“Debbie is very passionate about providing care to those who are struggling. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, honest, and skilled. I recommend her to my own clients without hesitation and deeply respect and value the work that she does.”
— anonymous
“I have come to know Deb as someone that I can depend on to be reliable, thorough, and consummately professional. Her composure and thoughtfulness are rare qualities in the high performance and fast-paced professional world we inhabit. I have witnessed Deb navigate through conflict and overcome obstacles with passion, sincerity and skill. Day to day and under pressure, she is compassionate and she delivers. I highly recommend her services and look forward to any opportunity I have to work with her.”
— Alana
“Debbie and I have worked together in caring for families under harrowing circumstances. Debbie is steadfast, calm, and sensible in the midst of crisis, and is able to distill information and clarify needs deftly. She is a talented therapist who connects with children and adults alike, through her disarming and delicate manner. She strikes the right balance between no-nonsense and welcoming warmth. I recommend Debbie to my patients regularly and with full confidence that they will be well cared for. ”
— Dr. Rae Brager, MD, FRCPC, McMaster Hospital, Kindercare Pediatrics, Midtown Pediatrics
“I have known Debbie for over 20 years and I continue to be in awe of her. I have had the pleasure of working with her professionally, as well as benefiting from her excellent counsel personally. I have no doubt that you will find her to be an outstanding therapist. She has a very trained eye and ear to uncover your truth, she won’t tell you what it is but she will help you find it. You will not regret getting to know her, I can assure you! ”
— Lorrie Hagen RD, MHSc, CHE, Executive Director, The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre
“Debbie provided support and leadership to our staff through debriefing sessions, that allowed people to talk about their personal and professional challenges when working with kids with cancer. Debbie is highly professional, personable, knowledgeable and caring - as a social worker and colleague - and I have truly enjoyed working with her.”
— Alex Robertson, CEO, Camp Oochigeas
“I have worked with Debbie for over a decade. She is a unique therapist as she amalgamates years of experience in the most difficult situations, such as families dealing with childhood cancer and loss, with a unique passionate and compassionate approach. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, honest, and skilled. These skills allow Debbie to provide care, support and advice in multiple complex personal and family situations for people in need and at any age.”
— Dr. Uri Tabori, MD, Staff Haematologist/Oncologist, Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Garron Family Chair in childhood cancer research, Professor of Paediatrics and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto
“I have had the pleasure of working with Debbie in several capacities. She is instantly likable and quickly develops rapport with clients from all walks of life. She is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to mental health and well-being. Debbie is also quick on her feet and excels at problem solving with people in crisis. I would highly recommend Debbie to someone in crisis and/or is looking to gain more clarity on their current situation. ”
— Norah Shaughnessy, MSW, RSW, Social Worker - Trauma Program, The Hospital for Sick Children
“I worked with Debbie Berlin for 13 years at The Hospital for Sick Children in paediatric oncology. Debbie was professional, very organized and went above and beyond for her clients. She comforted, supported and advocated for families at their most vulnerable times. Social work has never been a ‘job’ for Debbie. Debbie has always cared deeply for her clients and strives to help people who are experiencing personal challenges and upheaval in their lives.”
— Harriet Druker, MSc, MBA, Lecturer, Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto
“I have known Deb for over 10 years and had the pleasure of working with her in many different capacities. Deb brings a depth of knowledge, experience, passion and wisdom to her work. I greatly admire her strengths as a thought leader and an activist, making a difference in people’s lives everyday. Deb has the ability to make a positive impact at both the community and individual level and does so with efficiency, grace, and compassion. She is an incredibly skilled clinician and an absolute joy to work with.”
— Leysa Cerswell Kielburger , Faculty, Centre for Mindfulness Studies
“Debbie Berlin’s work as Executive Director of Sheena’s Place from 2014 to 2020 was exemplary. She came into an organization which was struggling, both in terms of its mission and financially. There is now a new Strategic Plan in place, the administration has been revised and revived, our clients are much better served, and what had been a systemic deficit of three hundred thousand dollars annually, is gone.
Debbie is passionate about helping those in need, yet calm and always professional. She is straightforward and honest, while being empathic and compassionate. She handles stress well, and is not wedded to any single solution to difficult problems. She is articulate, yet a very fine listener.
Debbie is the kind of person who makes any community in which she is involved better. Every day she makes a difference in the lives of individuals and in forwarding the common good.”
— Arthur Haberman, PROFESSOR EMERITUS, YORK UNIVERSITY, BOARD DIRECTOR, SHEENA’S PLACE
