Our Team - thrivingfamilyco.com

Get to know our Team

Your Thriving Family starts here

Our group of practitioners are a diverse multi-disciplinary group who care deeply about the well-being of families.

Our team consists of:
Fertility Support Practitioner
Social Workers
Baby and Child Sleep Coach
Occupational Therapist

Our combined areas of expertise include:
child sleep, child and adult attachment science, child development, couple relationships, parenting, reflux, colic, neurodivergence and more position us as the ideal place to get the support you need.

We are here to help you ease into the early stages of parenting and raise children who are balanced, resilient and thriving.

That starts with YOU as parents and we are here to help you make it happen.

Dory Noorafkan, RP (Q),

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - BA, MBA, E-RYT, YACEP

Hello, I’m Dory, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) here with Thriving Family Co. In our work together, I support parents with the adjustment to parenthood in a non-judgmental, caring, empathic way. We explore the challenges you are facing and help you to see you are not alone. We will identify short-term and long-term goals and create a plan together. This can include changes in mood, symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, rage, irritability and change in identity. .

As a counselor, I bring a distinctive viewpoint to our sessions as an Iranian-Canadian woman who has navigated the challenges of being in biracial and bicultural marriage. I get the dynamics that come with being a parent and a spouse, which can add another layer of complexity to one’s identity.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood can be difficult experiences, and I am committed to support you while fostering safety and trust as you navigate this period of time.

Your unique story is at the heart of our counseling journey, and I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own life. Our sessions will provide you a place to be seen, heard, and validated with a compassionate and grounded approach.

Together, we’ll develop a narrative for your future journey, increase your confidence in assisting your child’s development, process feelings related to specific situations, delve into sociocultural identity, and navigate shifts in identity and relationships postpartum.

We’ll also explore work on bolstering your self-awareness, strengths, and resilience. My main priorities during our journey together will be your growth, progress, and well-being.

Formal Education:
Academic:
My educational background is rooted in Anthropology and Psychology (BAH), providing me with a solid foundation in understanding human behaviors, cultures, and traditions as well as the complexities of the human psyche. Continuing my educational journey, I earned a Masters degree in leadership and organizational behavior (MBA), equipping me with valuable skills in communication, and interpersonal dynamics. Recently I finished the courses of a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I am a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a qualifying psychotherapist completing my practicum training hours with Thriving Family Co.

Movement Therapy:
In the field of yoga, I have completed over 3000 Hours in Yoga Teacher Training Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation.
In addition, I have led over 10 000 hours in Yoga /Mindfulness private/public classes, trainings, workshops retreats and other events.

Professional Registration & Memberships:
I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), a Continuing Education Provider with International Yoga Alliance (YA), and a graduate of Ontario College of Reflexology.

Fahreen Jeshani, MSW, RSW, AHCPE

Adult, Couples and Family Therapist - Certified Parenting Educator, Baby-Led Sleep Specialist

Thriving Family Co. - Clinical Director and Founder

Fahreen’s passion is supporting parents, especially mothers with the adjustment to motherhood. Her wish is for no mother or parent to feel alone in their parenting journey – whether that is in the family planning stages, pregnancy, postpartum and into the early years of parenting.

She specializes in supporting parents to understand infant and toddler sleep and the biological rhythms, postpartum depression and anxiety, individual therapy which includes reparenting therapy and supporting adults with ADHD. Fahreen’s lived experience in navigating many of these areas in her own life position her to be a wonderful addition to your “village”. If you’re an overwhelmed mama, feeling lost and can’t figure out why things feel so hard – Fahreen is the right therapist for you.

She also enjoys working with couples with young children that are finding themselves arguing more, not on the same page regarding parenting, feeling disconnected from each other and wishing they could hit the pause button on the chaos of raising little humans.

When she is not in session with her clients, Fahreen can be found immersed in learning the latest tech platforms, learning more about Adult ADHD, spending time with her daughter, partner and dogs, finding new recipes for family meals and getting back to her love of sports.

Carlyn Chorny, RP.

Individual and Couples Therapist specializing in Child Sleep and Perinatal Mental Health

Whether you have teenagers or a newborn, parenting comes with its unique set of challenges. As a parent, you may be worried about making the right parenting choices or anxious about the changes in your family dynamic. Being on the same page as your spouse about parenting styles isn’t as simple as you thought it would be, and establishing boundaries can be difficult, taking you further away from who you truly are. You might be finding it hard to accept yourself and your body after pregnancy, causing an even greater sense of disconnection. Perhaps you are even finding it hard to function with the level of sleep deprivation you are experiencing.

I am here to support you in cultivating more self-acceptance and love. Together, we’ll explore your values and identify unhelpful thoughts/behaviours keeping you from the more joyful parts of parenthood. We’ll also work on communication tools that will allow you to express yourself more clearly and confidently.

As a Certified Baby-Led Sleep and Well-Being Specialist, I can help you and your family get more sleep, without sleep training your little one!

I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Adult Development, Families, and Well-Being.

As an experienced client and clinician, I understand how much courage it takes to step into therapy. During your session you will have a safe, judgement-free space to share your concerns, and we will work collaboratively to help you reach your goals.

I truly believe each client is unique and there is no “one size fits all” approach to counselling. In order to best help my clients achieve their goals, I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Additionally, my approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered.

I am honoured to play a role in helping you achieve balance within your life and reach your goals.

When I’m not working with clients I am most likely hiking, drinking coffee, reading a good book, or watching indie films.

Kaili Ets, Reg. OT.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist - Specializing in Baby-Led Sleep, Child Development, Sensory Processing Differences and Reflux/Colic

Kaili has a knack for supporting families with spicy babies where you have tried everything to help them and can’t figure out why nothing is working. Kaili will support you in getting to root cause of your little one’s struggles – whether that is reflux or silent reflux, cow milk protein allergy (CMPA), eczema, high energy or strong willed babies and toddlers that just won’t settle down for sleep and more.

You will walk away with steps you can take right away to start to get on track. There are very few professionals who are as knowledgeable as Kaili in so many different areas that impact children – she will put the puzzle pieces together with you to find solutions and relief.

Jennifer Cerson, BA.

Child and Youth Worker, Baby Led Sleep and Well-being Specialist

Jennifer is a mother of two highly sensitive children who have taught her about their different daily needs in their day-to-day to support their growth and development as well as their relationship with sleep.

Jennifer takes an attachment-based and responsive parenting approach when working with children. She is a Child and Youth Worker and values the importance of this dynamic when supporting children in the school-based community. She is also a Certified Sleep and Wellbeing Specialist that looks at your family’s and child’s sleep holistically when exploring all areas of improvement.

Jennifer’s goal is to help families feel empowered to trust their instincts while parenting their unique child. She is here to ensure you are supported when needing to make changes that no longer work for you or your family. She enjoys helping families discover an alternative way to sleep while following their intuition, nurturing the attachment process and honouring responsive parenting strategies.

Bhakti Shah, MSW RSW, B.Sc. (Child. Dev.)

Individual and Family Therapist, Certified Parenting Educator, Child Development Specialist

Parenting is a special journey that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and asking ourselves, “are we/am I doing this right?”. As a mother of two myself, I get it! Parenting our children touches all aspects of our lives as individuals and as couples, presenting challenges we never anticipated. Whether you are a new parent adapting to the demands of a baby, a seasoned parent feeling exhausted and burnt out, or possibly sensing disconnection from your child or your own sense of well-being, I am here to support you on this journey.

I am passionate about working with new parents, couples facing co-parenting conflicts, mothers facing burnout, parents looking to strengthen connections with their child, immigrant parents and parents dealing with childhood/intergenerational trauma.

My approach to therapy is eclectic and integrative while always being inclusive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I draw from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and attachment theories. I offer a customized approach to each client and deeply value creating a non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about your parenting challenges and discuss your goals.

Prior to completing my social work degree I completed my bachelor’s in child development. I am a certified parenting educator with over 15 years of experience working with parents and children, including in child welfare.

Supporting parents in transforming their relationship with their children is at the heart of my practice. I believe that children thrive when parents are supported and that together, we have the power to heal generations.

When I am not working, you would find me hanging out with my kids, singing and dancing or playing board games. I enjoy binge watching shows, acting, and listening to music. In the summer, our family loves spending time outdoors at the park, on day trips or hiking.

Laine Halpern-Zisman Ph.D.

Fertility Support Practitioner, Family Building Educator and Full Spectrum Doula

Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD is a fertility support practitioner, family building educator, and full spectrum doula. She provides fertility service navigation, counselling, and support to individuals and families at all stages of their family building journey.

Laine brings both evidence-based research and practical experience to her client sessions. She takes a holistic approach to care and helps clients to build a plan and supports that fit their unique needs, timelines, and family structures. She works with you to understand your body’s natural cycle, navigate fertility options, and work through emotional or communication barriers in your family.

She is a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria, researching reproductive access and equity. She has published two collected volumes, Women and Popular Culture in Canada (2020) and the second edition of Queerly Canadian, co-edited with Professor Scott Rayter (2023). Her third book Conceivable: A Guide to Making 2SLGBTQ+ Family will be published by Fernwood Publishing in fall 2024.

If you are thinking about building your family, experiencing infertility, or have questions about navigating clinics, procedures, or donor conception – set up an appointment today.

Laura Sullivan MSW (Cand.)

Laura is our practicum student completing her Master in Social Work at the University of Toronto

Prior to starting her Master’s degree, she was an educational assistant for fifteen years supporting neurodiverse children. She is excited to work alongside the team at Thriving Family Co. to best support families, parents, caregivers, and couples.

When she is not working or studying, she can be found hiking with her partner, trying a new recipe, or enjoying a theatrical performance.