Adolescent Mental Health
Simone brings over 35 years of experience in the social services sector. As a registered Social Worker, her career has spanned both residential and community-based settings, with a strong focus on home-based services. Since 2009, she has led service teams, overseeing a range of programs and initiatives that support children, youth, families, and communities. Among her responsibilities, Simone oversees the Building Connections Initiative, which is dedicated to fostering meaningful, sustainable supports for individuals and families within their communities. She believes that healing happens through connection—with family, friends, and community—and is passionate about training, coaching, and supporting sustainable change for all individuals.
Jennifer Topiwala is a clinician with the team at McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and works primarily with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing a range of mental health challenges.
Jennifer is passionate about youth mental health and believes that every young person deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and validated. Her work focuses on supporting youth navigating Anxiety, Depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and relationship challenges. She utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Polyvagal-informed practices.
Jennifer believes that in addition to support and understanding, youth benefit from learning practical life skills that help them navigate emotions, relationships, stress, and life's challenges. This belief has made DBT a foundational part of her work, as it provides youth with concrete tools to build resilience, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy communication.
Today, Jennifer will share insights into adolescent mental health and the role DBT can play in helping young people thrive.