Clinical Psychologist & Founder of Toronto Psychologists

Dr. Lekkos is a licensed Clinical and Counseling Psychologist and the founder of Toronto Psychologists. She is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association. Dr. Lekkos has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a wide range of treatment settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice. Dr. Lekkos is also bilingual and can provide services in English and Greek.

Dr. Lekkos believes the client-therapist relationship is the foundation of psychotherapy. As such, she works with her clients to build a trusting and collaborative relationship. She views working with her clients as a privilege and through her compassionate approach to treatment, she guides and supports her clients through the process of change.

Dr. Lekkos provides an integrative approach to therapy using interventions that can address a wide range of mental health challenges. She has training and clinical experience in various treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions such as, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral and Cognitive Exposure Therapy for anxiety disorders and phobias, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Supportive Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Experiential Therapy.

Ph.D., Registered Psychotherapist

Simerpreet Ahuja obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology, and is a fully autonomous Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She continues to provide psychotherapy services under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos, as she finds supervision an invaluable asset to her continuous growth and professional development.  

Ms. Ahuja has over 19 years of experience providing psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked as an Assistant Professor of Psychology for several years and has published peer reviewed papers in reputed journals such as the International Journal of Applied Psychology, the Social Science Computer Review, and the Journal of Beliefs and Values.

Ms. Ahuja provides versatile psychotherapeutic approaches to meet the needs of her clients. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, low academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and personality disorders. She provides an integrative approach to therapy using various modalities including Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Ms. Ahuja provides services in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Master of Psychology (M.Psy.)

Ms. Chevtchenko is a clinical therapist under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos as she works toward registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) as a Psychological Associate. Ms. Chevtchenko obtained her Master of Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and her Honour Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Redeemer University.

Ms. Chevtchenko believes that a strong therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is crucial to healing and the facilitation of growth. She strives to achieve this through connecting with her clients, understanding their goals and concerns, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space. 

Ms. Chevtchenko has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including private and non-profit sectors. She has gained substantial experience conducting clinical assessments and individual therapy through clinical internships and employment at several private practices in Toronto, Ontario. Additionally, she gained experience conducting individual therapy with young adults through a clinical internship at McMaster University’s Student Wellness Centre. 

Ms. Chevtchenko's psychotherapy interests include depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, chronic illness, coping skills, grief and bereavement, stress, trauma, and PTSD. Her therapy approach is integrative, holistic, strength-based, and trauma-informed. Ms. Chevtchenko has experience using many types of interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness. 

Master of Psychology (M.Psy.)

Ms. Casadei is a clinical therapist under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos as she works toward registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) as a Psychological Associate. Ms. Casadei obtained her Master of Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and her Bachelor of Applied Science from McMaster University. 

Ms. Casadei's primary goal is to encourage and support her clients to discover their most authentic and secure selves. 

She aims to establish a strong connection and therapeutic alliance with clients to maximize her client's positive experience in therapy. She believes that a safe, non-judgmental, and inspiring environment is essential for therapy.

Ms. Casadei has a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to therapy, drawing from Person-centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Adlerian Therapy modalities. She tailors her therapeutic approach to each client. She walks alongside her clients by providing support through depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationships, and self-esteem.

Master of Psychology (M.Psy.) 

Ms. Alanna Fiore is a clinical therapist under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos as she pursues registration as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Ms. Fiore earned her Master of Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Ms. Fiore is committed to fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship. She firmly believes that clients are the experts in their lives, possessing unique insights into their experiences. Adopting an empathetic perspective, she creates a safe and inclusive space for clients to freely explore their thoughts and emotions. Guided by a trauma-informed lens, Ms. Fiore approaches therapy with sensitivity and awareness, recognizing the profound impact of past experiences on present well-being.

Ms. Fiore completed her graduate school practicum at the York Region District School Board. She focused on supporting children and adolescents, where she developed her skills in therapy and psychoeducational assessments. Ms. Fiore has worked with a wide range of clientele, including those experiencing anxiety, depressive, and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as learning and intellectual disabilities.

Ms. Fiore aims to work with clients to develop personalized strategies promoting growth, resilience, and overall positive mental well-being. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Ms. Fiore uses an integrative approach to therapy as she blends techniques from diverse modalities, such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. She is dedicated to tailoring her approach to each client’s individual needs.

M.A., Registered Psychotherapist

Ms. Ostrega is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Ms. Ostrega holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She provides psychotherapy services under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos as she works toward completing her requirements to become a fully autonomous Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Ms. Ostrega’s approach to therapy begins with understanding each individual and their goals for therapy. She is passionate about helping clients identify unhelpful patterns that are no longer serving them and exploring different strategies that will lead to long-lasting change, understanding, and growth. Ms. Ostrega wholeheartedly believes that individuals are the experts in their own lives and will approach therapy in a collaborative way. She considers the therapeutic relationship to be at the heart of successful therapy and strives to create a warm, encouraging, and non-judgmental environment for her clients.

Ms. Ostrega takes an integrative approach to therapy to ensure that each session is tailored to her clients’ needs. She draws from a number of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Ms. Ostrega has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults to treat a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem, emotion regulation, life transitions, and relationship issues. 

M.A., M.M.T., Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Ms. Brzezinski is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Ms. Brzezinski holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Master of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Bachelor of Music from McMaster University. She is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos as she works toward completing her requirements to become a fully autonomous Registered Psychotherapist. 

Ms. Brzezinski strives to create a safe, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and non-judgemental space where clients from all backgrounds can share their stories. Through the therapeutic alliance, Ms. Brzezinski walks alongside her clients and guides them in the process of identifying unhelpful patterns that may be negatively affecting their lives. Through an empathic and genuine therapeutic relationship, Ms. Brzezinski actively listens to her clients’ concerns and works to help them develop goals for positive change.

Ms. Brzezinski takes an integrative and client-centered approach to therapy. She understands that each person’s worldview is different and tailors’ her approach to fit the individual needs of her clients. Ms. Brzezinski draws from various therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Ms. Brzezinski’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, stress, and issues related to self-esteem.

Psychology Graduate Student, B.Sc (Hons.)

Ms. Spagnolo obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is currently pursuing a Master of Psychology in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and is working in private practice under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos. She is in the process of completing her practicum placement hours while working towards registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) as a Psychological Associate.

Ms. Spagnolo has gained experience working with youth and adults as a research assistant at The Hospital for Sick Children and the START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders where she conducted clinical assessments for individuals presenting with a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and eating disorders. She has also worked as a Clinical Case Lead to provide therapy for individuals with generalized and social anxiety primarily using talk therapy and exposure-response prevention (ERP) techniques.

Ms. Spagnolo believes that a strong and collaborative therapeutic alliance is the foundation for therapeutic success. She seeks to support individuals and families on their journey through therapy by integrating techniques from a variety of therapeutic orientations, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, and Adlerian approaches.

Doctoral Student, Master of Psychology (M.Psy.)

Mrs. DeRose is a clinical therapist practicing under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos as she works towards registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Natalie obtained her Master of Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and her Hons. BA in Psychology from York University. Mrs. DeRose is currently completing her Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Adler Graduate Professional School.

Mrs. DeRose believes that creating a strong therapeutic relationship built on safety, non-judgemental listening, and collaboration is essential for healing and growth. She seeks to create a safe therapeutic environment that allows for the therapist and client to work together to reach the client’s goals. Mrs. DeRose acknowledges that the therapeutic process has the potential to be intimidating, but through teamwork, she will be with you each step of the way.

Mrs. DeRose has worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. She has worked in hospitals alongside various healthcare professionals in the mental health inpatient and outpatient settings. Mrs. DeRose has gained experience conducting clinical assessments and individual therapy through her clinical training experiences at various private practices in Toronto.

Mrs. DeRose’s clinical interests include anxiety, panic, self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, interpersonal relationships, coping skills, grief, and self-improvement. Mrs. DeRose maintains an integrative and trauma informed approach to therapy. She believes that each client is different and therefore, requires their own individualized treatment plan which also highlights the client’s strengths. Mrs. DeRose integrates techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness.

Consulting & Supervising Psych.

Dr. Cinamon completed her Ph.D. in the Clinical-Developmental Psychology program at York University. She has a special focus on working with young children, adolescents, parents, and families seeking support for difficulties with mood, anxiety, emotion regulation, behavior, attention, and developmental trauma. She is skilled in providing cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, play therapy, and talk therapy. 

Dr. Cinamon completed her pre-doctoral internship training at the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre. 

She also trained at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Aisling Discoveries, Summerville Family Health Team, and in university psychology clinics. She currently is working in private practice.