Family Professional
Wendy J. Ashby, SSW BAhons BSW MSW RSW
Wendy works within various settings with diverse groups in a culturally safe and trauma-informed practice model. Wendy has experience working with children and families in Child Protection and understands the challenges that families face when under pressure. Wendy has three recent degrees, two from The University of Waterloo and one from Wilfred Laurier University.
Wendy understands the importance of meeting the client where they are, through a respectful and self-empowering practice style. Wendy is proficient in narrative therapy, DBT, solution-focused and has certification in CBT. Wendy specializes in anxiety, depression, and OCD, as well as self-esteem and confidence issues, and practices through a culturally competent lens with respect to marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ2+. Wendy connects easily with children and families and is uniquely skilled at connecting with people, easing client tension, and working through uncertainty and worry.
Annette Katchaluba MSW, RSW - Director of Child Centred Divorce Services, By Peaceful Waters, Inc
Address: 60 Baffin Place, Unit 4 Waterloo, ON, N2V 1Z7
Annette specializes in helping separated parents develop effective means of resolving disputes, to ensure that their children successfully adjust to the family transition. Annette provides mediation to achieve child-focused parenting plans, parenting coordination, reunification counselling, child interviews obtaining views and preferences, section 30 assessments, and domestic violence screening. Annette’s approach is informed by her professional training, play therapist practice (2001-2007), her service on the panel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (2003-present).
Patricia Bidgood – Patricia Bidgood & Associates
Address: 213-900 Guelph Street Kitchener, Ontario N2H 5Z6
Patricia helps parents generate creative parenting plans and solutions that enhance effective co-parenting relationships, while mitigating the negative effects often associated with divorce on families. Patricia provides: divorce coaching, adjustment counselling with children and teens, parenting coordination, family reunification, and domestic violence screening for mediation/arbitration. Services are covered under many extended medical benefit plans. Patricia lives in Waterloo region with her husband and has a blended family of six adult children.
Kris Pryke, Ph.D, C.Psych & Kris Pryke Psychological Services
Address: 439 Park St. Unit #2, Kitchener N2G 1N4
She has extensive experience working with a variety of families, helping them manage very stressful events. Her role on the collaborative team can include interviewing the children about their feelings and preferences, providing therapeutic support to the children, co-ordinating parenting plans, or facilitating the process as the “family professional” at all necessary meetings.
Barbara Dyszuk, B.A.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc. AccFM
Address: Cambridge, Ontario
Sarah Bruulsema, BA, MSW, RSW – By Peaceful Waters, Inc
Address: 60 Baffin Place, Unit 4 Waterloo, ON, N2V 1Z7
She provides mediation services including a focus on families transitioning through divorce and separation. She is a passionate believer in child-focused parenting plans and agreements. Sarah provides mediated parenting plans, parenting reunification services, parenting coordination, and screening for domestic violence and power imbalances. She has a strong background working with and treating mental health and trauma and maintains a vibrant psychotherapy practice with By Peaceful Waters, Inc. Sarah is a team player, excels at time management, is responsive, and works hard to achieve cost effective and high-quality agreements that work for families. As a Registered Social Worker her services are covered by most insurance plans.
Sarah Bruulsema, BA, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker
Family Mediator with Child Centered Divorce Services
sbruulsema@bypeacefulwaters.ca
https://bypeacefulwaters.ca/
Angie Murie, MSW, RSW
Beyond high-conflict scenarios, Angie Murie specializes in working with individuals struggling with the impact of abuse, whether from parents or partners, and youth experiencing anxiety issues and identity issues.
All of Angie Murie’s work is grounded within an anti-oppression framework. Whether working for an issue, with a community, or with an individual or couple looking to co-parent, she is invested in a positive outcome for all parties and improving the situations of all involved.
Shelley Smilek, BA, MSW, RSW, CCVE – By Peaceful Waters Inc.
Address: 60 Baffin Place, Unit 4 Waterloo, ON, N2V 1Z7
Shelley provides mediation services to help parents develop child-focused parenting plans and agreements that set the stage for effective co-parenting relationships. As a Certified Vocational Evaluator, she can work with the other members of your Collaborative Family Law team to provide support in determining spouses’ vocational potential, earning capacity and imputing income. As a Registered Social Worker her services are covered by most insurance plans.
Financial Professional
Rob Hehl - Chartered Business Valuator with BDO
Address: 150 Caroline Street South, Suite 201 Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 0A5
Tim Rickert - Chartered Business Valuator with BDO
Address: 150 Caroline Street South, Suite 201 Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 0A5
I can be your independent financial advisor trained in collaborative family law and alternative dispute resolution. I enjoy working in the collaborative environment helping couples resolve their financial issues to help them move on to the next phase of their lives.
Vivek K. Joshi - Pollard Gagliardi Navickas LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants
Address: 490 Dutton Drive; Suite C1, Waterloo, ON; N2L 6H7
Vivek qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011 after graduating from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce. He joined PGN LLP in 2014 as a Manager and became Partner in 2021. Vivek is also a part-time practice inspector with CPA Ontario. He holds a public accounting license in the Province of Ontario.
Vivek’s community involvement includes volunteering with CPA Ontario as a mentor. He guides new students through the CPA professional program. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and cycling with his wife.
Louise Poole
Address: London – 785 Wonderland Road South, Suite 220, ON N6K 1M6
Phone: (519) 673-3141; ext. 1242 | (800) 668-2167 Fax: (519) 645-1646 Email: lpoole@davismartindale.com
and is certified in Financial Forensics. Louise graduated from the Ivey Business School at Western
University with an Honors Business Administration degree, joined Davis Martindale in 2017,and became a Valuations & Litigation Partner in 2020.
Louise has presented several seminars on business valuation topics to lawyers, bankers and business professionals. She has been involved with the community as a Board Member of WIL Employment Connections and as a committee member for The Big Bash in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area. Louise is a proud member of the Board of Governors for Fanshawe College.
Legal Professional
Lauren Grant - LCG Law
Address: 23165-500 Fairway Rd. S. Kitchener N2C 1X3
A lifelong resident of Kitchener, I attended the University of Waterloo to receive my Honours Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies. I went on to graduate law school from Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom in June 2012.
After a severe illness that paused my legal career, I successfully passed the Bar in 2020. Prior to this, I received certification as a Qualified Mediator with the ADR Institute of Canada in 2017 and completed various certifications in ADR, including Advanced Family Mediation and as well as a Conflict Management Mediation Certificate with Conrad Grebel – University of Waterloo.
Before launching LCG Law, I spent nearly six years working for Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region and am a passionate advocate in the areas of family and child protection law. I believe strongly in alternatives to litigation and aim to work closely with families to achieve solutions in the best interests of all involved.
Lorisa Stein - Family Advocate
Lorisa offers her clients the wisdom of consensual dispute resolution processes where each voice is heard, sensitive matters are discussed in a confidential non- threatening setting, and the information is shared cooperatively to develop a durable, custom agreements. Above all, negotiations are mindful of competing and aligned interests, and the desire for future strong family relationships.
Lorisa’s toolbox includes her extensive experience as a senior family lawyer, cross-cultural conflict resolution management, workplace investigator, policy analyst and advisor, project leader, trainer, speaker, and published writer. Lorisa is also a certified Family Enterprise Advisor® working with a multidisciplinary teams to resolve family matters from within.
Scott Sobering
Address: 6 Charles St. West Kitchener, ON N2G 1H2
I enjoy helping clients through their separation outside of the court system. I believe the collaborative family law process uniquely empowers couples to make decisions about the legal and practical implications arising from their separation.
Karen A. Beckett
Jennifer M. Bolduc- Musson Morneau LLP
Address: 1440 King Street North, Unit #4, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
Email: jbolduc@mlawgroup.ca
Matthew Kelly - Woynarski Szymura Kelly LLP
Address:420 Sheldon Drive, Suite 204 Cambridge, ON N1T 2H9
Matthew has been actively practicing family law for several years, and became a member of Best4All in 2018. Matthew is a firm believer in collaborative law as a viable form of alternative dispute resolution that helps families who are struggling with the difficult issues arising upon a separation or divorce.
Matthew is an active member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Waterloo Region Law Association (including FLOWR – Family Lawyers of Waterloo Region), and Best4All. Matthew lives in Kitchener with his wife and their two children.
Rob Bickle- Madorin, Snyder LLP
Address: 55 King Street W. PO Box 1234 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4G9
Jennifer Black - Sorbara Law
Address: 31 Union Street East, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1B8
Jennifer is well aware of the financial and emotional burden that litigation can cause and devotes much of her practice to resolving matters outside of court, whether it be through negotiation, collaborative family law or mediation. She is experienced and knowledgeable in all areas of family law, including custody, access, child support, spousal support and property issues and has extensive experience in preparing separation agreements, cohabitation agreements and marriage contracts.
Ward Brownell - Brownell Law
Address: 32 Grand Ave South, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 2L6
Ward was part of the initial group of lawyers to train in the Collaborative Family Law process in 2004. Ward is also proud to be on the Office of the Children’s Lawyer Panel and has been since 2002. The collaborative law process can be a far more effective way in dealing with family separation issues not only in financial terms but in emotional costs as well. Ward would certainly review with you all of your options that are available and would gladly answer any questions that you may have. When Ward is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and rockin’ out on his guitar.
Frank Carere - Madorin, Snyder LLP
Address: 55 King Street W., PO Box 1234 Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4G9
He also provides arbitration and mediation services and is a certified mediator. Frank has restricted his family law practice to the collaborative model because in his experience it results in very creative solutions in the most timely and cost effective manner.
Heather Caron - Caron Family Law
Address: 7 Duke Street West, Suite 204, Kitchener, Ontario N2H 6N7
After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University and Osgood Hall Law School, Heather was called to the bar in 2002. Her background includes criminal law and child and family services matters. She has over 14 years of experience, both inside and outside of the courtroom, and has dealt with a wide variety of Family Law matters over the years.
Heather has had cases in Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice and argued at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. She has appeared as counsel for inmates at their disciplinary hearings at the Grand Valley Federal Institution for Women. Areas of practice include: Separation; Divorce; Litigation; Child Custody & Access; Child & Spousal Support; Marriage Contracts; Matrimonial Law; Notary Public and Commissioner; Property Division; Adoption.
Lawrence Greaves - SorbaraLaw
Address: 31 Union Street East Waterloo, ON, N2J 1B8
He has the training in Collaborative Family Law to assist you and can be reached at (519) 576-7200. Consultations welcome.
Tania Harper - Tania Harper Family Law
Address: 67 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 2K1
Tania articled and worked at two national law firms and worked as in-house counsel at the local children’s aid society before opening her own practice in October 2008. Tania is resolution focused and has experience with negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law. Tania is organized, passionate and committed to her clients. Tania sits on the Board of Directors for a child care center and participates in her neighbourhood association. She is a proud member of the Waterloo Law Association, the Ontario Bar Association and an active member of FLOWR – Family Lawyers of the Waterloo Region.
Shelly Harper - Shelly Harper Law Office
Address: 68 Queen St N, Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 2H2
I act as counsel in mediations and arbitrations. I am a neutral evaluator as well as a trained and experienced mediator and arbitrator. Skills include: effective listening, coaching effective communication, problem solving skills, creative and analytical thinking.
Joseph Irvine - Giesbrecht, Griffin, Funk & Irvine
Address: 515 Riverbend Drive, Suite 200, Kitchener, ON N2K 3S3
Phaedra Klodner
Address: 56 Francis Street North, Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 2B5
About Phaedra: N/A
Diane L. McInnis - DM Family Law, Advanced Collaborative Professional (OACP)
Address: 238 King Street S., Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 1R4
Diane is committed to providing sound legal advice in a non-adversarial setting, coaching clients through difficult decisions, and empowering clients to participate in settling the terms of their separation.
Diane was raised in Halifax, obtaining degrees in Science (1985), Education(1986) and Law (1990) from Dalhousie University and was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1992. Diane enjoys running, tennis, CanLit, travelling and quiet time at home with her husband, and visits with their three adult children.
Steven McMurray - McIntyre, McMurray
Address: 536 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario, N2B 2A6
After litigating family law and divorce issues for 25 years Steve now devotes 100% of his family law practice to negotiated settlements and collaborative family law. His goal is to resolve family and divorce issues with dignity and support, with an emphasis on minimizing adult conflict and its adverse effects on any children involved.
Charles Morrison - Morrison Reist Krauss LLP
Address: 279 Queen St. South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1W6
I am an enthusiastic supporter of this user-friendly, innovation way of resolving separation and divorce. Contact my office for an appointment to see whether CFL is right for you!
Jacqueline Mulvey - Mulvey Law Office
Address: 293 Frederick St., Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 2N6
She has resolved numerous family law files through the Collaborative Family Law process. Jacqueline is pleased to offer a free one-half hour initial consultation for new clients. Her professional law office is conveniently located near downtown Kitchener.
Richard Noll - Dueck, Sauer, Jutzi & Noll LLP
Address: 403 Albert Street, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3V2
I have dealt with complex issues dealing with business and partnership interests, family trusts, real estate ventures and professional practices. I joined the Collaborative law practice group when it commenced as I believe in the benefits of a collaboratively negotiated resolution for my client. I have Level I and Level II training and would be pleased to meet with you to review your matter.
Sandra Spiegelberg - Protopapas & Spiegelberg
Address: 22 Frederick Street, Suite 1016 Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 6M6
Sandra received training in Collaborative Law in 2004 and completed her Collaborative Law Level II Training in 2010. Sandra enthusiastically supports and implements alternative methods of dispute resolution outside the Court system, with emphasis on Collaborative negotiations and goal-oriented solutions.
Kimberley M. Thompson - Thompson Law Office
Address: 9 Salisbury Avenue, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 1H7
She has valuable experience in all areas of family law, including specialized training in Collaborative Family Law, mediation and children’s law. Your choice of lawyer is important. We understand the financial and emotional stress of your separation. We’ll review your options so you can make informed choices for your family. Call or email us for more information.
Margaret Anne Voll
Address: 53 Roy Street Kitchener, Ontario N2H 4B4
She was called to the Bar in April 1979 and has primarily focused on Family Law in Kitchener-Waterloo. Margaret Anne is sensitive to the entire family dynamics as she represents children through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. She is committed to the Collaborative process which fits her personal mission statement that being “The best possible result at the least possible expense”.
Leanne Way - Madorin, Snyder LLP
Address: 55 King Street W., PO Box 1234 Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4G9
Leanne has been practicing in all areas of family law since 1998. Leanne believes that Collaborative Family Law is the best way for families to achieve mutual resolutions without the need for court. She enjoys serving on the panel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer for over 14 years, and brings child focused experience to developing creative solutions to help spouses resolve their differences.
Debbie Hoffman
Address: 256 Buttonbush Street, Waterloo, ON, N2V 0B4
Debbie has always been interested in keeping families out of court. When she moved back to Southern Ontario in 2016, Debbie continued to practice family law and dedicated her practice to collaborative conflict resolution and mediation.
Having worked on numerous trials throughout her career, Debbie knew there had to be a better approach that didn’t take such a financial and emotional toll on clients and their children.
“The collaborative approach is the most effective way to resolve issues for separating spouses and their children. We work with financial and family professionals throughout the process to ensure that clients make informed decisions. Lawyers are an integral part of the team, but the clients are the ones in the driver’s seat.”
Tracy Miller - Miller Law and Mediation
I successfully represented clients in every court level in the province. I witnessed the emotional and financial devastation caused to families that are in the court process. I knew there had to be a better way.
In 2019/2020, I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. It was a life-changing experience. It changed my outlook on how I should practice family law. I appreciate the fact that time is precious. Clients should not spend years of their life and tens of thousands of dollars on a legal war.
The collaborative approach is a hands-on, team approach where the professionals work with the clients to design a tailor-made solution for their case. It is a more cost-effective, timely way to get your issues resolved so you can move on with your life. You still have your own lawyer throughout the process, but you are directing the process as opposed to court, where you are a spectator.
If you want to discuss the collaborative approach, please contact me.
Kirsty Katul - GL Family Law
Address: 2nd Floor – 87 Main Street, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 1W1
After her call to the Bar, Kirsty practiced family law litigation where she negotiated complex settlements both in and out of court. She saw firsthand the financial and emotional burden imposed on families through the traditional legal process and knew there was a better way to help clients through one of the most difficult time in their lives.
Kirsty is committed to the Collaborative Process to help clients customize a settlement that is unique to their needs and allows them control over the outcome and decisions made along the way. In addition to being more time and cost effective, Kirsty strongly believes that the Collaborative Process values and protects important relationships and assists clients to move forward with dignity and respect.
In addition to being a collaboratively trained lawyer, Kirsty is also an Accredited Family Mediator with the OAFM. Kirsty provides services in the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas and is pleased to offer a free 30-minute consultation to new clients.
Aubrey J. Sherman - Sherman Law LLP
Address: 625 King Street East, Suite 2C, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4V4
He is a fellow of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and an alumnus of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School with focus on mediation and conflict management. He has completed Dispute Resolution Levels 1 & 2 at the University of Waterloo & ADR Institute of Ontario. He is currently studying with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College. Aubrey has completed advanced family mediation training through OAFM that allows him to help couples get past impasse, where collaborative discussions often break down and prevent settlement.
Aubrey welcomes all modern families in his practice, including same-sex couples. He works with couples who participate in good faith, with honesty, respect, and cooperation. He helps couples design plans based on their interests and goals. He assists clients with parenting plans, separation/cohabitation agreements, and marriage contracts through a collaborative approach. Consultations welcomed.
Sheena Naidoo
Address: 133 Frederick Street, Suite 200, Kitchener ON N2H 2M1
Carrie L. Foerster B.A., LL.B - CF Collaborative Law
Subsequently, she worked as in-house legal counsel for a municipality where she provided legal advice to family support workers, assisting social assistance clients going through separation and the family court process. Carrie is the founder of CF Collaborative Law. She is well aware of the financial and emotional toll that litigation can have on clients and their families. While practising litigation, she frequently found herself thinking “there must be a better way.” Carrie currently restricts her practice to assisting clients in resolving their family law matters outside of court through collaborative practice and mediation. She has completed the Certificate in Family Mediation Professional Program at York University and training from the Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals. Carrie is committed to the Collaborative Practice model and views it as a very effective, productive and wholistic way of assisting clients in settling the terms of their separation and transitioning respectfully into their future.
Luba Yamoah - Pavey, Law LLP
Address: 19 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Anamaria Pasc - Lerners LLP
Address: 9 Ahrens St. West, Kitchener, ON N2H 4B6
David M. Morneau Jr. – Musson Morneau LLP
Address: 1440 King St. N., Unit 4, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
David has been formally trained as both a family mediator and collaborative legal professional, is accredited as both and was one of the first in the province to receive recognition as an Advanced Collaborative Professional. His skill and experience allow him to handle all family law related matters.
Throughout his career, David has observed and analyzed our legal systems and has spoken widely about reform and change. He has acted as counsel for parents and children in the family justice system and was able to witness firsthand the impact that adversarial processes can have on families in transition. Through his training, he continues to learn new skills for conflict resolution which give the participants the ability to listen, communicate, solve their own differences, both now and in the future.
David believes in authenticity, honesty and being genuine and open with those he assists. He encourages his clients to develop a solution that is right for them and will help design a process that will help to meet an individual’s hopes and goals, while helping to recognize their worries and concerns. In his experience, this has a much greater chance of guiding families to a much brighter future.
Laura Tatum - Giesbrecht, Griffin, Funk & Irvine
Address: 515 Riverbend Drive, Suite 200 Kitchener, ON N2K 3S3
Laura is happy to assist in designing a resolution process that suits the needs of her clients and their families.
Laura Smith
Laura recognizes that litigation often does not set families up for success after the separation process. She is committed to providing a collaborative and creative solution for families that is tailored to their unique needs and values. Laura was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo and received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Religious Studies and History from Queen’s University and her Juris Doctors from both the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. Please contact Laura to set up a consultation.
Katie Baker
Prior to her call to the Bar, Katie was a summer student and completed her articles at Cohen Highley LLP, where she gained experience in all practice areas.
Katie assists her clients in reaching practical yet cost-effective solutions. Katie received training in collaborative law in May 2022 with the goal of saving her clients time, money, and emotional stress. She strongly believes in using alternatives to litigation and is determined to work closely with all parties to achieve the best result for everyone involved.
Katie Ling
Address: 137 Glasgow St., Unit 227 Kitchener, ON N2G 4X8
Their specialty is working as a team, along with neutral family and financial professionals, to resolve complicated separations involving businesses. Katie’s focus is settlement work – whether in Collaborative family law, alternative dispute resolution, or litigation. She also consults in marketing, tech systems, and organization to help other professionals better serve clients, ditch overwhelm, and work from a place of rest, not hustle.
Emily Carroll
Since being called to the bar by the Law Society of Ontario in 2015, Emily has focused her practice on family law in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Emily brings compassion and approachability to her work and understands that family law clients experience unique circumstances that require unique resolutions.