Our Team

Aaron Smith, PhD

Roles
- Director
- Consultant
- Presenter

Education
- BA (Hons.), Sociology (McMaster University)
- MTS, Counselling (Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University)
- MA, Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy (Martin Luther University
College, Wilfrid Laurier University)
- PhD, Social Work, (Wilfrid Laurier University)
- MBA, Healthcare Management (in progress - International University
of Applied Sciences)

Bio
With nearly 20 years working in various fields related to all things social,
Aaron brings a wealth of experience related to connection to Social
Research and Education Group.

As a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered
Psychotherapists of Ontario, Aaron has worked in private practice,
community-based, health care, and institutional settings.

As an educator, Aaron has taught undergraduate and masters level courses related to social work, sociology, counselling, and psychotherapy at universities across Canada. Aaron has also taught both professionals and lay persons in a variety of professional and community-based settings.

As a presenter and educational consultant, Aaron has developed and delivered courses, workshops, and conferences throughout both Canada and the United States.

As a researcher and author, Aaron has studied phenomena related to various social experiences. Many of these studies have resulted in publications of various sorts, including in academic journals, conference proceedings, and professional documents. Aaron has also been interviewed by various news outlets including TIME Magazine (US), Toronto Star (Canada), and La Repubblica (Italy).

As an academic, Aaron's research explores subjects such as the intersection of personal and professional identities, various forms of relational engagement, and individual and community well-being.

As a person, Aaron enjoys reading, baseball, music, being outdoors, and spending time with his three daughters.

Heather Antoni, MA

Roles
- Consultant

Education
- BRE, Professional Studies (Emmanuel Bible College)
- MA, Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy (Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University)​

Bio
In addition to her work with SREG, Heather currently works as a Psychospiritual Practitioner for Hamilton Health Sciences. Heather has a passion to work with those who struggle with mental health.

Heather has helped facilitate numerous workshops and courses in both in-person and online formats.

Heather is a falconer and brings that passion to her work as a researcher and a therapist in the form of studying and using animal-assisted therapy and other forms of ecotherapy.