LightHouse Counselling & Wellness
Meet Our Team
Licensed Psychotherapists
Kendra McRoberts (she/her)
Registered Social Service Worker
Jackie Scholz (she/her)
Registered Social Worker
Celia Renaud (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist
Julie Gingras (she/her)
Registered Social Worker
Alison Lefebvre (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Robin Johal (she/her)
Registered Social Worker
Fatima Ibhrahim (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist
Andrew Hawkins (he/him)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
David Colantonio (he/him)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Stacey Karuhanga (she/her)
Registered Social Worker (RSW, MSW)
Aaliya Blais-Batres (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Mehana Heins (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Amy Greenwood (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Sameen Salim (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist
Child and Youth Counsellors
Niki Clement (she/her)
Child and Youth Counsellor
In today’s fast-paced society, it is common to feel overwhelmed and feel you are being stretched thin. Life, at times, can be hard! Parenting can be hard! It is important to know this is a very valid feeling and you are not alone. I believe everyone needs a little empowerment in various junctures in their life. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, validating environment, free from judgment. I am committed to fostering secure attachments and empowering both children and parents to navigate challenges and build strong foundations for growth and development. I work with my clients to listen to their needs and clearly understand their goals to move forward effectively. I recognize how uncomfortable and vulnerable therapy can be for some and I will meet my clients where they are, working at a pace they are comfortable with.
I have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field, including with children and families struggling with severe mental health and behavioural challenges. My specialty is working with children, adolescents, and caregivers.
Clinical Interns
Jasmine Riley (she/her)
Clinical intern, supervised by registered psychotherapist
Individuals come to therapy with a variety of issues, interests, and ways of relating to their unique life experiences. My work is grounded in Attachment Theory and explores the key relationships in a person’s life that contribute to how they see themselves in the world. I integrate several therapeutic approaches to engage with each client in a way that is suited to their specific needs. My approach is based on the belief that a strong and compassion-focused relationship between therapist and client serves as the basis for safely exploring the underpinnings of each client’s current difficulties. I use a collaborative approach to counselling, which allows me to walk alongside individuals to promote acceptance, healing and growth.
I work with adults, teens, children and athletes in areas including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, relationship challenges, performance optimization, and coping skills.
Administration Team
Jessica House (she/her)
RP, CCC- Clinic Owner and Director
With an unwavering commitment to fostering mental well-being, Jessica House stands as a seasoned therapist and visionary leader in the mental health field, boasting almost 20 years of dedicated experience. Her passion lies in empowering all people to unlock their fullest potential, and she ardently believes in collaborative, client-centered approaches to bring out the best in everyone.
Jessica holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and is distinguished as a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. Her rich professional history includes a combination of clinical and leadership roles that span across industries.
As the Founder and CEO of LightHouse Counselling and Wellness, Jessica’s mission is to improve people’s lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit is underpinned by an unwavering belief in the transformative power of mental health support.
Jessica is recognized as one of Ottawa’s practice champions specializing in infant and early childhood mental health. Her extensive training also encompasses cognitive-behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, collaborative problem-solving, and attachment-based approaches. This holistic toolkit allows her to tailor interventions that address the unique needs of her clients.
Proudly contributing to the broader mental health landscape, Jessica has developed innovative treatment programs designed to provide comprehensive support to children and families. These programs extend beyond traditional settings, reaching homes, schools, and daycares to create a web of care that nurtures mental well-being.
A resolute advocate for the rights and well-being of children, youth, and parents, Jessica has served on numerous mental health committees, where she tirelessly works to enhance the accessibility and quality of mental health resources.
Jessica’s legacy is marked by the positive transformations she has facilitated in the lives of countless individuals and families. Her compassionate approach, coupled with a dedication to innovation, positions her as a beacon of hope in the mental health arena. As Jessica continues to lead LightHouse Counselling and Wellness, her unwavering dedication to creating a ripple effect of positive change remains at the forefront, exemplifying the true essence of compassionate leadership in mental health care.
Jessica Gagliano (she/her)
BA- Admin Assistant
Julie Ryan (she/her)
Admin Assistant
Julie is married with two grown daughters, one son-in-law, two grandchildren and two little poodles named Harvey and Charlie. She’s been a proud resident of Kanata for over 30 years.
In her free time, she enjoys running, taking long walks, practicing yoga, reading, spending time with friends and family, watching hockey and volunteering.
Karen Ritcey (she/her)
Admin Assistant
Karen is new to the Ottawa area, having relocated to be closer to her family and focus on a balanced lifestyle. In her free time, Karen can be found baking up a storm in her kitchen, doing laps at the pool, or listening to music and audiobooks.