Clinical & Forensic Social Work Services

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ABOUT MACKENZIE CLINIC

Experienced.
Committed.

Innovative, high-quality service you can depend on.

Mackenzie Clinic is a unique private group practice offering clinical, forensic and child services for individuals and families. We are comprised of highly trained social work clinicians and psychotherapists each with decades of experience in various settings and different populations.

Our goal is to help you improve your overall wellness and life satisfaction by following the best clinical practices informed by the latest empirical research. Our professionals are client-centered and tailor their approach to meet your specific needs.

Clinicians at Mackenzie Clinic provide in-person services in Vaughan and virtually across Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

01.

Areas of Expertise

Specialized Forensic Services

Expert forensic support for families navigating separation and high-conflict situations, always centred on the well-being of children.

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Clinical Services

Supportive therapy services for individuals, couples, and families, focused on healing, connection, and emotional well-being.

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Specialized Services for Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Supportive, trauma-informed therapy for individuals and families affected by intimate partner and family violence, helping clients heal, build safety, and regain stability in their lives.

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Training & Presentations

Practical training and presentations for community organizations and professionals on topics like high-conflict separation, parent-child contact challenges, and effective support strategies.

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02.

Meet The Team

Shely Polak

Founder & Clinic Director

Diana Polak

Senior Clinician

Ricardo Theoduloz

Senior Clinician

Jessica Furman

Clinician

Maytal Michaelov

Clinician

Savanna Smith

Clinician

Chelsea Kellner
Erin Powley
Jennifer Gottesman
Eve Chapnik

At Mackenzie Clinic We’re Here To Help

Learn How

03.

Work With Us

If you are interested in employment with Mackenzie Clinic, please submit your curriculum vitae with a cover letter. We are looking forward to working with you!

For internship opportunities please contact admin@mackenzieclinic.ca

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04.

Fees

Fees will vary from $220-$450 per hour depending on the clinician and the specific service provided. Your extended health care benefits plan may fully or partially cover the fees for service. Please check your benefits plan, under ‘counselling services’, for information regarding coverage for services provided by a “registered social worker” or “registered mental health professional”.

You will be provided with a receipt to submit to your insurance company. Mackenzie Clinic will not bill your third-party health insurance. Payment is accepted in the form of EMT, personal check, or credit card unless specified in advance of service.

Clinical Services
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Clinical services (e.g., psychotherapy) are billed based on a 55-minute clinical hour. Payment is requested in full at the time of service. Mackenzie Clinic does not communicate with or bill any third party (insurance) carriers.

Court-related (forensic) services
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Court-related (forensic) services (e.g., mediation, parenting coordination, parenting plan evaluation) are billed based on a 60-minute hour. Payment is either due in full at the time of service and/or is deducted from retainer funds held against anticipated costs. These details are clarified in advance of service provision as part of a Service Agreement that your clinician at Mackenzie Clinic will prepare specific to the proposed service.

05.

Contact Us

To request service from Dr. Polak, prospective clients are asked to email shely@mackenzieclinic.ca. Legal counsel can contact Dr. Polak directly to inquire about specific services and availability for service.

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As of February 1st 2023, Mackenzie Clinic will be located at 400 Bradwick Drive Suite 207 Vaughan, ON

Shely Polak

Founder/Clinic Director & Senior Clinician

shely@mackenzieclinic.ca

Dr. Polak holds a Master of Social Work degree and a PhD from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. She is a registered social worker and has been awarded the designation of accredited family mediation (Acc.FM) by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. Her mediation/negotiation training has included Harvard Law School’s Negotiation and Leadership Program.

Dr. Polak’s private practice provides specialized services related to families impacted by separation and divorce including: parenting plan evaluation (S.30 assessments), family mediation, reintegration therapy, voice of the child reports, parenting coordination, and therapeutic services for children and families impacted by divorce.

Her doctoral research focused on the practice of reintegration therapy for children who resist parental contact post-separation. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters on topics related to separated/divorced families involved with the court system. She is a frequent presenter at national and international professional and academic conferences in the area of high conflict separation/divorce and parent-child contact problems. Dr. Polak is a past speaker at the Family Law Summit, the Six Minute Family Law Lawyer, and the Association for Family and Conciliation Courts.

Dr. Polak was the recipient of the Nicolas Bala Award for Excellence in Children & Family Law in October 2016. She is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers, Ontario Association of Social Workers, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the Ontario Association of Family Mediators. She is Past President of the Board of Directors for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Ontario Chapter.

 

Expertise

Family Law/Specialized clinical forensic services
Case Consultations
Expert Reports
Training/Continuing Professional Education

See attached CV

 

Diana Polak

Senior Clinician

diana@mackenzieclinic.ca
905.508.1967

Diana Polak is a former psychologist from her native country of Uruguay/Argentina. She completed a Master of Social Work degree from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, New York and has been practicing as a registered social worker for over 15 years. Diana has extensive clinical experience in the fields of mood disorders, mental health, marriage and couple’s counselling, domestic violence, and child protection.

Diana specializes in helping couples who are experiencing relationship distress, helping separated parents arrive at joint decisions with respect to their children. Diana’s approach to working with couples focuses on decreasing conflict and enhancing positive interactions within their relationship.

 

Expertise

Family/Law Forensic Services (mediation, parent coordination, reunification therapy, parenting plan assessments)
Marriage and Couples Therapy
Interpersonal Difficulties
Domestic Violence

See attached CV

 

Ricardo Theoduloz

Senior Clinician

ricardo@mackenzieclinic.ca
905.508.1967

Ricardo Theoduloz has spent upwards of ten years in the field of child welfare. Ricardo’s skill in working with families experiencing conflict was gained through his years of involvement with the High Conflict Forum. The Forum aimed to enhance the awareness of the changes facing children and parents who were coping with post-separation conflict. This invaluable experience furthered Ricardo's understanding of the myriad of approaches to assisting these families, and the importance of a finding a child-centred approach including communication and collaboration with all involved parties.

Ricardo’s private practice assists families impacted by separation and divorce through individual counselling, parenting plan evaluations, parent coaching and supported access.

 

Expertise

Parenting Plan Evaluations
Voice of the Child Reports
Parent Coaching
Supervised/Supported Access

See attached CV

 

Jessica Furman

Clinician

jessica@mackenzieclinic.ca
905.508.1967

Jessica Furman is a clinical social worker with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from McMaster University and Ryerson University. Jessica has been practicing social work for over 15 years and has worked as a clinical therapist in diverse settings including children's mental health settings and social service community settings.

Jessica has specialized knowledge and experience working in and alongside the child welfare system. She has experience running group programs for women and children exposed to domestic violence, as well as child focused groups for parents and children experiencing anxiety. Ms. Furman is a licensed “Caring Dad’s” facilitator with experience running groups for fathers with a history of domestic violence with a focus on parenting post-separation and divorce.

Jessica also worked in the priority access for child welfare program while working in children’s mental health, providing therapeutic intervention for families with complex needs.

Jessica offers client-centered therapy using an attachment-informed and trauma-informed lens. Working from an attachment-informed lens means Jessica values relationships and connection. Working from a trauma-informed lens means Jessica understands how your history and lived experiences impacts your beliefs, values, and attitudes. Jessica utilizes various modalities to help you make meaning of your experiences. including: Narrative, Cognitive Behavioural, Solution-Focused, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness approaches.

Jessica has lived and worked all over the world including Sweden, Israel, Ireland and Finland. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

 

Expertise & Services Provided

Family Therapy
Individual and Child Therapy
Parent Counselling for Fathers

See attached CV

 

Maytal Michaelov

Clinician

maytal@mackenzieclinic.ca
905.508.1967

Maytal is a registered clinical social worker who brings 10+ years of experience working with children and families. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master’s degree in Social Work and is an accredited family mediator and parenting coach.

Maytal’s primary area of focus is dispute resolution and supporting clients in high conflict situations, separation, and divorce. She has always worked to prioritize the voice and perspective of children through her work in child protection and has extensive experience working with children at different developmental stages. Maytal has led investigations of child abuse and neglect, specializing in creating agreements that set the groundwork for productive and child-focused post-separation family relationships.

In addition to her direct work in child welfare, Maytal brings expertise in delivering clinical services and coaching to support individuals and couples in high-conflict situations.

Maytal is fluent in English and Hebrew. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with friends, family and her dogs. She also has a passion for musicals and theater.

 

Expertise

Family Mediation
Parent Coordination
Voice of the Child Reports

See attached CV

 

Savanna Smith

Collaborative • Holistic • CBT & ACT • Adult Burnout Specialist

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Registered Nurse, I’m passionate about supporting adults through periods of emotional distress, transition, and recovery. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma, including concerns related to separation, divorce, and other significant life changes. My approach is collaborative and holistic, recognizing that each person brings a unique combination of experiences, stressors, and strengths to therapy.

I specialize in working with adults navigating burnout, mood difficulties, and anxiety, offering a grounded and empowering therapeutic experience. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to increase insight and shift unhelpful patterns, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients reconnect with their values and take purposeful action, I support meaningful and sustainable change rather than short-term solutions.

Clients can expect a warm, down-to-earth therapeutic environment where they feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their process. Whether someone is overwhelmed, coping with loss, adjusting to major life transitions, or feeling stuck in survival mode, my goal is to help clients build resilience, restore a sense of self, and move toward greater balance and emotional well-being.

At Mackenzie Clinic, I am committed to helping clients slow down, breathe deeper, and rebuild from the inside out—with clarity, intention, and support at every step.

See attached CV

 

Chelsea Kellner

chelsea@mackenzieclinic.ca
905.508.1967

Chelsea holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University. She is a registered social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children, youth, and families. Her work focuses on nurturing safe and healthy relationships, supporting emotional wellness, and promoting positive children’s behaviour.

Chelsea’s experience leading child welfare investigations has given her a deep understanding of family dynamics and the skills to navigate complex situations, with a special focus on co-parenting following a separation or divorce. She is passionate about helping families manage the nuances of different developmental stages and understand each member’s uniques needs. In her private practice, Chelsea employs attachment-focused parenting approaches to guide families in setting effective and compassionate boundaries. She integrates various therapeutic modalities and a strengths-based approach to create a supportive environment that promotes holistic healing, resilience, and access to personal-growth and wellbeing.

Outside of her professional life, Chelsea enjoys exploring new restaurants, spending quality time with her family and friends, practicing yoga, and playing fetch with her dog.

 

Expertise

Individual and Child Therapy
Parenting Support
Family and Reunification Therapy

See attached CV

 

Erin Powley

erin@mackenzieclinic.ca

Erin has been working as a clinical social worker for over 10 years. She has experience in various settings including hospital emergency departments, inpatient mental health units, sexual assault and violence services, correctional facilities, and child welfare. Erin has worked with families involved in the court system experiencing parent-child contact problems post-separation. She has received training by leading experts in the field on managing parent-child contact problems. Her career has been multifaceted and has included working with individuals and couples, facilitating groups, and providing support and psychoeducation to families. Erin expertly selects therapeutic approaches and treatments to empower her clients by fostering self-awareness and teaching skills that can change problematic thinking patterns and behavioural responses.  Erin draws from a variety of treatment modalities including DBT, CBT, brief solution-focused therapy, trauma focused, family systems, and culturally sensitive therapy.  She works within an Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression framework.

 

Expertise

Individual and Child therapy
Parental support and psychoeducation
DBT
Voice of the Child Reports
Multi-Faceted Family Therapy

See attached CV

 

Jennifer Gottesman

jen@mackenzieclinic.ca

(905) 508-1967

Jen Gottesman is a social worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University in New York.  Jen has been practicing social work for over 20 years; she has worked as a clinical social worker, group worker, student supervisor, and program coordinator, in a variety of settings. 

Jen provides supportive counselling around healthy relationships, separation & divorce, parenting, self-identity & life transitions. Jen has specialized knowledge in domestic violence, including working with women and children who have experienced violence in their homes, families and relationships. 

Jen utilizes evidence-informed practices in her work with clients. Using a strength-based perspective to support her clients, Jen believes that each individual is an expert of their own life. Her goal is to empower individuals to live their life as they want to live.

 

Areas of Expertise

Parenting Support
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy for Teens & Adults
Domestic Violence

See attached CV

 

Eve Chapnik

eve@mackenzieclinic.ca
905.508.1967

Eve works with children affected by separation and divorce, offering a compassionate and client-centered approach to counselling. Her practice is firmly rooted in attachment and trauma-informed perspectives, focusing on fostering skills that promote resilience to empower children and their families. Eve holds a Master of Arts in Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from Western University and has received training in therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other Mindfulness-Based approaches. With years of experience at The Child and Adolescent Psychology (CAP) Center, Eve has developed an understanding of the complex factors contributing to adjustment difficulties in childhood. Eve integrates a systems-based perspective into her practice. This ensures that treatment plans are personalized to the unique needs and circumstances of each child and their family, taking into account broader contexts and systems influencing the lives of her clients. Her primary goal is to provide children and families with compassionate guidance to promote social-emotional wellbeing for children across all developmental stages.

 

Expertise

Individual and Child Counselling
Parenting Support and Psychoeducation
Family Counselling

See attached CV