Dr. Tricia Williams,
PhD, C.Psych, ABPP-CN
Executive Director
Tricia Williams, PhD
As a Health Clinician-Scientist, co-director of the NeuroOutcomes lab, and co-chair of the NeuroOutcomes Family Advisory Committee, Williams’ research focuses on neuropsychological outcomes following early brain injury and the importance of supporting the family in optimizing resilience. She is the principal investigator of the I-InTERACT-North project and the Parent Experiences project. Together with a multi-disciplinary team, a strong group of students and research staff, Dr. Williams’ research program aims to learn more about modifiable factors promoting resilience following early brain injury, and to identify modes of service delivery that will optimize neuropsychological outcomes.
Dr. Robyn Westmacott,
PhD, C.Psych
Co-Director
Robin Westmacott, PhD
Dr. Katia Sinopoli,
PhD, C.Psych
Co-Director
Katia Sinopoli, PhD
Dr. Renee Sananes,
PhD, C.Psych
Co-Director
Renee Sananes, PhD
Dr. Naddley Désiré,
PhD, C.Psych
Co-Director
Naddley Désiré, PhD
Dr. Rivky Green,
MA, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow, Senior Therapist
Rivky Green, MA, PhD
Rivky completed her PhD in Clinical-Developmental Neuropsychology in Dr. Christine Till’s lab at York University. Her clinical intervention interests are on prevention and management of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including by optimizing parenting strategies for these children. In the NeuroOutcomes lab, Rivky is a senior therapist on the Surviving and Thriving and Stepping up to COVID-19 studies. Rivky’s assessment experience has focused on paediatric neuropsychological assessments for children with early brain injury with an emphasis on remediation. Her research focuses on examining the effects of prenatal exposures to environmental neurotoxins on childhood health outcomes. Rivky is also focusing on knowledge dissemination in the field of prenatal health and aims to apply her research and clinical background to optimize child health outcomes before insult occurs.
Juanita Atton
Clinical Research Project Assistant
Juanita Atton, HBSc
Juanita graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in neuroscience and psychology. Prior to joining the NeuroOutcomes lab, she worked with patients with dementia looking at the use of technologies to improve quality of life and social connectedness. Currently, she assists with lab projects on parent-child relationships and interventions for youth mental health, including the I-InTERACT-North program.
Jana El-Sabbagh
Clinical Research Project Assistant
Jana El-Sabbagh, BSc
Jana graduated from York University with a degree in Specialized Honours Psychology. Prior to joining the NeuroOutcomes lab, she worked on research projects related to concussions and head injuries sustained from sports and electric vehicles. She also focused on the impact of community water fluoridation on IQ development. Currently she assists with research on parent-child relationships and interventions for youth mental health, including the I-InTERACT-North program.
Marin Taylor
Clinical Research Project Coordinator
Marin Taylor, BA (Hons)
Marin completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, and she worked in the Clinical Research Centre at SickKids before joining the NeuroOutcomes lab in 2023. She assists with research on parent-child relationships and interventions for youth mental health, including the I-InTERACT-North program.
Matthew Andres,
MA
Psychometrist
Matthew Andres, MA
Sarah Cunningham,
BA (Hons), OCT
Family Advisory Committee Co-Chair
Sarah Cunningham, BA (Hons), OCT
Sarah was first introduced to the Neonatal Neuropsychology Department at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in 2014, after the birth of her daughter. She now proudly holds the position of co-chair of the NeuroOutcomes Family Advisory committee, speaking to the importance of family supports, highlighting resiliency, following initial diagnoses.
Patricia Arseneau,
B.Ed., MA
Psychometrist
Patricia Arseneau, MA
Rachael Lyon,
MA
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Rachael Lyon, MA
Dr. Ali Taradash,
PhD
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Ali Taradash, PhD
Dr. Ali Taradash received her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology from York University in October, 2007. Her research focused on romantic relationships in adolescence and their links with psychosocial functioning. While completing her clinical requirements for the PhD, she completed her clinical training at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Taradash has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parent-child therapy, play-based therapy, as well as the I-Interact-North program.
Angela Deotto,
PhD
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Angela Deotto, PhD
Angela is a Clinical Research Fellow at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), having been awarded the GH-CBMH’s Capitalize for Kids (C4K) Pediatric Mental Health Fellowship. She completed her PhD in Clinical Developmental Psychology at York University, specializing in Pediatric Neuropsychology. She is an I-InTERACT-North therapist and has led the pilot analyses for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the stepped care adaptation of the program. Angela’s clinical and research work focuses on the neuropsychological care of children with acquired brain injury, with attention to the social, familial, and neurological determinants of mental health. She prioritizes patient-oriented research methodologies and commonly implements a mixed methods framework to her studies in order to encapsulate the voice and lived experiences of pediatric patients and their families. She has trained extensively in the neuropsychological assessment and evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention of children and youth with complex medical histories.
Dr. Dragana Ostojic-Aitkens,
PhD, C. Psych
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Dragana Ostojic-Aitkens, PhD, C. Psych
I am a clinical neuropsychologist affiliated with the Division of Cardiology. I wanted to join the I-InTERACT program because I think it is important to increase access to intervention services for our vulnerable patients and families. I am mother of two young girls.
Dr. Claire Champigny,
PhD
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Claire Champigny, PhD
Claire is a pediatric neuropsychologist and post-doctoral fellow at the Hospital for Sick Children. She is excited to be joining the I-InTERACT Team as a therapist because she is passionate about improving the well-being of children with complex medical needs both in-hospital and at home with their families. In her spare time, she loves to play with her toddler, eat French pastries, and explore cafes around the city.
Samantha Feldman,
MSc, MA
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Samantha Feldman
Samantha is currently in her third year of pursuing a PhD in Clinical-Developmental Neuropsychology at York University. Her research interests primarily revolve around social cognition and social-emotional development following pediatric stroke. In terms of clinical experience, Samantha has undergone training in neuropsychological assessment within the Stroke and General Neurology programs at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Additionally, she has actively collaborated with children and their families, delivering evidence-based interventions within the Tourette Syndrome clinic at SickKids.
Carly Goodman,
MA
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Carly Goodman, MA
Carly is entering the first year of her PhD in the Clinical Developmental Neuropsychology program at York University and is passionate about optimizing outcomes in children at neurological risk through early intervention. Outside of her PhD, Carly enjoys Pilates, exploring the world, and indulging in her passion for interior design.
Leila Kahnami,
MA
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Leila Kahnami, MA
Leila is in her third year of her PhD studying Clinical-Developmental Neuropsychology in Dr. Mary Desrocher’s lab at York University. Throughout her education and clinical experience, Leila has seen the positive effects of parental engagement, inspiring her to delve deeper into this field. She is thrilled to join the I-InTERACT-North team, where she looks forward to broadening her skills and applying her passion hands-on and hopes to positively impact families’ lives. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with nature through her favourite activity – camping.
Hiba Al-Akeem,
MA
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Hiba Al-Akeem, MA
Hiba Al-Hakeem is a second-year PhD candidate in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Windsor. Hiba enjoys working with children and their families and looks forward to supporting families by building meaningful connections through I-InTERACT. During her free time, she likes going on runs and trying out different group fitness classes!
Bianca Bondi,
MA
I-InTERACT-North Therapist
Bianca Bondi, MA
Bianca is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology programs at York University and she will be commencing her psychology residency at The Hospital for Sick Children in the fall. Bianca is excited to be joining the I-InTERACT Team as she is passionate about working with young children who have experienced neurodevelopmental risks. In her spare time, Bianca loves doing puzzles and spending time with her two godchildren.