Michelle Anbar-Goldstein (She/Her) is a Toronto-based clinical social worker, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience in the mental health and developmental services sectors. Her career is defined by a deep commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), particularly those dually diagnosed with mental health challenges. Michelle’s work focuses on preventing abuse, criminalization, and exploitation of this often-overlooked population.

Michelle provides clinical support to individuals navigating complex intersections of disability, mental health, and the justice system. She also specializes in supporting healthy sexuality and relationships within the IDD community—an area often neglected or misunderstood. Her work promotes autonomy, consent, and safe, informed relationship practices for individuals with disabilities, while guiding caregivers and professionals on how to approach these topics with confidence and respect.

Michelle’s passion for the field was ignited during her early career in developmental services, where an initial role intended to bolster her medical school applications transformed into a lifelong vocation. She describes her work not as a job, but as a privilege—highlighting the profound connections she forms with those she supports. Her dedication is evident in her efforts to secure permanent housing, programming, and support for marginalized individuals, always emphasizing dignity and inclusion.

As an educator, Michelle delivers workshops and training sessions on topics such as suicide prevention, sexuality education, and trauma-informed care for individuals with IDD. She is qualified trainer of LivingWorks’ Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day program designed to equip caregivers with the skills to recognize and intervene in situations involving suicidal ideation. Through her teaching, Michelle seeks to build a more informed and compassionate network of support.

Through her clinical practice, educational initiatives, and unwavering advocacy, Michelle continues to make significant strides in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Services include:

• In-person and online psychotherapy for individuals and families

• ASIST Training

• Keynote Speaking on: Suicide Prevention; Sexuality Education; Prevention of abuse, criminalization and exploitation of people with IDD and more. Reach out for more information.

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