online across Ontario
Nicole Callander
Registered Social Service Worker · RSSW
- Families & Individuals
- English
Support for ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues and 6 more ↓
Areas of focus
If what you are carrying is not listed, it is still worth a conversation.
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Behavioural Issues
- Blended Family
- Children & Attachment
- Couples Communication
- Modern Parenting
- Teen Issues
- Women's Issues
Also works with Alcohol drug addiction, Career change development, Caregiver stress, Children divorce, Co-parenting, Developmental disorder, Family conflict, Financial stress, Identity issues, Immigration adjustment cultural adjustments, Mood disorders, Parenting, Professional burnout, Relationships dating, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Special needs / disabilities, Stress management and Workplace issues.
In Nicole's words
I am a dedicated parent advocate and experienced therapist committed to supporting individuals and families through various life challenges. As a mother of four, including two neurodiverse children—one with a severe genetic disability and another with ADHD and learning disabilities—I brings personal insight to my advocacy work.
Continue reading Nicole's approach
Professionally, I offer comprehensive services to clients of all ages. In my anger management sessions, I guide clients to identify triggers and modify automatic behaviors, fostering healthier responses to anger. When working with adolescents, I assist them in navigating puberty, exploring gender and sexuality, managing stress, handling peer pressure, and developing self-awareness as they transition into adulthood. Additionally, I provide mental health counselling, offering strategies to overcome anxiety, depression, and stress, thereby promoting overall well-being.
In my role as a parent advocate, I specialize in educational advocacy by assisting families in understanding and developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure appropriate educational services for their children. I guide families through school transitions and connect them with government and medical support services. Moreover, I offer emotional support, helping families process the complex emotions associated with diagnoses and advocating for their children’s needs.
My unique combination of personal experience and professional expertise empowers me to effectively support families and individuals in creating healthier behaviours and successfully navigating life’s challenges
Background
Social Service Worker, Sheridan College
Registered with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Qualifications & registrations
- Also holds
- Hamilton Spectator Reader’s Choice Gold Winner for Individual Therapist 2016-2020
- Created a Non-Profit called Friends 4 Kindness 2018
- Host Unbirthday Parties around Ontario that celebrate individuals who struggle with friendships
- Created a supportive store for individuals with developmental delays called Say It With Kindness 2021
- My story was captured in the AMI documentary called, “The Unbirthday Party”
- Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award Recipient 2022
- Experience
- 13 Years
Trained in these approaches — drawn on depending on what each person needs, not a fixed formula.
Professional contributions
- Boy with autism ‘glowing,’ mom says, as hundreds celebrate un-birthday party in Brantford, Ont. | cbc.ca
- All are celebrated at annual Unbirthday Party | BrantBeacon
- Waterloo group throws ‘unbirthday party’ for those who missed out | CTV News
- A birthday event was held in Brantford for kids who struggle with friendships and don’t get invited to parties | CHCH
- ‘Unbirthday’ party gaining followers | Brantford Expositor
- Queen Platinum Jubilee awards presented to 53 | Brantford Expositor
A few questions, answered
When my daughter Kaitlin began school, I found myself in the role of advocate at a young age. It was stressful and I could see why people chose silence rather than to stand up and advocate for their needs. I decided to go back to school so that I could become a better advocate for my daughter. I soon realized there were many individuals who were afraid to use their voice and who doubted their potential and strength. I wanted to support these people, give them the tools to find their strength and empower them.
My favourite part of being a therapist is being on the journey with my clients. I recognize that it takes enormous courage to attend therapy, and that my clients are trusting me on this journey. Being able to see them empower themselves throughout the process is an incredible honour for me.
Therapy provides a safe space. A non-biased, non-judgemental space to share your struggles with someone who has tools to support you. It’s a lot heavier to carry your pain alone; therapy will help take some of the weight off so that the struggles are more manageable and less debilitating.
My biggest accomplishment to date is creating the non profit Friends 4 Kindness. We host Unbirthday Parties and buddy programs across Ontario that help individuals who struggle with friendships find social connections.
Parenting is hard! I want every parent to know that they are doing their best- and that their best is good enough! Even when it doesn’t seem like it.
I have one client who stopped harming themself on Remembrance Day and kept a tracker app in their phone for how many days they were harm-free. 11 years later, they still send me the update. To say I’m proud of my client is an understatement. To see how far they have come is incredible. There is no better feeling.
Getting to know Nicole
- What activity instantly calms you?
- “Journalling! I need to get everything out of my head – my agenda, my ideas, my to-do lists! Journalling helps keep me organized and calms me!”
- What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
- “Abba. Honestly, I am surprised I have not been cast in Mamma Mia yet with my amazing moves! “
- What's your favourite board game?
- “All of them! I LOVE board games! Thankfully my family does as well. It’s a close second to journalling for what makes me most happy!”