Linda Kelly, MSW, RSW

CEO, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist,*Certified Clinical Traumatologist, Compassion Fatigue Specialist 

Linda believes that real change starts with individuals; with sincere conversations, understanding, and deliberate steps to build better lives. She has been providing psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families since 2009, working primarily with First Nation clients from remote communities to resolve longstanding historical and intergenerational trauma. Her primary areas of practice include post-traumatic stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and building healthy relationships.​

Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP​

Registered Psychotherapist

Kristen has been providing psychotherapy since 2005 and her areas of interest in clinical practice include mental health, addictions, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, cultural competency/humility, as well as relationship and family therapy. Kristen is a Registered Psychotherapist through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, completed her undergraduate studies in 2005 at the University of Guelph earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Co-op Psychology with a minor in Family and Child Studies, completed her graduate studies in 2019 through Yorkville University earning a Master of Arts In Counselling Psychology, and has completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Kristen’s eclectic work is informed by Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Internal Family Systems, the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Kristen has experience in providing psychotherapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings, non-for-profit, and private practice and has experience working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Kristen was drawn to the field by learning who she is and by making a conscious decision to advocate for others. In doing so she is doing what she loves and loves what she is doing. Through her client centered, collaborative, evidence-based, and empathetic approach to therapy, as well as her ability to be present with those that she works with, Kristen can listen without judgement.

Kelly Halonen, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Kelly earned her Honours Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Social Work degrees at Lakehead University. Her areas of interest and experience include trauma, co-morbid disorders, couples, helping sexual assault survivors heal. She believes that change comes from working together in an open, genuine, and nonjudgmental space. Kelly is trained in EMDR therapy and often uses it to help people process their past trauma or negative beliefs they may hold about themselves or the world. She believes in helping people find who they are after being affected by trauma and find happiness in life. Kelly is also trained in Level 1 & 2 in the Gottman Method for couples counselling.

Margo Ayoub, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Margo is a Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, with years of experience. Her areas of interest include grief and loss, addictions, and mental health. She has worked throughout Northern Ontario to support grieving families of MMIWG, and in clinical settings working with clients in the areas of mental health and addiction. Often, people dealing with issues such as these can feel isolated and alone in their struggle. Using a trauma informed and client centered approach, Margo strives to provide a culturally safe and compassionate environment so my clients feel supported as they explore their issues and challenges.

Kristen Arntzen, RSW, MSW

Registered Social Worker

Kristen has gone where the wind has taken her. Born in Washington United States, she watched her older brother have developmental disabilities and her mother working from home, running a daycare so that she could be home with the children. Because of this, Kirsten learnt to look out for others and love the core of a person, not just the first impression. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology, and worked her way through college in Early Childhood Education and in Caregiving for elderly and disabled individuals. No matter the age, she learnt a lot from others, and received as much as she gave. She moved to Portland, Oregon where she went back to school. Through many long days working full time, and going to school after work, she received her Masters in Social Work. Since then, Kristen has worked in Child Welfare, Medical Social Work, and providing Therapy. She has worked with people who are incarcerated, involved in the child welfare system, and people struggling with addiction – in addition to mental health concerns. This work with young and old has strengthened her love of helping and learning from others. New to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kristen looks forward of the opportunity to work with you. She will be providing Individual, Couples and Family therapy. She loves people from all background, including Indigenous populations, Immigrants, and Gender-fluid and Non-Binary friends and clients. She feels that it is an honor to walk along side another person in their story, and witness in the choices towards a better path. Kristen uses an eclectic blend of theories: Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. She views a situation through a Person-In-Environment lens: Help the person to fit the environment, and help the environment better fit the needs of the person. Most of all: She believes in you.

Becca Chicorli, MACP, RP

Registered Psychotherapist

Becca is currently finishing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is completing her internship under the supervision of Kelly Mental Health. Becca has always had a unique interest in helping others and has been actively working in the mental health field since 2010, mainly with children and their families. Becca’s passion for helping others is fueled by her curiosity of the natural world and our innate desire to connect to others and to place. Becca has gained certifications in EMDR, CBT, Mindfulness practice, REBT, and Ecotherapy. Becca sees the beauty in all that surrounds her and aims to use her life experience and educational background as a foundation for informed practice.

Kate Lachance, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Kate is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers who values an eclectic, client-centered and trauma-informed approach to social work. She is empathetic, accepting and committed to helping her clients reach their short-term or long-term goals. Kate's educational background includes an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in anthropology and psychology from Trent University, a post-graduate certificate in therapeutic recreation from Sir Sanford Fleming College, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree and a Master of Social Work Degree from Lakehead University. She has experience providing social work services and support to youth, adults and seniors and is passionate about mental health. Her main areas of interest include anxiety, depression, addictions and trauma. She further values the balance between mental and physical well-being in order to nurture healing, self-confidence and personal growth. While she may utilize approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy or mindfulness, she will first collaborate with her clients to choose an agreed-upon plan. Lastly, Kate is committed to continuous learning and professional development so that she can be of the utmost service and support to her clients.

Noelta Saju RSW, MSW

Registered Social Worker

Noelta's approach to therapy has been more humanistic in nature, where she believes that the client is the expert of their own life, the client has the answers and the direction, and they need some extra help to reach their goal. You can expect the sessions to be more collaborative and self-explorative as you will be posed with reflective questions that will get your brain working a little differently. Noelta completed her M.A. in Social Work in Mental Health from TISS. She brings a diversity of experience and transferable skills developed through direct service of providing effective treatment for grief, social anxiety, and trauma in a therapeutic and non-judgemental environment. Her area of interest includes working with teens, adults and children who are experiencing prolonged periods of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship issues, stress and addiction as a result of these issues. Using emotion-focused, strength-based, multicultural and mindfulness approaches, she can help you explore personal and social factors that shaped you and help you learn new ways of responding and interpreting situations. Her previous clinical work experiences and administrative career at her recent workplace helped her gain more knowledge about the Canadian work culture, Canada's Indigenous people, their history, contributions to society and the issues facing their communities. Noelta will work alongside you and accompany you through your journey to fulfill your dreams and live meaningful lives.

Internships at Kelly Mental Health

Kelly Mental Health is committed to training mental health professionals to be the best they can be. As a teaching facility, our interns will learn through observing sessions, co-facilitating groups and intakes, and leading sessions under supervision. We offer a safe and comfortable environment for students to gain as much experience as possible before starting their professional journeys. Internships are a great way for students to be given the chance to put what they are learning into action, in a real-world environment. This helps them better understand the theories and strategies they have been learning about and giving them a greater focus for future clients. All interns are under the direct supervision or either Master Level Social Worker or a Registered Psychotherapist. If you are comfortable with an intern sitting in on your session or would prefer to remain one on one with your therapist, please let us know.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with Kelly Mental Health, please email letter of intent and resume to info@kellymentalhealth.com

Andrew Bohonis, MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Andrew is currently finishing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He grew up around Thunder Bay, staying long enough to become an engineer before stepping out. An explorer at heart, Andrew has done a few laps around the globe and landed in India and Tajikistan while working with Médecins Sans Frontières. Since returning home he has given much attention to martial arts and the inner journey which accompanies that training. Andrew can often be found trudging through snow, scrambling rocks, or scanning reddit for an interesting talk. His life is an eclectic mix, as is his approach to counselling. He is honoured by the opportunity to know another, and holds humility as an orienting principle.

Alisha Holbik, MACP, RP (Qualifying)

​Alisha is currently finishing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is completing her internship under the supervision of Kelly Mental Health. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gerontology from Lakehead University. Alisha previously worked for Jordan’s Principle and would travel to remote Northern communities providing various services. Volunteering holds a special place in her heart. She enjoyed her time at the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Center and the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win hospital. From these past experiences, she has become more adept at interacting with people from various backgrounds and evolved a passion for helping people at all stages of life. Alisha is working towards gaining more experience with a variety of therapeutic orientations and hopes to continue focusing on CBT and DBT. Expressing a positive attitude and an empathetic ear, Alisha is dedicated to providing a welcoming therapeutic environment for all.

Marlene Stirrett-Matson MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Marlene is happy to be living back her in hometown of Thunder Bay after working for 30 years in Toronto. Marlene left a 26-year career in leadership and senior management in government to pursue several passions: studying counselling psychology and dance/movement therapy. Marlene is currently finishing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and recently received her diploma in Dance/Movement Therapy from the National Centre for Dance Therapy in Montreal. Marlene’s additional education includes a BA in history from Lakehead University, and an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in dance from York University. Her Master’s research was on the link between grief and creativity. Marlene’s approach to counselling is an eclectic mix that includes humanistic, somatic, cognitive and behavioural approaches, depending on the needs of the client. Fully grounded in Rogerian unconditional positive regard and empathy, Marlene incorporates Jung’s theories of personality and the unconscious, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy and seeking meaning in life and challenging situations.