Algoma Child Development
& Wellness Centre

Counselling and mental health support for children and youthPlay-based counselling for ages 2 to 12
Virtual sessions up to the age of 18

Three young children smiling and playing together at a colourful sensory bin
Illustrative image of sensory-based play

A warm, welcoming place in Sault Ste. Marie where children and youth feel safe, supported, and understood, without having to reach a crisis first.

Book an appointment

Virtual sessions available now. In-person sessions open for prebooking.
Every day of the week, by appointment only.

“We cannot always change what a child has experienced. We can help them understand their feelings, discover their strengths, build confidence, and continue moving forward with hope.”

Our mission

To provide high-quality, evidence-informed child counselling, child development and wellness programs, and community connection opportunities through meaningful relationships, play-informed practice, and compassionate care in a safe, welcoming, child-centred environment where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Our vision

To become a trusted child development and wellness centre in Algoma where children feel safe enough to be themselves, families feel supported, and meaningful relationships help build confidence, resilience, emotional well-being, and hope for the future.

What we offer

Available now

Virtual sessions

Secure video sessions from home for children and youth up to age 18.

Coming soon

In-person sessions

Play-based sessions for ages 2 to 12 in Sault Ste. Marie. Prebook now to hold your spot.

Prebook now

Child counselling & mental health support

In-person, one-on-one counselling for children ages 2 to 12 that supports their mental health and emotional well-being, using child-centred, play-informed approaches. Children can share and work through feelings through play, art, movement, storytelling, and conversation.

  • Mental health and emotional well-being
  • Anxiety and worry
  • Grief and loss
  • Family changes, like separation or a move
  • Big feelings and emotional regulation
  • Friendship difficulties and bullying
  • Confidence, coping, and behaviour
Coming soon

Learning & Connecting groups

Monthly groups open to children in the community, not only those in counselling. Each month explores a different topic, such as understanding grief or bullying awareness, while children build skills like confidence, friendship, and coping through play, learning, and belonging.

Join the group interest list

What guides us

  • Relationships come first: meaningful relationships are the foundation of healthy emotional development.
  • Every child belongs: children shouldn’t have to be struggling before they have a place where they feel welcome.
  • We meet children where they are: through conversation, play, art, movement, storytelling, imagination, or quiet observation.
  • We focus on strengths: we help children build confidence, develop skills, and discover what makes them unique.
  • Together is better: we work with children, families, and community partners to create supportive, connected, and inclusive spaces.

Meet the staff

Founder and CEO

Registered Social Worker

I created the Centre so local children could have a place where they feel safe enough to be themselves, and families feel supported along the way.

My background includes supporting youth with mental health and addiction challenges, respite and support work with a local community agency, school-based work, and social work placement experience in child and family services. I’ve worked as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner since 2024.

I offer counselling for children and youth, both in person and virtually.

More than anything, I hope children leave the Centre smiling more, laughing more, playing more, and feeling like themselves again.

  • Registered Social Worker
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Child and Youth Care Advanced Diploma

Getting started

  1. Reach out

    Request an appointment or send a message. Tell me a little about your child and what’s been going on.

  2. Parent meeting

    We meet first without your child to talk about your goals and complete the consent forms.

  3. Sessions begin

    Your child starts sessions. Parents stay involved through brief updates at the end of sessions and regular parent meetings, and you’re always welcome to email us with questions.

Families can reach out directly. Referrals from schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations are also welcome.

Fees

Virtual
$150per 60-minute session

Counselling for children and youth up to age 18

In person
$175per 60-minute session

Play-based counselling for ages 2 to 12

Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling. You’ll receive a receipt after each session to submit to your provider. Coverage varies by plan and provider type, so check your plan before booking.

Book an appointment

All sessions are by appointment only. Virtual sessions for children and youth up to age 18 are available now. In-person play-based sessions for ages 2 to 12 in Sault Ste. Marie are coming soon, and you can prebook now to hold your spot.

Book a virtual session Prebook in person

Open every day of the week, by appointment only

Virtual sessions for families in Ontario
In-person location in Sault Ste. Marie coming soon
algomachilddevelopmentwellness@gmail.com

This is not a crisis service. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Sault Area Hospital Crisis Services: 705-759-3398.

Kids Help Phone, 24/7: call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8.

When a child’s needs are outside what the Centre provides, I’ll help connect your family with the right healthcare, specialized, or community service.