Our Senior Clinical Team
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CEO, Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor/Supervising Psychotherapist (CRPO)
Ellie Borden, BA, RP, MCC
Ellie oversees the Mind By Design® administration staff, Therapists, and supporting interns. She is a Clinical Supervisor recognized by the CRPO and her mastery of relationship dynamics and results with couples has been labelled a 'gift.’ Her method of empowering executives and sales professionals to gain a significant advantage over competition has named her the ‘secret weapon’ of many top execs from many industries. She is an Author, Registered Psychotherapist, CEO, Speaker, and Certified Life and Business Coach with extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Peak Performance Coaching. Those who know her best would highlight her no-nonsense approach and unique ability to motivate people into effortless change, transforming lives and professional performance.
Her 3-part motto: 1. #DeliverResults 2. #LiveLimitless 3. #BeUnstoppable.
Supervising Psychologist & Psychopharmacologist (Non-Prescribing)
Dr. Bita Sharifzadeh, Ph.D.,MSCP
Dr. Bita has an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating Schema-focused CBT, mindfulness, and sensorimotor psychotherapy to meet a client’s individual needs. She emphasizes the importance of balance between the 4 elements of mind, body, emotions, and spirituality in each person’s well-being. She utilizes scientifically approved methods to help you gain increased awareness of your thought patterns, feelings, and coping skills, while ensuring a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Pain Doctor
Dr. Grigory Karmy M.D., D.C.A.P.M.
Licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Recognized Specialist in Chronic Pain Management. Dr. Karmy is a Diplomate of Canadian Academy of Pain Management and Member of Canadian Association of Orthopaedic Medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Karmy Chronic Pain Clinics in Brampton and North York. Dr. Karmy has been providing interventional pain treatments and independent chronic pain assessments for chronic pain patients for over 20 years.
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Our Empathetic and Compassionate Clinicians
Our team consists of Psychologist, Psychotherapists, Social Workers, and Nurses across Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Halifax.
All clients/patients are assigned to our Clinicians by our Clinical Director based on client preference, availability, location, and case -- assuring that every individual is given the attention and time for the best match and results.
CEO's Executive Assistant
Joma Berja
Joma is one of our CEO’s Executive Assistants, and she supports Ellie's brands, partnerships, strategies, and delivery.
During her years in the corporate world and freelancing, she has gained experience in customer service, marketing coordination, recruitment, project management, external partnerships, and executive support. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Development Management.
Jom enjoys songwriting as a creative outlet. She performs song covers, plays guitar, and studies drums in her spare time. She hopes to study music production while pursuing her dream of becoming a DJ! She also enjoys cooking, working out at the gym, and spending time with her dogs, who serve as her inspiration for one day launching a pet clothing line.
Business Development Associate
Nicole Villalobos
Nicole is Mind By Design®’s Business Development Associate focusing on business development, growth, and marketing initiatives. Nicole spends her time exploring business development opportunities and building seamless partnership success processes.
Nicole’s educational background is in electronic engineering, majoring in telecommunications, and she prides herself in being a powerhouse of expertise and experience in customer service, success processes details, and thinking outside the box. Her knowledge extends across the spectrum of marketing, relationship-building, sales, and business strategy. She is also known to possess a proactive and organized approach to everything she does, is a fast learner, and is always eager to expand her horizons and improve people's lives. Her passion for mental health is palpable and she is constantly exploring new frontiers in this fascinating field.
Nicole has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and reading is one of her favourite pastimes. When she's not lost in a book, she's out exploring the world’s different cultures. She also enjoys nurturing her creative side. Nicole is a proud dog mom to her schnauzer, Sally, who brings endless joy and love into her life.
Human Resources Manager
Ronairee Flores
Ronairee Flores started with Mind By Design® as an Office Clerk, and in a short period of time, her exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and incredible gift of being a “people person” has led to her promotion to Human Resources Manager. She now oversees the hiring, internships, and new employee orientation processes. One of her prominent roles is ensuring every team member is treated well and that their experience within the company is a positive one.
She is a Statistics student who loves business and has pursued project management and digital marketing certifications in the past few years. Ronairee loves baking and cake decorating. Since she was a little girl, music has been a part of her life. She loves singing, and in high school, she participated in singing competitions in the city.
Reports and Records Manager
Jemimah Mel Macias
Jemimah Mel started as a Clinical Assistant for Mind By Design®, where she assisted therapists and team members, edited reports, and handled client intake, among other things. Her phenomenal work ethic, thoroughness, creativity, attention to detail, and dedication have led to her promotion to Report and Records Manager.
She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and has worked in customer service, clinical psychology, and human resources. She is committed to generating high-quality output. Jemimah is always looking for new ways to broaden her knowledge and talents. She has long been passionate about the intricacies and complexity of the human mind. Her next goal is to obtain her Psychometric License and pursue her Master's degree in Psychology.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, planting, volunteering, taking various online courses, watching documentary series, and reading non-fiction. She now lives with her partner and their magnificent Himalayan cat, Mazekeen.
Clinical Manager
Adriana Peinado
Adriana Peinado started as a Clinical Assistant for Mind By Design®, where she assisted team members and therapists, edited reports, and handled client intake. Her exemplary dedication and commitment, thoroughness, reliability, attention to detail, and passion have led to her promotion to Clinical Manager.
She has studied psychology and loves to continue researching trending mental health topics. She has different certifications in emotional intelligence, leadership, and coaching, as well as autism. She wishes to get a master’s degree in body language and behaviour analysis and hopes to study in Europe.
Adriana enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with her family, partner, and three cats. She loves adventure and wants to travel around the world. So far, she has been able to visit Argentina, Belgium, France, and Egypt.
Accounts Administrator
Margaret Zararis
Margaret Zararis is the Accounts Administrator of Mind By Design®, responsible for reviewing and reconciling accounts, processing payments, and maintaining updated records of invoices and receipts. Margaret is also responsible for identifying and addressing discrepancies in accounts; generates reports on accounts payable and receivable status.
Margaret holds a CGA degree and CMA and ACAF certifications and completed two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Child Studies. She has been working with Mind By Design®’s CEO, Ellie Borden, for many years and has managed all aspects of the accounting department of several successful companies that Ellie Borden has developed and sold, having the title of CFO in many.
Margaret has many interests, but most of all is an avid animal lover. She currently has two cats that also love adventure. Margaret also has set up a birdhouse, with a bird feeder and birdbath in one of her balconies, and frequently enjoys going to Walmart's parking lot to feed the seagulls.
Accounts Administrator Assistant
Gerardo Tudo
Gerardo Tudo, our Accounts Administrator Assistant at Mind By Design®, ensures the smooth flow of client invoicing and payment processes while supporting therapists in managing their sessions and billable items. Gerardo possesses a wealth of skills in financial management and strategic planning, which makes his expertise a vital asset to Mind By Design®.
With a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, Gerardo possesses a wealth of skills in financial management and strategic planning. Although beyond the world of numbers and spreadsheets, Gerardo's true passion lies in guiding individuals through the complexities of their financial landscapes. He believes that by combining his financial acumen with a sincere desire to make a positive impact, he can contribute to the well-being and prosperity of both individuals and families.
In his leisure time, you'll often find Gerardo immersing in two of his greatest joy, which is travel and culinary exploration. He holds a deep-seated love for experiencing diverse cultures and savouring the flavours that the world has to offer. This not only broadens his horizons but also instills in him a profound appreciation for the richness of human experiences. This personal passion enhances his ability to approach financial matters with cultural sensitivity and a deep sense of empathy.
Accounts Administrator Assistant
John Aecel Minas
John Aecel Minas is Mind By Design®’s Accounts Administrator Assistant; He works closely with our Accounts Administrator, Margaret, and takes care of client invoices and payment processes. He also helps our therapists monitor their sessions and schedule and curates billable items. Aecel works together with Margaret to make sure that everything is accounted for.
Aecel holds a degree in accounting and has over six years of experience in the field. He previously worked in a UK fintech company as a junior accountant and finance operations analyst. Aecel is knowledgeable in all facets of financial accounting and reporting. He has excellent reasoning ability and can grasp and apply complex ideas and resolve difficult issues.
One of Aecel’s inspirations is his family; he boasts of being able to provide for their needs while harnessing his skills and doing what he loves. He cannot live a day without a good cup of coffee and enjoys that good sip with his pet cat and dog, whom he treats as his children.
Intake Coordinator
Jannica Ramos
Jannica Ramos serves as our Intake Coordinator at Mind By Design®, where her exceptional abilities shine in managing client inquiries, facilitating appointments, and streamlining the intake process. Her part within the Intake Department ensures a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.
Jannica holds a degree in Radiologic Technology, and even before completing her education, she displayed deep compassion for individuals grappling with mental health challenges, inspired by her own experiences with loved ones. Recognizing the profound impact of mental well-being on our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, she was driven to gain expertise in this vital aspect of life, contributing to community productivity and effectiveness.
In her leisure moments, Jannica finds solace in listening to a diverse range of podcasts while tending to household chores, bringing her a sense of peace. She also relishes the opportunity to learn new things, allowing her to delve deeper into topics that pique her interest.
Intake coordinator
Carmen Barrientos
Carmen is one of the Intake Coordinators at Mind By Design®. Her ability to effectively manage client inquiries, facilitate appointments, and coordinate the intake process, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for clients.
Carmen’s dedication as a psychology major is driven by her profound passion for mental health. Her journey in the field has been fueled by the belief that prioritizing one’s mental health has the power to bring positive changes to the world. Carmen’s extensive experience with customer service has honed her interpersonal skills, enabling her to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and understand their unique needs and challenges.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Carmen finds solace in her hobbies, like going to the gym and listening to podcasts that revolve around mental health and self-improvement, as she strives to continually expand her knowledge and be updated with the latest insights and practices in psychology.
Business Development Assistant
Cristian Cabrera
Cristian Cabrera a Business Development Assistant at Mind By Design® is deeply committed to driving business expansion and enhancing marketing efforts. He consistently dedicates his time to proactively identify and pursue promising business development opportunities. He is not just about seizing these opportunities; Crisitian is equally focused on creating and refining seamless processes for the success of partnerships and collaborations.
Cristian has a background in accounting and bookkeeping with a passion for mental health pact with the thirst for knowledge. He firmly believe that mental health is just as important as one’s career or education. Cristian boast his experience in customer service and sales that enables him to execute fast and effective output even under pressure.
In his free time, Cristian is passionate about soccer, finding both joy and excitement in the sport. He's also deeply intrigued by history and often indulges his fascination by watching documentaries about ancient civilizations and past events. This duality of interests reflects his vibrant and diverse personality.
Clinical Assistant
Larissa Velasco
Larissa Velasco is one of Mind By Design®'s Clinical Assistants. Her creativity and inclination to research have been a profound asset to the clinic. She also supports the reports department and therapists in different processes.
Larissa holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a rich background in interdisciplinary and clinical practices. She deeply understands the importance of promoting health as a complete physical, mental and social well-being. Over the past six years, she explored mindfulness, contemplative culture and pedagogy, always seeking harmony between theory and practice while valuing non-judgment and genuine presence in every endeavour.
In her personal time, she finds joy in diverse passions - from playing different instruments and solving puzzles to dancing. She cherishes philosophical conversations, tea-filled moments and spending time with Vanilla and Ralph (her dogs). She aspires to backpack across South America and Asia, engaging in volunteering and cultural exchange.
Clinical Assistant
Sandra Sorto
Sandra works as a Clinical Assistant at Mind By Design® where she assists team members and therapists, edits reports, and handles client intake.
Sandra has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently processing her official Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Since high school, her motivation has always been to revolutionize the concepts and therapies used to help others maintain their mental health.
She uses an innovative way to address a negative or conflicting situation and change it into something positive and useful with quick but effective techniques. With her method, she expects to change the mental health concept in third-world countries into something that everyone is entitled to have and possible to achieve regardless of their current state.
Interns and Volunteers
Application Development Associate
Ninghua Zhang
Ninghua is a Software Engineering student with a solid foundation in software and web development, database operation, and a proven track record of excellence in both academic performance and internship experiences. Beyond his technical skills, Ninghua is a self-motivated, energetic, flexible, and hard-working team player with a keen willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute. His experiences range from developing web applications for a major hospital in Toronto to establishing SQL databases for a technology company in China.
Currently, Ninghua is pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering Technology at Centennial College, after completing an Honours Bachelor of Science with majors in Statistics, Mathematics, and Physics from the University of Toronto.
Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Ninghua is passionate about music and sports. He has been playing the violin for several years and enjoys playing soccer and basketball in his free time. He also loves animals and aspires to develop a fun app about them one day.
Human Resources Associate
Toresha Koonjul
Nicole is Mind By Design®’s Business Development Associate focusing on business development, growth, and marketing initiatives. Nicole spends her time exploring business development opportunities and building seamless partnership success processes.
Nicole’s educational background is in electronic engineering, majoring in telecommunications, and she prides herself in being a powerhouse of expertise and experience in customer service, success processes details, and thinking outside the box. Her knowledge extends across the spectrum of marketing, relationship-building, sales, and business strategy. She is also known to possess a proactive and organized approach to everything she does, is a fast learner, and is always eager to expand her horizons and improve people's lives. Her passion for mental health is palpable and she is constantly exploring new frontiers in this fascinating field.
Nicole has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and reading is one of her favourite pastimes. When she's not lost in a book, she's out exploring the world’s different cultures. She also enjoys nurturing her creative side. Nicole is a proud dog mom to her schnauzer, Sally, who brings endless joy and love into her life.
Human Resources Associate
Joshua Biju
A passionate and dedicated emerging HR professional with a solid academic background and a growing enthusiasm for the HR field. Currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management at Centennial College, I am on track to complete my studies in December 2023. Through my coursework, I have acquired a profound understanding of vital HR domains, encompassing staffing and recruitment, industrial relations, labor and employment law, and organizational behavior.
I also possess a Graduate Certificate in International Business Management from Niagara College, which I attained in August 2022. This program expanded my horizons, deepening my expertise in global logistics management, international marketing strategies, international geography, and ethical leadership within the business realm.
My commitment to personal and professional development goes beyond the classroom. In June 2022, I volunteered at Niagara College's Student Career Center, honing my skills by conducting mock interviews, providing valuable feedback to students, and actively engaging in job fairs and outreach programs.
Further enhancing my practical experience, I was involved in quality inspection and maintenance with TTC Contractor (TBM) in Toronto, ON, during May 2022.