Stacey Bird, MSW, RSW – Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Stacey is a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in working with children and youth. With 10 years of experience in the mental health field, Stacey provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for young people to explore their emotions and build the skills and strategies they need to manage anxiety, low mood, intrusive thoughts, frustration, or social challenges. She uses play-based and creative approaches to engage children and teens, and her work is rooted in empathy, respect, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth and healing.
Stacey has experience in a number of areas, including anxiety and mood disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, addiction and substance use concerns, neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, and therapeutic coaching for parents and caregivers.
She holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Prior to joining the team at Optimum, Stacey worked in community mental health providing individual counselling and treatment services for children and youth experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns. Before this, she offered counselling services in a supportive housing program for youth facing mental health and addiction challenges.
