Meet Our Team of Psychologists & Therapists

Welcome to Dr. Sala & Associates. Our dedicated team of registered psychologists, therapists, and associates is united by a shared commitment to providing warm, evidence-based care to children, teens, and adults.

Our Clinical Team

Dr. Michelle Sala｜

PhD • CPsych

Founder • Clinical Psychologist • Clinical Director

Dr. Sala is a bilingual clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the field. She has expertise in Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and autism, and provides CBT and mindfulness-based therapy for children, adults, and families. She is also a certified Hypnotherapist.

Dr. Sala earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Université du Québec à Montréal in 1997 and has been registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario since 1998. Originally from Quebec, she has dedicated her career to advancing children’s and family mental health, establishing Dr. Sala & Associates in 2006 to serve clients in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Brantford, and beyond.

Her expertise lies in comprehensive psychological assessments, including:
– Psychoeducational evaluations assessing Learning disabilities for children, teens, and adults
– ADHD and autism spectrum disorder assessments
-Socio-emotional assessments

In treatment, Dr. Sala has a strong foundation in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integrates mindfulness-based approaches, supporting individuals and families facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Dr. Sala received her certification in Hypnosis in 2020 through the University of Toronto and is a member in good standing with the National Guild of Hypnotists.

As a fully bilingual clinician (English and French), Dr. Sala has provided services to school boards, mental health agencies, and community organizations. She is committed to advancing the field through training and supervision of other master’s and doctorate students as well as current professionals. Dr. Sala collaborates as a clinical supervisor with the Narwhal Psychology Consortium, a Canadian Psychological Association accredited residency program for doctoral students completing their clinical training as well as supporting other Master’s level university training programs in their internship placements. Dr. Sala also has extensive experience as a clinical supervisor, guiding numerous registrants through the process of licensure with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Finally, she has worked as an oral examiner with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and as a clinical director with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

Clients and colleagues value Dr. Sala’s compassionate leadership, deep expertise, and dedication to evidence-based care, which continue to guide her team’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality psychological services across the community.

Ms. Charlene Forde-Smith

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MSc • MSW • RSW

Therapist • Psychometrist • Social Worker

Charlene is a Registered Social Worker and Child & Family Therapist who supports children, teens, adults, and parents with a trauma-informed, client-centred approach. She integrates modalities like Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR to help clients process experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change.

Charlene is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Master of Science in Psychology from McMaster University. She also completed an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavioural Studies (Mental Health Specialization), graduating summa cum laude.

As a therapist, Charlene supports children, teens, parents, and adults using a trauma-informed and client-centred approach. She integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities into her work, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Strengths-Based Practice. Charlene is also an EMDR-trained clinician and draws on this training to support clients in processing difficult experiences.

Charlene brings warmth, curiosity, and compassion to her work. She believes that healing happens in relationships, with ourselves and with others, and in spaces where people feel safe, respected, and seen. Her practice is grounded in collaboration and is tailored to each client’s unique identity, context, and goals. Whether supporting a child in managing big feelings, a teen navigating identity or friendships, or a parent seeking support with everyday parenting challenges, she creates space for growth, clarity, and meaningful change.

In addition to her therapy work, Charlene is trained as a psychometrist and has experience administering psycho-educational and socio-emotional assessment measures under the supervision of registered psychologists. This training gives her a foundation in psychological development, learning profiles, and mental health. Charlene brings this lens into her therapy practice, using her understanding of assessment and developmental processes to help identify client needs, inform treatment planning, and collaborate effectively with families, schools, and other professionals as needed.

Ms. Josée Labonté

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MA • CPsych Assoc

Psychological Associate

Josée is a bilingual Psychological Associate with over 20 years of experience in school boards and private practice. She specializes in psychoeducational assessment and therapy, supporting children, youth, and families with learning, attention, and emotional challenges.

Josée is a Registered Psychological Associate in Ontario and Psychoeducational Consultant with extensive experience in both school systems and private settings. She completed a Master’s of Art in Human Development followed by a Master’s of Art in Applied Psychology at Laurentian University.

Fully bilingual, Josée attended French schools in Ontario and continues to provide services in both English and French. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), and Crisis De-escalation (CTRI Train the Trainer).

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Josée provides:
– Psychoeducational and socio-emotional assessments for children, adolescents, and youth

She is an active member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).

Known for her warmth, empathy, and collaborative style, Josée helps children and families better understand their strengths and challenges, building pathways toward confidence and resilience.

Dr. Joshua Wyman

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PhD • CPsych

Registered Psychologist

Dr. Wyman is a bilingual registered psychologist providing assessments and therapy for children, youth, and parents. He has expertise in learning differences, ADHD, autism, and emotional-behavioral challenges, tailoring evidence-based care to each client’s unique needs.

Dr. Wyman completed his Ph.D. in School and Applied Child Psychology at McGill University and is registered for autonomous practice in Ontario. He provides psychological assessments, therapy, parent psychoeducation, and crisis intervention for children and youth (ages 6–19), as well as guidance for parents.

His clinical approach is eclectic and client-centered, drawing on evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), behavior therapy, mindfulness practices, and ADHD-specific interventions. Dr. Wyman tailors his methods to each child’s developmental profile, cultural background, and presenting needs, using a data-driven framework to monitor progress and refine strategies.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Wyman has conducted research on child and youth interviewing in criminal investigations, publishing work on deception detection, moral development, and social skills training for youth with developmental disabilities.

Clients appreciate Dr. Wyman’s thoughtful, individualized care and his commitment to helping young people and their families build resilience, skills, and confidence in navigating challenges.

Dr. Debbie Nifakis

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PhD • CPsych

Registered Psychologist

Dr. Nifakis is a registered psychologist in Ontario with more than 35 years of experience in clinical and counselling psychology. She provides psychotherapy for a wide range of issues, integrating CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support clients with evidence-based, compassionate care.

Dr. Nifakis has had a distinguished career in psychology, holding leadership and clinical roles across university, private, and public settings. For the past 15 years, she has served as Associate Director of Counselling at the Student Wellness Centre at McMaster University, where she has been on staff for three decades. Her career has also included private practice work and serving as Regional Psychologist for the RCMP, where she provided specialized clinical support in demanding contexts.

In her practice at Dr. Sala & Associates, Dr. Nifakis offers individual psychotherapy for a broad range of clinical concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, stress management, emotional regulation, and life transitions. She works from an integrative, evidence-based framework, primarily drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs of the individual.

Beyond direct clinical work, Dr. Nifakis has extensive experience as a clinical supervisor, guiding numerous registrants through the process of licensure with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Clients know Dr. Nifakis for her deep experience, grounded perspective, and supportive presence, which together create a safe and collaborative space for growth and healing.

Ms. Laura Hulak

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BEd • MPsy

Psychological Associate (Supervised Practice)

Laura is a bilingual clinician who conducts psychoeducational, ADHD, socio-emotional and autism assessments for children and youth. With a background in education and special needs support, she brings deep expertise in learning profiles and school-based mental health.

Ms. Laura Hulak holds a Master’s Degree (M.Psy.) in Clinical Psychology from the Adler Graduate Professional School (Toronto). She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from Western University.

Before transitioning into clinical practice, Laura worked for many years as an elementary school teacher, primarily in the role of a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). In this role, she supported students with diverse learning needs and gained extensive experience collaborating with families, educators, and school teams.

Laura’s clinical work at Dr. Sala & Associates focuses on conducting assessments in both English and French. She brings a developmentally informed, educationally grounded perspective to her assessments, ensuring that recommendations are practical, individualized, and supportive of each child’s growth and success.

Passionate about mental health promotion in schools, Laura continues to integrate her background in education with her clinical training, working to bridge the gap between classroom supports and psychological services.

Ms. Meagan Koufis

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MA • RP (Qualifying)

Therapist • Psychometrist

Meagan is a psychometrist and counselling professional with training in assessment and therapy. She supports clients with evidence-based care while drawing on her strong academic and research background in psychology and education.

Meagan completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Waterloo and went on to earn her Master’s of Art in Counselling Psychology at Western University.

During her undergraduate studies, Meagan gained clinical experience as a co-op student in the CAN Lab, assisting with a clinical trial at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Her undergraduate thesis explored the relationship between executive functioning and mental health challenges during the transition to high school.

At the graduate level, her research involved a systematic review of measurement tools used to assess students’ attitudes toward STEM fields. She evaluated their psychometric properties and practical usefulness, contributing to broader educational and clinical applications.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Meagan works as a psychometrist, administering psychoeducational, autism, ADHD and socio-emotional assessments under supervision. She is also pursuing her training as a counsellor, integrating her research and clinical background to support children, youth, and families.

Ms. Dorothy Moffatt

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MEd

Psychometrist • Counsellor

Dorothy is a psychometrist who conducts psychoeducational, socio-emotional, and autism assessments. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience, with a background in supporting children and families through diverse challenges.

Dorothy is not currently accepting new clients.

Dorothy obtained her Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. She has developed extensive experience working with children and families, shaped in part by her upbringing in a home that provided foster care for over 100 children.

Dorothy previously served as a Student Emotional Support Counsellor at a local private school, where she provided ongoing support to children navigating emotional and social challenges. She has also worked extensively in the area of assessment and feedback for families of children with brain injuries, giving her insight into complex developmental and learning needs.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Dorothy completes psychoeducational assessments, socio-emotional assessments, ADHD and autism assessments, helping families gain clarity and practical recommendations for support.

Grounded in both personal and professional experience, Dorothy is deeply committed to holistic wellness and focuses on helping clients draw on their individual strengths to foster resilience and positive growth.

Ms. Alexandra Bazinet

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MA

Psychometrist

Alexandra is a bilingual psychometrist who conducts psychoeducational, ADHD and autism assessments for children and adolescents. She brings experience in neuropsychological testing and has worked with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities.

Alexandra earned her Master’s of Art in Applied Psychology from Laurentian University. She has extensive experience in both neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment, working with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of learning and developmental needs.

Her background also includes conducting assessments with Indigenous populations, where she gained valuable insight into culturally sensitive approaches to care.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Alexandra focuses on conducting psychoeducational, ADHD and autism assessments in both English and French, helping families better understand learning strengths and challenges while providing recommendations that are practical and supportive.

Clients and colleagues appreciate Alexandra’s thorough, compassionate approach and her ability to make the assessment process clear, respectful, and collaborative.

Ms. Madison Bentley

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BA • MEd (Candidate)

Psychometrist

Madison is a graduate student psychometrist who conducts psychoeducational, ADHD, socio-emotional and autism assessments for children and adolescents. With a background in behavioural intervention and graduate training in school psychology, she helps families better understand learning and developmental needs.

Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology from the University of Western Ontario (2021) and is currently completing her internship for her Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary (expected June 2026).

Madison brings extensive experience supporting children across both clinical and community settings. She has worked as a behavioural interventionist and lead instructor therapist, delivering Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism, supporting skill development in communication, adaptive functioning, and school readiness. In these roles, she also contributed to program planning, data collection, progress reporting, and caregiver collaboration.

Her graduate training included a 200-hour clinical practicum at the Centre for Wellness in Education, where she administered and scored cognitive and academic assessments, participated in case conceptualization, and assisted with report writing.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Madison conducts comprehensive assessments for children and adolescents referred through both private and school-based pathways. A Student Affiliate of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), Madison is committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development.

Clients appreciate her thoughtful, detail-oriented, and compassionate approach in helping families gain clarity and direction.

Ms. Sylvie Godin

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MA

Psychometrist

Sylvie is a bilingual psychometrist who conducts psychoeducational and ADHD assessments. She is dedicated to making the assessment process collaborative, supportive, and comfortable for each child and family.

Sylvie earned her Master’s of Art in Early Childhood Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in 2007. She has since built a career focused on helping children and youth better understand their learning and developmental profiles through careful, evidence-based assessment.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Sylvie conducts a range of psychoeducational and autism assessments. Fluent in both English and French, she supports families from diverse backgrounds in gaining clarity about their child’s strengths and challenges.

Her assessment philosophy emphasizes that children and teens should feel at ease and engaged during the process, encouraging them to be active participants in their own journey. By creating a safe and comfortable environment, Sylvie helps families not only receive accurate results but also feel supported and empowered in moving forward.

Ms. Shayla Shewchuk

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HBSc • MA (Candidate)

Psychometrist

Shayla is a graduate student clinician and psychometrist who conducts psychoeducational, ADHD, socio-emotional and autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. She takes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that considers both cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.

Shayla is currently completing her Master’s of Art in Counselling and Clinical Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, where she developed a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Shayla conducts assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Her approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed, aiming to create a collaborative process that not only evaluates cognitive and learning profiles but also considers emotional well-being.

Beyond her clinical work, Shayla volunteers as a distress line responder and trainer, providing crisis support and mentoring new volunteers. She is also actively engaged in research on intimate partner violence and workplace violence in healthcare settings, focusing on their effects on psychological functioning and occupational well-being. This research continues to inform her holistic and evidence-based clinical practice.

Clients appreciate Shayla’s warmth, thoughtful approach, and commitment to making assessments a supportive, empowering experience.

Ms. Michelle Tomson

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MA•PhD (Education)•BCBA•RBA

Psychometrist • Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

Michelle is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and psychological consultant with over 20 years of experience in applied behaviour analysis and developmental learning. She brings a global, evidence-based perspective to supporting children, youth, and families.

Michelle holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies (University of Windsor, 2014) with a focus on learning and cognition, a Master’s of Art in Psychology (University of Nevada, Reno, 2005), and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (McMaster University, 2003). She is also a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Analyst (RBA), with more than two decades of clinical and academic experience.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Michelle works as a psychological consultant and psychometrist, with a focus in psychoeducational, ADHD and autism assessments, child and adolescent mental health, and emotional regulation. Her practice emphasizes inclusive, culturally sensitive care and the use of evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies to help each client reach their full potential.

Alongside her clinical expertise, Michelle has had a distinguished career as an educator and researcher, serving as a professor and program coordinator in postsecondary psychology, autism, and education programs. She has also led international training projects in countries such as India, Guatemala, and Ecuador, integrating intercultural awareness and global perspectives into her professional practice.

Clients and colleagues value Michelle’s depth of experience, collaborative style, and commitment to fostering success in diverse learning and mental health contexts.

Ms. Carolyne James

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BA (Hons)

Psychometrist

Carolyne is a bilingual psychometrist with over a decade of experience conducting psychoeducational, ADHD, socio-emotional and autism assessments for children and youth. She is known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach, combining professional expertise with lived experience as a parent of a neurodiverse young adult.

Carolyne holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with First Class Standing from Brock University (2012). Since 2013, she has specialized in conducting psychoeducational and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and adolescents ages 5–19.

Carolyne works full-time with ta French school board and joined Dr. Sala & Associates in 2024. She brings strong expertise in understanding learning profiles, attention, and socio-emotional development, helping families gain clarity and tailored recommendations to support success at school and home.

Before transitioning into psychology, Carolyne worked in the corporate sector at Canadian Tire Financial Services. In 2012, she made the intentional decision to pursue more meaningful work supporting children’s learning and development.

As the mother of a neurodiverse young adult, Carolyne brings both professional insight and personal understanding to her practice. She believes that every child has unique potential that deserves to be recognized and nurtured, and she is dedicated to helping families feel supported through the assessment process.

Ms. Aadhiya Vasudeva

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MA • PhD (Candidate)

Associate

Aadhiya is a graduate student clinician and psychometrist working with children and youth. She is dedicated to helping children and youth achieve their best potential through collaborative, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practices.

What is FAQ?

Ms. Aadhiya Vasudeva holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Research Specialist) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. She is currently completing her PhD in Education Studies, specializing in School and Applied Child Psychology, at the University of Western Ontario.

At Dr. Sala & Associates, Aadhiya provides psychoeducational, ADHD, and socioemotional assessments, as well as therapeutic services, under the supervision of Dr. Sala. She believes that every child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. Her approach is collaborative, strength-based, and grounded in principles of cultural humility, with the goal of helping children and families feel seen and supported throughout the process.

In therapy, Aadhiya helps children and adolescents better understand themselves and develop the tools and confidence to navigate challenges such as anxiety, school avoidance, low mood, and self-harming thoughts or behaviours. Her therapeutic orientation is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), although she also draws on other models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), as needed to best meet the needs of each child.

Beyond her clinical work, Aadhiya has nearly a decade of experience in gender-based violence prevention and survivor advocacy. Her work in this area has included facilitating consent workshops for college and university students, collaborating with community agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of violence prevention programming, and supporting survivors in accessing needed resources as a crisis line responder. This background continues to inform her holistic and trauma-informed clinical practice.

Ms. Leah Poplestone

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MSW • RSW

Therapist • Social Worker

Leah is a Registered Social Worker with experience supporting children, youth, and families in hospital and community settings. She helps clients navigate concerns related to anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, and body image through collaborative, evidence-based, and strength-focused approaches.

What is FAQ?

Leah completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Toronto, where she focused on clinical practice with individuals and families. She has worked in both hospital and community settings, including McMaster Children’s Hospital, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, and ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids). Across these settings, Leah supported young people and families with concerns related to anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, and body image.

Leah’s therapeutic approach draws on several evidence-based modalities, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), Adolescent Focused Therapy (AFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies. She believes in tailoring treatment to each client’s unique strengths, values, and goals, creating a collaborative and safe space for growth.

Our Administrative Team

Ms. Michelle Dureault-Lapointe

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SSW

Office Manager•Coach

Michelle helps create a welcoming and seamless experience for every client and family. With diplomas in Social Service Work and Business Administration, she blends strong organization with genuine care, guiding clients from their first call through ongoing support. Michelle has also worked alongside Dr. Sala in school settings, supporting children in applying therapy strategies in real-world environments. Her warmth, steadiness, and attentiveness make her a trusted presence at the heart of the practice.

Michelle is the welcoming presence at the heart of Dr. Sala & Associates. For more than fifteen years, she has been a steady source of warmth, compassion, and organization, ensuring that every client and family feels truly cared for from the very first interaction.

In her role as Office Manager, Michelle weaves together care and coordination. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the practice, making sure schedules, communication, and administrative details are handled with ease and accuracy. Her thoughtful approach ensures that clients can focus on their own healing journey while feeling confident that the logistics are taken care of with skill and care.

Michelle is often the first person families meet when they reach out, and she understands how important those early moments are. She brings patience, empathy, and a calm presence that helps put people at ease, even in times of uncertainty or stress. Whether answering a phone call, guiding someone through scheduling, or offering reassurance in a difficult moment, Michelle has a natural gift for making people feel heard and supported. Her kindness, reliability, and ability to bring calm to busy days have made her an irreplaceable part of the team and a trusted point of connection for countless families over the years.

Ms. Lindsey teBrake

Administrative Assistant

Lindsey is the Administrative Assistant at Dr. Sala & Associates, bringing over 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and professionals. With a background that includes work in the education system and the public sector, she offers both skill and compassion in guiding families through services and supports.

Lindsey brings over 15 years of experience and background in administration to her role at Dr. Sala & Associates. Her career has included work within the education system as well as the public sector, where she gained valuable insight into child and family supports and the systems that surround them.

At the clinic, Lindsey’s role focuses on the behind-the-scenes details that keep the practice running smoothly. She supports the team with scheduling, organization, and administrative coordination, ensuring that processes are efficient and reliable. Though she works primarily in the background, Lindsey’s attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make her an integral part of the practice. Her work helps create the foundation for the caring, supportive environment that families experience at Dr. Sala & Associates.

Luca Golarz

Digital Operations Manager

Luca supports the business operations and digital strategy of Dr. Sala & Associates. With a background in commerce and a passion for technology, he develops tools and systems that make our services more accessible and efficient for clients and families.

Luca is completing his Honours Bachelor of Commerce at McMaster University. Alongside his academic training, he brings a strong interest in technology, data, and business systems to his role at Dr. Sala & Associates.

Luca has played a key role in developing the practice’s website, digital infrastructure, and Excel-based client database, ensuring that both clinicians and clients benefit from clear, efficient, and reliable systems. His contributions support the clinic’s commitment to accessible, streamlined, and high-quality care.

With a dual passion for finance and innovation, Luca is focused on creating sustainable business solutions and leveraging technology to enhance the client experience. His behind-the-scenes work helps ensure that families engaging with Dr. Sala & Associates encounter a smooth, professional, and welcoming process from start to finish.