Our Team
Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and know the importance of collaboration in creating individualized treatment plans. We are a LGBTQ2IA+ friendly and culturally inclusive clinic with a client centered approach.
Meet our team below.
Andrew Alkenbrack (He/Him)
MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Andrew Alkenbrack MA,
Registered Psychotherapist
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Reg. No.001878)
Member – Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies
Member – Canadian Association of Anger Solutions Professionals (Certified Trainer)
Clients: Children, adults, couples
Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Neurofeedback
Issue Focus: Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, conflict
Life can throw us curve balls, causing us to become overwhelmed, lost, and desperate to find the help we need. Sometimes in these situations, we are too close to the problem we are struggling with and a fresh perspective can help us move forward. My approach to therapy is client-focused and holistic. I believe free choice and self-determination are key components in growth and self-compassion. My hope is for my clients to feel supported, heard, and to help them on their journey to wellness. .
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Andrew has an undergraduate degree from York University and a Master of Arts in Counselling from Yorkville University. He has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in both private practices and in a hospital setting.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is Andrew’s preferred modality of therapy, which is often identified as one of the most effective forms of therapy for dealing with mood and anxiety problems. As a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Andrew can also utilize a First Nations perspective on mental and overall health, with a focus on balance in various aspects of one’s life. Andrew has also received training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Anger Solutions.
Short or long-term therapy and counselling is available
Michael Whiteman (He/Him)
MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Michael Whiteman MA,
Registered Psychotherapist
Client: Individual, couple, families
Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy
Issue Focus: Mental health, interpersonal relations
Over the past 30 years, I have been assisting others through behavioural interventions, counselling, and psychotherapy tailored to individual, couple, and family needs. I have experience as a clinician in hospital, community, private, and various school settings. I am passionate about helping others to better understand, control, and improve their personal mental health and interpersonal relations.
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Michael is a member with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and has completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, along with a Graduate Certificate in Psychological Assessments. A lifelong learner, Michael is well versed in Adlerian, cognitive behaviour, narrative, acceptance and commitment, and brainspotting therapeutic modalities.
In addition to clinical work, Michael loves spending time with his best friend and partner, three sons, and many other friends and family who share his love of life, soccer, billiards, curling, and practically every other game or sport one can play. He also enjoys coaching and volunteering when he can find the time or right opportunity.
Adam Rhymer (He/Him)
MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Adam Rhymer,
MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Clients: Individual, couple, families
Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy
Issue Focus: Trauma, anxiety, phobias, depression, stress
I seek to help people understand their experiences, motivations, and lives so that they are positioned to make meaningful change. My approach is integrative and personally tailored to each individual – Believing that all people have value and a need to feel valued. I utilize a collaborative, client-centered, and culturally sensitive framework. This allows me to help clients build on their strengths while making lasting changes that reduce their symptoms and improve their functioning. Empathy, acceptance, non-judgment, compassion, and collaboration are key components of the therapeutic relationship.
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Adam started as an intern under Andrew’s supervision. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. He’s a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, a Professional Member with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, a General Member with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, and a Member of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies. Adam’s preferred therapeutic modality is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—a structured psychotherapy with an extensive evidence base supporting its use for a wide range of clinical problems. Adam’s goal is to specialize in treating trauma and anxiety.
Adam is a proud father, husband, brother, son, uncle, nephew, cousin, grandson, in-law, friend, co-worker, counsellor, apprentice/supervisee, student, teacher, etc. He believes in making the most of the time that he has.
Joanne Carriere (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist
Joanne Carriere,
Registered Psychotherapist
Clients: Individual, Couple, Families
Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectal Behaviour Therapy, along with psychodynamic existential philosophies
Issue Focus: Anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, personality disorders, life transitions, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, women’s issues, child and adolescent behavioural, emotional issues
Throughout my 18+ years of working with clients all over the country, I have witnessed the incredible resilience of people and the unique potential each individual inherently possesses. I feel grateful to see the learning and growth that occurs throughout the therapy process. There is a level of empowerment that comes as one processes and makes meaning from specific events. I choose an integrated and flexible approach utilizing client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches. Infusing creativeness and curiosity into my practice allows me to teach mindfulness and self-compassion. Authenticity, trust, reciprocated respect, and effective communication is at the forefront of my practice.
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Before receiving her Master of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in Fredericton, Joanne earned her BSc in Psychology at Trent University in Peterborough. Joanne is a Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapist. With experience working with Indigenous populations (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), providing services involving domestic violence, and loss to suicide survivors, Joanne is a well-rounded resource for support.
Living in all corners of Canada (Ontario, Alberta, Northwest Territories), Joanne has a great understanding of transition and travel. She values the importance of enjoying the here and now.
Samira Hriech (She/Her)
MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Samira Hriech
MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Clients: Adolescents, adults, individuals
Issue Focus: Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief & loss, mental health
I started pursuing my goals of helping people by getting my bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Psychology. Since then, I have worked with people with varying needs in homeless shelters and long-term residential settings. I have a true passion for promoting inclusivity for people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs. On my own time I continue to explore how to be LGBTQ2IA+ affirming both in life and in professional practice. In my practice, I aim to promote autonomy, genuine connection, laughter, and positive change. Seeking new ways to promote improvement for clients while prioritizing inclusivity and the application of client centered best practices will always be a main focus throughout our journey together.
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Samira is now working towards a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Samira loves spending time outdoors, spending time with her dogs, husband, family, and friends, and tending to her many assorted house plants.
Diana Chard (she/her)
Registered Dietitian
Diana Chard
Registered Dietitian
Clients: Individuals with diverse backgrounds on varying nutritional goals
Issue Focus: General healthy eating for all ages, specific nutrition concerns related to issues such as diabetes, food allergies, digestive conditions, etc.
I am a registered dietitian with a passion for food, health equity, and social justice. My goal is to help create a society in which everyone can attain a positive relationship with food. Listening to clients and understanding their nutrition concerns is my first step in helping them achieve their goals. Many people take an “all or nothing” approach to nutrition – helping people to realize that all foods can be a part of a balanced diet and being gentle with themselves often makes long-term changes possible. I believe that food is not just fuel and that enjoying food is central to having a healthy relationship with it. I take a weight-neutral approach to nutrition and prefer to focus on changing behaviours and beliefs over numbers on a scale.
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Diana received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition/Dietetics at Mount Saint Vincent University in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Before she became a registered dietitian, Diana received an undergraduate degree in Psychology, making her role at Evolve even more fitting. With years of being a Public Health dietitian and working for corporations and clinics, Diana has helped a wide array of clients. Co-planner for the Ontario Dietitians in Public Health conference, Chair of the Quinte & Area RD Network, and columnist for Rustick Magazine “Ask the Dietitian” are just a few of the many additional endeavors Diana has been a part of.
Diana enjoys bringing her love for food and sharing knowledge outside of work too. Not only has she been writing the blog bitemywords.com for over a decade, Diana spends much of her time volunteering and helping those who need it
Lauren Armstrong (She/ Her)
MSW, Registered Social Worker
Lauren Armstrong (She/ Her)
MSW, Registered Social Worker
Clients: Children, Youths, Adults, Couples
Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy
Issue Focus: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Life Transitions, Interpersonal Stress, Grief
Lauren has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers. She has experience working within developmental services, child welfare and the mental health sector. She works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, emotion regulation issues and other challenging life situations. Lauren uses techniques from various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and solution-focused therapy. She appreciates that each person is unique and aims to provide an individually tailored approach to best suit your personality and needs.
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Her goal is to create a safe space to build strengths to navigate personal obstacles and help clients reach their full potential. She is committed to creating an open, trusting and non-judgmental relationship with any client she encounters.