Angelina Vaccaro is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OASWSSW). Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University, as well as a Master of Social Work from York University. She is currently a doctoral candidate with York University’s School of Social Work, where her PhD thesis utilizes an arts-based, collaborative research approach of digital storytelling to explore and better understand strategies to make society more inclusive for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

 

Angelina is a passionate and dedicated social worker who specializes in working with neurodivergent children, youth and their families with a focus on the autism spectrum and ADHD, as well as those experiencing complex mental health challenges including anxiety disorders, depression, suicide ideation and self harm. Angelina firmly believes in collaborating closely with parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in a child's life. By working as a team, she ensures a holistic and comprehensive approach to treatment that maximizes progress. Angelina also works with adults who are neurodivergent.

 

Angelina’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities to ensure the best outcomes for her clients, drawing on gender-affirming and trauma-informed CBT, DBT and EFT. She also incorporates art and play with clients as needed. Using these modalities, she collaborates with children, youth and their families to modify their unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, as well as work on improving emotional regulation, build self esteem, work on social and interpersonal skills, and promote healthier patterns of thinking and coping.

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With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and those on the autism spectrum, Angelina adopts a strengths-based approach to therapy with the firm belief that every individual possesses inherent strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. By recognizing and building upon these strengths, Angelina creates a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment that encourages positive change and fosters resilience.

 

Angelina's priority is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where children and young individuals feel heard, understood, and supported. Her ultimate goal is to empower her clients to thrive and lead fulfilling lives where they embrace their identities and flourish in a world that celebrates their individuality.​