Meet Our Team
As the founder of Corda Counselling, my vision in developing this practice was to assemble a diverse team equipped with various skills and talents to creatively support individuals, families, and communities.
Collaborating as a cohesive team has proven invaluable, allowing us to leverage our collective strengths to offer diverse support when you need it most. It has been a humbling experience to see this vision come to life as we embark on a new journey as an organization to support individuals, families, and communities.
I truly believe that every single one of us at some time in our life will need support to help us through a difficult time. No matter if you are looking for counselling to navigate a challenging situation or you want to gain deeper insights into yourself and your relationships, our entire team is eager to learn about you, your unique life experiences, and your strengths. We are committed to supporting you in the most effective way possible.
Founder and Counsellor
April Thornton, MSW, RSW, CCAC, CPT
For more than 17 years, April Thornton has worked alongside individuals, families, children, and Indigenous communities in the field of Social Work. Some of the most meaningful parts of her career have been the relationships she has built along the way. Many of these connections have grown over years and continue to shape how she approaches helping, leadership, and community work today.
April founded Corda Counselling with a simple belief: people deserve support that feels genuine, respectful, and responsive to who they are. She believes strongly in meeting people where they are and creating a space where they can feel comfortable, heard, and supported without judgment.
As a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Certified Canadian Addiction Counsellor, and Certified Play Therapist, April brings extensive experience and training to her work. Her additional training includes EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and a variety of trauma-informed approaches. Rather than following one specific method, April adapts her approach to the needs, experiences, strengths, and goals of each person she works with.
Working with children and youth has also been an important part of April's career. Through play therapy, she gives children another way to communicate experiences and emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Her approach is warm, creative, and focused on helping children feel safe enough to express themselves at their own pace.
Over the years, April's work has grown beyond the counselling room. She works alongside communities and organizations through consultation, program development, facilitation, training, teaching, and mental health and wellness initiatives. She particularly values opportunities to listen to community voices and help turn those conversations into practical programs, services, and strategies.
Whether April is working with a child in the playroom, supporting someone through a difficult chapter, facilitating a community conversation, or collaborating with an organization, relationships remain at the centre of her work.
Masters of Social Work
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor
Certified Play Therapist
Counsellor
Sarah Minnella HBSW, RSW
Sarah has been working in the Social Work field for 19 years and is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work.
Sarah is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where every client feels heard, respected, and empowered. She uses evidence-based approaches to address trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, suicidal ideation, and more.
Additionally, much of her experience has been spent working with Indigenous populations and youth focusing on areas like education, substance abuse, grief and loss and child welfare. Sarah has extensive experience working with anxiety/stress, depression, trauma, interpersonal challenges, self-esteem, and financial stress.
Counsellor
Laryssa Simpson, HBISW, RSW
Laryssa considers herself a helper who is committed to offering safe and supportive care to those she meets. She has worked in social services in a variety of roles and settings for over 10 years. Laryssa is a graduate of Laurentian University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Social Work, and is currently a Master’s candidate at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a member of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and lives in the Robinson Superior Treaty area.
Much of Laryssa’s experience has involved working with Indigenous populations, children, youth, and families. Her work has focused on areas including education, substance use, grief and loss, and child welfare. She also has experience supporting individuals with anxiety and stress, depression, trauma, interpersonal challenges, and self-esteem.
Laryssa brings a warm, gentle, and nonjudgmental approach to her work. She strives to create a space where clients feel comfortable, heard, and supported, allowing them to move at a pace that feels right for them. Laryssa believes in meeting people where they are and building relationships grounded in trust, respect, and genuine connection.
Recovery Coach
Carol Marszowski
Introducing Carol Marszowski, a recovery coach and peer support specialist at Corda Counselling. We are excited to welcome her to our team, where she will provide valuable assistance to those affected by substance use.
By thinking outside the box, we aim to offer a unique layer of support for your recovery journey. With 3.5 years of personal recovery, Carol is celebrated for her positive and encouraging approach. She is well-known in her community for her supportive role as a peer supporter and is adaptable, ready to lend a hand during your toughest times as you pursue your personalized recovery goals. Once you connect with a counsellor for ongoing support, you can consider having Carol as an additional peer support to guide you along the way.
Carol has a profound connection to First Nations communities in the Northern region and understands the challenges faced when seeking recovery support, whether through treatment, rehab, or traditional and western mental health services. Drawing from her own experiences with substances, she is committed to helping others with their unique recovery plans. Carol recognizes the impact of recovery on relationships and is aware of the difficulties involved in the process. Currently, she is enrolled in the mental health and addictions worker program at Oshki, and she is passionate about assisting others through both traditional and western methods. Our team is dedicated to your success, and Carol is here to enhance your recovery journey.
