About Us | SECOND NATURE

It Takes One to Know One

Second Nature was born out of the need for mental health and wellness services that celebrates all families. It takes one to know one! Anastasia Machan, Second Nature's Centre Director, has a passion for practical, accessible, and individualized care for neurodiverse families like her own. Second Nature's community includes children, youth, and caregivers who are dedicated to the families that the mental health system forgot!

The Second Nature team is a dedicated group of down-to-earth, passionate practitioners who share an interest in protecting the mental health and wellness of children, youth, and families. We are here for the biters, we embrace the quirky, and we can keep up with the active!

We honour all children, youth, and families in all of their messy perfection.

Meet the Team

Discover our Second Nature crew: a fusion of Therapists, Teachers, Practitioners and Psychotherapists dedicated to comprehensive mental health and wellness. We specialize in neurodiversity, educational guidance, and therapy inspired by nature, aiming to boost individual development and familial well-being. Embark on a path to recovery with us.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Robyn Bruyea

Robyn is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). With over 10 years of experience working as a behavioural therapist, Robyn has a passion for helping children, youth, and families. She is a mother and neurodivergent woman herself and brings a warm, empathetic, non-judgemental stance to her work. She uses a compassionate, strength's based, trauma informed approach.

Child & Youth Mental Health Counsellor

Megan Hill, BA, MACP (Cand.)

Megan is a Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor who is dedicated to creating safe, inviting, and warm connections with children and their families. With compassion and empathy at the core of her practice, Megan integrates play therapy and behavioral therapy techniques to provide tailored support in a natural and comfortable setting for children. She also incorporates American Sign Language (ASL) and Proloquo to support non-verbal children, ensuring effective communication and connection for all.

Speech Language Pathologist

SLP

Hiring for a registered SLP immediately!

Occupational Therapist

Tanja Skanes, OT

After working with Ottawa school boards for a number of years, Tanja is continuing to support children and youth at Second Nature! Tanja, a Registered Occupational Therapist, provides daily living assessments, determines service and equipment requirements, provides support to individuals with a diverse range of special needs, and is well-versed in working with neurodiverse children.

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Erica Rizzolo

Dr. Erica Rizzolo work closely with children, youth, and families to support mind and body though an evidence-based, holistic approach to well-being. Dr. Rizzolo specializes in supporting clients who present with mental health concerns and diagnoses.

Owner, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Anastasia Machan, Owner & Centre Director, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Anastasia is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), educator, and international public speaker. She specializes in family-centered counselling and nature-based therapy for neurodiverse youth and adults.

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