Our Team

We are a dedicated and dynamic group of professionals who provide assessment, treatment and biofeedback services to adults, seniors, adolescents, couples, and families in the Ottawa area. Our team consists of:

Dr. Tammie Ricci, C. Psych. - Director of Psychological Services

Dr. Tammie Ricci received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from York University in Toronto. She has trained in a variety of clinical settings including the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry in Toronto, the Chiropractic College in Toronto, the Counselling and Development Centre – York University in Toronto, and the Downsview Rehabilitation Centre in Toronto. She has worked at The Paul Menton Centre at Carleton University and at the Rehabilitation Centre in Ottawa. She has been in private practice for the last 22 years. Dr. Ricci is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychological Association, the Ontario Psychological Association, the Canadian Academy of Psychologists in Disability Assessment, the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators, the Ottawa Academy of Psychology, and the Canadian Registry of Health Care Providers. Dr. Ricci has extensive experience in assessment and treatment of MVA clients, conducts independent evaluations, provides expert witness testimony, and has been involved extensively in the previous DAC system. She has extensive experience as a catastrophic impairment assessor and coordinates multidisciplinary teams to provide opinion re: CAT determination. She has extensive training in the AMA Guides 4th Edition as well as the AMA Guides 6th Edition, specifically Chapter 14 – Mental and Behavioural Disorders. She is also a registered provider for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

Dr. Paul Mendella, C.Psych. - Director of Neuropsychology Services

Dr. Paul Mendella is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario for autonomous practice in the areas of Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and Rehabilitation Psychology. He obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie University, and completed pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training in adult clinical neuropsychology at The Ottawa Hospital. Dr. Mendella is a member of several professional organizations including the Ontario Psychological Association, National Academy of Neuropsychology, American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Association for Scientific Advancement in Psychological Injury and Law, and the Sports Neuropsychology Society.

Dr. Mendella has extensive experience in the assessment of various neurological (e.g. traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis) and psychiatric (e.g. adult ADHD, depression, schizophrenia) conditions. He provides psychological treatment to address a wide range of mental health issues, and he has a special interest in helping individuals manage the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural effects of traumatic brain injury, including sports-related concussion.

Dr. Mendella receives referrals from a variety of sources, including: physicians and other health care providers, lawyers (both plaintiff and defence), automobile insurance providers, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, Health Canada, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. He is in the process of completing coursework to become certified in the use of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (4th Edition).

Dr. Lisa Walker, C. Psych.

Dr. Walker is a Clinical Neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of experience. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at the Ottawa Hospital and received her PhD from the University of Windsor in 1998. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in traumatic brain injury and geriatric rehabilitation neuropsychology at St. Vincent Hospital and Elisabeth-Bruyère Hospital. She has been a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario since 1999. Dr. Walker has an extensive background in neuropsychological assessment with medical and neurological populations as well as substantial experience in the following settings: acute care hospital, mental health clinic, psychiatric hospital, rehabilitation hospital, and private practice.

In addition to her work at Ricci & Associates, Dr. Walker is a staff Neuropsychologist at the Ottawa Hospital where she supervises residents, undergraduate students and graduate students. She is a Clinician Investigator with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and leads a research program on cognitive health in multiple sclerosis. Dr. Walker holds academic appointments at the University of Ottawa in the Faculty of Medicine and School of Psychology, as well as at Carleton University in the Department of Psychology and the Institute of Cognitive Science. She co-leads the Multiple Sclerosis Research Group and sits on the Scientific Council of the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute. She is an Associate Member of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery and is a member of the Professional Advisory Group for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Dr. Walker provides neuropsychological assessments of adolescents, adults and seniors with the following conditions that may impact cognition, behaviour and/or emotional functioning:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Dementia (e.g. Alzheimer, vascular, frontotemporal lobar degeneration)
• Acquired and traumatic brain injury and concussion
• Other neurological conditions (e.g. tumour, Parkinson’s, encephalopathy, etc.)
• Medical conditions (e.g. metabolic conditions, infectious processes, etc.)
• Psychiatric conditions (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, etc.)

Dr. Gary Gerber, C. Psych.

Dr. Gerber received his M.A. in psychology from the University of Western Ontario, and his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. He joined Brockville Psychiatric Hospital in 1984 as a psychologist in the Rehabilitation Service, and became Director of Research and Chief Psychologist, as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He was appointed as Clinical Director of the Acquired Brain Injury Behaviour Services at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto in 1999, and established a behavioural outreach service in 2000. His research focused on studying outcomes for persons with serious mental illness or with acquired brain injury who receive services from a specialized community rehabilitation teams. In his private practice Gary provides behaviourally based counselling to persons who have sustained acquired brain injuries and other serious injuries.

Dr. Mike Van Adel, C. Psych.

Dr. Van Adel is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa (pre-doctoral residency at The Ottawa Hospital) and his Master’s in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology Stream) at the University of Victoria. This training has led to experience in a variety of clinical settings, including the Bruyère Memory Program, The Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre (Acquired Brain Injury), The Royal - Brockville Mental Health Centre, and The Ottawa Hospital (Neuropsychology Service, First Episode Psychosis Program; Robin Easey Centre).

Dr. Van Adel provides services in the neuropsychological assessment of adults and seniors, including for those with neurological conditions related to:

• Traumatic brain injury/Concussion
• Stroke
• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Psychiatric conditions (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Other medical and neurological conditions (e.g. tumour, Parkinson’s, encephalopathy, metabolic conditions, etc.)

Dr. Van Adel has a special interest in helping individuals manage the effects of traumatic brain injury/concussion and provides psychological treatment to address a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment to illness/disability. He primarily follows a cognitive-behavioural therapy approach but also has training and experience in other empirically supported treatments such as mindfulness, acceptance and commitment, interpersonal therapy.

Dr. Erin O'Farrell, C.Psych.

Dr. O’Farrell is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa and her pre-doctoral residency at the University of Manitoba. She received her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Carleton University and holds a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from McMaster University.

Dr. O’Farrell provides neuropsychological assessment and treatment services to adults and older adults, including to those with neurological conditions related to acquired brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury/concussion and stroke; psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.); degenerative conditions, such as dementia; and other medical and neurological conditions (e.g., tumour, multiple sclerosis, etc.). She also provides psychological assessment and treatment services to adults in rehabilitation and clinical psychology. Her training and experience encompass a broad range of psychological and disability related issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, pain, and adjustment to illness/disability.

Dr. O’Farrell primarily uses a cognitive behavioural therapy approach but has experience and training in a number of different evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness, acceptance and commitment, and interpersonal therapy. She also has experience with neurocognitive rehabilitation, including attention and memory training. She believes in the importance of working collaboratively with her clients throughout the assessment and therapeutic process to adapt and adjust goals, treatment plans, and therapeutic orientations as needed to provide the best treatment for each individual client.

Dr. Daria Kolmogorova, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Dr. Kolmogorova is a Psychologist (Supervised Practice) who completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa (2021) and her pre-doctoral residency in the Toronto Area Residency Consortium’s Adult Track: Neuropsychology/Health Psychology. Her training has focused on the assessment and treatment of a broad range of mental health concerns related to psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD) and medical diseases/conditions (e.g., acquired brain injuries, cancer, tumour).

Working under the supervision of Drs. Ricci and O’Farrell, Dr. Kolmogorova provides assessment and treatment services in the practice areas of Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, and Rehabilitation Psychology. Her therapeutic approach aims to foster meaningful change in her clients using a collaborative, client-centred approach informed by evidence-based practices. She has experience and training in several different evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, and schema therapy.

Dr. Jordan I. Ali, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Dr. Ali completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology Stream) at the University of Victoria, with a pre-doctoral residency at London Health Sciences Centre. In preparation for registration as an independent practitioner, and as per the requirements of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, he is currently practicing under supervision in the areas of clinical, neuropsychological and rehabilitation psychology.

Dr. Ali has trained in a variety of clinical settings, including GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre (Acquired Brain Injury), Victoria Hospital (Neuropsychology Consultation Liaison, Geriatric Mental Health), University Hospital (Epilepsy, Neurology/Neurosurgery), Royal Jubilee Hospital (Anxiety Clinic), and Vancouver Island Psychological Services (PTSD/Occupational Stress Injuries) among others. As a result, he has experience helping people understand, manage, and/or overcome a variety of challenges, whether they relate to cognitive/neurological functioning, physical health, mental health, or any combination thereof.

Dr. Ali provides neuropsychological assessment, clinical psychological/psycho-legal assessment, and psychotherapy services for adults and older adults. His areas of clinical focus include (but are not limited to): depression; anxiety; trauma; grief and adjustment; chronic pain; chronic illness and disability; traumatic brain injury/concussion; and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Dr. Ali’s foundational approach to psychotherapy is Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT), though this is frequently augmented by elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Existential Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness.

Ms. Lea St. Louis, MSW, RSW

Lea St. Louis is a Master’s level social worker and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She obtained her MSW from McGill University in 2002. Lea has over 20 years of experience working with individuals of all ages. She has worked predominantly in a private practice setting and in the hospital setting providing both inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment. She has extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy, completing comprehensive mental health, psychosocial and safety assessments in addition to complex case management, crisis intervention and safety planning. She has focused on providing treatment to individuals with a range of psychological concerns including psychosis, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, suicidal ideation, grief, chronic pain, adjustment to illness and major life transition. She has a particular interest in providing treatment for trauma and PTSD. Over the last several years, her focus has been on providing individual psychotherapy to individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents, military members and first responders.

Lea is fully bilingual. She is trained in and regularly utilizes the following treatment modalities: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing and Mindfulness. She is enthusiastic and passionate about her work and thrives to ensure that all of her clients are provided with care that is professional, respectful, sensitive and compassionate.

Rabah Musa, RP (Q), CCPA, BA

Mrs. Musa acquired an honours level undergraduate degree in psychology, women's studies, and religion at the University of Ottawa and a Master’s level education in Counselling Psychology. She also possesses a CBT certification, Solution Focused Certification, and Crisis Management certification. Mrs. Musa is currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. In the last 10 years, her work experience and training focused on racialized discrimination, crisis intervention, trauma-focused therapy, domestic violence victims, addiction and homelessness, acculturation, integration, and struggles facing newcomers to Canada.

Mrs. Musa is experienced in trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, stress management, and life transitions. From a theoretical perspective, she uses evidence-based techniques and strategies that combine positive psychology, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Attachment Theory. She also strongly believes in the importance of getting to know clients as a whole person and understanding issues from a holistic point of view. The relationship is paramount as she works together to identify strengths and goals and work towards progress.

Ms. Natalie Beck-Livingstone, M.Ed., CCC, CVE, MCVP (Certified Vocational Evaluator)

Ms. Beck Livingstone has over 15 years of experience in providing interviewing, counselling and vocational assessment services to clients. She is an experienced test administrator with extensive experience in the use of vocational evaluation instruments and techniques to assist clients in identifying realistic employment goals. Ms. Beck-Livingstone completed an undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Queen’s University and obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa. She has completed educational training at the graduate level in standardized assessment, principles of measurement, principles of vocational evaluation, implications of disability in addition to occupational analysis/information. Additionally, Ms. Beck-Livingstone is a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and a Master’s Certificate Vocational Professional (MCVP). She is a current member in good standing with the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada (VRA), the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP).

Ms. Charlene Letemplier (Office Manager)

Ms. Letemplier is our Office Manager with a background in administration and health care and specialized training in special care counseling. She is responsible for greeting clients, coordinating client appointments, answering phones, filing, and organizing of the office environment.