I am a registered social worker (RSW), and have been a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers since 2014.
I have received my BSc.Hons. (Psychology Specialist) in 2010 from the University of Toronto and my Master’s of Social Work (Specialization: Health and Mental Health) in 2014 from the University of Toronto.
I have received my Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Qualification from Centre for Mindfulness Studies/University of Toronto in 2017.
I have completed my EMDR Basic Training with the Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic in 2020 and I am currently in the process of becoming a .Certified EMDR Therapist.
EXPERIENCE
Since 2007 I have been involved in various mental health and health areas (specifically in mood disorders, addictions, complex mental health and cancer survivorship) including in community and hospital settings (e.g. CAMH, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Salvation Army, Toronto Distress Centre, Headway House, START Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders).
Highlights of my my work as a mindfulness instructor, include leading mindfulness programs in partnership with the Ontario Government/Mindfulness in Public Safety, University of Toronto, Central LHIN, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, and the Law Union of Ontario.
Since 2010 I have been part of various research endeavours both in the areas of mood and anxiety disorders as well as psychosocial oncology. Please read further for a list of my selected publications.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & POSTERS
2018 Abstract Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology Flora P, Milosevic E, Soheilipour S, Maharaj N, Dirlea M, Parvin L, Matthew A, Kazanjian A, Bender JL. “I know how difficult it can be”: A closer look at characteristics and motivations of volunteer prostate cancer peer navigators. Oral Presentation at CAPO, May 30 –June 2, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.
2018 Abstract Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology
Bender JL, Flora PK, Milosevic E, Soheilipour S, Maharj N, Dirlea M, Pavin L, Matthew A, Kazanjian A. Using Digital Media to Increase the Reach of Volunteer Training: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from Implementing an Online/In-Person Training Program for Prostate Cancer Peer Navigators. Oral Presentation at CAPO, May 30 –June 2, 2018, Toronto, Ontario.
2018 Abstract Centre for Behaivour Change Digital Health Conference
Bender JL, Flora PK, Milosevic E, Soheilipour S, Maharaj N, Dirlea M, Matthew A, Kazanjian. Training Older Adults to be Peer Navigators Using Digital Media: Evaluation of an Online Forum in a Peer Navigator Training Program. Centre for Behaivour Change Digital Health Conference, Feb 21-23, 2018, London, UK.
2018 Abstract Society of Behavioural Medicine. Bender JL, Flora PK, Milosevic E, Soheilipour S, Maharaj N, Dirlea M, Parvin L, Matthew A, Kazanjian A. Acceptability and Effectiveness of an Online and In-Person Peer Navigator Training Program for Prostate Cancer Survivors and their Partners/Caregivers.
2017 Abstract Canadian Cancer Research Conference
Kazanjian A, Soheilipour S, Flora P, Parvin L, Dirlea M, Maharaj N, Bender J. Navigating the prostate cancer journey with support from a trained peer navigator.
2013 Peer-reviewed article Journal of Traumatic Stress Disorders & Treatment
Carter JJ, Gerbarg PL, Brown RP, Ware RS, D’ambrosio C, Anand L, Dirlea M, Vermani M, Katzman MA. Multi-Component Yoga Breath Program for Vietnam Veteran Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial. 2(3):1-10
2012 Abstract Support Care Cancer
Jones MJ, Howell D, Olson KL, Jiang H, Catton CN, Catton P, Fleshner NE, McCready DR, Wong R, Pintilie M, Dirlea M, Krzyzanowska MK. Cancer-related fatigue in colorectal, breast and prostate cancer survivors. Supportive Care Cancer (2012) 20 (Suppl 1):S1–S283
2012 Abstract Current Oncology
Jones MJ, Howell D, Olson KL, Jiang H, Catton CN, Catton P, Fleshner NE, McCready DR, Wong R, Pintilie M, Dirlea M, Krzyzanowska MK Persistent Fatigue in Post-Treatment Survivors: Are Fatigue Perceptions an Important Central Etiology. Current Oncology (2012) 19 (5): P004
2012 Conference Poster American Society of Clinical Oncology
Jones MJ, Howell D, Olson KL, Jiang H, Catton CN, Catton P, Fleshner NE, McCready DR, Wong R, Pintilie M, Dirlea M, Krzyzanowska MK. Prevalence of cancer-related fatigue in a population-based sample of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer survivors.
2011 Conference Poster Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
Katzman M, Tsirgielis D, Mohamed M, Dirlea M, Copeland A, Vermani M, Cameron C, Khamba B, Szpindel I, Laidlaw B, Epstein I. Presentation of Anxiety Disorders and Their Relationship to Marital Dissatisfaction, Intolerance to Uncertainty, Anxiety Sensitivity and Anxiety Severity
2010 Conference Poster Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Dirlea M , Tsirgielis D, Mohamed M, Vermani M, Cameron C, Epstein I, Iorio C, Katzman M. Relationships Between Perfectionism and Coping Strategies as Seen Through Measures of Anxiety Sensitivity, and Intolerance of Uncertainty
2010 Conference Poster Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
Dirlea M , Mohamed M, Tsirgielis D, Vermani M, Cameron C, Epstein I, Iorio C, Katzman M. The development of anxiety disorders: perfectionism, coping and intolerance of uncertainty