Social Workers
Social workers are registered under Ontario’s Social Work and Social Service Work Act and are members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Ruth Christensen,
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Ruth Christensen has been a social worker for over 30 years, providing individual, family and group therapy services to clients of all ages. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Therapy for her begins from the first moment of contact.
Bryn Milner
B.S.W., R.S.W.
Bryn has been a registered Social Worker for over 25 years having completed her Bachelor of Social Work in 1989. She worked for many years within the hospital and community setting providing individualized social work services. With a strong knowledge of local resources and established relationships with community partners, Bryn joined Brainworks in 2017 serving clients in Huntsville and the ‘near north’ region.
Jody Downie,
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Jody joined Brainworks in 2014, as Social Worker and Case Manager serving our ‘near north’ clients. She brings with her a Masters of Social Work degree, and extensive clinical experience counselling pediatric, youth and adult populations in home, clinic, and community-based settings.
Christine Bennett
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Christine has over 15 years’ experience working in both private and public sectors. Her areas of expertise include providing individualized support for clients with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and other cognitive impairments. She is described as encouraging, compassionate and goal oriented, and believes in motivation enhancing interventions to help her clients meet their short- and long-term goals.
Brent Mahaffey
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Brent brings with him a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, as well as over 5 years of experience in counselling adults in residential treatment settings and facilitating trauma-focused support groups. He joined the Brainworks team in 2022 and serves clients in the Huntsville and ‘Near North’ regions.
Lise Longpre,
B.S.W., R.S.W.
Based in Timmins, Lise will be providing in person and remote social work services in an effort to follow through on our long-term goal of “servicing clients in even the most remote parts of the province”. Specializing in work with the aboriginal and Metis communities, Lise has extensive experience in both individual and group therapy for families, children, and teenagers, in both the private and public sectors.
Meghan Porter
B.S.W., R.S.W.
Meghan is a Registered Social Worker and experienced mental health professional with a decade of experience in counselling, group facilitation, and case management. She specializes in working with addiction and trauma-related challenges. In practice, she endeavours to meet people where they are at to help establish the safety and resources needed for them to overcome challenging life circumstances and become empowered to reach their individual goals. She has been described as warm, empathetic, and gently encouraging in nature.