Our Team

Dr. Jennifer L. Newby, C. Psych.

Clinical Psychologist

Working with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Dr. Newby began her undergraduate education specializing in Psychology and Teacher Education. Dr. Newby is passionate about psycho-educational assessment and intervention and is certified with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. She has over 10 years of experience in conducting psycho-educational evaluation.

In her Master's and Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Newby made several significant empirical contributions to the field of Personality Psychology, and more specifically in investigating personality characteristics such as Competitiveness and Perfectionism. She maintains her passion for scientifically-supported methods and emphasis on empirical evidence in assessment and therapy.

Dr. Newby assesses and treats individuals with the following presenting difficulties and diagnostic presentations.

Assessment:

Learning/psychoeducational
Attention and executive functioning problems
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Giftedness
Psychological (psycho-diagnostic) for difficulties listed

Treatment:

Depression and mood-related problems
Bipolar disorder and cyclical mood challenges
Perfectionism
Competitiveness
Anxiety
Panic
Phobias
School and work-related stress
Interpersonal stress
Body image
Low self-esteem
Adjustment to major life changes

Dr. Newby works collaboratively with patients to determine and meet their needs on an individual basis tailored to their clinical symptoms. She incorporates a variety of therapeutic styles into her work (e.g., supportive, mindfulness, DBT, solution-focused, ACT, emotionally-focused, behavioural activation), but her primary therapeutic orientation is best described as cognitive-behavioural (CBT). Dr. Newby has a strong basis in assessment and her case formulation and treatment are informed by evidence-based practice, meaning they are grounded in sound and effective science, research, and theory. Dr. Newby works to provide clients with a nurturing, collaborative, light-hearted, and accepting atmosphere.

Dr. Newby is passionate about psychological research and is often involved in research collaborations. Her primary area of research is personality psychology, perfectionism, and competitiveness. Dr. Newby is a voluntary member of several organizations including the Canadian Psychological Association, the Ontario Psychological Association, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Association for Psychological Science, the Ottawa Academy of Psychology, and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.

Dr. Newby has been awarded numerous Provincial and National scholarships and has over 15 peer-reviewed publications, articles, book chapters, national, and international conference presentations. Dr. Newby continues her professional development through regular supervision, conferences, and keeping current with scientific and clinical literature.

Dr. Gina Madrigrano, C. Psych.

Clinical Psychologist

Working with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Dr. Gina Madrigrano is a clinical psychologist with training in health science and psychology. She has been in practice for 25 years. She has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and adults. She has a particular interest in prevention, with a holistic approach to mental health, and she has been actively involved in research as well as in clinical interventions, including supervision. She conducts individual, couples, family, and group treatment.

Dr. Madrigrano has developed workshops to train professionals in schools, correctional institutions, and the general public. She has developed treatment programs in major institutions as well as in small community agencies. She has lectured at both Montreal and Ottawa Universities, Algonquin College, and Université du Québec in Outaouais. Finally, she has presented research and offered workshops at conferences in North America and overseas. Dr. Madrigrano has been a principal investigator and a co-applicant on successful grant applications and main or co-author on over 30 publications.

Dr. Madrigrano’s approach to treatment is eclectic, trauma-informed and adapted to the specific needs of each client. She provides a nurturing, accepting, client-centered atmosphere, helping clients to feel empowered and in control of their lives. Her theoretical orientation integrates Cognitive-Behavioural and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, neurobiopsychosocial and positive psychology, emotion-focused, humanistic, experiential and systems theory. She also incorporates findings from the areas of medicine, nutrition, alternative treatments, epigenetics, and neuroplasticity, which gives her great hope that people are not bound by their genes, that the brain is in constant development, and that people do have the power to heal themselves and heal their lives.

Dr. Madrigrano has two areas of special interest: 1) Coaching parents and supporting them in reducing the stresses and confusion of parenting, including coping with difficult life circumstances, having a child with anxiety or other disorders/illnesses, teaching discipline

practices that work, and conscious/positive/attachment parenting skills. 2) Helping men and women recover from emotional and physical burnout. At clients’ requests, she incorporates spiritual practices into her treatment modalities.

Dr. Madrigrano assesses and treats individuals with the following presenting difficulties and diagnostic presentations.

Assessment:

● Learning Disability/psychoeducational & Psychodiagnostics

● Attention and executive functioning problems

● Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

● Giftedness

Treatment:

● Adjustment to major life changes, transitions & medical diagnosis

● Anxiety, Panic & Phobias

● Burnout

● Codependency

● Grief

● Interpersonal stress

● Low self-esteem

● Parenting support

● Perfectionism

● People pleasing

● Poor boundaries

● PTSD & complex-PTSD

● School & work-related stress

● Sports Performance

● Meditation & Mindfulness Coaching

● Women's Issues

Dr. Madrigrano maintains professional memberships with the Ontario Psychological Association, l’Ordre des Psychologues du Québec and the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Jennifer Neufeld, M.A., RP, CCC

Registered Psychotherapist

Working with Children (12+), Adolescents, and Adults

Jennifer is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). She has completed a B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences and in Psychology, possesses an advanced diploma in Behavioural Sciences, and an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She has worked for 10+ years with students in the post-secondary environment in various roles, including 7 years as a psychotherapist at the University of Ottawa.

Jennifer's therapeutic approach is collaborative, authentic, 2SLGBTQ+ positive, trauma-informed, and rooted in empathy and non-judgement.

Jennifer incorporates various evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches into sessions to find the best fit for your individual needs, goals, and values. Therapeutic inspiration is drawn from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness and self-compassion theories, and attachment theory.

Jennifer has extensive experience supporting individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem and self-confidence issues, school and work stress, relationship issues, family issues and parenting, neurodiversity, and adjustments/life transitions. She also offers parenting and family support.

Jennifer is an experienced workshop facilitator and has facilitated workshops on anxiety, self-esteem, procrastination, perfectionism, neurodiversity, organization strategies, and mindfulness. She is a certified SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) trainer and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She has conducted research on web-based mental health awareness and knowledge exchange, as well as mental health awareness and prevention strategies for elementary school educators supporting children and youth with mental health issues in their classrooms.

Jennifer offers psychotherapy for individuals and families dealing with the following difficulties:

Treatment:

Adjustments to major life transitions
Anxiety, panic, and fears
Attention and concentration issues
Burnout
Coping strategies
Depression and mood-related issues
Emotional dysregulation
Grief
Parenting support
Perfectionism
Procrastination
Relationship issues
School and work related issues
Self-esteem
Stress

Alexandra Matheson, HBA, BEd, OCT, M.A. Candidate, RP (Qualifying)

Psychometrist

Working under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Newby, C.Psych. with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Alexandra began her career as a certified teacher and has extensive experience working with children and adolescents for nearly a decade.

Alexandra received her Honours Bachelor of Arts (specialization in psychology) and Bachelor of Education (specialization at the primary and junior levels) from Lakehead University. Alexandra is currently a candidate of Yorkville University’s Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology program.

Alexandra has extensive experience facilitating and scoring educational and mental health assessments. As a former educator, she understands the challenges many clients experience in an educational setting and recognizes that they may feel anxious or ambivalent when being tested. Alexandra's educational and mental health background makes her adept at motivating clients, keeping them on task, and developing a rapport with them that fosters feelings of comfort and calmness.

Katie Lawrence, M.Sc., M. Psych.

Clinical Resident

Working under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer L. Newby, C. Psych. with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Katie obtained her Bachelor’s degree from McGill University where she majored in Psychology and completed a double-minor in Behavioural Science and Political Science while earning recognition as a Dean’s Honour List recipient. Katie subsequently completed her Master of Science degree in Psychology at Queen’s University where she was recognized as an Academic All-Canadian. Most recently, Katie completed her Master of Psychology degree at the Adler Graduate Professional School. Currently, Katie is in the process of completing her Post-Master’s Work Experience in accordance with the College of Psychologists of Ontario’s registration requirements.

Under the supervision of Dr. Newby, Katie provides assessment and counselling services utilizing a variety of therapeutic styles including Cognitive-Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural, and mindfulness. Katie prioritizes fostering a welcoming and non-judgmental environment in which clients feel empowered to collaborate and share openly.

Throughout the course of Katie’s post-secondary education, she has investigated numerous research topics including: relationships; attitudes and persuasion; stress; affiliation and prosociality. Katie’s research has been presented at international conferences such as the annual Society for Personality and Social Psychology Convention. Additionally, Katie is a registered member of both the Canadian Psychological Association and the Ontario Psychological Association.

Rachel Côté, B.A., M.Sc.

Psychometrist

Working under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Newby, C.Psych. with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s of Science degree in Neuroscience from Carleton University.

Rachel has been working as a psychometrist in clinical settings since 2016, working with children, youth, and adults. She performs assessments in order to document the client’s neurocognitive, academic, and social-emotional status. Rachel’s patient and calm demeanor helps put clients at ease. She very effectively establishes a good working rapport, which assists in ensuring that clients are performing to their optimal ability.

Dr. Beth-Anne Van Noppen, MD, CCFP

Consulting Physician

Dr. Van Noppen completed her medical training and family medicine certification through the University of Ottawa in 1996. She spent many years homeschooling her four children, one of whom has a learning disability, and another who has ADHD. Through this experience, she became fascinated with how children learn and with the particular struggles of those with a learning challenge or ADHD. This led her to get more training in the area of ADHD and learning disabilities, through the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. She now has a focused practice dedicated to assessing and treating children, adolescence and young adults with ADHD and their co-morbidities.

Sarah

Administrator

In addition to providing administrative support at Psychology West, Sarah is a Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga Teacher, Postpartum Doula, and Birth Coach. Sarah is also the Founder and Creator of Mama Awakened Yoga + Collective.