Our Team
Edward Murray
Clinical Director:
Edward Murray, Ph.D., Psy.D., M.A., C.Psych.
Edward is a clinical psychologist registered in Ontario and New Brunswick. Before entering private practice, he was a member of the Ontario Provincial Police, retiring in 2003 at the rank of Detective Sergeant with the OPP Behavioural Sciences Section. In addition to his work as a clinical psychologist, between 2007 and 2013, Edward was a member of the Parole Board of Canada, having been appointed to the Parole Board by the Governor-General in Council on the recommendation of the Office of the Prime Minister. Edward worked as the staff psychologist in a closed custody forensic assessment unit in Burnaby, British Columbia, and taught psychology and criminology at the university level. Both of Edward’s doctoral dissertations addressed the topic of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and as part of his private practice, he provides psychological services to police officers, soldiers, intelligence officers, crown attorneys, firefighters, correctional officers, probation officers, and paramedics.
Wanda Goodridge
Program Coordinator
Wanda is certified as a Software Specialist/Business Systems Analyst and studied at St. Lawrence College. Before establishing her administrative assistant services business in 2019, and working as Dr. Murray's office manager, Wanda worked fifteen years in the corporate world. She worked as an Information Technology Specialist and Quality Standards Specialist in the health field implementing provincial standards and legislation, as well as privacy officer duties. Having experienced personal trauma, she understands posttraumatic stress and the importance of therapy to help you through it. Between her personal life and educational and professional experiences, working with First Responders United is a great way to fulfill her passion for helping others.
Anna Hammond
Community Outreach & Marketing Coordinator
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Hal Hughes
Registered Psychotherapist
Hal received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Carleton University in 2003 and served his country as a Federal Correctional Officer for two years before transitioning into policing. Hal worked as a police officer for 16 years, before deciding to pursue his passion in helping others as a therapist. Hal completed his Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has worked extensively with clients who have faced a variety of major adversities in their lives, including trauma, anxiety, and depression. While working with others, he focuses on helping clients develop the necessary skillsets needed to overcome their presenting challenges, such as emotional regulation strategies, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioural-based practices. Outside of counselling, Hal is an ultramarathon runner, and also enjoys sharing his expertise on the topic of resiliency as a professional keynote speaker. Hal is a happily married father to four energetic children.
Michaela Clermont
Registered Psychotherapist
Michaela is a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Prior to establishing her own private counselling practice, Michaela worked at Brown Counselling Therapy Services where she worked with individuals and families struggling with a variety of interpersonal and life challenges. Michaela obtained her Master’s of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Before working as a psychotherapist, Michaela was a police officer with the Ottawa Police Service. She worked with the Service as a police constable on general patrol, responding to calls for service in the South end of the city. Prior to this, Michaela was an investigator with the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre where she investigated child sexual exploitation and abuse cases. Based on her personal, professional, and educational experience, she has a solid understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals and those close to them.
Michaela is a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Prior to establishing her own private counselling practice, Michaela worked at Brown Counselling Therapy Services where she worked with individuals and families struggling with a variety of interpersonal and life challenges. Michaela obtained her Master’s of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Before working as a psychotherapist, Michaela was a police officer with the Ottawa Police Service. She worked with the Service as a police constable on general patrol, responding to calls for service in the South end of the city. Prior to this, Michaela was an investigator with the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre where she investigated child sexual exploitation and abuse cases. Based on her personal, professional, and educational experience, she has a solid understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals and those close to them.
Meet our Team
Edward Murray
Clinical Director:
Edward Murray, Ph.D., Psy.D., M.A., C.Psych.
Edward is a clinical psychologist registered in Ontario and New Brunswick, Canada and a Training Analyst with the Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy Institute. Before entering private practice, he was a member of the Ontario Provincial Police, retiring in 2003 at the rank of Detective Sergeant with the OPP Behavioural Sciences Section. In addition to his work as a clinical psychologist, between 2007 and 2013, Edward was a member of the Parole Board of Canada, having been appointed to the Parole Board by the Governor-General in Council on the recommendation of the Office of the Prime Minister. Edward worked as the staff psychologist in a closed custody forensic assessment unit in Burnaby, British Columbia, and taught psychology and criminology at the university level. Both of Edward’s doctoral dissertations addressed the topic of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and as part of his private practice, he provides psychological services to police officers, soldiers, intelligence officers, crown attorneys, firefighters, correctional officers, probation officers, and paramedics.
Wanda Goodridge
Program Coordinator/Office Manager
Wanda is certified as a Software Specialist/Business Systems Analyst and studied at St. Lawrence College. Before establishing her administrative assistant services business in 2019, and working as Dr. Murray's office manager, Wanda worked fifteen years in the corporate world. She worked as an Information Technology Specialist and Quality Standards Specialist in the health field implementing provincial standards and legislation, as well as privacy officer duties. Having experienced personal trauma, she understands posttraumatic stress and the importance of therapy to help you through it. Between her personal life and educational and professional experiences, working with First Responders United is a great way to fulfill her passion for helping others.
Anna Hammond
Marketing Coordinator
Being married to a First Responder for over 36 years, and a former EMS Dispatcher herself, Anna knows only too well the effects of PTSD and the rollercoaster ride that challenges the entire family along the way. She has volunteered for First Responders United since 2018 and has been through a ladies’ retreat. Anna also works as a bookkeeper and tax specialist, and her experience of the program and business acumen together ideally places her to manage the social platforms, outreach and communications.
Hal Hughes
Registered Psychotherapist
Hal received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Carleton University in 2003 and served his country as a Federal Correctional Officer for two years before transitioning into policing. Hal worked as a police officer for 16 years, before deciding to pursue his passion in helping others as a therapist. Hal completed his Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has worked extensively with clients who have faced a variety of major adversities in their lives, including trauma, anxiety, and depression. While working with others, he focuses on helping clients develop the necessary skillsets needed to overcome their presenting challenges, such as emotional regulation strategies, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioural-based practices. Outside of counselling, Hal is an ultramarathon runner, and also enjoys sharing his expertise on the topic of resiliency as a professional keynote speaker. Hal is a happily married father to four energetic children.
Michaela Gage
Registered Psychotherapist
Michaela is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Before establishing her private counselling practice, Michaela worked at Brown Counselling Therapy Services where she worked with individuals and families struggling with a variety of interpersonal and life challenges. Michaela obtained her Master’s of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Before working as a psychotherapist, Michaela was a police officer with the Ottawa Police Service. She worked with the Service as a police constable on general patrol, responding to calls for service in the South end of the city. Before this, Michaela was an investigator with the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre where she investigated child sexual exploitation and abuse cases. Based on her personal, professional, and educational experience, she has a solid understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals and those close to them.
Sarah Bolton
Registered Nurse Practitioner &
Registered Psychotherapist
Sarah Bolton is a Registered Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Psychotherapist. She works collaboratively with clients towards their individual goals in a caring and safe environment. Sarah’s career as a nurse and life experience equips her well to provide support and counselling for a variety of client concerns throughout all stages of life. Sarah’s nursing experience includes working at Roger Neilson House pediatric hospice, acute care hospital settings, long-term care facilities and the Ottawa Breast Health clinic.
Brent McKay
Registered Forensic Nurse &
Registered Psychotherapist
Brent has over 10 years of experience in acute psychiatry, community mental health, forensic, and correctional psychiatry. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) at Laurentian University and holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Brent has also served as a clinical instructor in mental health nursing at St. Lawrence College. In his practice, Brent provides psychological services to adults dealing with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, anger management, self-esteem, trauma, relationship difficulties, and stress. He works with clients from diverse backgrounds, offering a compassionate, accepting, and individualized approach to therapy. Brent's background in both nursing and psychotherapy uniquely positions him to understand the biological, psychological, and sociological factors contributing to his client's challenges. His goal is to promote social contribution, connectedness, and a sense of direction in their lives.
Aaron Cocks
Peer Support Worker
Aaron brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting first responders on their journey toward recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has a decade of service in the correctional system, and firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges and stresses faced by those in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Aaron has actively participated in the FRU retreats for the past three years. He has worked on his healing and developed a passion for helping others navigate their paths to recovery. His personal experience with PTSD and his dedication to growth and resilience make him a compassionate and understanding peer supporter. Aaron is furthering his expertise as a full-time student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program. This academic pursuit will equip him with advanced skills and knowledge to better support his peers. Aaron's blend of professional experience, personal journey, and academic training, positions him as a valuable asset to FRU, where he is eager to assist others in their healing process.
