Candidate Statements

I, Anabel Helen, am writing this Candidate Statement to express my interest in joining the Council as a practicing member of District 7 – Central.

There are many motivators behind my desire to join the Council, such as wanting to maintain high standards of practice and fostering the public’s confidence in the profession. Amongst all, my most personally relevant and important reason is the College’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in psychotherapy.

I immigrated to Canada from a country that stigmatized mental health care. I was raised with the notions that it was “abnormal” to have mental health problems and that seeking help was “dramatic” or “crazy”.

Once I lived in Canada for some time, I came to realize how mistaken my assumptions were. Through open, genuine conversations with my peers, I learned that mental health concerns were common and seeking care for them was as necessary as seeking other types of medical care.

I have come to believe that for us to support accessibility of mental health services, we need to build trust and connection with fellow Ontarians, which cannot be separated from diversity and inclusion efforts.

As a member of Council, I want to bring my experience as a person who immigrated to Canada, who feels a part of multiple cultures, and who understands the sheer terror of seeking help in a way that I was never taught to.

I have had the privilege since 2015, to have been a non-council appointee to the ICRC (Inquiries, Complaints & Reports committee) of CRPO.

More recently I was appointed to the leadership role of ICRC Committee Chair and have had the honour of supporting the ICRC in becoming more trauma-informed and robust in our processes.

From 2020, when I became an elected Council member, I have been active on numerous Council committees whose mandate is both public protection and ensuring adherence to practice standards and ethical professional practice.

Over my tenure with CRPO I have learned the depth of engaged thinking that is necessary to give a “right touch” approach to governance and oversight such that CRPO aligns with the mandate of protecting the public, without being heavy handed in doing so.

Since 2022, I have been on the CRPO Executive which has been an invaluable experience in deepening my governance experience & knowledge-base of fiduciary responsibilities.  At this stage in my career, having been a psychotherapist for over 37 years, a supervisor, activist and educator, I would be deeply honoured to continue to serve on Council and assist CRPO to continue in its current trajectory of being a recognized leader in regulatory excellence in Ontario, and a model for other healthcare regulators.

It is in this spirit that I put forward my candidacy for the CRPO Council.

I am running to become an elected professional member for District 7 on the CRPO Council.

Prior to becoming a Registered Psychotherapist in 2022, I worked for more than 25 years in the Ontario health care sector. I understand how the health system operates, including the systems and structures that support collaboration between government and professionals to deliver care. I have volunteered for many non-profit boards and have experience in governance, fiduciary responsibility, and strategic planning.

My work has always focused on improving access to care, enhancing decision-making, and empowering people to have real choices. In more recent years, I have worked in health equity, aiming to address the biases inherent in health care that lead to poor outcomes for specific populations.

In 2020, I decided to return to school and train to become a psychotherapist as a way of reconnecting with my original motivation for working in health care – to have a meaningful impact. When I first began my career, I was committed to supporting a health care system that was more responsive and dignified for the most vulnerable individuals.

Becoming a psychotherapist has brought me back to those foundational values of person-centered care. This has been incredibly rewarding, and I would now like to pair this with a system-level work to support a strong and safe profession for years to come.

I hope that my experience and foundation in both health policy and governance, combined with a deep commitment to public service, will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the CRPO Council and to our profession.

I have been practicing psychotherapy as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) since late 2022, and I’m proud to have recently submitted my clinical hours for review in pursuit of full RP status. The path to this point has been deeply meaningful, and I’m eager to take the next step in my professional development by contributing to the important work of the CRPO.

Over the past 3 years, I have worked as a sole practitioner, an experience that has given me a clear understanding of the responsibilities and ethical standards that underpin safe and effective psychotherapy. I’ve seen firsthand how regulatory guidance supports public protection and client trust, and I’m committed to upholding and strengthening these foundations across our profession.

My mentorship under Kali Hewitt-Blackie has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of “right-touch” governance – regulation that is proportionate, ethical, and client-centered. This mentorship has fostered in me a strong appreciation for the role of the regulator in maintaining high standards of practice while supporting practitioner development and accountability.

Before entering the mental health field, I spent five years in the legal sector. This experience gave me valuable insight into the interpretation and application of regulatory frameworks, administrative fairness, and the inner workings of complex systems – skills directly relevant to the CRPO’s oversight responsibilities. Additionally, I bring strong technological proficiency, which supports effective communication, collaboration, and engagement with CRPO processes.

While I would be new to the role of council member, I bring a deep respect for the CRPO’s mandate and a readiness to serve the public interest through thoughtful, ethical, and informed governance.

I am seeking election to the CRPO Council because I believe strongly in championing ethical, effective, and innovative psychotherapy for Ontarians.

Through my own practice, which focuses primarily on men’s mental health, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of evidence-based therapy delivered with cultural and gender sensitivity and professional integrity.

I want to bring these same commitments to Council. In my view, good governance, prudent financial stewardship, and strategic planning are critical for any regulatory body. I have experience overseeing budgets, supervising fellow clinicians, and making decisions that uphold both professional and ethical standards. In doing so, I’ve learned that collaborative, respectful dialogue—especially when it is inquisitive, challenging, and grounded in best practices—helps drive better outcomes.

Clients in my practice often come from diverse backgrounds, and I have worked diligently to adapt therapy in ways that respect each person’s culture, faith, and personal identity. I would bring this inclusive perspective to Council as it develops policies and sets direction for the profession. Likewise, having integrated technology into my own clinic (through secure telehealth platforms and thoughtful data management), I understand how digital tools can expand service options and enhance accountability.

My academic background includes a Certificate in Law from the University of Montreal, a MSc in Psychology from the University of Liverpool, and an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I worked for a decade in the Ontario Public Service, including some time as a Liaison to the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman. If entrusted with a seat on Council, I will strive to ensure that CRPO decisions are future-oriented, evidence-based, fiscally responsible, and always guided by our primary mandate: to protect the public while supporting excellence in psychotherapy.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve.

As a Registered Psychotherapist, physician, immigrant, and healthcare consultant, I bring a multifaceted perspective grounded in clinical care, system-level leadership, and lived experience. I am committed to upholding the CRPO’s mandate to protect the public interest by ensuring safe, effective, and ethical psychotherapy practice.

My clinical work has taught me that healing involves more than therapy alone; it requires addressing the broader determinants of health. This understanding has been deepened through my roles in community mental health settings and as a consultant on health system improvement projects.

I have also contributed to CRPO’s Quality Assurance and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI proto group) initiatives, reflecting my dedication to continuous improvement and inclusive practices. Professional integrity, to me, means adhering to the highest ethical standards and advocating for fairness and equity in all aspects of practice. I recognize the importance of clear ethical frameworks and guidance on practitioner liability to strengthen the credibility of our profession and protect clients effectively.

Through my academic role at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, I have emphasized evidence-based, system-integrated care. I believe that the future of psychotherapy will require thoughtful integration of new models, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical use of emerging technologies.

If elected, I will bring evidence-based thinking, practical wisdom, and a strong commitment to mentorship, ensuring that CRPO remains a trusted, inclusive, and forward-looking regulator.

As a dedicated Registered Psychotherapist and health leader with over 15 years of experience in the mental health sector, I am seeking election to the CRPO Council because I care deeply about this profession and the people we serve.

Over the course of my career, I’ve worked as a front-line therapist, clinical supervisor, and now as a Director of Service in a community-based child and youth mental health agency.

Across all these roles, one thing has remained constant: my commitment to ethical, equitable, and accessible care.

In my current role, I’ve led strategic initiatives that strengthen service quality and client safety, and I understand how sound governance, transparency, and collaboration support both public trust and practitioner accountability. I’ve seen firsthand how regulation grounded in integrity protects clients and uplifts the profession.

I bring a strong foundation in governance, financial stewardship, risk management, and regulatory knowledge. My strengths lie in systems thinking, strategic planning, and fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued.

I am also pursuing a Master of Health Administration and have recently completed a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt designation—as part of my ongoing commitment to professional growth and quality improvement.

I am experienced in leveraging secure digital tools, data systems, and video conferencing platforms to support clinical oversight, service delivery, and effective governance. I value reciprocal learning and supporting others in developing their voice, critical thinking, and ethical judgment.

I believe CRPO Council has an essential role in navigating evolving health system pressures while staying true to its public protection mandate. If elected, I will bring a grounded, relational approach—one rooted in listening, learning, and leading with purpose.

I would be honoured to contribute to the future of psychotherapy in Ontario alongside others who share a passion for service, integrity, and meaningful change.

My motivation to apply for this position is grounded in my feelings that have steadily grown since being privileged to work in this field, as a psychotherapist. I have come to realize and respect the significant contribution this cohort of professionals extends to the public.

I feel that my previous educational and experiential experiences, in both bioethics and law provide me with the structure to maintain the professionalism both with clients and working with the CRPO.  I am vigilant to conflict of interest and non-bias.

I devote my non-session time to elevating my skills and expertise in this profession so that clients are offered therapy appropriate to their needs and their lifestyle.  I have regularly enrolled in continuing education courses with the hope to provide clients with knowledgeable and scientifically-based therapy, always focused on their best interests.

I am devoted to continually working on professional excellence and hope to work with the CRPO to maintain and preserve these standards for all psychotherapists preserving the public’s safety.  I have the experience working on committees reviewing professionals’ potential conflict of interest, promoting colleagues’ continuing education needs and initiating discussions on the best interests of the public.

In this capacity, accuracy in evaluation and decision-making have always been essential to serving the public through the vigilance to professional standards and directives of overseeing organizations, such as the CRPO.  It is my hope to be able to work with the esteemed members of the CRPO in whatever capacity my skills and experience would be beneficial.

Advancing this organization and the dedicated professionals is a goal to which I aspire.   With respect, I feel that my education and work history might could contribute to important work undertaken by the CRPO.

My name is Michael Machan and I am very pleased to offer my candidacy for District 8.  Six years ago, I completed my initial successful bid for a role with the council of the CRPO.

Since then, my regulatory experience has developed from my contributions to the Registration, Examination, and Disciplinary Committees, and my current position on the executive committee. Presently, I serve as Chair of the Registration Committee and Vice-President of the CRPO Council.  I look forward to the opportunity to build on and continue this work.

I am a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and although I am not completely defined by this part of me, it has informed and directed me to be a thoughtful, collaborative and respectful human being as I work with others in the regulatory mandate of protecting the public.

I consider myself to be a seasoned professional with a diverse background in banking, psychology, and psychotherapy, complemented by extensive experience in professional regulation. I began my professional career in retail banking in 1989 where, I played a pivotal part in addressing the training needs of retail employees during the merger of Canada Trust and Toronto Dominion Bank.

In 2008, I pursued further education at the University of Western Ontario, earning an Honours Double Major in Psychology and World Religion.  I continued my academic journey with a Master of Arts in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality from Saint Paul University in Ottawa. Post-graduation, I became the Director of the Saint Paul University Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, integrating practicum requirements for the Master of Arts program and contributing to the university’s recognition by the CRPO.

Currently, I operate a full-time private practice in rural Ontario – where I integrate my farm’s bucolic environment into therapeutic treatments focusing on couples, families, and individuals and clinical supervision.

I am honored to put forward my candidacy for a position on the CRPO Council, motivated by a deep commitment to public protection and the advancement of accessible, equitable, and culturally responsive mental health care.

With extensive experience as a Registered Psychotherapist, Educator, and academic leader, I bring a well-rounded, evidence-informed perspective grounded in frontline care, education, and research.

Throughout my career, I have consistently advocated for high standards in clinical practice and for mental health services that reflect the diverse needs of various individuals and communities. I have spearheaded initiatives to improve care quality and designed curriculum frameworks that foster competence, ethical reasoning, and reflective practice among future practitioners.

My work is grounded in equity, trauma-informed practice, and cultural humility, all of which align with CRPO’s commitment to public protection. I have a proven record of engaging diverse stakeholders, including students, practitioners, educators, and community leaders, to advance safe and inclusive mental health services. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that our regulatory frameworks reflect the evolving needs of the public we serve, and I welcome the opportunity to bring this lens to Council discussions.

Serving on Council would be a continuation of my commitment to support a high standard of professional practice. I value collaborative dialogue and sound policy development that prioritizes safety, accountability, and public trust. It would be a privilege to serve and give back to the profession in this meaningful way to ensure that mental health services in Ontario remain safe, inclusive, and rooted in excellence.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I would be privileged to serve and contribute to the essential work of CRPO Council.