Meet NRIO’s Bayshore Therapy & Rehab Staff & Consultants
Kindree Alkins is the Senior Operations Manager of NRIO. She has been working with the organization since 2016 working in different capacities. Kindree graduated from the University of Toronto, where she achieved a Masters of Health Science in Health Administration as well as an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University. She also holds a Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation through the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) that recognizes effective leadership in Canadian health services. She has experience working for both public and private healthcare organizations including Unity Health Toronto in their Corporate Strategy department during an ever-evolving time with the COVID-19 Pandemic. She is passionate about inspiring, empowering, and co-designing an environment for healthcare workers that are the most conducive for learning and growth. Kindree brings compassion and innovation to her role as Senior Operations Manager, focusing on optimizing healthcare system performance through the Quadruple Aims and productivity. Kindree loves playing team sports and games including soccer and Euchre and enjoys yoga and reading.
Colleen Boyce is currently working part-time; Senior Advisor, Client Services effective 2022. She has been with NRIO since 1996, working as the Director. Colleen brings over 33 years of health care experience to NRIO. Not only did she lead a team of professionals at NRIO, is extremely client/family centred, she also offers a large amount of her time and expertise to committees and volunteer associations in the Greater Toronto Area Acquired Brain Injury community. Colleen continues to be the first point of contact for NRIO. In 2006, Colleen was awarded “Professional of the Year” award from OBIA, in 2013 BIST Volunteer of the Year Award and in 2020 the Health Care Provider of the Year award from OBIA/PIA. Colleen is a member in good standing of the College of Vocational and Rehabilitation Professionals, Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP) designation, is a Certified Case Manager (McMaster University) and is a Certified Canadian Life Care Planner CCLCP (University of Florida, license # 0105). Colleen loves to volunteer, run, play tennis and bridge.
Alison Rogers is the Program Manager for ICS-NRIO’s Supported Living Apartment (SLA) Program in Toronto. She has been with the organization since 2019. Alison graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. She also obtained a diploma from Centennial College in their accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant program. Alison has experience working in a variety of healthcare settings however found her passion in advocating for those suffering from acquired brain injuries. Alison ensures every client within her residence has a program tailored to their individual goals to ensure they leave the program with more independence, confidence, and skills to carry on throughout the rest of their life. Alison enjoys swimming, rock climbing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Andrew Wong is a Clinical Director and Psychologist for NRIO. He is a registered psychologist within the areas of Clinical, School, and Rehabilitation psychology. After receiving his Honors Bachelor of Science from Western University, he completed his Bachelor of Education and Masters of Arts degrees at the University of Toronto. Dr. Wong received his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. While completing his residency in Kingston, Ontario, he developed an interest in helping children and adults with developmental and acquired disabilities. Dr. Wong has gained valuable clinical experience at various hospitals and community agencies such as the University of Alberta Hospital, St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital (Kingston ON), Community Brain Injury Services (Kingston ON), and Developmental Disabilities Consultation Program (Queen’s University Department of Psychiatry). He was a staff psychologist at the York Catholic District School Board for many years where he provided assessment, counseling, and consultation services to best help students achieve success in school. Dr. Wong’s private practice in Etobicoke provides psychological assessments and treatment to children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Wong also enjoys organizing and delivering presentations to students and caregivers focusing on mental health and resilience. Languages include Cantonese.
Garvin Moses is the Program Director. He has been with NRIO since 2008. Garvin attended the University of Windsor where he earned an honors degree in Sociology/Criminology. Before coming to NRIO, Garvin worked in the Protection Services department at the Hospital for Sick Children. Recreationally, Garvin enjoys rock climbing and competing in duathalons.
Susan Fray is the Program Manager for the Mississauga residence site. She has been with the organization since 2002. Susan attended Humber College where she successfully completed the Social Service Worker Diploma Program. Susan is now attending York University studying in the Human Rights and Equity Degree Program. She is passionate in changing lives for the better. Her role as a Program Manager is to ensure and assist client’s reach their full potential. Often times Susan advocate’s for clients who are unable to speak. In her spare time, Susan enjoys walking, reading, interior designing, painting, and gardening and spending time with her family.
Kate McDonald is the Program Manager for ICS-NRIO’s Etobicoke Residential Program. Kate graduated from the University of Guelph and holds an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Neuroscience. As Program Manager, Kate strives to inspire positive changes in her clients to help improve overall quality of life by ensuring they meet or surpass their individual potential. In her spare time, Kate enjoys painting, fitness, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Janet Williams is the Hamilton Manager for NRIO. She has been with NRIO since 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology from the University of Toronto; Mohawk College certifications in dysphasia assessment and management. In 2009, Janet successfully completed the American Academy Brain Injury Specialist Certificate. In her spare time Janet likes to cook, bake and read; one of her favorite author is Danielle Steel. Janet also volunteers with her church organization visiting shut-ins on a bi-weekly basis.
Bandana Chopra is the Clinic and School Program manager and School Resource Specialist. Bandana holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Physiology from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Education degree from York University. She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Bandana is specialized in the junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions and has obtained her special education qualifications. In her spare time, Bandana enjoys working on her fitness goals, is an avid volunteer in the community and tries to drive initiatives that promote healthy, inclusive learning environments and student engagement.
Dr. Maria Armilio is a Neuropsychology Consultant for NRIO. Dr. Armilio is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist with adults and seniors. She completed a BScH in Psychology from Queen’s University in 1994. Her graduate training followed at the University of Toronto, where she obtained an MA in Psychology in 1997 and a PhD in Psychology in 2002. Her graduate research and early clinical training was carried out at the Rotman Research Institute, a research centre fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. In 2007, Dr. Armilio moved to private practice, co-founding the Credit Valley Neuropsychology Group in Mississauga, Ontario, where she continues to provide neuropsychological assessment and intervention services to various populations with acquired and developmental brain injury. Dr. Armilio is a full member of the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessment (CAPDA) and a member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).
Paitra Surerus-Marsh joined NRIO in 2013. Paitra holds a Master of Arts degree in Psychology with a specialized focus in Counselling. She is a registered member of the OACCPP- Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists. Paitra specialized in brain injury counseling, providing psychosocial and therapeutic support to individuals and/ or families with various insults to the brain including neurodevelopmental, acquired injuries, illnesses, strokes, dementia etc.
Aneisa Maley, Addictions Counsellor Consultant is a MACP (Candidate), Addictions Certificate IP, CACCF Member; working with clients with brain injuries, mental illness and addiction concerns. Aneisa graduated from Queen’s University in Psychology; worked at the Sexual Assault Centre, as a Peer Mentor and as a Teaching Assistant in Kingston. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Has an Addiction Certificate from Wilfred Laurier University. CACCF Member. She is currently working as a full time Addictions Counsellor at an inpatient rehabilitation facility facilitating group programming, crisis management and creating content. She has a particular interest in working with clients with concurrent disorders (mental Illness and an addiction concern), trauma and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Enjoys hiking, travelling, board games, a good book and TV.
Melanie Hay, MSc (OT), is a full time Occupational Therapist with NRIO since 2009, who graduated from McMaster University. Melanie is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and is an active member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT). As an OT at NRIO, Melanie assists clients to maximize their daily functioning in a manner that safely encourages independence and improved quality of life, Form 1’s, In Home Assessments, cognitive, functional and residential assessments.
Sade Akande-Jones, MSC. (OT) is a consultant Occupational Therapist with NRIO. She graduated in 2004 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and also holds an Honours Bachelor degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. Sade is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and is an active member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). She has experience treating individuals who are recovering from complex or catastrophic traumatic injuries including: brain injury, other neurological conditions, spinal cord injury, orthopaedic injuries, chronic pain and mental health conditions. As an Occupational Therapist with NRIO, Sade conducts comprehensive assessments to develop client-centred treatment goals to increase functional independence and satisfaction with activities of daily living in all aspects of life. Her practice involves the completion of Form 1’s, in-home assessments, cog med, brain fx experience, discharge planning, home modifications and work site assessments.
Jessica Stengel (OT) is a part-time Occupational Therapist with NRIO. She is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and a member of both the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT). Jessica completed an undergraduate degree at Western University in the Honours Specialization in Psychology program, specializing in Clinical-Developmental Psychology. She then received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy through University of Toronto. Jessica has a passion for neurorehabilitation and brings experience collaborating with clients who experience a variety of neurological conditions. At NRIO, Jessica aims to enable clients to optimize their daily function in their activities of daily living along with their quality of life.
Krishia Go is an Occupational Therapist; graduated from University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (Advanced Standing Option) and registered with the college of Occupational therapists of Ontario. She has experience with assessment and treatment of individuals with physical, cognitive, and mental health issues. She is trained in the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP) intervention. She is also a certified BrainFX provider. She has also completed the Catastrophic Impairment Evaluation (C-CAT) course offered by the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators (CSME), addressing catastrophic impairment and functional evaluation as it relates to the SABS and the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. She also completes Form 1s, in home assessments, functional cognitive assessments and catastrophic situational assessments.
Anh Nguyen is a registered physiotherapist with more than 20 years’ experience in working with neurological involvement clients, covering a wide range of ages from young to older adults. Her special interests lie in the area of ABI rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, and community-reintegration rehabilitation in this population. She has been affiliated with the Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario since 2001, providing physiotherapy services for neurological clients. Ann also sees private ABI, CVA clients in their homes or in community settings.
Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc., Physiotherapy Consultants, consults with NRIO and provides assessments and treatments for their residential clients. They use standardized and functionally based assessment tools, and use neurobased, evidence based and current treatment interventions with their ABI clients to enhance their mobility and wellbeing.
Bobi Tychynski Shimoda, Speech Language Pathologist Consultant with S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks. She is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with over 11 years of experience in the clinical practice of Speech-Language Pathology. She is a creative and results oriented therapist with the problem solving skills necessary to find individualized solutions to functional communication problems encountered in daily life. She has extensive experience working with individuals who have communication disorders as a result of mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries, strokes, PTSD, conversion disorder, as well as having worked extensively with clients who have degenerative neurological diseases. Ms. Tychynski-Shimoda is experienced in providing comprehensive communication and cognitive-communication assessments and treatment.
Sarah Bognar, Speech Language Pathologist Consultant with S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks. She is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist who has been practicing for over 14 years, and has been in the healthcare field for almost 20 years. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Psychology from McMaster University, and a Master of Science degree from Ithaca College, New York. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA). Her special interests are in the areas of acquired brain injury and clients with complex needs. Ms. Bognar has extensive experience working with those with traumatic and acquired brain injuries, including stroke, brain tumour, and epilepsy. Having worked both within a rehabilitation centre context as well as in the community, Ms. Bognar utilizes a client and family-centred care approach, as well as a functional treatment style. She is dedicated to working closely with clients to develop their goals, including communication/speech goals, cognitive communication goals, and swallowing goals. Additionally, Ms. Bognar strongly believes in a multi-disciplinary approach, and in working close with other health care professionals and team members, in order to help clients achieve their best outcomes.
Speech Therapy Centres of Canada, Speech Language Pathologists Consultants
The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada consults with NRIO, and provides the following assessments and treatment: Use standardized assessment tools; Provide individualized speech and language assessments; Design treatment for each individual; Treat the cognitive-communication disorders; Equip the individual with the necessary tools to function in his/her environment; Teach the individual to compensate for impaired functioning; Provide communication and education to the individual, family and schools; Treat other communication disorders occurring after an ABI, e.g. dysarthria, apraxia and aphasia; Treat voice and swallowing difficulties following an ABI; Train our clients to use augmentative communication aids.
David Macintosh (MTA, MT-BC, NMT Fellow) is a consultant music therapist with NRIO. He is a Music Therapist Accredited in good standing with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists and the Music Therapy Association of Ontario. He graduated from Concordia University’s Music Therapy Graduate Diploma program in 2017, and earned his Fellowship in Neurologic Music Therapy in November 2020. David specializes in working with clients of all ages living with Neurologic disorders, and focuses on rehabilitation within the following domains: executive function, perception, emotions, motor control, attention, memory and language. David loves songwriting, music production, biking, running, and spending time with family and friends.
ICS NRIO access external regulated health care professionals (i.e. Bayshore Therapy & Rehab) at our Hamilton residence.
ICS NRIO has access to Neuropsychiatry and Addictions support.
Stacey Levine, Behavioural Therapist, Journey Rehab
School Resource Specialists, Qualifications in: MA; B.A. Ed.; Montessori
Rehabilitation Therapists, Qualifications in: B.A.; B.A. Psych; Behavioural Therapist; Child and Youth Worker; OTA; PTA; Kinesiologist; Nursing; Bachelor of Social Work, etc.
