Sarah Durant, BA, RP, Founder and Clinical Director
Sarah is a Registered Psychotherapist (RPO) and the Founder and Clinical Director of NSTN. She has been providing treatment and support to individuals with mental health and substance use concerns in both inpatient and outpatient settings since 2007.
Sarah is extremely passionate about providing an environment that is welcoming and accommodating for individuals that struggle with mental health concerns. It is her goal to provide a safe place where people can receive quality care while being treated respectfully and with dignity – in an effort to reduce stigma and increase the effectiveness of mental health and wellness treatments.
In addition to providing consumers of mental health services of North Simcoe with a positive experience, Sarah wishes to extend this to treatment providers in the area as well. She strives to provide a work environment that is respectful, supportive, and accommodating. She believes that healthy treatment providers result in healthier clientele, and a healthier community.
Dr. Plabon Ismail, BSc, MD, FRCP- Not accepting new clients at this time
Dr. Ismail brings psychiatric expertise to NSTN. He sees patients on an individual basis and since 2016, and Dr. Ismail has been offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a 12-week group format, funded by OHIP and co-facilitated by Sarah Durant.
Nisha Chowdhury, HBA, RP
Originally from the GTA, Nisha settled in the Simcoe County region 6 years ago with her husband and two boys. She completed her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University. Nisha recently completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University, and is a member of Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP) and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Nisha is available to support clients in developing strategies to deal with emotional challenges such as sadness, anxiety, stress, low self esteem, relationships struggles, loss and grieving. She offers to help clients here and now, to hold onto their hope and their light, while they take the leap of faith into this journey of healing and growth. Nisha’s mission is to end client’s suffering in the present moment, with the best of her knowledge and skills and promises a safe and confidential environment.
Nisha’s areas of interest include treating anxiety, depression, stress, chronic illness/pain, trauma and grief. She has obtained specialized skills training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and draws from collaborative strengths-based, mindfulness, culturally sensitive and positive psychotherapy approaches.
Nisha has worked with various international NGOs in the past supporting overall healthy living with a focus on mental health. Her diverse living experience in Asia, Africa and North America brings a unique lens to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
Lori Summers, RP
Lori recognizes that most people don’t anticipate that they may one day lose sight of their strengths, or become stuck, or feel lost and out of control—in spite of the fact that all this is common and very human. Having shifted into psychotherapy mid-career, Lori’s life experiences and their inherent struggles bring insight and compassion to her therapy.
Lori’s integrative approach includes common factors such as empathy, non-judgment, and positive regard for each person no matter the circumstances. She focuses on inspiring hope, assisting with alternate views of the self and the world, and improving how emotion is experienced. Lori welcomes the client’s active voice in the therapy’s focus, goals, and treatment. She draws from one or many evidence-based therapies, depending on the need.
Abigail Gallagher, RP
Local to the Simcoe County area, outdoor enthusiast Abigail has recently completed her Masters of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. She has decided to pursue a career in the mental health field because of her caring nature and passion towards helping others. Abigail has a strong person-centered approach to counseling. She tends to integrate CBT, DBT, solution focused and mindfulness practices into her therapeutic relationships. She takes pride in helping clients foster a greater sense of self-awareness and growth throughout their counseling journey. Abigail has a strong interest in working with children and adolescents. When not in the office, you can find Abigail enjoying the great outdoors. with her four-legged sidekick Charlie.
Sarah Graham, RP
Sarah obtained her Honours Bachelors of Art degree from Laurentian University. She recently completed her Master of Psychology in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and is working in private practice under supervision. She is registered with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario as a Psychotherapist (CRPO).
Sarah emphasizes an integrative approach to care that utilizes client-centered philosophies and the biopsychosocial dynamics. Sarah uses psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural (CBT), narrative, dialectical behavioural (DBT) as well as acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapies in her practice. She focuses on self-improvement, self-compassion, family dynamics, anxiety, life changes, cross-cultural counselling, and cultural diversity. Outside of her formal training, Sarah has training relating to crisis intervention, identity, and self-image. Sarah has also obtained CCPA accredited certification in childhood trauma, technology overuse, and child development.
Request a session with Sarah
Nichole McKever, RP – Not accepting new clients at this time
Nichole is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Psychotherapist who has been serving Simcoe County for over a decade in various mental health related positions. She has extensive experience in crisis intervention and teaching students, fellow colleagues, and first responders. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Laurentian University, an Addictions Treatment and Prevention post graduate diploma from Georgian College, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University. Nichole loves to teach, guide, mentor, and empower all people towards personal wellness. She has a grounded, yet energetic personality and she is most known for her objective reflections. Nichole always greets her clients with a smile, and she is able to be a compassionate listening ear you can count on.
Nichole offers support for a variety of symptoms and concerns including but not limited to anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, low self esteem/ confidence, perfectionism, work stress/ burnout, boundaries, communication, relationship dynamics, health anxiety/ medical issues, stress, time management, depression, etc. Her approach is integrative which means she pulls from a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Somatic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy. Nichole also has a personal interest in holistic modalities and will often be found expanding her knowledge at workshops and conferences across Canada and the United States.
Request a session with Nichole
Marie Lloyd, RP – Not accepting new clients at this time
Marie is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), and is also internationally certified to work with those who suffer from the disease of addictions (ICADC). She has over 35 years experience working in the field of relationships, trauma, addictions and mental health. Working in withdrawal management centres, to running a private practice to managing large agencies, she has dedicated her career to helping those who sometimes struggle with life. Marie is equally passionate to help the partners and family members of a loved one who lives with the fallout of trying to cope with their loved ones behaviours and not knowing how to help them.
Career Highlights: Front line counsellor (Detox), Clinical Supervisor | Barrie Withdrawal Centre. Clinical Supervisor | North Bay Agency. Executive Director | Addiction Outreach Muskoka Parry Sound. Clinical Supervisor, Executive Director | De Novo Treatment Centre. Member of Advisory Panel | International Committee of Employee benefit plan.
If you’re ready to start on the steps to a richer fuller life. Please call and Marie will ( walk along with you as you take them), to break free and have the quality of life you were meant to live. Please reach out and we’ll face this challenge together.
Request a session with Marie
Sara Servello, RP (Qualifying)
Sara has grown up in the Simcoe County area and has earned a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. With over 12 years experience, her passion is working with children and youth. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Lakehead University and an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work through Georgian College.
Sara enjoys supporting her clients to achieve their goals and uses a person-centered approach. Sara is experienced in a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy while incorporating mindfulness practices.
Sara enjoys time outdoors with her children and friends. During quiet moments, Sara is an avid reader and enjoys a variety of books.
Request a session with Sara
Aaron Sinclair, RP
Aaron Sinclair is a Registered Psychotherapist who has been working in the mental health and addiction field for over 16 years. Aaron works to provide a safe, encouraging, and supportive space for each client regardless of their struggles; a support that is inclusive, 2S-LGBTQ+ affirming and anti oppressive. Aaron has experience working with adults and young adults who struggle with substance use, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, stress, relationships, and trauma.
Request a session with Aaron
Angela White, BA, RP
Angela completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a post grad in Addictions: Treatment and Prevention. Angela is a Registered Psychotherapist and has been providing treatment to individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings for over 12 years. Angela is passionate about working with individuals impacted by mental health and substance use concerns and she strives to provide a nonjudgmental and accepting environment. Angela works with individuals to identify goals and work towards those goals using an integrated and holistic approach. Angela believes in implementing evidence-based practices and her focus is in DBT skills, as well as CBT and mindfulness.
Request a session with Angela
NSTN Student Clinic
The clinic attracts students who are completing the practicum portion of their academic studies. They are supervised by Sarah Durant while they accrue hours of experience and contribute to NSTN and the community by seeing clients at a reduced rate. See our Services tab for information on our current students.
Our Supportive Staff
New clients are often introduced to NSTN through Marie who answers their initial inquiries. Her friendly and professional interactions provide a warm introduction, support and much of the behind-the-scenes work at NSTN.
Our Extended Network
We also have a robust referral system that extends into a community of caregivers that we have built strong connections with over the years.