OUR TEAM
Distinctions of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy that is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. An RP works with individuals, couples, and families in individual and group settings.
Psychotherapy occurs when the RP and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behavior, and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods, and behaviors that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships, and the ability to enjoy life.
Pastoral Counselling
Meet Our Team!
Rita Makubuya
Executive Director, LL.B AccMed, FDRPMed Accredited Family MediatorCheck out our staff bios to see what part we play in the NLC team.
Margarete Overend
Office Administrator - Front DeskCarli Jones
ReceptionistBeth Eastman
Communications & Donor Relations CoordinatorMyung Joo Ok
Counsellor, BA., MDiv. (Pastoral Counselling)Rochelle Tyme
Counsellor, BRE-Counselling, Registered PsychotherapistLucio Di Teodoro, RP, C.C.C.
Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified CounsellorSneha Reddy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)Naomi Reimer
Counsellor, Dip. Counselling Psych, OAMHPBOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ken Klassen, Board Chair
Professor of Operations Management, Goodman School of Business at Brock University, Ken joined the Niagara Life Centre Board in 2011 and has served for over 10 years. A keen detail person, he has been instrumental in fine tuning both our financials and reporting.
Jim Ruggi, Co-Treasurer
Jim is an accountant, and joined the Niagara Life Centre Board in 2009. Serving NLC for over 10 years he has filled the role of treasurer for most of that time. Jim loves to roll up his sleeves and participate in fundraising activities. He is amazing at encouraging community participation and was a diehard rider in Ride for Refuge, which raised a lot of support for the ministry.
Chris Dayaram, Co-Treasurer
Chris has been serving since 2019 and brings financial skills that are well appreciated on the Niagara Life Centre Board. He currently serves as co-treasurer. He is intent on getting support for the ministry by creating awareness as he invites new people to participate in NLC events.
Perry Wong
Perry is a retired mechanical engineering and supply chain management professional, having both worked and lived in Canada and the United States. Perry joined the Niagara Life Centre board in 2019. He introduced and led NLC’s Coin Campaign fundraiser at his church in Niagara Falls. Perry has a passion for supporting the local community, and has used the annual fundraising banquet as a way of introducing people to what NLC is all about.
Jonathan Brouwer
Jonathan is a Certified Financial Planner with IG Wealth Management and joined the NLC board in 2022. He attended Heritage Christian School in Jordan Station and is currently a member of Vineland Free Reformed Church. Jonathan has previous board experience and enjoys organizing fundraising events. He brings financial expertise to the NLC board.
Bob Loerts
Bob is the senior pastor of a local St. Catharines church who joined the Niagara Life Centre Board in 2022. In his words, “From the first time I heard about Niagara Life Centre till now I have been impressed by the staff’s compassion, the dedication of the volunteers, the generous support of donors, and the wisdom of their leadership. For that reason it was a special joy to be asked to serve on the Board with such excellent Christ-followers.”