Meet Our Therapists
Dr. Mary Marano
Mary Marano is the CEO and founder of Life & Family Counselling Services. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades, Mary has had the privilege of assisting numerous individuals, couples, and families on their transformative journeys.
Holding a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Mary prioritizes her ongoing personal development to ensure her clients receive the most effective and up-to-date support. Renowned for her compassionate approach, Mary guides her clients through moments of despair to a place of optimism and ease. She actively engages in the therapeutic process, standing alongside her clients as they navigate toward self-awareness and growth.
Whether through Individual Therapy, Couples Counselling, or Family Sessions, Mary fosters deeper connections, empowering her clients to live authentically and enhance their relationships.
While Mary doesn’t undertake the journey for her clients, she serves as a steadfast companion, believing in their inherent strength and potential.
Change is not a skill. Change is a choice. You are amazing. Remember that.
Beyond Work Hours: If Mary wasn’t a Psychotherapist, she would be a special effect make-up artist!
Paula Vescio
Paula is a Registered Social Worker who strives to create a compassionate environment for individuals and couples to reach their full potential and live out a fulfilling life. Her warm, comforting personality provides a safe space for clients to discover the root behind behaviours, and explore their emotions and thoughts.
Paula is passionate about guiding individuals, couples, and families to a place of self-awareness, self-worth, empathy, and healing. She uses the guidance of the following modalities to assist in this process: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. She has an extensive history working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in a holistic, client-centred manner, and specializes in the following areas: Abuse & Trauma, Relationship Issues, Parenting, Family & Domestic Violence, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss, Divorce & Separation, Self-Esteem.
Beyond Work Hours: Paula enjoys long distance running!
Emilia German
Emilia is equipped to assist clients with a variety of challenges, including interpersonal issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other obstacles. She also offers guidance in navigating the broader journey of life. By incorporating methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Somatic Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emilia tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. This adaptable framework ensures that clients can maximize their therapeutic experience both within sessions and in their daily lives.
Beyond Work Hours: milia enjoys art, journalling, exercise, and cooking delicious foods! In her free time, Emilia enjoys spending time with friends and family and making meaningful memories while embracing the present moment!
Jennifer Schumacher
Jennifer is a Registered Social Worker who strives to create a warm and welcoming environment to help individuals and families. Jennifer has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Social Work from York University, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. Jennifer is motivated to help others achieve their best quality of life.
Jennifer brings a holistic approach to the healthcare needs of individuals. She has worked in various Toronto hospitals in the areas of: General Medicine, Kidney Transplant, Cardiovascular Surgery and most recently Emergency Care and Bariatric Surgery. Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families with issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Body Image, Self-Esteem and learning to establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Beyond Work Hours: Jennifer loves to go shopping, hang out with friends and family, swim and enjoy boating in the summer!
Romina Monastero
Romina is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toronto and has completed her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.
Romina takes pride in building strong and stable therapeutic relationships with her clients, she is here to guide individuals toward their goals and is patient, attentive, and understanding throughout their therapeutic journey. Romina strives to create a warm and comfortable environment where clients feel both at ease and at home.
Beyond Work Hours: Romina loves all things self-care!
Celeste Iafrate
Celeste is a dedicated Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Guelph-Humber and has her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Celeste takes immense pride in guiding individuals on their journey toward achieving their goals. As she continues her educational journey to further develop her therapeutic skills, Celeste remains committed to supporting clients dealing with various concerns, including: Anxiety, Depression, Interpersonal Issues, and more. Celeste’s warm and caring demeanour, combined with her passion for cultural awareness and empathy, makes her a Psychotherapist ready to assist individuals in achieving inner peace and overall well-being.
Beyond Work Hours: Celeste is an adventurous foodie; she is always up for new flavours and making charcuterie boards!
Arya Amatya
Arya is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Bioethics and Law from the University of Toronto, St. George Campus (Victoria College) and holds her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
With a strong affinity for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and the Strengths-Based Approach, Arya aims to help her clients build bridges between their past, present and future and guide them toward a path of physical, mental and emotional wellness. Arya aims to continue developing her skills while working with clients in areas of Anxiety, Youth Behaviour, Stress and more. She has a strength-based approach and understands that every individual has challenges and the desire for a quick solution to their problems. Arya helps every client in their unique set of struggles to reach their goals.
Beyond Work Hours: Arya enjoys exploring her hobbies and travelling the world! She has already been to more than 20 countries. In her free time, she golfs and has a penchant for scuba diving, boating and flying. She is working towards getting her private pilot license.
Gabrielle Marozzo
Gabrielle is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Toronto Metropolitan University. Currently, Gabrielle is completing her practicum hours to earn her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Gabrielle is a dedicated and compassionate individual who strives to help others to recognize and embrace their strengths and differences. She is focussed on providing a safe and inclusive environment whereby dialogue flows freely and without judgment. Her goal is to create an atmosphere that promotes empowerment, and goal setting.
Gabrielle is passionate about working with individuals dealing with issues related to self-esteem and self-worth, stress management, anxiety, depression, anger, relationships, life transitions, identity and more. Gabrielle’s warm and inviting demeanor is effective when implementing therapeutic modalities such as, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Beyond Work Hours: Gabrielle loves to clean and organize her living space; and that of others too!
Stephanie Rizzo
Stephanie is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from York University. Currently, Stephanie is completing her practicum hours to earn her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Stephanie is passionate about supporting individuals through their personal journeys toward healing and growth. Her commitment is to walk alongside you with compassion and a genuine desire to help you find balance and well-being in your life.
Stephanie wishes to support individuals across all age demographics through their unique challenges. Her goal is to empower you with tools and strategies that foster resilience and promote well-being, guiding you towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Beyond Work Hours: Stephanie enjoys travelling and cooking!
Olesia Yafremau
Olesia is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University while completing her practicum hours.
Olesia is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and navigate life’s challenges through the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship. With a focus on fostering self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth, she creates a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe and understood.
Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches—including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and more—Olesia tailors her methods to meet each client’s unique needs. Her particular areas of expertise include helping clients with self-esteem issues, stress management, anxiety, trauma, and parenting challenges. Olesia is committed to ongoing professional development to ensure that she provides the most effective and up-to-date care for her clients.
Fluent in English, Russian and Ukrainian, Olesia is able to support clients in their preferred language, enhancing the connection and understanding in the therapeutic process.
Beyond Work Hours: Olesia enjoys reading, exercising, nature walks, and appreciating good cinematography!