All of our staff members including senior management spend most of their time working directly with the students. They are role models – experienced professionals committed to the families, the program, and their own personal and professional development.

With a 1:4 staff to student ratio, our staff have the opportunity to build strong relationships with our students and families as they experience all aspects of the program together. We have a strong front-line with a diversity of expertise – qualified teachers, dance & movement therapists, professional chefs, adventure therapists, wilderness experts, & professional athletes.

Our senior staff are leaders in their fields. Click on a name for a photo & bio.

CEO | Clinical Director  | Executive Director | Director of Family Programs | Program Director | Admissions Director | Milieu Director | Family Therapist  |  Therapist   | Therapist | Consulting Psychiatrist  | Research Associate

Pine River Institute is supported by a volunteer Board of Directors, a Professional Advisory Committee,and Parent & Youth Advisors.

Dr. David Rakoff received his medical training at the University of Cape Town and completed the psychiatry residency at the University of Toronto. He has worked with children, adolescents and their families for over 16 years, integrating biological and psychodynamic principles in a systemic approach. He worked at the Hospital for Sick Children as a staff psychiatrist on the crisis team and was then a consultant at the Markham-Stouffville Hospital in the child and adolescent family services unit. He has maintained a private practice since graduating and lives with his wife and 3 children in Toronto.