Melissa Perez
Toronto,ON
Summary
Grounded and relational Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying transitioning from a clinical background in nursing, bringing extensive experience supporting individuals navigating acute vulnerability, trauma, and distress. Integrates an attachment-informed and psychodynamic lens with structured cognitive interventions to support self understanding and promote psychological change. Demonstrates a strong foundation in complex diagnostic indicators, trauma-informed care, and early psychosis prevention through published clinical research. Dedicated to providing culturally responsive, ethical, and compassionate care to clients healing from early life adversity, complex trauma, and anxiety.
Overview
4
4
Languages
1
1
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying
Origins Psychotherapy
Toronto, ON
08.2026 - Current
- Conduct individual therapy sessions to facilitate client emotional growth.
- Develop personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address diverse mental health issues.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams when required to ensure holistic client care and support.
- Document client progress in confidential files.
- Educate clients about mental health conditions and coping strategies.
- Establish a safe and supportive environment for clients where open communication and trust are highly valued during therapy sessions.
- Utilize mindfulness techniques during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness for managing stressors.
Co-facilitator Mindfulness Psychoeducation Group
Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism at New College, University of Toronto
02.2026 - 03.2026
- Facilitated exploration of mindfulness practices to enhance communication in difficult relationships
- Co-developed mindfulness strategies to strengthen personal identity awareness
- Supported planning and execution of collaborative workshops and events.
- Assisted in developing training materials to enhance participant engagement.
- Facilitated discussions and exercises to promote team collaboration and learning.
Student Psychotherapist Intern
Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism
Toronto, ON
09.2025 - 04.2026
- Provided individual psychotherapy under clinical supervision, utilizing evidence-informed approaches to support clients presenting with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and relational concerns.
- Conducted intake assessments and developed collaborative treatment plans while ensuring accurate clinical documentation aligned with ethical and regulatory standards.
- Conducted individual therapy sessions to support client mental health needs.
- Documented client progress and maintained accurate case notes for review.
- Collaborated with supervisors to refine therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Researched evidence-based practices to enhance therapeutic approaches used in sessions.
- Participated in supervision meetings, providing insights on client cases and outcomes.
- Assisted in developing treatment plans tailored to client objectives.
- Implemented feedback from assessments to adjust therapeutic strategies effectively.
- Helped connect clients with community resources relevant to their specific needs, facilitating a well-rounded approach to recovery.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies as needed, ensuring client safety and appropriate referrals for additional services.
- Engaged in reflective practice through supervision sessions, refining therapeutic skills and addressing areas for growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in psychotherapy.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
- Promoted self-care among clients by teaching stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness exercises and deep breathing practices.
- Delivered culturally sensitive care, taking into account diverse backgrounds and individual needs of clients.
- Introduced meditation, guided imagery, and breathing techniques.
- Applied Buddhist teachings, principles, and contemplative practices to support clients in understanding and responding to specific life challenges and sources of suffering upon request.
Research assistant
Pierce Development Lab, York University
Toronto
01.2022 - 2024
- Assisted in pilot testing 3-month-old infants for longitudinal EEG study on joint attention, contributing to foundational research in early neurodevelopment.
- Participated in bi-weekly meetings for longitudinal project on effects of stress and adversity in low-SES infant neurodevelopment, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Revised Redcap study questionnaires to enhance clarity and accuracy by assessing length, correcting errors, and eliminating duplicates.
- Revision of Redcap study questionnaires to assess length, defect errors, duplicates, etc.
- Journal review and presentation on Environmental Adversity Associated with Psychopathology, Maturation, and Brain Behavior Parameters in Youths (Gur et al., 2020).
- Supervisor: Dr. Lara J. Pierce
Research Assistant
C.A.N.N. Lab, York University
Toronto
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Conducted literature review on decision-making and ambiguity to inform research direction
- Pilot tested decision-making battery and memory tasks for fMRI aging intervention study to evaluate cognitive responses
- Administered multiform decision-making battery to university students and older adults to assess cognitive performance across age groups
- Trained in administration of numerous neuropsychological tests e.g., MMSE, MOCA
- Proficiency is scoring BECK depression inventory & semantic fluency assessments
- Administered semantic verbal fluency battery
- Supervisor: Dr. Gary Turner
BSO Assistant (Behavioral Support Ontario)
Dom Lipa
Etobicoke
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Managed responsive behaviors and implemented creative solutions for patients with challenging cognitive impairments, enhancing overall patient care.
- Oversaw therapeutic interventions and performance of PSWs for residents with responsive behaviors in collaboration with nursing administration, ensuring quality support.
- Completed assessments and developed strategies for the targeted risk population during pre-admission and admission.
- Recommended bio-psychosocial support strategies and applied clinical reasoning to adjust physical and social environments, aligning with residents' abilities and life stories to prevent expressed behaviors.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and new medications, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Private Nursing Care
Self-Employed
Toronto
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Delivered in-home nursing care for clients with spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes, addressing individual medical needs and enhancing quality of life.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
RPN Externship
Toronto Rehab Hospital (Bickle Center)
Toronto
01.2015 - 2015
- Administered AM care, medications, and documentation, and prepared patients for dialysis appointments
- Assisted patients with MVAs, CVAs, and ABIs through tailored care plans
- Delivered wound care using standard aseptic procedures and managed G-tube medications and nutrition
Personal Support Worker
Dom Lipa
Etobicoke
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Assisted residents with activities of daily living, ensuring comfort and dignity during feeding, transferring, dressing, and bathing across day, evening, and night shifts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to enhance resident care and support.
- Utilized Kardex, MAR & Point Click Care system to accurately document and manage resident care.
Consultant/Administrative assistant
Public Works & Governments Services Canada
Hull, Quebec
01.1998 - 01.1999
Education
Professional Training Program - Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Skills And Practice Development Cohort
Winter Park, FL05-2027
MA - Psychospiritual studies (MPS), Buddhist Stream
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON05-2027
Specialized Honors BA - Psychology, Developmental & Neuropsychology
York University
Toronto05-2024
Registered Practical Nursing -
George Brown College
Toronto01-2015
Pre-Health Science -
George Brown College
Toronto05.2013
Personal Support Worker Certificate -
Medix College
Toronto08.2013
OSSD Diploma - Bilingual Diploma
Nepean Highschool & Glebe Collegiate
Ottawa06.1997
Skills
- Psychopy
- RStudio
- SPSS
- Excel
- Data management
- Intake assessment
- Treatment planning
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group facilitation
- Clinical documentation
- Reflective Function Scoring
- Suicide risk assessment
- Biopsychosocial Intakes
- Mental Status Examinations
- Psychodynamic
- Mentalization-Informed approaches
- CBT & MCBT
- Trauma-informed care
- Case formulation
- Psychoeducation and harm reduction
- Attachment & process based interventions
- Motivational Interviewing
Accomplishments
- Author of Examining the Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use: A Research Protocol. Published in URNCAST Journal in 2024.
- Perez, M., & Pierce, L. J. (2024). Mapping the effects of mindfulness interventions on disadvantaged youth: A review. Let’s Talk About Youth conference (LTAY); April 2024, Guelph, ON.
- Perez, M., Pierce, L. J., & Turner, G. R. (2024). Stress and coping in adult development: A network neuroscience perspective. Southern Ontario Neuroscience Association conference (SONA); May 2024, Waterloo, ON.
- Perez, M. (2025) Moral Injury in healthcare from a Buddhist perspective. University of Toronto/Emmanuel College North American Buddhist conference on Moral Injury; March 2025, Toronto, ON.
Certification
- Deconstructing Stigma ENCORE: Understanding and Treating Borderline Personality Disorder with Dr. Karen Jacob, PhD & Dr. Anna Precht, PsyD/McLean Hospital
- 2025-2026 Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism Online Buddhist Counsellor/Psychotherapist Intern
- 2026 Intro to MBT Training Anna Freud
- 2026 Reflective Functioning 3-day Training with Dr. Howard Steele/Centre for Attachment Research, NYC
- 2025 Extension Course Six - The Mind: A Neuropsychoanalytic Exploration with Dr. Mark Solms Toronto Psychoanalytic Society, Toronto
- 2025 Empowering Research in Spirituality/CASC Knox College, University of Toronto
- 2025 Extension Course Eight - Guilt: A Contemporary Introduction with Don Carveth PhD, RP, FIPA Toronto Psychoanalytic Society, Toronto
- 2024 Understanding and interpreting the patient’s dreams during psychoanalytic supervision with Josh Levy PhD Toronto Psychoanalytic Society, Toronto
- 2023 Neuroimaging of Cognition - fMRI Methods FSL York University, Toronto
- 2023 Effective Altruism Princeton University (Coursera)
- 2023 Intermediate Statistics R Studio York University, Toronto
- 2023 Opioid Addiction as an Attachment Disorder APA & Newport Healthcare
- 2023 Assessment & Tx of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders & OCD APA & McLean Hospital
- 2023 Treating fears & phobias with Dr. Martin Antony Mind-Body Training Institute
- 2023 Psychological Approach for Relationship Conflicts Mind-Body Training Institute
- 2023 Plotting & Programming in Python for Non-coders York University
- 2023 Specialized Advanced Training for Mental Healthcare Providers Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO)
- 2023 Integrated Foundational Autism & Mental Health Training Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO)
- 2022 Intro to Psychopy York University
- 2022 Intro to SPSS York University
- 2022 TCPS Certified
- 2022 Intro to R York University
- 2018-2021 Pieces, U-First, Dementiability Alzheimer Society, Toronto West
Languages
English Fluent
Spanish Fluent
French Advanced Reading & Comprehension
Mandarin Reading & Writing 500 characters
Timeline
Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying
Origins Psychotherapy
08.2026 - Current
Co-facilitator Mindfulness Psychoeducation Group
Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism at New College, University of Toronto
02.2026 - 03.2026
Student Psychotherapist Intern
Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism
09.2025 - 04.2026
Research Assistant
C.A.N.N. Lab, York University
01.2023 - 01.2024
Research assistant
Pierce Development Lab, York University
01.2022 - 2024
BSO Assistant (Behavioral Support Ontario)
Dom Lipa
01.2018 - 01.2021
Private Nursing Care
Self-Employed
01.2018 - 01.2025
RPN Externship
Toronto Rehab Hospital (Bickle Center)
01.2015 - 2015
Personal Support Worker
Dom Lipa
01.2013 - 01.2018
Consultant/Administrative assistant
Public Works & Governments Services Canada
01.1998 - 01.1999
Professional Training Program - Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Skills And Practice Development Cohort
MA - Psychospiritual studies (MPS), Buddhist Stream
University of Toronto
Specialized Honors BA - Psychology, Developmental & Neuropsychology
York University
Registered Practical Nursing -
George Brown College
Pre-Health Science -
George Brown College
Personal Support Worker Certificate -
Medix College
OSSD Diploma - Bilingual Diploma
Nepean Highschool & Glebe Collegiate
Publications
- Perez, M. (2024). Examining the Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use: A Research Protocol URNCST. https://doi.org/10.26685/urncst.590
- Perez, M., Pierce, L. J., Spreng, N. & Turner, G.R. (2024). Stress and coping in adult development: A network neuroscience perspective. Manuscript in progress.
Community service
- Ongoing psychosocial support to older adult in LTC, Present
- Meal Delivery for Persons Experiencing Homelessness, 2024, 2025
- Experiential Learning Program Psychology/Atypical Development, Student mentor TDSB, 2023 - 2024
- Toronto BIA, Volunteer, Chinatown, 2023, August 2023
- GTA, Yoga Instructor & Personal Training, 2017, Present
Honors and awards
July 2025 Howard Pentland Award University of Toronto 1,000.00, August 2023 York University Continuing Student Scholarship 715.00, December 2022 Elaine Newton & Alan Wilder Achievement Scholarship 2,000.00, August 2022 York Undergraduate Continuing Student Scholarship 715.00, March 2022 Kenaidan Contracting Award 1,725.00
Summa Cum Laude — Highest Undergraduate Academic Distinction
York University | B.A. (Specialized Honours) in Psychology | 2024