Board of Directors
Jordan Nahmias
Meet the Team
Get to know the team dedicated to making mental health treatments accessible.
Projects and Program Coordinator
Brooke Gangbar
Brooke has a passion for mental health advocacy, equity, and transformative justice. Brooke joins Remedy Institute with a background in frontline work, specifically with youth and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Brooke has a BA in equity studies and social anthropology and is hoping to continue her education in social work or psychotherapy where she can continue to provide client specific care. Her dedication to mental health advocacy, passion for learning, and values of accessibility are what brought her to Remedy Institute.
Program Evaluation + Data Research Assistant
Isabel Shapiro
Isabel is excited to support Remedy Institute’s innovative mental health research and practice through program evaluation that focuses on strengthening outcomes and centring client feedback. She joins the team with a BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (Mental Health) from McMaster University, and with a strong research background in and passion for evaluating mental health interventions. In addition to her role at Remedy Institute, Isabel currently works on various research
projects in the Eating Disorders Program at Toronto General Hospital as a research analyst, and supports clients as they progress through the RESTORE (Recovering from Extreme Stressors Through Online Resources and E-health) modules as a program guide. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology, and to continue improving and delivering inclusive, accessible, and evidence-based care throughout her career. Beyond her career interests, Isabel loves musical theatre, her two dogs Mabel and George, and reading with her book club.
Meet the Research Team
Get to know the dedicated team behind the innovative research at Remedy Institute. We come from all walks of life and are united in our passion to make a difference in mental health. Our team is made up of highly trained experts in a variety of fields. Read on to learn more about who we are and what we do.
Clinical Trial Night Attendant
Gabriel Aboutboul
Gabriel has extensive practice supporting individuals through the psychedelic experience. As the night attendant, he ensures a secure and warm atmosphere, facilitating the integration process for participants following the MDMA journey. He is a Registered Psychotherapist, with a Master's in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. With extensive training at Synthesis in the Netherlands and experience at Canadian music festivals, Gabriel has expertise in holding space for challenging drug experiences and in risk-reduction approaches. Beyond Remedy, he practices psychotherapy full-time at Haven Toronto and manages a private practice, offering innovative treatments like Psychedelic Integration Group Therapy.
CPT + MDMA and CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Iris Antonopoulos
Iris is passionate about the research being conducted at Remedy as it is focused on innovating psychotherapies to increase their effectiveness. Her research examines predictors of psychotherapy outcome to enhance client care. Iris is a Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is completing her predoctoral residency at CBT Associates, where she provides cognitive behavioural therapy and other evidence-based interventions to individuals and couples. Iris also works as one of the therapists in an ongoing clinical trial at Remedy that is investigating the effect of MDMA-facilitated Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.
Data Manager
Sophia Akhtar
Sophia is a highly motivated and detail-oriented clinical research student with a strong foundation in healthcare. She has gained in-depth knowledge of clinical trial management and study administration. With trainings in GCP/ICH principles, Tri-Council Policy, and Health Canada guidelines, Sophia brings a comprehensive understanding of industry standards to her work.
With a background in dentistry, Sophia has cultivated exceptional customer service skills, emphasizing empathy and receptiveness. Leveraging three years of experience, she not only excels in patient care but also demonstrates proficiency in clinic management. Sophia's proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team ensures effective operations and seamless collaboration.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Sophia is proficient in using MS Office tools and electronic data capture systems, enhancing her ability to contribute
to diverse projects. Sophia's dedication to quality and her multifaceted skill set makes her
an asset in the clinical research field.
CBCT+MDMA Study Clinician
Maya Atlas
Maya believes that we all have an innate capacity to overcome adversities. As such, her approach is strengths-based, maximizing on the positive factors in clients’ lives. She is rooted in an interpersonal approach, believing that the connections we hold influence our well-being. Maya’s approach to therapy is honest, empathetic, present, compassionate, and warm. She is thoughtful and curious, holds inclusive and expansive values, and is always striving to learn and grow herself. Maya enjoys working with individuals and couples, and has experience working with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychedelic integration, psychological distress related to medical conditions, and perinatal mental health. She has received training in acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, cognitive processing therapy, cognitive-behavioural conjoint therapy, and MDMA-assisted therapy. She is also interested in existential and humanistic therapeutic approaches.
Maya is currently completing her PhD at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her research and clinical interests include positive psychology, psychedelic-assisted therapy, trauma, health psychology, spirituality, and holistic well-being. Maya’s doctoral research explores the occurrence of posttraumatic growth following MDMA-assisted couples therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder.
As part of her doctoral training, Maya has completed placements in clinical and health psychology at the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Clinic at Toronto General Hospital, the Women’s Health Concerns Clinic and Firestone Sleep Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Ontario Sex Therapy.
Internal Quality Assurance
Alysha Bartsch
Alysha is an epidemiologist and researcher specializing in mental health and social policy. Her work focuses on how social tools - from interpersonal relationships to community-based services and supports - can be directed towards better mental health outcomes. She has collaborated on research investigating how trauma-informed care is implemented in community health organizations, the effectiveness of housing interventions for individuals experiencing intimate partner violence, and the impact of social support on access to and use of mental health services. Alysha values accessibility, equity, inclusivity, and kindness, and strives to incorporate these qualities in her work supporting Remedy’s study of MDMA-assisted CPT for PTSD.
CPT+MDMA Study Physician and Qualified Investigator
Alison Bruni
Dr. Alison Bruni is a Toronto native. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at McGill University. Her medical training was done at McMaster University and her Family Medicine Residency program at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bruni provides holistic care to people of all ages, with a focus on preventive medicine and healthy living, and works as a full-time family doctor in Toronto.
Dr. Bruni is excited to be involved with Remedy's research projects, specifically those involving novel treatments for mental health conditions. She holds the role of Qualified Investigator for the 'CPT for PTSD + MDMA' study. Along with Dr. Nick Wang, she will be completing the medical screening for participants in this study. Dr. Bruni is looking forward to working with the wonderful team at Remedy on their exciting and groundbreaking research initiatives.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Song Ge
Song Ge holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology & Education from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Now serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Remedy Institute, he oversees clinical trials focused on innovative psychotherapy approaches, including MDMA-assisted therapy. Passionate about mental health advocacy, he integrates a calm, solution-oriented approach to his work, ensuring both high-quality results and the well-being of participants. Song is dedicated to advancing mental health research that positively impacts the community.
CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Jenny Gomez
Jenny is a child and adolescent psychologist (Supervised Practice) who holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Guelph and an MA in Counselling Psychology from The University of Western Ontario. She is a warm, compassionate, and intuitive therapist who specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. With over nine years of experience providing therapy to young people in community, educational, and private practice settings, she has a strong understanding of the experiences that occur during the early-late adolescent years.
Jenny’s approach is rooted in developmental considerations and attachment, and her work is trauma informed. She recognizes the role of systemic and socio-cultural factors in mental health, and her approach is inclusive, honouring and affirming all expressions of self and identity. Jenny prioritizes the therapeutic relationship in her practice, and she recognizes how important it is for her clients to trust and feel connected to her. Jenny takes a flexible, integrative approach to therapy and draws from various modalities to support her clients in the most effective and meaningful way based on their unique needs and life circumstances. She can support young people struggling with anxiety and mood difficulties, emotion dysregulation, self-worth/self-criticism, life transitions, and relational challenges, as well as those seeking increased emotional exploration and expression, self-compassion, and acceptance. Generally, she aims to help her clients gain a better understanding of themselves and their emotions, cope with challenges that arise, and integrate activities into their lives that build meaning and contentment.
Jenny’s clinical interests include the emotional and mental health and wellbeing of young people, recovery from non-suicidal self-injury, and survivors of trauma and maltreatment. She has experience with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and emotion focused, compassion focused, and mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to care.
Research Assistant
Victoria Donkin
Victoria is passionate about supporting, and creating accessible and inclusive evidence-based treatment. As a research assistant, she aims to help innovate new ways of treatment that can reach diverse populations.
In addition to Remedy, she currently works with Toronto Metropolitan University’s IMPACT lab, York University’s TULIP lab, and Stanford university’s FAST lab to help investigate trauma-related disorders, and evidence-based treatment targeting PTSD and BPD.
Her research interests include (1) trauma-related disorders (2) the dyadic relationship between interpersonal relationships and symptom severity, and (3) how to improve and adapt trauma-related evidence-based treatment to become more inclusive and accessible.
As a recent psychology graduate she plans on pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychology specializing in trauma and trauma related disorders.
Study Assistant
Shadeene Herbert
Shadeene has first-hand experience with the limitations of the traditional therapeutic options currently available in mental health care. She was drawn to Remedy by her interest in finding novel tools and techniques that can address these unmet needs. Shadeene is committed to eliminating social and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health in marginalized communities by fostering diversity in conversations about mental health. She is conscious of the lack of POC in psychedelic research and is passionate about bringing diversity into this space. Shadeene has a BA in Communications from Carleton University. She brings with her the insight and understanding of emotional awareness gained from her years of experience in client services.
CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Megumi Iyar
Dr. Iyar is registered psychologist with College of Ontario Psychologists. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, her expertise spans adult mental health, health psychology, and rehabilitation. Dr. Iyar’s therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in a collaborative and client-centered methodology, emphasizing a treatment approach that is both personalized and reflective of each clients' unique needs. Her approach is characterized by warmth, compassion, and a trauma-informed perspective, aiming to create a safe
space for clients to explore and grow.
In her sessions, Dr. Iyar focuses on establishing therapeutic goals that resonate with her clients'; aspirations, leveraging a strengths-based strategy to foster resilience, autonomy, and positive behavior change. Clients are guided through a process of self-discovery, gaining insights into their challenges, learning effective coping mechanisms, and practicing new behaviors that enhance well-being. Dr. Iyar's proficiency covers a wide array of psychological conditions, from anxiety and mood disorders to complex cases involving neurological and medical health issues. She brings over a decade of experience in clinical research, particularly in eating disorders, and is skilled in a variety of evidence-based treatments including CBT, ACT, DBT, and motivational interviewing.
Her academic background includes undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of British Columbia, culminating in a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Dr. Iyar’s pre-doctoral accredited residency in Clinical Psychology complements her practical experience with a strong foundation in research, notably in motivational interviewing and health care innovation. Her work not only contributes to the field through clinical practice but also through national and international presentations, underscoring her commitment to advancing psychological care through evidence-based methods.
CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Natania Marcus
Natania often uses the emotions that her clients experience in session as entry points for exploration and change. Creating a safe, warm and playful therapeutic environment, Natania helps individual clients and couples to become aware of and harness their own internal wisdom to facilitate healing. Natania draws from knowledge and training in evidence-based practices to tailor her interventions to match her clients’ needs. Natania has extensive training in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive framework, Natania works with a variety of presenting issues including post-traumatic stress, self-criticism, depression, insomnia, anxiety, interpersonal issues, numbness, borderline personality disorder and support for struggles related to the impacts of systemic oppression. Natania works extensively with members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and provides assessments and referrals for transgender clients seeking gender-affirming medical intervention. Natania is particularly interested in working with trauma and non-ordinary states of consciousness and is a therapist for Remedy's Special Access Program offering psychedelic-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD and depression. She is also a therapist on Remedy Institute's couples treatment + MDMA for PTSD trial.
Natania is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and has a Ph.D. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. Natania is also a Staff Psychologist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Natania supervises psychologists and student therapists and is a Sessional Lecturer on topics related to psychotherapy at the University of Toronto. Her research on the mental and sexual health impacts of stigma and discrimination in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is published in peer-reviewed journals.
Study Sponsor Representative
Kim McDonald-Taylor
Kim operates a clinical consultancy, McDonald-Taylor Consulting, where her passion for her clients’ projects results in exceeded expectations for her training, project management, SOP creation/review, medical writing, teaching, meeting facilitation and strategic
planning. Kim has worked in the clinical trials area for 35 years, including her 12-year tenure with
Endpoint Research, a Canadian CRO, holding positions such as VP Operations and Managing Director of Canada. She has worked in virtually every therapeutic area. Kim received the Excellence in Clinical Research award in 2018 at the Canada Talks Pharma conference. Kim has volunteered with the Clinical Research Association of Canada (CRAC) ™ for the past 22 years. In her various roles, including President, Kim has provided leadership as CRAC went online, helped develop a certification program (CRPC) and continues to recommend quality speakers for the membership on topics of importance in Canadian
clinical research. She volunteered on the Board of Directors for Brain Injury Canada as secretary from
2013-2019 and was named Volunteer of the Year for 2016. Kim earned her MSc in toxicology from the
Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. She has presented and co-chaired sessions at
DIA, DIA Canada, ACRP and other meetings over the past 30 years. In her spare time, Kim enjoys
photography, birding, genealogy, music and downhill skiing.
Data Research Assistant
Desiree Mensah
Desiree is passionate about mental health research and practice and hopes to increase accessibility to mental health care by creating online interventions and online therapy programs for individuals in need. As a recent graduate from York University with a B.Sc. Honours degree in Biomedical Science Stream and Psychology, Desiree hopes to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Neuropsychology and contribute on a larger scale to making mental health services effective and accessible for all.
She completed her Independent Research Project under the supervision of Dr. Fitzpatrick, in which she compared sleep measures between Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder patients. She continues to work with Dr. Fitzpatrick's Treating & Understanding Life Threatening Behaviour & Posttraumatic Stress Lab, assisting with an online intervention project for couples wherein one partner has PTSD symptoms in collaboration with Dr. Candice Monson at Toronto Metropolitan University.
She has prior experience in the fields of neuroscience, studying Autism Spectrum Disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disorders. Desiree is specifically interested in researching mood disorders as well as sleep and cognitive dysfunction within various populations.
Desiree is excited to join the Remedy team and looks forward to contributing to the field of trauma research.
Assessment Pool Coordinator
Sarah Horowitz
Sarah is a psychologist providing assessment, therapy, and supervision services. Throughout her
training and career, Sarah has had specific interest in the development of novel and holistic treatment practices especially in the context of trauma and its impacts. Her past research has centered the diversity of models in the integration of mindfulness and therapy, the experiences of racialized students who have experienced sexual coercion, and the intersections between trauma experiences and nonsuicidal self-injury. She prioritizes approaching all of her roles from a thoughtfully trauma-informed perspective.
Sarah is serving as the Assessment Pool Coordinator for Remedy Institute’s program of research on MDMA-assisted CPT for PTSD. In this capacity, she is training and supervising the Independent Raters conducting psychological assessments with study participants.
CPT + MDMA and CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Jeanine Lane
Jeanine believes at the core of any therapeutic intervention is an empathic and non-judgmental relationship between the therapist and the individuals seeking help. To foster this, her emphasis is on being present, listening intently and getting curious, while individuals explore and share their thoughts and emotions. Cultivating a space of warm, genuine collaboration where each person is the expert of themselves, and feels comfortable exploring their inner experiences, is the foundation of Jeanine’s approach to clinical interventions. Jeanine’s primary theoretical orientation is influenced by the cognitive-behavioural model. She is also experienced in helping individuals develop skills using mindfulness-based approaches, and to improve distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills. Jeanine works with individuals and couples to assist with problems affecting mental health, including depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, life stressors or major changes, relationship problems, and personal growth and development. Her clinical practice is inclusive of individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, sexual and gender identities, and disabilities.
Jeanine completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, and completed her Predoctoral Clinical Residency at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. She will be one of the lead therapists on the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) sponsored trial led by Remedy examining treatment that will combine the use of MDMA and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Jeanine’s expertise from both a clinical and research perspective is on the use of CPT for PTSD, and on helping clinicians learn to deliver this trauma-focused intervention to improve both access and quality of care for those who have been impacted by a range of traumatic experiences, including interpersonal violence, sexual assault, childhood assault, military-related trauma and motor vehicle accidents, among others. Jeanine is passionate about the work she does and truly enjoys connecting with clients to travel on their personal journey toward healing, growth and recovery.
Residency – Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
Ph.D. – Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University
CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Danika Quesnel
Danika works with individuals to help them cultivate health for the mind and body. Drawing from her background in health sciences, she approaches her clinical practice holistically by focusing on lifestyle and psychological factors. Danika’s therapeutic approach is based in cognitive behavioural therapy, and draws further from other evidence-based therapies including dialectical behavioural therapy and mindfulness based interventions. From these frameworks she works with individuals presenting with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and chronic health conditions. Along with this, she will be offering psychedelic preparation and integration sessions. Her aim is to meet clients where they are at and work collaboratively with them to meet their therapeutic goals.
Danika is currently a Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto. Previously, she completed a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Health Sciences and Psychology) at UBC and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Western University. Presently, she is training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and at the Michael DeGroot Pain Clinic at the Hamilton Health Sciences Center.
Danika’s program of research focuses on the intersection of mental and physical health. As a member of the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Center at the University of Toronto, she works to advance the integration of physical activity into mental health care in Canada. She has investigated the role of exercise in eating disorders and is an author of the Safe Exercise at Every Stage Guideline. She is passionate about advocating to improve mental health care access Canadians.
Study Physician
Jeremy Riva-Cambrin
Dr. Jeremy Riva-Cambrin is an Indigenous psychiatrist whose work focuses on general outpatient mental health, with particular interests in Indigenous mental health and intergenerational trauma. He completed his medical degree at the University of Alberta, followed by a Psychiatry Residency at the University of Toronto. He completed the Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Research Collaborator & CPT + MDMA Study Clinician
Jenna Traynor
Jenna is a research collaborator at Remedy and a therapist on the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)-funded trial of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD + MDMA. She is a registered clinical and counseling psychologist in Ontario with expertise in assessment and treatment of borderline personality and trauma-related disorders.
Jenna is also a Junior Investigator in the Gunderson Personality Disorders Institute at McLean Hospital and an Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School. Her program of research uses brain imaging and neurocognitive tools to identify biomarkers of personality psychopathology and treatment response to novel biological and psychotherapy interventions for individuals who are at high risk for suicide, with a focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She has published peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and has presented her research at national and international conferences.
Data Oversight Coordinator
Hera Schlagintweit
Hera’s clinical and research practice is guided by values of inclusivity, collaboration, and curiosity.
Hera holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is interested in research that examines how individual differences impact responsiveness to mental health and addiction treatments. Hera’s current research examines how alcohol and substance use impact the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. She hopes that this research can help guide the development of personalized mental health and addiction treatments that are effective for diverse groups of people.
Hera previously held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), where she conducted research examining how genetic differences impact responsiveness to a novel smoking cessation intervention.
Clinical Trial Night Attendant
Jasmine Shirvani
With a B.Sc. Honours degree in Psychology and Nutrition, complemented by a certificate in Personal Support Work, Jasmine contributes both academic and clinical expertise to the Remedy team. She has gained research experience in several labs including CAMH’s Better Behaviours Service lab and the TECL lab at University of Toronto, and has also provided client-centred care at NYGH’s Senior’s Health Centre. Currently a Research Analyst at the BPD Clinic, she actively supports a project exploring a novel adaptation of DBT focused on trauma for individuals with borderline personality disorder.
Looking ahead, Jasmine plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology, driven by a diverse range of interests that extend to neuroscience, technology, and interpersonal relationships. She is passionate about contributing to the evolving landscape of healthcare through accessible, culturally-sensitive evidence-based practices and innovation.
CBCT + MDMA Qualified Investigator and Study Physician
Paul Uy
Dr. Paul Uy is a psychiatrist who practices in Toronto. With a committed interest in Zen Buddhism, poetry, voice and fitness, Paul avidly considers how complexity and emergence are threaded through healing, creativity and awareness. He has provided psychiatric care and psychotherapy to substance user populations, indigenous populations and artists. He has trained in a range of psychotherapeutic modalities, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
CPT + MDMA and CBCT + MDMA Study Clinician
Richard Zeifman
Richard is enthusiastic about enhancing evidence-based interventions for mental health, which makes him especially excited to be working at Remedy as a research collaborator and trial therapist (Cognitive Processing Therapy + MDMA for PTSD). Richard Zeifman is a Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University a research associate at Imperial College London, and a psychology resident at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Richard's research focuses on optimizing psychotherapeutic interventions by (a) examining the mechanisms through which psychotherapeutic interventions lead to change and (b) integrating psychotherapies with novel pharmacological interventions (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA). His clinical work focuses on providing patient-centered cognitive behavioural and emotion-focused therapies for individuals with complex clinical presentations (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], borderline personality disorder).