Meet
the Team

Dr. Kate Hamilton, Ph.D

Welcome! I’m Dr. Kate Hamilton, a registered clinical and forensic psychologist based in Alberta, Canada. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in forensic assessments, therapy, and consultation services designed to help individuals, legal professionals, and organizations navigate complex psychological and behavioral challenges.

My work includes:

Conducting detailed forensic risk assessments for individuals charged or convicted with sexual or violent offences.
Preparing pre-sentence court reports that address recidivism risks and treatment needs.
Providing trauma-focused therapy and evidence-based interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Leading innovative programs, such as an in-custody therapy program for individuals charged or convicted with sexual or violent offences during my time with Alberta Health Services.

In 2024, I transitioned into full-time private practice to focus on offering tailored, compassionate, and expert services to clients. Whether through clinical work or forensic evaluations, I am committed to fostering growth, accountability, and resilience.

Dr. Kate Hamilton CV

Meet the Team

While my practice is at the core of what I offer, I am proud to work alongside a group of trusted professionals as part of the Baxter Forensic Group (Baxter Forensic Group is a trade name only, and is not a legal entity. Services are provided by independent contractors).

This collaboration allows me to provide clients with access to a range of specialized expertise and resources. Together, we are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of our clients with professionalism, care, and integrity. I frequently collaborate with my team and use their offices at The Forensic Group when in-person meetings are required.

The Baxter Forensic Group

Dr. Cynthia Baxter,
MD, FRCPC, DABPN

Forensic Psychiatrist

Email: baxter@theforensicgroup.ca

Dr. Cynthia Baxter is a highly respected forensic psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience assessing and managing violent offenders, sex offenders, and individuals with severe personality disorders. She works extensively with the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and healthcare sectors.

Dr. Baxter is board-certified in both Canada and the United States and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine.
She values collaboration across disciplines and brings exceptional skill to managing complex forensic cases.

Ms. Jacqueline Leland,
MPsych (For), RPsych

Forensic Psychologist

Email: leland@theforensicgroup.ca

Ms. Jacqueline Leland has been practicing forensic psychology since 2003, with expertise in clinical psychological assessments and treatments within forensic contexts. She is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
Ms. Leland is well-known for her dedication to improving lives while addressing the unique demands of the legal and justice systems.

She has served as an expert witness at both Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench.
Her work aims to enhance understanding and bring clarity to the most challenging forensic issues.

Mr. Steven Harbourne, RN

Therapist and Registered Nurse

Email: harbourne@theforensicgroup.ca

Mr. Steven Harbourne is a compassionate and skilled therapist and registered nurse with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of offending behaviors. He has been registered with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta since 2006.

Mr. Harbourne works closely with clients to address the root causes of problematic behaviors, using his background in nursing and therapeutic practice to deliver thoughtful and effective care.

Ms. Kristen Dooley

Forensic Therapist

Email: kristen@itstherapy.ca

Ms. Kristen Dooley is a registered clinical social worker with specialized expertise in addictions counseling and trauma-focused therapies.
Her advanced training includes modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Kristen has worked extensively with forensic populations, providing both individual and group therapy to provincial offenders.

She has also developed standardized addictions programming for Alberta Justice and frequently presents at conferences across Canada and the U.S. Her compassionate and nonjudgmental approach makes her an invaluable member of the team.

Dr. Melissa Jonnson, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist

Email: drmelissajonnson@gmail.com

Dr. Melissa Jonnson is a registered clinical psychologist who provides therapy and assessment services to clients with a wide range of needs and presentations. She has extensive training and experience working with individuals involved in the legal system, including those who have engaged in violent or sexually harmful behaviours.

In her therapeutic work, Dr. Jonnson collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive treatment plans that leverage their strengths to address factors contributing to maladaptive behaviours. She fosters a warm, open, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.