Planning Committee

Nicki is a certified play therapist who combines her improv comedy and drama background with play therapy theory to create engaging programs and play workshops. She recently moved to the Ottawa region where she became the first ever Ottawa Community Program Specialist for Camp Oochigeas; a camp for children with or affected by cancer. Prior to moving to the area, Nicki was known to many as Soleil the clown; a therapeutic clown at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She has worked as a play therapist in the Toronto District School Board as well as a facilitator for the children’s support group “Kids Talk Out” at Gilda’s Club. She is a proud Camp Erin volunteer; a bereavement camp for children and youth aged 6-17.

As a Registered Social Worker, I view my role to support individuals, couples and families collaboratively to explore, navigate and develop healthy skills and strategies in wellness and healthy living. My approach is client-centred with a focus on empowering individuals through exploration of strengths and challenges.

Using an integrative and holistic approach, I provide therapy to those experiencing bereavement, chronic illness, trauma, depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, workplace stress, relationship problems as well as adjustment to major life transitions and coping with a child’s special needs or medical condition. I have extensive experience supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I am certified with the Grief Recovery Institute and have added experience in supporting individuals coping with grief and loss including the death of a child, infant loss and still birth.

My focus and training includes various therapeutic approaches such as emotion focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness based therapies, trauma informed and strength based recovery models and solution focused approaches.

I have a Master’s of Social Work degree from McGill University. I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.  I have been practicing social work in Ottawa for more than 25 years.

As a Recreation Therapist, Danielle implements a variety of therapeutic play activities for the guests that are admitted to Roger Neilson House with a goal of improving their overall quality of life and providing them the opportunity to have child play experiences. Danielle educates and advocates for the voice of the children, and is passionate about including them in all aspects of their illness including progression as well as death and dying. 

Danielle also follows her passions for bereavement support within her role at RNH by providing one to one as well as group support for children who have had a sibling die within the greater Ottawa area. 

Danielle graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Therapeutic Recreation and is a Registered Recreation Therapist with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario.