Field Trip Health’s Toronto location team offers innovative and compassionate care through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, focusing on personalized and integrative treatment plans to support mental health and well-being.
Brian Fernandes
Registered Social Worker
Brian Fernandes is a dedicated and accomplished Registered Social Worker, recognized by the Ontario College of Social Workers, holding a Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor. His extensive background encompasses aiding individuals grappling with Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Substance Use Disorders. Brian has devoted years to instilling hope within some of the most marginalised communities in and around the Greater Toronto Area, including at-risk youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and refugees.
Employing a client-centred, strengths-based approach, Brian tailors his methods to the unique needs of each individual. Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, and Motivational Interviewing, he ensures a personalised and effective intervention.
With a distinguished military service record, Brian served as a reservist Infantry Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, achieving the rank of Captain. His firsthand understanding of the distinctive stressors faced by Veterans and First Responders fuels his commitment to providing Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to this underserved population. Notably, Brian’s work with Veterans has been featured in “The Ketamine Breakthrough” by Dr. Mike Dow and Ronan Levy.
Brian has undergone additional specialised training, including MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Training with the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies, coupled with training in holotropic breathwork practices. Currently, he is preparing to contribute as a Therapist in upcoming clinical trials with Compass Pathways, investigating the potential of Psilocybin to address Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Brian is a fitness enthusiast engaging in weight lifting, running, and biking. His diverse interests span from travelling and scuba diving to the culinary arts. Passionate about the potential of psychedelics, Brian firmly believes in their capacity to offer solace to individuals struggling with chronic issues, viewing them as a valuable alternative to traditional therapeutic approaches. His dedication to exploring alternate healing modalities underscores his commitment to better serve and uplift others.
Heather Wilgar
Registered Psychotherapist
Heather is registered as an RP with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and holds her masters-level diploma in Relational Gestalt Psychotherapy. She has spent many years working as a psychotherapist in private practice within a trauma-informed, culturally-inclusive, and harm reduction framework. Her approach is humanistic, embodied, integrative and evidence-based and has been informed by attachment theory, sensory awareness practice and the multi-cultural traditions that are the basis of mindfulness and contemplative practices. Heather is also a certified yoga instructor with over 20 years of experience in yoga and mindfulness meditation. She is a graduate of the Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy (DSP) program in New York City and is currently part of a Health Canada clinical trial in Psilocybin research as part of her Advanced training in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PaP). Heather’s personal lived experiences working with non-ordinary states have shown her how to engage in her own body’s innate healing system and she has translated this into her professional work with clients using Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy to access inner wisdom, creativity and healing. Gestalt trained with a mélange of many different disciplines including Internal Family Systems (IFS). Developmental somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness, yoga therapy, relational psychotherapy. With growing experience in CBT, ACT and EFT.
Monique Mathew
Registered Social Worker
Monique is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She completed her Master’s in Social Work and training while living in Southern California, and has experience providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, youth, and families in community mental health, school, and private practice settings.
Monique works primarily from an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) framework and finds this gentle, yet powerful, therapeutic approach to be helpful to clients experiencing a wide range of issues, from trauma and challenges in relationships, to struggles with self-acceptance, depression, and anxiety. She also integrates mindfulness-based, somatic, and trauma-informed techniques in her work to support clients in finding greater balance, self-care and empowerment in their daily lives.
Monique’s interest in expanded consciousness and healing spans more than 25 years through her practice of meditation, yoga, healing practices, and psychedelics. Monique began an apprenticeship with a revered Ayahuasca shaman and healer in the Peruvian Amazon in 2011 and she is deeply honoured to still continue her studies in this profound healing tradition to this day.
Monique has helped to facilitate Ayahuasca retreats and ceremonies for guests from around the world in Peru and she is experienced with safely supporting individuals exploring psychedelics for their own personal growth and well-being. Monique looks forward to embarking on each journey of psychedelic healing with her clients, and is committed to offering a grounded, compassionate and non-judgmental space for this deep inner work.
Kyla Cassidy
Registered Social Worker
Kyla is a compassionate and accomplished Social Worker, registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Holding degrees in Psychology and Social Work and a diploma in Substance Use Counselling & Therapy, Kyla continues her educational advancements in the fields of Thanatology, Criminology and Trauma-based therapies. With 18 years of extensive social service and criminal justice experience, Kyla’s passion for advocacy and mental health has positioned her alongside diverse and marginalized communities including; incarcerated populations, victims of crime and violence, unhoused and at-risk youth, individuals with mood disorder diagnoses and those navigating end-of-life challenges.
Grounded in client-centered, neuroscience and trauma-informed approaches to care, Kyla aims to empower individuals from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Approaches and Motivational Interviewing.
Raised in a first responder family with personal lived experience in law enforcement and corrections, Kyla’s dedication to supporting front-line professionals and their families propels her own professional development as a practicing Psychotherapist in the field of mental health with an emphasis on optimizing holistic wellness.
Outside of clinical time, Kyla is a college instructor in the fields of neuroscience, developmental psychology, mental health and substance use counselling. She currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors with John Howard Society – Peel, Halton & Dufferin, and is the Chair of the Programs Committee, where her passion for addressing the social determinants of crime and recidivism shines.
Kyla promotes her own wellness through the culinary arts, landscape painting, travel and a love of animals. She is inspired through her healing work with clients and is eager to incorporate psychedelics as an innovative and evidence-based aid to individual empowerment and wellness. Committed to holding space and honouring her clients’ personal narrative, Kyla champions compassion, curiosity and safety throughout the psychedelic healing journey.
Richard Utama
Registered Social Worker
Richard is a compassionate and dynamic counsellor with over 15 years of progressive and innovative mental health and addiction counselling in the social services, clinical, and community-based environment. Richard holds a Master of Social Work degree from University of Toronto in Mental Health and Health stream, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University, laying a solid groundwork for his clinical proficiency.
Richard works with diverse marginalized communities including individuals with mental health challenges and disorders, substance users, street-involved and homeless, 2SLGBTQ+, people living with HIV, and sex workers.
Richard’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from existential, emotionally focused, psychodynamic, and queer-affirming therapy. He integrates these with a strong foundation in anti-oppressive, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and spirituality, always aiming to foster his clients’ strengths and inner healing intelligence. At the core of Richard’s therapeutic ethos lies a profound belief in the power of authenticity and acceptance, nurturing a sense of belonging and self-discovery in those he supports.
As a trained psilocybin therapist with TheraPsil and an experienced psychedelic user, Richard firmly believes that this treatment significantly assists those suffering from debilitating mental health conditions.
Outside of his professional life, Richard enjoys meditation, long bike rides, traveling, and watching movies. These activities not only bring him joy but also help him maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Rose Ebrahimi
Registered Social Worker
Rose, a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, boasts a rich background in community-based agencies, including experience at Field Trip’s Toronto Clinic. Specialising in eating disorder/disordered eating treatment, as well as rehabilitation and disability, Rose employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-based practices, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Beyond her professional expertise, Rose is trained in Ketamine, MDMA, and Psilocybin Assisted Therapy. She envisions a future where these treatments are more accessible, allowing individuals to receive support without the burden of stigma. In her personal life, Rose finds joy in playing the piano, foraging with her dog, and immersing herself in any body of water.
Alisa Gotlib
Nurse Clinic Manager
With over 15 years of experience both in Health Care and in IT, Alisa brings a wealth of expertise to her role as the Nurse Clinic Manager of the Toronto clinic.
Her background spans diverse areas of nursing, including 5 years of providing patient care in Centres for Mental Health, both in Canada and internationally. As an IT professional, Alisa helped develop new systems for Medical Diagnostics and Health Insurance. These varied experiences have refined her adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities that really help her work at the clinic.
Alisa is deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of our clients. She approaches her role with enthusiasm and wiliness to help, which creates a welcoming environment for all seeking our services.
As a proud Field Trip Health member, Alisa is thrilled to be part of the team promoting cutting-edge therapies to create positive change in mental health sciences.
Judy Zhu
Registered Practical Nurse
Judy is a Registered Practical Nurse with experience in the community sector. Working with Field Trip Health since its inception, Judy is well versed in all dimensions related to our culture. Her empathetic approach allows clients to truly feel seen, valued and heard throughout the entirety of their experiential journey. Certified in palliative care, dementia care and most recently Reiki level three, Judy embodies a holistic approach, holding space for clients with compassion. Not only does Judy advocate for her own health and mental well-being, she is a core proponent of the nursing team ensuring team members implement a balanced lifestyle into their work and everyday lives. Pursuing further education in the fields of medical cannabis, aromatherapy and herbal medicine, she too is in process of completion of her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, hoping to continue to pursue avenues within the growing psychedelic field.
Rajveer Soos
Nurse Practitioner
Rajveer is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the acute care setting as well as in the community, where her focus has always been to provide compassionate client-centred care. In the community she worked to serve marginalized populations, including indigenous and homeless individuals. Rajveer believes that optimal health requires a holistic approach in which there is balance within the mind, body, and spirit. She understands the impact of mental health challenges on individuals, families, and communities, and is passionate about helping individuals heal from deep-rooted patterns and traumas, in order to create lasting healing. In 2021, Rajveer completed Therapsil’s Psilocybin Practitioner Training for End-of Life care, where she gained deeper insight into the true healing potential of psychedelics. She is passionate about the work being done at Field Trip Health and the use of psychedelics to help individuals suffering from mental illness. She is optimistic about the direction and future of mental health care and excited to be contributing to this paradigm shift in the field.
Dr. Mario Nucci
Medical Director
Dr. Mario Nucci, MD, CCFP, is a dedicated and forward-thinking physician with a deep passion for mental health and medical innovation. With a focus on pioneering advancements in mental health care, Dr. Nucci has been at the forefront of ketamine treatment for mental health conditions since 2016. He has contributed significantly to the field through numerous academic lectures and clinical research, serving as an investigator in pivotal clinical trials exploring the benefits of ketamine for mental health. His efforts have been instrumental in improving accessibility to these evidence-based treatments across Canada, solidifying his role as a leading figure in the evolving landscape of mental health therapy.
Shahnawaz Ali
Nurse Practitioner
Shahnawaz has been working as a Nurse Practitioner in multiple mental health and addictions settings in his career. This includes working in several psychiatry clinics at Niagara Health and within the concurrent disorders program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. He has embraced leadership opportunities including chairing the Nurse Practitioner advisory committee and clinical leadership for an interdisciplinary community team. He is also active in Nurse Practitioner education and holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Toronto. Currently, he is working at the Canadian Mental Health Association in Peel in the RAAM (Rapid access addiction medicine) clinic. Shahnawaz has completed a Master’s degree in Nursing in the Adult Nurse Practitioner field at University of Toronto in 2015, receiving a Schulich Award for academic achievement. He is passionate about mental health and addictions care and an advocate for the Nurse Practitioner role.
Rodea Casem
Nurse Practitioner
Rodea obtained her Masters of Nursing Degree at Ryerson University and subsequently completed the Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Program at University of Toronto. Being an Advanced Practice Nurse, she joins Field Trip Health with over 13 years of nursing experience in acute care, ambulatory, and community settings. She has also obtained the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Certification from the Canadian Nurses Association.
Rita Mannarino
Nurse Practitioner
Rita Mannarino is a skilled and compassionate nurse practitioner with over two decades of nursing experience. She has always had a special interest in mental health issues, mindset and chronic pain and focuses on a holistic approach that focuses on mind, body and spirit.
With advanced training and experience in a variety of settings including primary care, ICU/critical care, oncology, mental health and mindset coaching, pain and symptom management and palliative care, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate patient-centred care that is focused on promoting mind and body wellness.
Rita combines her clinical knowledge, empathetic and caring approach, and evidence-based practices to develop personalised treatment plans that empower her patients to achieve optimal physical and mental health to lead more fulfilling lives.
Rita completed her Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and her Master of Science in Nursing degree at Laurentian University. Prior to this she completed her Nursing Degree from Athabasca University after previously completing her nursing diploma from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. Rita has completed many certificate and advance training
programs over the last two decades from various educational institutions in her constant pursuit to expand her knowledge and experience.
Outside of work, Rita enjoys spending time at their cottage on Lake Superior with her husband, two dogs and their two grown children and their partners. Rita enjoys hiking, gardening, snowshoeing, going on adventures with her family and just being in nature.
Kelsey York
Nurse Practitioner
Coming Soon!
Dr. Esa Leinonen
Psychiatrist
Coming Soon!
Joy Kolic
Nurse Practitioner
Joy, a seasoned Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of expertise in healthcare and dedicated her career to Mental Health and Geriatrics. She earned her Masters in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner degree in 2017 and has since spent 6 years excelling in the Mental Health field. Joy is certified in Mental Health and Addictions from the University of Toronto.
Beyond her role as a Nurse Practitioner, she is a certified yoga teacher with a deep passion for yoga, meditation, and mindful movement, recognizing their positive impact on wellness and healing. Embracing a holistic approach to patient care, Joy is eager to assist you in achieving your wellness goals.
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