| Billie-Jo Bennett, MSW, RSW, CPT-S
She holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Billie-Jo is a Registered Social Worker (RSW), Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor with the Canadian Association of Play therapy (CAPT), EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Billie-Jo is an EMDR child Specialist (AGATE) trained to work with various levels of trauma including simple, complex and dissociative disorders. Billie-Jo is also trained in the EMDR Sand tray protocol (AGATE) for complex trauma and dissociation, as well as the AGATE EMDR Parent/Child Attachment Specialist Protocols. Billie-Jo is an integrative therapist who uses a variety of modalities including Child Centered Play therapy, EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Theraplay®, Sand tray, and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback to support the healing journey for her clients. Billie-Jo is also a Circle of Security® facilitator and is well versed in attachment and supporting parents in their parenting journey. In addition to the above specializations, Billie-Jo is also faculty at Envision Workshops, offering facilitation of basic EMDR training. She is available for EMDR consultation for certification, case consultation as well as for those wanting to become an EMDRIA Approved consultant. Billie-Jo works with all ages including children, adolescents and children. She has worked with complex trauma over the span of her career, including twenty years in child welfare and residential settings prior to transitioning into private practice. Billie-Jo is passionate about cultivating the healing space at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre for children, teens, adults, and families. The clinic is nestled in the heart of downtown Hespeler in a 180-year-old historic building. Much thought and care has gone into the development of two fully equipped play therapy rooms, counselling spaces, and a neurofeedback office to support the healing journey for clients that seek refuge at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre.
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Rachel Porter, MSW, RSW
Rachel joined the team at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre Services in September 2021 as a child and adolescent therapy intern. She holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Registered Social Worker. Rachel completed her intensive training in play therapy through the Canadian Association for Play therapy (CAPT) in 2022. Rachel is working toward certification in play therapy. Rachel is also trained in EMDR. She has a rare and unique skill at being able to bridge theory to practice. Rachel is certified in NeurOptimal®Neurofeedback, and is the coordinator and lead provider of Neurofeedback for our clients here at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre. Rachel is available Monday to Friday for neurofeedback sessions. Additionally, Rachel has completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and has special interest in narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, and play therapy. Rachel strives to make families, children and adolescents feel comfortable and welcomed on their therapeutic journey. |
Billie-Jo is the owner, lead therapist,
Santiago Grande Garcia, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Santiago Grande Garcia is a Registered Social Worker in the province of Ontario with over two decades of clinical experience related to individual, couple, family and group counselling. Santiago possesses deep understanding of trauma, displacement, colonization, systemic barriers, oppression and discrimination, and how these challenges may shape mental health, wellbeing and healing of individuals and communities.
In his clinical practice, Santiago integrates knowledge and skills pertaining to evidence-based therapeutic techniques, story telling, diverse worldviews and healing paradigms, principles of social justice, inner spiritual growth processes and spiritual practices. Santiago is also trained in EMDR.
Santiago is an Indigenous person from the Nahuatl Community in Meso-America and is fluent in the English and Spanish languages.
In addition to clinical work, Santiago has made significant contributions to the local, regional, provincial, national and international communities through his relentless work as a front-line social worker, community connector, field education coordinator, part-time faculty member, program manager, research collaborator, administrator, and board member.
Mahnaz Aminzadeh, M.S.W., R.S.W.
Mahnaz Aminzadeh is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University. Mahnaz has over 20 years of experience in providing therapy, training and consults around mental health to individuals, couples, families and within group settings. Mahnaz is an EMDR trained clinician. Additionally, Mahnaz has immense clinical experience working with children and parents from an attachment lens.
Mahnaz’s vision is to help individuals develop a “new normal” that fosters greater clarity, strength, purpose, and peace. She approaches therapy with a deep respect for each individual’s strengths and struggles. She integrates various evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Trauma-focused CBT, Attachment based therapy, Vicarious Trauma Response, and Mindfulness approaches to empower clients with improved coping and life skills.
Through her work, Mahnaz assists her clients deal with trauma, abuse, grief and loss, codependency and maladaptive relationship patterns, parenting, life-stage challenges, anxiety, panic, depression, stress, separation, self-esteem, immigration stress, etc.
Mahnaz blends elements of mindfulness, self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-development into her practice because she believes through this practice individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves, heal from past wounds, develop positive coping strategies, improve relationships, clarify values and goals, and experience post-traumatic growth. Offering a caring and non-judgmental environment, Mahnaz practices from a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Mahnaz relies on her extensive knowledge
and experience in working with different diverse groups to recognize and address the unique challenges related to dysfunctional relationships, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and race.
In addition to clinical work, Mahnaz has worked as a front-line social worker, a national program coordinator/manager, educator, research collaborator, and board member.
Mahnaz in fluent in English and Persian/ Farsi languages.
Luis Sandoval, Social Worker, BSW, RSW, MSW Candidate | Advocate for Youth & Mental Health
Luis is a registered social worker with a strong passion for supporting young people and individuals facing life’s challenges.
With extensive experience in mental health, youth services, and community-based work, Luis brings a compassionate, non-judgmental, and client-centered approach to therapy.
Using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based approach, Luis integrates Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR to help clients build strengths and process difficult experiences. He understands the unique challenges young people face, including those influenced by digital spaces.
His research on mental health, racial identity, and gaming culture provides valuable insight into how these factors shape emotional well-being and resilience. Luis is fluent in both English and Spanish. He is currently accepting new clients.
Andrea Doradea | SSW, BSW Candidate
Andrea is a certified Neuroptimal® Neurofeedback practitioner, and provides administrative assistance at Purple Butterfly. Andrea graduated from Conestoga College with a Social Service Worker diploma, and is registered with the Ontario college of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Andrea is a third year Bachelor of Social Work student at Wilfrid Laurier university, minoring in Indigenous studies.
She has plans to pursue a Master’s in Social work after her graduation. Andrea loves working with children, youth and families.
As someone with Mesoamerican Indigenous roots, she aspires to work with indigenous communities in both Turtle Island and Mesoamerica.
Overall, Andrea is passionate about helping people identify and utilize their strengths to support them to be their best selves.
Our Healing Space
The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre is located in a historic 180-year-old office space nestled in old Hespeler Village (Cambridge, Ontario).
Our healing space is designed to support all client populations including adults, adolescents, and children.
Our vision is to provide a warm and welcoming space for all.