

Meet the Professionals


Clinical Director at Steps to Progress, Psychotherapist, M.A.
Amanda Anastacio
Amanda is trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) and has received Intensive Sex Therapy training at the University of Guelph.
Amanda has experience working with individuals in crisis at the Distress Center of Niagara, has been a program coordinator for Project REWIND at John Howard Society of Niagara for conflict resolution and has experience as a Child and Youth Caseworker.
Amanda is committed to creating a safe space for clients of different gender identities, sexual orientations, romantic/sexual partnerships, communities, and cultures. Trauma/grief is Amanda's area of experience, working with many complex clients to address issues with compassion and empathy to heal the parts of the self that have been hurt. The foundation for this work is a strong therapeutic relationship, which fosters an environment to help clients feel understood, accepted, supported, and empowered.
Amanda primarily sees ages 21+
Fee
Online (Individual or Couple): $135 per 50-minute hour
In-Person (Individual or Couple): $145 per 50-minute hour


Psychotherapist (Qualifying), M.A
Abrahim Juuda
Abrahim is dedicated, compassionate and has a deep belief in the power of human connection and personal growth. He is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), holding an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care from Mohawk College, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Athabasca University, and a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University.
Abrahim has experience supporting children, adults, and elders in a range of settings, including intensive care environments, special needs classrooms, and long-term care homes.
Abrahim’s approach is person-centred and rooted in each client’s unique belief system and sense of purpose. He believes that purpose is at the heart of human fulfillment, and that when clients can reconnect with their own direction, values, and goals, they can begin to peel away the layers of trauma, depression, anxiety, or self-doubt that may have slowed them down.
Whether working with individuals or couples,
Abrahim is committed to creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported and empowered to take meaningful steps forward. His areas of focus include trauma work, relationship dynamics, anxiety and depression, life transitions, and spiritual or purpose-based exploration.
Abrahim primarily sees ages 16+
Fee
Online: $60 per 50-minute hour
In-Person: $75 per 50-minute hour
Sliding Scale/Pro-bono options available

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Psychotherapist, M.A.
Ashley Wills
Ashley received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) from the University of New Haven.
Ashley has experience working alongside individuals through life’s challenges, helping them build resilience as they learn how to redefine their lives by creating new ways of being. She has experience supporting concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, life-adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, emotional regulation, and substance abuse and addiction.
Ashley provides person-centred, empathetic services to individuals of all ages, viewing the client as an expert in their lives and capable of change. The counselling process can feel freeing, cathartic, and provides a space to explore fears, insecurities, and difficulties adjusting in life. She is committed to spending ample time developing a safe, trustworthy space to support clients in their healing journey. Ashley approaches the process with sensitivity, as growth is viable to experience a richer sense of life and well-being.
Ashley primarily sees ages 14+
Fee
Online (Individual or Couple): $130 per 50-minute hour
In-Person (Individual or Couple): $140 per 50-minute hour
Ph.D (Cuddliology), 'Certified' Therapy Dog (Stuffed, but spirited)
Dr. Barkley
Dr.Barkley may be made of fluff, but don’t let that fool you; he’s a valued member of the team. With a Ph.D in Cuddliology and a specialization in Stress Reduction, Dr. Barkley has mastered the art of sitting quietly, offering unconditional support, and listening without interruption. When he’s not busy supervising sessions from his favourite spot, you can find him napping on your lap or reminding us all not to take life too seriously.
His clinical interests include playfulness, comfort, and making humans smile. Favourite intervention: tail wags (imaginary, but effective).
