Field Trip Health’s Kitchener Waterloo location team offers innovative and compassionate care through psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, focusing on personalized and integrative treatment plans to support mental health and well-being.
Vanessa Bauer
Registered Social Worker
Vanessa is a compassionate and empathetic 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 Applied Behaviour Analysis. Vanessa has a certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and continues her educational advancements in the fields of trauma-based psychotherapies.
With over 10 years of professional experience in the field of mental health and addictions, Vanessa takes an integrative, compassionate approach, working collaboratively with Individuals to create personalized treatment plans that honor their individual needs and goals. She believes in empowering clients to build resilience, set boundaries, and foster self-compassion. Her expertise lies in guiding clients to reframe their challenges, using it as a tool for growth, while also addressing perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies.
Vanessa uses a diverse range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, psychodynamic therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing , to support her clients in finding lasting relief from emotional distress..
Outside of clinical time, Vanessa promotes her own wellness through travel, reading, camping out, regular exercise and spending time with her family and friends. She is passionate about the transformational healing properties of psychedelics and is excited to incorporate this emerging field into her therapeutic work, helping clients explore deeper levels of healing and self-discovery.
Michael Kessler
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Michael is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Michael holds a Conestoga College Certificate and three degrees (BA, BSW, and MSW)obtained from the University of Waterloo. Michael has 5+ years of experience serving the Waterloo region in community-based programming, group facilitation, and one-to-one counselling/psychotherapy. Michael arrives to therapy with a deep belief in each person’s innate wisdom to heal. Michael values a collaborative and client-centred approach, focusing on a treatment
plan that reflects your unique concerns, goals, and strengths.
Michael approaches therapy from a strengths-based and trauma-informed
perspective. Michael draws from therapeutic modalities such as Motivational
Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and Somatic Therapy. Michael is professionally flexible and adaptable, utilizing an eclectic counselling approach, so together you may use a combination of therapeutic modalities to reach your therapeutic goals. Michael works with adults who may have concerns relating to anxiety, depression, addiction, intimate relationships, emotional regulation, masculinity, stress, self-care/well-being, life satisfaction, and personal growth.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time outside with his wife, two young children, and his friends. Michael can often be found hiking trails with his family in the Spring/Fall, playing soccer with his friends in the Summer, snowboarding in the Winter, and participating in weightlifting all year round.
Michael values a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centred approach
to therapy, developing a treatment plan that reflects your unique concerns, strengths, and goals. Michael’s priority is creating a safe, open, and non-judgmental space where a strong therapeutic relationship may grow, aiding in a co-constructed pathway towards personal resilience, goal achievement, and
increased life satisfaction.
River Page
Registered Psychotherapist
River works with individuals and relationships navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity‑related concerns, emotional overwhelm, and relational difficulties. Their practice often includes supporting people processing religious or relational trauma, neurodivergent clients, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. River also works with clients experiencing suicidality, self‑harm, burnout, and long‑standing patterns connected to shame, attachment, or chronic stress. Many of the people who seek out River’s support have tried therapy before and are looking for a space where they can engage more openly and honestly.
River’s clinical experience includes private psychotherapy practice, community‑based support work, and counseling youth in transient housing situations. They have worked extensively with clients presenting with complex trauma, high emotional distress, and long‑standing mental health concerns. Their approach is grounded in a client‑centred foundation and integrates modalities such as attachment‑focused work, parts‑based approaches, mindfulness, and others. River prioritizes tailoring therapy to each individual rather than relying on a one‑size‑fits‑all model.
Clients can expect a collaborative, comfortable, and conversational therapy experience with River. They work at a pace that balances emotional safety with meaningful exploration, especially when difficult experiences or emotions arise. Sessions may include practical tools, reflective dialogue, or deeper processing depending on what feels most useful and manageable for the client. River’s goal is to create an environment where clients feel supported without feeling pressured or judged.
River is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. They have training in hypnotherapy, psychedelic‑informed care, psychological first aid, applied suicide intervention, and Gottman relationship therapy. Outside of clinical work, River spends as much time outdoors as possible and enjoys kayaking, hiking, live music, writing, and time with family.
Anna Wiebe
Registered Social Worker, MSW
My practice focuses on adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, BPD, trauma/PTSD, and relationship and work challenges. Whether someone is learning to set healthy boundaries, strengthen emotion regulation skills, navigate a major life transition, or understand long-standing patterns, I aim to understand the full context of their experience and tailor therapy to their individual goals and needs.
My clinical experience includes community mental health, individual therapy, group programming and facilitation, and research and social policy. I have supported individuals with complex and developmental trauma whose experiences contribute to emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, and persistent patterns that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. I also recognize the impact that systemic barriers and chronic stress play in an individual’s mental health. My work draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I see clients through a trauma-, somatic-, attachment- and systems-informed lens.
I have a calm, collaborative, and thoughtful approach. I’m particularly interested in how trauma, stress, and life experiences shape the way we think, feel, and relate to ourselves and others. So when working with me, clients can expect that I will want to get to know them as a whole person. I enjoy helping clients better understand the patterns behind their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours so they can respond to themselves with greater awareness, compassion, and acceptance. Therapy with me is both reflective and practical. I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable and supported in exploring difficult experiences while leaving sessions with greater clarity, useful tools, or a new perspective. My goal is to work at a pace that feels manageable for each client while maintaining clear goals and direction throughout the therapeutic process.
I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I hold a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph. I am committed to ongoing learning through professional development and research, collaboration with colleagues, and, most importantly, the privilege of learning alongside my clients. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping, making music, crafting, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Leah Neumann
Registered Social Worker
Leah specializes in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, and relationship difficulties. She commonly supports individuals and partners who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in long-standing emotional and relational patterns. She also works with clients navigating life transitions, attachment concerns, and questions related to identity, sexuality, and belonging.
Leah has experience in community mental health and private practice, supporting clients with complex presentations and co-occurring concerns. Her clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive care, drawing on evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed interventions, somatic approaches, and experiential therapies. She has additional training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and compassionate inquiry, and tailors treatment to each client’s needs, goals, and readiness for change.
Clients can expect an engaged and collaborative approach that prioritizes emotional safety while creating space to explore difficult experiences. Leah works at a pace that helps clients remain grounded as they better understand the connection between past experiences, present-day patterns, and relationships. She supports clients in developing practical skills alongside deeper self-understanding to help them navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, ease and flexibility.
Leah is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and was previously licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the United States. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin and is committed to ongoing professional development in trauma, relationships, addiction, and emerging therapeutic approaches. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys gardening, paddling, travelling, attending music festivals, and spending time with her three dogs and three cats.
Dr. Mario Nucci
MD, CCFP
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 psychedelic therapy 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 psychedelic therapy 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.
Rosalie Shorney
Nurse Clinic Manager
Rosalie is passionate about holistic healthcare, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and promoting mental health awareness, equity, and social justice in the healthcare system. She was drawn to Field Trip Health for its innovative and collaborative approach to psychedelic therapy and is proud to help lead the future of mental health care in Canada.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her on the diamond with her two kids, cheering them on in softball and baseball. She also enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
Dr. Esa Leinonen
Psychiatrist
Coming Soon!
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.
Sydney Resendes
Registered practical nurse
Sydney is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Practical Nurse with a diverse background in healthcare. Since 2017, she’s been deeply committed to providing exceptional care, beginning her career as a Recreation Therapist before transitioning into nursing. Graduating in 2021 and having since focused on mental health nursing, she has gained valuable experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals facing severe mental health challenges, chronic pain, and those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Sydney believes in holistic, innovative approaches to supporting individuals and enhancing their well-being. As someone who is passionate about compassionate care, she is eager to make a positive, meaningful impact in the lives of others and to support their journey toward improved mental well-being. Sydney commits to contributing to the shared vision of enhancing the lives of those we serve at Field Trip Health.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys journaling, spending time with her family and her cat, enjoying the outdoors through activities like yoga and connecting with nature.
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.
Jasmin Banwait
Nurse Practitioner
Jasmin works with adults experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, ADHD and complex mood disorders. She commonly supports individuals who are navigating treatment-resistant depression, chronic stress injuries and long-standing psychological symptoms that have not responded fully to previous treatment approaches. Her clinical focus includes comprehensive psychiatric assessment, treatment readiness evaluation and supporting individuals considering structured and intensive mental health treatments.
Jasmine has worked across community mental health programs, public health services, primary care clinics and disability and occupational mental health consultation settings. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with complex psychiatric histories, severe mood disorders, trauma-related conditions and co-occurring substance use concerns. Her work involves detailed biopsychosocial assessments, mental health risk evalutations and careful review of medical and psychiatric histories to determine treatment suitability and safety. Her clinical approach incorporates evidence-based methods, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma informed-care and structured psychiatric assessment practices.
Clients can expect a structured, collaborative and steady approach when working with Jasmin. She focuses on clear assessment, practical discussion of symptoms and treatment options, and pacing conversations in a way that allows difficult experiences to be explored while maintaining emotional safety. Sessions are organized, goal-focused and designed to help clients understand their mental health and make informed decisions about next steps in care.
Jasmin is a Nurse Practitioner registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario. She holds a Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner from Athabasca University, a Master of Science in Education from D’Youville College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University. Outside of clinical work, she enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors.
EN 
FR