of myself as a social butterfly so I try to make time for my friends as much as I can.

Get Started Now!

To book an individual session with us, or if you have any questions about individual therapy, please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation that can be scheduled through our online booking system, or you can also book a session online.

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