Meet the Team
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Lindsey Simard-Toutant (she/her)
Qualifications: CYC, Therapeutic Arts Practitioner
Role at The Artful Way: Founder, Therapeutic Arts Programming & Facilitating.
Lindsey is the founder of The Artful Way and a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner dedicated to supporting well-being through creative expression.With a background in child and youth work and years of experience in community programming, Lindsey has spent over a decade working with children and families. She is also the owner of Heartworks Children’s Studio, where she has led process-focused art and sensory programming for the past six years.
After completing her certification through The Canadian Institute of Art Therapy, Lindsey expanded her work to include therapeutic arts, supporting children, youth, and adults in using art as a tool for emotional processing, self-expression, and connection.
Her work is grounded in creating welcoming, low-pressure environments where the focus is on the experience of creating, not the outcome.
Favourite things: Swimming, the colour yellow, rocks and fossils!
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Ashley Nelson (she./her)
Qualifications: RCAT, RP (Qualifying), PgDip, BA
Role at The Artful Way: Clinical Art Therapy, Therapeutic Arts
Ashley is an art therapist that creates warm, creative spaces where children can feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves. She works with children to gently build confidence, self-worth, and emotional well-being through art-making, creativity, and sensory experimentation
Her clinical approach is non-directive, meaning she follows the child’s lead rather than directing what they should create or express. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when children are given the space to express themselves without pressure or expectation, meaningful growth and healing can happen naturally.
She hopes to grow beyond clinical work, and provide her community with a variety of accessible therapeutic arts offerings, whether it is yoga, psychoeducation, or a roleplaying game!
She welcomes all and leads with neuroaffirmative and 2SLGBTQQIPAA+ friendly services.
Favourite things:Pizza, daydreaming, writing, music, crochet, small and cute things.
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Dominic Bingham (he/him)
Qualifications: B.A.sc, B.Ed., Therapeutic Arts Practitioner
Role at The Artful Way: Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, Educator
Dominic has a long history of neuroscience, education, and artmaking, though those are only a few things in a very long list of his passions. He believes wholeheartedly in the power of creative expression and the value of physical movement and nature.Using art as a means to explore and understand his experiences and emotions has been a crucial part of his life, and is something he has found value in teaching to his students as a SCDSB Teacher. Whether he’s teaching, artmaking, or playing some roleplaying games, he believes there is lots to learn and gain from exploring ourselves through creativity.
He believes wholeheartedly in children being capable once they feel a sense of agency and belonging, and hopes to provide a place where they can grow into their true selves, and feel capable of handling their emotions.
Favourite things: Cooking, kickboxing, ramen, paint markers, video games.
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Kassie Nelson (she/her)
Qualifications: Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, Certified Yoga Teacher, Certified Personal Trainer
Role at The Artful Way: Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, Yoga Instructor
Kassie has a long history of artmaking and supporting health through nutrition, physical movement, and breathwork.
She strives to create a safe and comfortable environment and emphasizes the importance of relaxation and self-connection, while also helping others build strength and flexibility. She also has a long history of working with children, whether in a camp or fitness setting.
Kassie is passionate about helping people on their wellness journey, and looks forward to the possibility of working with you.
Favourite things: Painting, history, mermaids, pasta, pirates, stories.
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Molli Holmes (she/her)
Qualifications: ECE. Therapeutic Arts Practitioner
Role at The Artful Way: Therapeutic Arts Facilitator
Molli is a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner who believes in the power of creativity to nurture joy, curiosity, and connection. She works with both children and adults, creating welcoming spaces where people feel safe to explore, express themselves, and grow through art.
After graduating from the Vancouver Island School of Art in 2013, Molli went on to study Early Childhood Education at Georgian College, combining her artistic background with a deep understanding of child development and compassionate guidance at Heartworks Children’s Studio.
Molli inspires others to try new techniques, embrace mistakes as part of learning, and discover the joy and freedom that comes from making art in a safe and supportive space. She is a patient, kind, and compassionate mentor who loves to dance and sing, and believes these are additional tools for expression and moving through feelings.
Favourite things: Cats, artmaking, sunshine, and flowers!
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Brooke Kalverda (she/her)
Qualifications: Student Art Therapist (PgDip), BA
Coming Soon!