Nancy Rushford is a registered occupational therapist and psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families in health and community contexts in Canada and internationally. She holds a PhD in Health Sciences from the university of Sydney, Australia  and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University.

In her clinical work, Nancy offers nature-connected, evidence-informed therapy drawing upon various psychotherapeutic modalities, (cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, somatic, trauma-informed ) and occupational therapy principles. She has advanced training in animal-assisted psychotherapy and biomimicry, and thoughtfully integrates  nature and animals into practice.

​

Sherry Visser-Fleming is a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and educator with a background in Indigenous social work and child and youth care. She teaches in the Child and Youth Care program at Niagara College, supporting emerging practitioners through trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approaches.

In private practice, she offers nature- and animal-assisted psychotherapy, integrating Gestalt therapy, cognitive behavioural theory, and somatic practices for children, youth, adults, and families.

​

Dr. Paul Stacey is a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and co-founder of Biophilic Health Inc. He is deeply committed to restoring function, building resilience, and thoughtfully integrating nature-connected and lifestyle approaches into healthcare.

With extensive experience supporting children and adults living with complex and chronic disabilities, Dr. Stacey takes a whole-person approach focused on enhancing quality of life. He brings compassionate clinical expertise and strategic leadership to advancing nature’s role in health and everyday wellbeing.

​

Morgan Cooper is an educator and community-builder passionate about supporting neurodiverse youth in discovering their strengths and contributing meaningfully to their communities. She holds degrees in Kinesiology and Education, with qualifications in special education.

Morgan brings to ConnectByNature her expertise in participatory, strengths-based approaches and extensive experience working with animals. She is the founder of Community Connect and Living Out Loud, creating inclusive, purpose-driven programs that foster confidence and belonging.

​

Jaimie-Lynn, given the name Diindiisi Kwe (Bluejay Woman), is a proud Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and skilled artisan.  Jaimie-Lynn shares her traditional skills and teachings throughout the community, believing that preserving and passing on Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices strengthens us as a Nation.  She serves as an Indigenous cultural advisor to Biophilic Health Inc. and ConnectByNature Therapy Services and  brings an essential voice and presence to the work of reconnecting children and youth to the Land, culture, and nature’s intelligence ,

Katherine is a creative designer and visual artist inspired by nature’s healing power. Working in marketing and children’s educational publishing, she transforms ideas into engaging, meaningful designs. A strong advocate for Biophilic Health, she values stillness, collaboration, and connection — helping others bring their creative visions to life with heart and purpose.