Our Team
Dr. Azadeh Zangeneh, MD, FRCPC, MPH
Dr. Azadeh Zangeneh is the Medical Director and lead psychiatrist at Advanced Mood Program (AMP). She is a board-certified psychiatrist and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster University. She completed her psychiatry residency at McMaster, where her commitment to academic excellence and patient-centered care first took shape.
She specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex mood disorders and comorbid conditions such as anxiety disorders and ADHD, drawing on years of experience within a tertiary mood disorders program. She has extensive expertise in treating difficult-to-treat depression and bipolar disorder. Dr. Zangeneh brings compassion, clinical depth, and unwavering dedication to her work, helping patients move toward improved well-being and a better quality of life. Dr. Zangeneh sees patients at AMP Clinic in Burlington, Ontario, serving individuals across Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Stefanie Goyert, MSW, RSW
Stefanie is a Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW) and a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). She completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work and her Master’s degree in Social Work at McMaster University. She also holds a Child and Youth Worker Diploma from Mohawk College and completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through McMaster University’s Clinical Behavioural Sciences Program.
In addition to her counselling and psychotherapy practice, Stefanie works as a Social Worker within the outpatient Mood Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. She has also served as a part-time Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, where she has contributed to the education and training of healthcare professionals in CBT and group psychotherapy.
Stefanie has extensive experience providing individual and group psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and older adults. Her clinical work includes supporting individuals experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief, emotional dysregulation, stress, self-esteem challenges, and relationship difficulties across both hospital and community mental health settings.
She takes a compassionate, collaborative, and individualized approach to therapy, helping clients better understand their experiences, build practical coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Therapeutic Approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Behavioural Activation, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Sam Kennedy, RN
A dedicated mental-health nurse, Sam completed his nursing degree at McMaster University and he brings years of experience across inpatient and outpatient academic mood-disorder programs. Highly skilled in supporting individuals with complex psychiatric needs, he blends innovation, compassion, and thoughtful clinical insight throughout his practice.
Specializing in mood disorders and ADHD, Sam offers a warm and energetic therapeutic style that helps clients feel supported and motivated. Recognized for his inventive problem-solving and steady, compassionate presence, he integrates CBT, ADHD coaching, and mindfulness to create practical, individualized care plans. Whether helping clients navigate difficult emotions or build focus and structure, he brings curiosity, empathy, and a consistent sense of optimism to every session. Sam’s work empowers clients to deepen self-understanding, strengthen resilience, and move confidently toward meaningful, enduring change.
Nadjla (Naj) Agahbanaei, RSW, MSW, BSW, SSW
Nadjla (Naj) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Waterloo, and a Social Service Worker diploma from Humber Polytechnic.
With more than two decades of frontline experience across community, hospital, and education settings, Naj supports youth aged 16 and older and adults navigating mood disorders, substance use, grief and loss, anxiety, including health anxiety, life transitions, and other mental health challenges. In addition to private practice, Naj works full-time at Trillium Health Partners as a Social Work Discharge Planner, supporting patients and families navigating complex health and social care needs and transitions from hospital to community.
Her practice is grounded in evidence-based, individualized approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral Activation, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She also incorporates harm reduction principles, meeting clients where they are and supporting realistic, achievable steps toward well-being without judgment or pressure.
Naj believes therapy should be a safe and supportive space where meaningful change is possible for those who are ready to explore it. She works alongside clients to develop practical coping strategies, build emotional resilience, and deepen self-awareness and self-management. Her practice is inclusive, culturally responsive, anti-racist, and grounded in dignity, compassion, and respect for each person’s lived experience, values, and strengths.
Her goal is to help clients find greater clarity, confidence, and resilience while moving toward a life that feels authentic and meaningful to them.
Michelle Cruz,
Patient Care Administrator
Michelle is the welcoming first point of contact at AMP – Advanced Mood Program, where she is dedicated to creating a supportive, compassionate, and positive experience for every client. With over 20 years of experience in administrative and patient-facing roles within mental health and healthcare settings, Michelle brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep commitment to client care.
Her career in mental health began at McMaster Hamilton Health Sciences in the Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic in 1997 and later expanded to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Anxiety Treatment & Research Center in 2010.
Michelle is passionate about helping others and takes pride in ensuring clients feel heard, respected, and supported from their very first interaction with the clinic. She values compassion, dignity, and privacy, and believes that thoughtful, attentive care can make a meaningful difference in a person’s experience and well-being. At AMP, Michelle looks forward to assisting clients and helping create a welcoming and supportive environment throughout their care journey.
Michelle is based at AMP Clinic's Burlington, Ontario location, where she serves as the first point of contact for patients across Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and the GTA.