Dimensions

Dr. D.J. Cook – Translational Stroke Research Program, Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery; Dimensions Health Research Collaborative, Queen’s University is Chairperson and Head of Neurosurgery at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Dr. Cook practices cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. His research program is focused on brain network dynamics in health, disease and recovery.

A registered psychotherapist and integrative mental health provider with over 20 years of experience, Donald leads Retreat programming at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands. His clinical work focuses on healing through somatic and trauma therapies that are evidence-based and supported by neuroscience research. To guide Dimensions guests in the process of preparing and integrating their ceremonial experiences, he integrates relational somatic psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, EMDR, Acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems therapy with complementary wellness practices. He has received training and certification in psychedelic guiding, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, Somatic Psychedelic Psychotherapy, and ethical right relationship in psychedelic therapy.

Over the course of his career he has worked entirely with people looking to improve their mental health. He has extensive experience in working with PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, complex family dynamics, grief and relationship challenges. Donald was a key member of the clinical team at Helix Healthcare Group, a treatment facility for mental health and addiction. For over two decades Donald has based his own private practice in Toronto. He believes in the importance of reciprocity and worked to remove the barriers of access by providing free mental health services to marginalized individuals at his private practice.

Helena’s key belief for optimal mental health and emotional well-being is “the body wants to feel good and the mind wants to know.” In addition to running her private practice, Helena is a clinical supervisor and teaches at the Transformational Arts College. She specializes in trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and grief. Her clinical work focuses on neuroscientific evidence-based treatments utilizing neuro-experiential and somatic therapies as well as transpersonal psychotherapy.

Gina studied transpersonal psychotherapy at the Transformational Arts College of Spiritual and Holistic Training and is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, structural dissociation, sensorimotor psychotherapy, relational somatic psychotherapy, deep brain reorienting and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Gina co-founded the Healing Therapy Alliance in Toronto.

Natasha Senra-Pereira MSW, RSW, RP is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist supporting clients in both hospital settings and private practice for the last 18 years. She has advanced trainings in numerous modalities (IFS, EMDR, Somatic-relational) and experience in various forms of meditation. Her work is guided by the newest research as well as her own personal healing experiences – which is detailed in the best-selling book, “Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough”. Over the last several years, her teaching and focus have been the intersectionality of grounded spirituality, and mental health.

Martin Millen (in English) – or Thunder Man (his Sprit name, and in Ojibwe is Nimkii Inini) – is of the turtle clan and a First Nation Traditional Medicine Man. A band member of the Matachewan First Nation with a lineage of mixed Ojibwe and European ancestry, Martin has spent decades exploring his cultural identity and working with First Nations healing customs and practices as well as complementary and western therapeutic modalities. He has studied post-traumatic stress and the effects of residential schools and intergenerational trauma and oppression on First Nations, through Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy, giving him a deep understanding of complex trauma. Having learned from Elders from Ojibwe, Cree, Lakota, and Blackfoot traditions, he integrates their wisdom into his land-based holistic healing approach.

Cecile Cassan is a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), experienced in a variety of areas, including neurotrauma rehab, research and sports medicine, and regenerative medicine. At Dimensions, she carries out intake medical examinations and is available to assess and monitor vital signs for guests on retreat. She works with the interdisciplinary team to provide insight into areas of focus for the treatment phase, as well as for long-term secondary prevention.

Ryan Burkholder BA, Designated Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (DOMP), is a Registered Manual
Osteopath supporting clients through the use of manual therapy as well as his coaching practice.  Ryan’s approach is influenced by his background in sport as a former professional hockey player.  He draws on his background in athletics, his training in Osteopathy, and his passion for nature and mindfulness, to help people improve their relationship to stress.  He currently runs his private practice virtually, and in his home, on acres of the Laurentian mountains in Quebec. Ryan specializes in therapeutic exercise methods such as ELDOA, Myofascial Stretching and SOMA training based on the method of Guy Voyer. Ryan’s passion for coaching continues to treat the human being as a whole and considers the importance of the mind-body relationship. His approach aims to integrate the genuine embodiment of
mindfulness, compassion, and strength.

Boris Baker – BSc Kin, MSc. Neuroscience, Registered Kinesiologist.
Boris obtained his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Queen’s University, while
simultaneously gaining work experience as a personal trainer. Upon graduating Boris
completed his masters in neuroscience where he worked with and researched
concussions and head impacts in collegiate athletes. Since, Boris has become a
registered kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.

Boris’ personal training experience, coupled with his background in neuroscience gives
him a unique and flexible skill set which allows him to work with clients who are
recovering from or living with physical and/or neurological injuries/impairments, as well
as clients that may just be looking to move better and without pain.

Natalia works as a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. In previous incarnations, she co-founded Moksha (Modo) Yoga in Toronto and Studio Shibui in Guelph. She has a rich 20 years of experience working with entheogens in therapeutic ceremonial environments in North and South America. Her training began in 2006 with the Transpersonal Therapy Center in Toronto, and concluded with the Transformational Arts College in 2013. She has training in psychedelic assisted therapy, sound healing, yoga, meditation, ELDOA and Thai massage. Her entrepreneurial background, somatic trainings and long-lived integration of ceremonial work have inspired a unique perspective on grounded spirituality and how to address the challenges of existing as both a spiritual and human being at the same time.

Audice Nasser, RP, C.Hyp, is on the preparation team at Dimensions. She is a Registered Psychotherapist, specializing in PTSD and veterans in her work as a couples therapist and Brainspotting consultant. With a diverse background that spans corporate training, business coaching, Hatha yoga therapy, and clinical hypnotherapy, Audice brings a unique approach to her practice. She is dedicated to supporting veterans and helping them heal.

Tatiana Santini, RP, RCC, C.C.C., SEP, is on the preparation and integration team at Dimensions. She is a psychotherapist who works mainly with trauma and substance use disorders. She incorporates Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy into her practice. Her tailored approach combines psychodynamic and somatic therapies with mindfulness.

Melanie Dignam, MSW, RSW, is on the preparation and integration team at Dimensions. She is an integrative psychotherapist in private practice from Toronto.  Melanie specializes in trauma resolution and healing, using evidence-informed practices intended to shift individuals towards an embodied experience of the mind + body + spirit, through therapeutic support and reconnection to self.

Rhea Bridge, RP, is on the preparation team at Dimensions. She studied Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has specialized training in Brainspotting and perinatal mental health, and primarily supports BIPOC clients experiencing anxiety, depression and life stresses. Rhea integrates acceptance and commitment therapy, somatic-based interventions and mindfulness into her practice.