Hi, I’m Sharon Nicol. I’m the founder of Timely Virtual Assistant Service
Timely VA Services began because I saw a lack of skilled administrative support being offered for Canadian Mental Health Practitioners, and I wanted to help.
As a therapist, you play a vital role in the health care system. Unlike many other providers, most psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, and counsellors are expected to do everything on their own. From the very start of Timely, it has been my mission to give you the help you deserve, while you’re supporting others on their healing journey.
As as someone who has both administrative experience and an education background in mental health, I found myself in a unique position to offer what I call “mental health informed administrative care”. I hung out my shingle and word about my services grew…fast. Within six months in operation, I hired my first employee. Recently we celebrated our 5th year in business, and the Timely Team is currently 14 employees and growing.
I think a part of why I get along so well with therapists is my sense of humour! For some reason, people seem to think you therapists are always serious, when most of you are pretty hilarious at times.
I used to do stand-up comedy, but no, I won’t tell you a joke when we have our consultation (and I promise never to ask you to give me free therapy). I went to Humber College and took the post-graduate Comedy Writing and Performance Program. I learned how to perform, develop scripts, write my own press releases and how to craft jokes. I love the art and skill of stand-up comedy, I always have. To be a good stand-up comedian you must understand people and how to tell a story in just a few words. As fun as it was though, doing stand-up just didn’t feel like a good long term choice for me.
Rory is a Registered Psychotherapist and a clinical supervisor. When he began setting up his group practice (which is now a thriving practice of 21+ associates), I saw firsthand all the learning and extra hours outside of seeing clients he had to put in while building his business.
It was through helping him that I was first approach by a colleague of his to lend a hand with some of her website copy and a few other tasks. I have worked in social media management, administration, and copy writing for many years so helping her came naturally.
I began to see that my administrative and copywriting skills, along with my formal education in Psychology and Gestalt Therapy could be quite helpful to therapists. Soon after I official opened Timely Virtual Assistant Services
As Timely VA Services began to grow, so did my team of brilliant, therapy informed employees.
I pride myself in being the kind of employer that I always wanted to have. We collaborate together, give support and hold space when a stressful day happens, and of course celebrate the heck out of Administrative Professionals Day!
I specifically hire each and every employee based on one basic personality trait: kindness. Because if there’s one thing that every therapy client needs when they reach out for help, it’s a compassionate and caring human being responding to them.
From a credentials standpoint, these admin rock stars all have extensive experience working in the mental health administration field, or educational background in psychology and mental health.
Timely employees also have a working knowledge of Jane App and Owl Practice and I personally train them in how to provide personalized administrative support for therapists and their clients. Everyone on staff is a Canadian resident, and also has Canada specific medical confidentiality training, Indigenous Awareness training, and suicide prevention training.
Melanie is our Operations Manager. She comes to our team with many years of pre-pandemic remote work experience! Melanie has her BA in Psychology and has worked both in the service and medical administration industry. Along with supporting our team, she ]provides care for a growing psychology clinic and a therapy collective that specializes in ADHD.
Melanie has brought so much to Timely, I’m grateful for her warm sense of humour and her eagerness to learn and try new things. Every day she shares a new fact with our team members, sometimes it’s funny, sometimes eye opening, and always interesting! *Please note that Melanie is not accepting new accounts at this time.*
Megan came to Timely with a wealth of skills and experience. Megan is bilingual in French and English, has a BA in Psychology and is currently at school part time for medical administration. As a person, Megan is thoughtful and gentle in how she connects with others. She has previous experience working with senior citizens and it shows in her supportive and caring approach. She has a way of moving through her tasks with grace and efficiency, and she has a keen eye for detail.
What I appreciate deeply about Megan is the way she is able to adjust according to the needs of her clients. She is someone who takes her job seriously and is always looking for ways to add extra support where it may be needed. Megan does not shy away from an extra task and she has that wonderful “can-do” attitude that I am always looking for when hiring!
*Megan is accepting new clients as of March 2025*
Madison is uniquely qualified to offer support to mental health professionals, because she is a fully Registered Psychotherapist herself. Madison graduated from the prestigious Relational and Family Therapy program at the University of Guelph, and has several years experience practicing within the field. Madison’s desire to maintain a sustainable work/life balance, while continuing to work within the world of mental health, prompted her to seek out ways to focus more on the “behind the scenes” areas of support. That decision brought Madison to Timely VA where she is now offering our clients a unique form of care, with clinical office support for group practice owners.
Madison helps clinic owners with onboarding new associates, facilitating peer case consultation, checking over clinical notes to make sure that associates are following best practices for note taking, looking at associate retention rate for clients (and talk with associates to improve their numbers) and she can be that first point of contact for your clinic should you, as a clinic owner need to take time away from your group practice due to illness, vacation, or maternity leave.
When Madison and I first met, I was really impressed with her calm and peaceful presence, her knowledge of mental health, and her openness to exploring new ideas and ways of doing things. As I’ve gotten to know Madison more, what really stands out to me is her quiet confidence and warm communication style. She is succinct while also exuding kindness and clarity. *Please note that Madison is only accepting Office managament clients at this time*
Maria M. is a VA who has a big heart and a brilliant mind. She is bilingual in both French and English and has worked extensively with vulnerable populations. Maria has supported at risk teens and has worked as a child and youth counsellor for years within a day treatment program in Toronto. She has also been a crisis support line responder and has a deep understanding of what it means to provide compassionate care. Maria has an Honours BA in French Language, a Diploma in Child and Youth Care and is currently beginning her journey to get her Masters in Social Work.
What I love about Maria beyond just her general bright mind, is her emotional intelligence. She knows how to read a situation and adjust accordingly with warmth and a supportive attitude. Maria is accepting new clients and we are thrilled to have her on our team.
*Maria is not accepting new clients at this time*
Carla is the kind of person that any employer would be lucky to have. She is someone who deeply cares about her work, and she goes above and beyond to make sure that things are done right. From an educational perspective, Carla has her BA in Criminal Justice and her Masters in Psychology (and graduated with a 4.0 GPA). Along with being intellectually skilled, Carla is also an athlete, winning a university soccer scholarship. During her final year of her Masters program Carla subsequently became a soccer coach and Sports Psychology assistant professor for Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Before working at Timely, Carla was an administrative assistant for a busy therapy clinic in central Ontario and has a keen understanding for what it takes to provide a warm and caring welcome to new therapy inquiries.
What I love about Carla is that she really and truly puts her heart into her work. When she is in, she gives it her all. Carla is also someone who knows to ask questions when something isn’t clear, and is efficient with her time management. We feel grateful she’s a part of our Timely team!
*Please note that Carla will be accepting new clients mid-March 2025.*
Cas S. has become a vital member at Timely. She offers the kind of warm, affirming administrative care that every therapy clinic hopes for. As someone who has previously worked with elderly populations, Cas has is highly skilled at sincere, clear and kind communication with clients. Along with mental health administration, Cas also has a background in real estate, and because if this, she is very aware of the importance of attention to detail when it comes to paperwork and well crafted emails. Cas has an Honours BA in Peace and Conflict from the University of Waterloo and is beginning her educational journey towards getting her Masters in Social Work.
What I love about Cas is her razor sharp critical thinking skills and the incredibly insightful questions that she asks. She emanates a welcoming and warm vibe to everyone she connects with, and is an absolute delight to work with.
*Please note that Cas will be accepting new clients as of March 2025*
There are headliners and fineliners in this world, and Laurel is the best kind of fineliner – her attention to detail is second to none, and she is also really good at speaking up and asking questions when clarity is needed. She is the ultimate behind the scenes support for any therapist. Laurel is a master when it comes to supportive yet professional emails, and is great with following up with clients and therapists alike. Laurel has a work background that includes mental health and often has supported vulnerable people during very difficult times in their lives. She has worked at Extended Families Support Services and understands well how important gentle, and nonjudgmental care is. She has her BA in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier and a diploma as a Social Service Worker.
What I love about Laurel is her understanding nature, she seeks to see the humanity in every situation. I also really appreciate that she is never afraid to ask questions or to speak up or to make a suggestion for an improvement if she sees one. Her collaborative approach to working with others has made her an easy fit within the Timely team, and I feel lucky to have her with us!
*Laurel is accepting new clients*
Alisha H is one of our most senior virtual administrators and is a mentor to our newer employees. She is also our go-to gal for all things Jane related! Prior to joining us at Timely, Alisha worked for Toronto’s public library system, and wow you should see her when she’s given a task that involved editing a spreadsheet or specialized form! She has that rare quality of being excellent with both data, and people!
Alisha has a BA in English and a minor in Psychology, and along with spreadsheets, she has a passion for language (she knows a total of 4 different languages). What I love about Alisha is the way she will always jump in to help if someone is in need, and her wisdom in knowing when to ask for support, which, in the business of mental health, is a key skill to have. *Please note Alisha is not accepting new accounts at this time.*
Megan joined the Timely Team with a strong background in mental health care. Megan has worked as a psychometrist for Psychology clinics in the past and has also cared for youth as a support worker for at risk teens. She has an Honours Bachelor in Forensic Psychology, a Diploma in Mental Health and Addictions and also has a certification in Family Medicine from York University.
What I love about Megan is the insightful questions she asks, and her deep desire to ensure she’s giving her clients the best support possible. She truly cares about making the lives of therapists and their clients better, and is committed to being a part of the positive changes that can come about when people get the right support.
*Megan is accepting new clients as of February 2025*
Kayla is a VA with an extensive background in mental health and administration. Along with working at Timely, Kayla also works part time at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and has previous experience working for both small businesses and within the airline industry. Kayla is used to working in fast paced environments where attention to detail matters. She has an Honours BA in Psychology and an educational background in business marketing as well.
What I like about Kayla is her critical thinking skills. She always thinks things through, and has a tenancy to asks insightful questions. She’s also quick on her feet, is able to stay professional during high pressure situations and can easily pivot when needed to accommodate new responsibilities. In short, she is a woman that any business owner would benefit from having on their team. *Please note that Kayla is not accepting new clients*
Valentina has been with Timely for several months now and I am always blown away by her warm and kind personality. She is someone who is very focused on providing truly affirming care to all and just bring to our team a truly positive attitude. Her extensive experience working in shelters and crisis support lines makes her a great fit for providing compassionate care for therapy clinic clients. Valentina has her BA in Psychology and held a 4.0 GPA throughout her time at Trent University (while working full time and and earning a full scholarship). Valentina is bi-lingual and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
What I appreciate the most about Valentina is her drive towards learning new things, and her gentle touch to administrative care. She is a can-do kind of person and we absolutely cannot-do without her! *Please note that Valentina is not accepting new clients at this time*
Jessica is a Timely team member who really “gets” mental health. We are so happy to have her working here! Jessica has an extensive work background within counselling and mental health. Jessica has worked as a Case Manager at Canadian Mental Health Association, and has also taken contracts to provide support children’s aid programs across Ontario. She has her BA is Social Developmental Studies and a diploma as a Social Service Worker.
What I love about Jessica is that she truly understands how critical communication is when it comes to working in the field of mental health. She is clear, she is quick, and she also knows how to hold space and listen well. Jessica asks thoughtful questions when she’s unsure, and knows how to move through her tasks with ease and efficiency. Her relaxed sense of humour and knowledge of psychology has quickly won over everyone at Timely, and we are thrilled to have her as part of our team. *Please note that Jess has limited availability at this time”
Kristina is a mentor at Timely, as well as being one of our most senior virtual assistants. She offers support to our newer team members as well as well as providing pristine administrative care to the clinics she supports. With years of crisis line support experience and being fluent in both French and English, Kristina is someone who provides support to our newer team members. From an educational standpoint, Kristina has her BA in Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health.
What I love about Kristina is her absolute rock solid ability to navigate the ups and downs of busy clinics, and the compassion and understanding she shows to all who cross her path. *Please note that Kristina is not accepting new accounts at this time.*
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