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 (Scarangella)
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!
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’s goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges through a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive approach.
Rather than pathologizing clients, Romina empathizes with clients and validates their unique life experiences. While she is particularly interested in implementing Person-Centred and Cognitive-Behavioural techniques during sessions, she recognizes the importance of exploring other therapeutic modalities to suit the individual needs of each client.
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!
Sara Katchutas
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. Her approach is characterized by patience, attentiveness, and understanding, providing a safe and nurturing environment where clients can feel at ease during their therapeutic experience.
As Celeste continues her educational journey to further develop her therapeutic skills, she 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!
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!
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 is currently working towards completing her practicum hours to receive 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.