Meet Our Team

Linda Kelly, MSW, RSW

CEO, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Question: What are some traits that you believe make a good counsellor?
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​​Humility. To have made enough mistakes to understand the whys of what we, as human beings, do. Why we feel what we feel, and what motivates us to keep pushing forward no matter what.

Warmth. Being down to earth. Humour, because let's face it, sometimes life is bewildering and frustrating and insane, and laughter helps. It always helps.

I've always felt that to be a good therapist, you have to be genuine. You must be  authentic and real if you expect the person in front of you to be real with you too. It is when we level with one another that true change can happen.

Seija Grant, MEd CP, RP

Registered Psychotherapist​
Question: What is one thing about counselling that people don't quite understand?

​"Counselling is not about an expert telling you what to do or knowing a miracle cure. It's a collaborative experience where the client and the therapist work together on the client's goals. It's not just for people with diagnosed mental health problems. Most people could benefit from counselling at some point in their life. I would even go as far as saying EVERYONE!"

Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP​

Registered Psychotherapist​
Question: What made you get into this field?

"​I believe that how you live your life is who you become. I made a decision to become a psychotherapist.  I also made a conscious decision to do what I love and to love what I do. I like people and love advocating for others. I have chosen who I want to be through my actions, and psychotherapy represents this for me."

Kelly Halonen, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker
Question: What's the thing that you practice as much as you preach?

"What I strive to practice as much as I preach comes from a quote by the Dalai Lama. If you can fix a situation, then there's no need to worry. And if you can't, then worrying won't help. We all need to worry less and relax more.​"

Lara Hollway, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker
Question: What has working in this field taught you?

​"It takes so much bravery to show up and be vulnerable in front of someone else, especially because of hard experiences which have left us feeling isolated and like we are the only ones struggling. What working in this field has taught me is that we are more connected than we think. We are all struggling. We are all growing and healing to the best of our abilities. And it is amazing the depth of healing that is possible when we are gifted with the space to truly show up, be witnessed, and held as able."

Margo Ayoub, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker
Question: What are the areas of specialized interests that you have?

Answer: "My areas of interest include grief and loss, addictions, and mental health. I have 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, I strive to provide a culturally safe and compassionate environment so my clients feel supported as they explore their issues and challenges."

Carissa Sparrow, MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Question: What are some approaches you use in your therapy sessions?

Answer: "I use a person-centered, holistic, and integrative approach in treatment, valuing the connection of mind, heart and spirit. I like to begin where you are and work collaboratively to tailor the therapy to meet your needs, sensitive to cultural identities and lifestyle choices that impact your experience. I will work with you to set meaningful and realistic goals that will increase your self-worth, confidence and overall wellness." (Remote Sessions Only - Currently on Maternity Leave)

Kristen Arntzen, MSW

Question: If you could choose one quote about your outlook on counselling, what would it be and why?

Answer: "I like to say, “You can’t scare me, and you can’t offend me.” I have worked with people who are incarcerated, involved in the child welfare system, and people struggling with addiction – in addition to mental health concerns. When people come to work with me it is an awesome opportunity - and responsibility - to trust one another. This work with young and old has strengthened my love of helping and learning from others."

Amanda Hampton

Office Manager ​
Question: What do you love most about your job?

"What I love most about my job is the people. I love interacting with all different types of people from different backgrounds and cultures. I am passionate about helping people access the help that they need. I enjoy being a welcoming face during the difficult times and doing my part in helping people be better versions of themselves everyday. I love working with a diverse team of amazing people that work everyday to end the stigma around mental health."

Angela Pajamaki

Accounts Receivable Specialist
Question: What is one thing you find fulfilling about working in the Mental Health Industry?

"The opportunity to be an agent of change. The mental health industry has a wide range of opportunities to work with various populations, such as private practice, substance abuse, mental health research, education or corporate entities to name a few. But at best, when you work in mental health, you do work that makes a person's life better."

Mandee Hochins

Office Assistant
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role at Kelly Mental Health?

"What I personally enjoy most about my position at KMH is that I believe that I have an impact on people accessing mental health care and that I am able to provide reassurance for people who sometimes can feel lack of empathy during their difficult times. I make the effort to ensure that all of our clients feel welcomed and valued when they walk through our doors."

Cassandra Nordal

Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
Question: What are the benefits of Social Media?

"Social media has been evolving for years. It allows us to use our voice, provides a sense of community, and has positive effects on our mental health. That's why I love it; it has always fascinated me. With Kelly Mental Health, I can design, educate, and connect people by helping them. I am very fortunate to be able to do that."