Meet our Staff
Bridget Douglas
Aanii, I am Bridget Douglas, MSW RSW founder and operator of Northern Therapy Practice, Douglas Social Work Corporation. I proudly live on Manitoulin Island Ontario.
Background
I began in social work in 2004 working in various areas of social work. The Manitoulin Health Centre employed me for 11 years as an Addiction counsellor working in communities to complete ADAT assessments for treatment. I then worked as an instructor teaching various addiction and mental health courses at KTEI. I then moved onto Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services a child protection agency to work as a child wellbeing worker. After completing my work there, I moved onto an intensive child therapy position with Noojmowin Teg health centre and worked with children.
In 2018, Northern Therapy Practice was created for the intention of supporting all ages in areas of trauma therapy, couples, family therapy to fill in the gaps in services and/or to immediately assist with those struggling with a situation and unable to get in for services.
Since 2018, NTP has grown and now has various clinicians and locations to better serve our communities. We are branching out into areas of work as the need arises.
Education
I am trained in various modalities such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Gottmans couples therapy, Metapsychology Trauma incident reduction and life skills management. I also have Redpath Living without violence training to deliver to victims and offenders of intimate partner violence.
I have two college diplomas in Social work and Addiction counselling, an undergraduate degree in Indigenous Social Work and a Masters degree in Social Work,
I am a published author of “A Narrative Study By Bridget Douglas called Trauma and Homelessness among Indigenous People in Northern Ontario”. I am also beginning a children’s serious called “Zenny the Frog, Meet Zenny the Frog” sold on amazon for children with the focus on normalizing the therapy process and work through difficult problems.
We are approachable, understanding and caring about peoples lives and want to work with you to help improve your situation and walk with you in your journey.
Miigwetch
Dwayne Douglas
Dwayne Douglas plays a crucial role as the Director of Operations and Red Path Addictions Facilitator at Northern Therapy Practice (NTP). With a strong commitment to supporting healing, recovery, and wellness, Dwayne brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work. Dwayne holds a Diploma in Police Foundations and currently works as a Land-Based Treatment Counsellor with Gwekwaadziwin Miikan, an Indigenous-led addictions treatment centre that focuses on land-based healing and holistic recovery. With a passion for empowering individuals and communities, Dwayne integrates land connection, and evidence-based practices into his facilitation work. His calm leadership style, strong ethical foundation, and dedication to client care make him an integral part of NTP’s mission. Outside of his professional roles, Dwayne is a proud father of 3 and many fur babies. He enjoys being a grandfather to 8 grandchildren. He finds grounding and balance in the outdoors—spending his free time hunting, fishing, trapping, and engaging closely with the land. Dwayne’s commitment to family and community guides his work and shapes the compassionate support he offers to those on their healing journey.
Karissa Douglas
Hi, my name is Karissa.
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with a Masters in Counselling Psychology. I have worked in the field since 2020, I’m passionate about helping people heal from trauma and PTSD. I am EMDR-trained and currently working toward full EMDR certification. I’m also trained in Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR), the Redpath Living Without Violence program, the Holistic Arts-Based Program (HAP), and I am a Neurofeedback Practitioner.
When working with children and youth, I integrate play-based therapy alongside EMDR to support healing in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way. As the expert in your own life, I would be honoured to walk beside you on your healing journey.
I’m a mother of four, and in my downtime, you can usually find me reading and staying warm indoors.
If you are a current client, please reach out using my work email: karissadouglas@northerntherapypractice.ca
Karissa Douglas
Registered Psychotherapist
TIR Facilitator, Neurofeedback Practitioner
LWV Facilitator
Nathaniel steinke
Nathaniel is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a warm, conversational approach to therapy who aims to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. He works with people at any life stage on mental health concerns, life transitions, relationships, grief, and other personal challenges. Nathaniel integrates a range of evidence-based therapeutic models and adapts his approach to what best fits each client. He is trained in trauma-focused therapies, including Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and also has training in play-based techniques to support children and youth through developmentally attuned, expressive methods. Nathaniel is a husband and father of four who has lived in the Espanola area for most of his life. He understands the unique realities of small-town Northern Ontario and is passionate about supporting people in this community.
Pete Flikweert
Pete Flikweert is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Psychology. Since entering the field in 2012, Pete has developed a strong foundation in mental health, trauma, and addiction support, working with individuals across the lifespan—from children and youth to adults. Pete’s professional journey began in frontline roles, providing direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness and working with youth in correctional settings. In 2014, he joined Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services as a Child Well-Being Worker, where he deepened his expertise in child welfare and Indigenous family support. In 2025, Pete began his role at Northern Therapy Practice, expanding his focus to clinical mental health care for diverse populations. Pete brings a trauma-informed, client-centered perspective to his work and draws from a range of therapeutic approaches to meet each individual’s unique needs. His eclectic style integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based practice, and solution-focused techniques, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness in supporting clients through life’s challenges. Pete is committed to creating safe, respectful, and empowering spaces for healing, growth, and resilience.
MJ Perron, SSW
Program Coordinator of Healthy Heart, Healthy Home (HHHH)
Hello, Bonjour, and Aanii! I’m MJ Perron, a bilingual and compassionate social work professional with over five years of hands-on experience in child and family support. My passion for this field stems from my personal background—I grew up as the oldest sister in a foster family, which gave me deep firsthand experience with the challenges and triumphs of fostering. This upbringing shaped my understanding of the needs of foster children and caregivers, allowing me to provide meaningful, empathetic, and culturally competent care. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Laurentian University, I also hold a College Diploma in Social Services from Collège Boréal. My expertise includes foster care support, behavioral interventions, child protection services, and therapeutic support. I am committed to creating safe, nurturing home environments through advocacy, comprehensive assessments, and evidence-based interventions. At Healthy Heart, Healthy Home (HHHH), I specialize in supporting foster children and families, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to thrive. Through my experience in rehabilitation support, childcare, and social work placements, I have developed a strong ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My professional approach is rooted in empathy, trust, and collaboration, ensuring that each child and family I work with receives the highest level of care and support. Miigwetch!
Lesley Johnston
Aanii,
Maang Siid Kwe Ndiiznikaas.
Migizi Ndodem.
M’chigeeng ndoonjiba.
Hi! My name is Lesley and a little bit about myself, I was raised in Sudbury On and graduated from Laurentian University in 2011 with an honours degree in social work with a specialization in Anishnaabe minobiimadzawin. I have always been driven to be in the helping/supportive field. More recently I have been working towards these areas of interests either obtained and/or working toward certifications in: Behaviour Modification, Child and Adolescent mental health, Quality Parenting Foundations, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Sports psychology, Neuro Linguistics and lastly Hypnotherapy with a focus on addiction and pain management. All of this has been an exciting experience for me and provided me much clarity, focus and reaching a better quality of life.
email: Lesleyjohnston@northerntherapypractice.ca
Miigwech
Michelle steinke
Hello! I’m Michelle, and I’m proud to serve as the Clinic Administrator for Northern Therapy Practice and Gateway to Restoration Inc. I’m here to support you with all administrative needs, including client intakes, scheduling, invoicing, and any questions you may have about our services. I work hard to ensure your experience with us is smooth, welcoming, and professional. I hold an advanced Diploma in Business Accounting from Algonquin College, a Diploma in Developmental Services Work from Cambrian College, and bring 19 years of experience supporting children and adults with exceptional needs. Beyond my clinic management role, I am also available to offer education and support for children, parents and caregivers. You can book in with me if you are seeking guidance on:
• Children’s behaviour strategies
• Managing emotions and behaviours at home or in the school environment
• Understanding and responding to developmental needs With a strong background in personal, emotional, developmental, and educational support, I bring a deep understanding of how to help children thrive.
Have questions? Need to book a session? Want support navigating behaviour strategies? I’m here to help! Let’s take the next step—together.
Felicity douglas
Hello, my name is Felicity.
I was raised on Manitoulin Island and have always had a deep appreciation for health, science, and helping people feel their best. I have a background in Paramedicine and university-level sciences, with a particular passion for biology, chemistry, and pathophysiology. At Northern Therapy Practice, I work as an Oberon Biofeedback Technician. Biofeedback is a non-invasive, science-based modality that helps identify stress patterns, energetic imbalances, and areas of the body that may require support. Using the Oberon system, I help clients gain insight into their overall wellness and guide them toward balanced, informed health choices. I am passionate about empowering others to understand their bodies and take proactive steps toward better health. I look forward to working with you and supporting your wellness journey through advanced biofeedback technology.
Megan Vezina
Megan is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering in-person sessions in Chapleau, Ontario. She provides support to children, youth, and adults navigating anxiety, emotional regulation, parenting challenges and perinatal or postpartum concerns. Megan’s approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. She draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow. Megan helps clients build coping skills, strengthen self-awareness, and foster resilience through life’s ups and downs. Megan believes that therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported and safe to explore both the challenges and strengths that make you who you are. She takes a warm and collaborative approach, working alongside clients to set meaningful goals and build on their existing strengths. Megan has a special interest in supporting individuals and parents during pregnancy and postpartum. She understands the emotional, physical and identity shifts that come with fertility challenges, birth recovery, postpartum mental health and the transitions to parenthood. Her goal is to provide a compassionate space for clients to process their experiences, strengthen their coping, and feel less alone in the unique challenges of this season. Outside of her work, Megan enjoys creative projects, spending time outdoors with her family, and finding calm in everyday moments. Growing up in a small northern community, she understands the unique experiences that come with living in Northern Ontario. She brings this understanding into her work, creating a compassionate and down-to-earth space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions.
meganvezina@northerntherapypractice.ca