Meet Zara
Zara Faiz
Counsellor | Special Education Professional | Brain Training Coach
M.SpEd | Grad Cert Ed
Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy — Currently Completing
My professional journey has been shaped by education, special education, child and family support, brain training, and counselling. Over the years, I have worked with children, adolescents, parents, and families across different cultures and educational settings. These experiences have taught me to look beyond a diagnosis or behaviour and understand the person, family, and environment around it.
Education & Professional Background
Member, Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP) — 7603-G (2023)
Master’s in Special Education — The University of Newcastle, Australia | 2014
Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy — Yorkville University | Currently Completing
My Professional Experience
My experience began in education, where I worked with children and young people in international and multicultural settings. I later expanded into special education, learning support, special-needs care and brain training. These experiences gave me a practical understanding of how learning, development, emotions, family relationships, and environment can interact.
Supporting the Whole Family
When a child is struggling, the impact is often felt by the whole family. I work with parents to better understand their child, and when appropriate, support children, siblings, and family relationships together. My goal is not to tell parents how to parent, but to work collaboratively to understand what is happening and find approaches that fit the family.
Neurotypical & Neurodivergent Support
My experience includes supporting both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, adolescents, adults, and families. My background in special education has helped me understand ADHD, autism, learning challenges, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and individual learning needs. I aim to support the person rather than reduce them to a diagnosis or label.
A Multicultural Perspective
Having lived and worked across different countries and cultures, I have learned that people’s understanding of family, relationships, education, emotions and mental health can be shaped by culture and life experience. I try to remain curious rather than assume, and I consider each person’s cultural context as part of understanding their story.
Parenting Has Shaped the Way I Understand Families
I am a mother of four daughters. Parenting has given me personal experience of different stages, worries, uncertainty, mistakes, and learning. I have learned from my own experiences and regrets, and those experiences have deepened my empathy for parents who are trying to support their children while navigating their own emotions and responsibilities.
I do not believe in perfect parenting. I believe in understanding, learning, repairing, and growing together.
My lived experience does not replace professional knowledge; rather, it helps me bring greater empathy and perspective to my work with children and families.
My Professional Journey
- Education– Began my professional journey as an educator working with children and young people.
- Special Education – Completed a Master’s in Special Education at The University of Newcastle, Australia in 2014.
- Learning Support & Special Needs – Developed practical experience supporting individual learning and developmental needs.
- Brain Training & Child/Family Support – Expanded my work with attention, executive functioning, learning and emotional regulation.
- Counselling – Continued my passion for supporting individuals and families through my Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
SOURCE OF STRENGTH / CULTURAL BRIDGE
You will find a counsellor who listens without judgment, respects your experiences, and works with you to understand what may be getting in the way of life and relationships you want.
I look forward to meeting you and learning more about what brings you here.