“I believe that when young people feel seen and heard, anything is possible!”

May it be living with autoimmune conditions; being marginalized, stigmatized or othered; or trying to navigate the complexity of life – a relentless state of anxiety and stress wreaks havoc on the nervous system. It also has a profound impact on children, youth, and their family’s mental well-being.

Clinically speaking, we know that talk therapy is often not enough to support young people (ages 6-25). Instead of trying to “fit” them into therapy, I pride myself in fitting my interventions to match their energy, originality, and vivacious attitudes. For example, while exploring their experiences we might engage in activities such as colouring and imaginative play; dancing and listening to music; taking pictures and making movies; or being a superhero and bringing pop culture into the therapy room! I feel it is important to incorporate caregivers into therapy and welcome their involvement, when appropriate.

Given my lived experiences and my clinical training, I am confident working with a wide variety of presenting concerns including: anxiety and panic, OCD, ADHD, identity challenges (including gender and sexual identity), medically induced trauma (specifically allergies and asthma), emotional regulation and distress tolerance, and complex comorbidities including ASD. I also provide caregiver psychoeducation and consultation.

I always engage in empirically supported frameworks such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and collaborative problem solving (CPS) – apply developmentally appropriate strategies based on each individual client.

A little about my training. I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist, having completed my master’s and PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2021. I have specifically tailored all my training to support the complex mental health needs of children and youth. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at AHS’s Complex ADHD Treatment Team (CATT’s) and Mood, Anxiety, and Psychosis Services (MAPS); as well as Renfrew Educational Services providing early intervention with pre-school aged children diagnosed with ASD. I have worked and completed practicum training at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in-patient mental health unit and CBE’s Children’s Village supporting at-risk elementary school aged children. I have also engaged in extensive social justice research with newcomer youth attending high school in Calgary.

I love music, pop culture, and fantasy. I am a huge Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and Disney fan. Having fun, being creative, and playing are some of my favorite things. I am also attempting to master being a dairy free, egg free, peanut, and tree nut free baker!

“I believe that when young people feel seen and heard, anything is possible!” May it be living w... Read More