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about
Supporting newcomers and immigrant families across the Greater Toronto Area with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering commitment
Our Mission
CircleUp Foundation exists to provide comprehensive support, resources, and community connections to newcomers and immigrants individuals and families living in Ontario, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area. We are committed to fostering resilience, promoting wellbeing, and building a stronger, more connected community.
CircleUp is addressing a critical gap in the mental health landscape by removing financial and systemic barriers to essential services such as individual psychotherapy, psychoeducational assessments, and educational system support. These areas are among the most in-demand yet often underfunded, leaving many families without access to timely and effective care. By offering a model that prioritizes affordability, equity, and individualized support, CircleUp ensures that those who need help the most, regardless of financial means, can receive professional, culturally sensitive, and high-quality mental health and psycho-educational support.
Our Values
Compassion: We approach every individual with empathy and understanding
Community: We believe in the power of connection and mutual support
Dignity: We honor the inherent worth of every person we serve
Cultural Sensitivity: We respect and celebrate diverse backgrounds and experiences
Accessibility: We strive to make our services available to all who need them
Our History
Founded in 2024, CircleUp Foundation was created in response to the growing need for culturally sensitive and affordable mental health support services for newcomers and immigrants individuals and families in the Greater Toronto Area. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a comprehensive organization aiming to serve hundreds of families across the region.
Our Team
CircleUp Foundation is powered by a dedicated team of board members, staff, and volunteers who share a deep commitment to supporting our community. Information about our leadership team and governance structure can be found on our Governance page.
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DR. marina shapira shocher
President & Founder
Dr. Marina Shapira Shocher is the founder and president of CircleUp Foundation. With a background in psychology and a deep commitment to community well-being, she leads the foundation’s mission to make quality mental health care accessible and culturally sensitive for all. Through her leadership, CircleUp bridges the gap between those seeking help and the professional support they deserve.
daniella mushinski
Director of Operations
Daniella Mushinki oversees daily operations at CircleUp Foundation, ensuring programs run efficiently and align with the foundation’s mission to expand access to mental health care and newcomer support in Canada. With expertise in operations and community development, she leads partnerships and drives organizational effectiveness with professionalism and compassion.
CircleUp Clinical Collective
A dedicated team of licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers across Ontario who provide high-quality, trauma-informed care in English and Hebrew through CircleUp’s programs.
Intake and Assessment Volunteers
Clinically trained volunteers who assist in reviewing mental-health and financial information to ensure fair, timely, and equitable access to care.
Administrative Volunteers
Compassionate, detail-oriented team members who help manage appointments, bookings, and coordination, keeping care delivery seamless and organized.
Leadership and Governance Team
Responsible for strategic direction, ethical oversight, and ensuring that CircleUp operates with transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Operations and Coordination Staff
The backbone of day-to-day activity, ensuring smooth communication between clients, clinicians, and volunteers while maintaining quality and efficiency in service delivery.