About Us

Eunice is a Registered Social Worker with dual Master's degrees in Social Work and Special Education from Columbia University and Bank Street College of Education. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Developmental Psychology and Education from University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Throughout her 15+ year career, Eunice has worked in various educational, therapeutic, and research settings supporting children and adolescents 0 to 18 years of age. Currently, she focuses her clinical practice on those experiencing difficulties with regulation, interaction, attention, play, and social emotional development using individual therapy, child-parent dyadic work, and parent coaching. Eunice is a registered member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Eunice is a Training Leader with the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning completing her Expert certificate in DIRFloortime® certification in 2010. She provides in-person and distance mentorship and supervision to educators and therapists currently working towards their certification. Eunice is dedicated to building and growing the DIR® community in Toronto -- she created a meet-up group for professionals to network and share with one another.

Eunice was part of the interdisciplinary treatment team at York University's Milton & Ethel Harris Research Initiative studying the efficacy of a developmental play-based coaching model for young children with autism. She continued her work with Dr. Stuart Shanker at The MEHRIT Centre where she designed curriculum and facilitated consultations related to self-regulation. Eunice has presented for school boards, organizations, and conferences across Canada, United States, South America, and China.

*** Photographs for this website were generously provided by Karin O'Brien ***

treatment & therapy

Individual treatment for children and adolescents using DIR® Floortime™, an evidence-based developmental approach that incorporates play and interaction. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder in the 1980's, DIR® is based on principles of typical child development, infant mental health, and attachment. We look at each child or adolescent individually and use their interests, strengths, and capacities to design therapeutic goals and learning objectives that support and challenge them.

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in DIR® therapy. Using observation, modelling, coaching, video review, and reflective discussion, we can build on and complement parents' insight and strengths to support the child or adolescent's ability to relate, communicate, and think. Additional supports offered include classroom and camp observations, play-date facilitation, and group work.

MENTORING & CONSULTATION

Mentoring or supervision is available locally and via distance for professionals who are interested in or pursuing their DIR® certification. Support is offered through video review and reflective case discussions to further their understanding and thinking about a child or adolescent's developmental capacities.

Consultations with teams of educators and therapists at daycares, preschools, schools, or clinics can be offered on-site and via distance. Topics could include DIR®, infant mental health, working with families, and addressing challenging behaviours.

PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS

Presentations and workshops for parents and/or professionals are available. Learning objectives and curriculum are specifically designed to meet the needs of each group. Recent presentation topics have included:

Reframing Play and Behaviour
Role of Self-Regulation in Working with Children and Families
Engaging Families
A Process-Oriented Family-Centred Approach to Autism
Self-Regulation in the Classroom and at Home: Where do I start?
Understanding Anxiety
Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives on the Importance of Play and Interaction for Young Children
Looking at Resilience through a Self-Reg Lens
Self-Regulation in the Early Years
Calm, Alert, and Learning