Our Team

Dr. Tali Shenfield is an expert in the areas of school psychology and child clinical psychology. She holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Toronto and is licensed as a Psychologist by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Shenfield is accredited by the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. She has several publications in scientific journals and is a frequent presenter at international conferences and symposia. Dr. Shenfield lectured at the University of Toronto and worked as a child psychologist at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto District School Board, York Catholic District School Board, and the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, providing clinical and psychoeducational services to a wide range of clients. She is the Clinical Director of our center and provides supervision and oversight to other psychologists and psychotherapists.

Karen is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. She has a master’s degree in psychology from York University in addition to graduate coursework through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. In her more than 30 years in the field she has gained extensive knowledge and experience serving diverse clients with a broad range of needs through her work at Youthdale Treatment Centres, Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehab, Thames Valley District School Board, and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Her career has predominantly been in school psychology with the TDSB in her role as Psychological Associate assessing children and adolescents and providing consultation services to parents and school personnel.

Elif Wonders is a psychologist (Interim Autonomous Practice) and a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario with specializations in clinical psychology and school psychology. Elif holds a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in School/Applied Child Psychology from McGill University. She has worked as a psychometrist since 2010 and has performed psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. As a therapist, Elif draws from different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Ms. Wonders worked as a psychoeducational consultant for the Toronto District School Board and other school and private practice settings in Alberta and Ontario.

Ruth Budd is an experienced Psychometrist and Art Therapist with 15 years experience working with children and adolescents. Ruth holds a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from the Adler Graduate Professional School and a Masters' level diploma from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. Ruth has a strong interest and background in studying attachment patterns and the developmental and emotional issues of children. She has extensive experience conducting cognitive, academic, psychoeducational and socio-emotional assessments, as well as Art Psychotherapy in various settings such as Ford and Associates, the Hinks-Dellcrest Centre and in private practice.

Jovana holds Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto. She worked at the University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the Framework Therapy and Assessment Centre. Jovana has extensive experience with cognitive, social-emotional, neuropsychological, and behavioural assessments for children and adolescents. In our centre, she is focusing on gifted and psychoeducational assessments.

Dr. Earnest Light is a licensed psychologist in the province of Ontario. Dr. Light worked as a Clinical Psychologist in several mental health facilities. He was a Clinical Director of a crisis unit for adolescents where he worked with victims of sexual abuse. Dr. Light has worked as a Psychologist in mental health institutions in Canada since 1997. He has conducted his private practice since 2001. His research and practical skills are recognized internationally. Dr. Light was a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, San Francisco and the State University of New York in Geneseo. Dr. Light's main interests lie in implementing therapeutic techniques of various modalities to a wide spectrum of life experience. He works with symptoms of anxiety, depression as well as posttraumatic stress, bereavement, feelings associated with life-limiting illnesses, family and sexual difficulties, and problems associated with adolescent development. Dr. Light works with adults, couples, families, and adolescents. His office is located in Thornhill, Ontario.