I believe people are like the wild root system of a forest; we are deeply connected to one another, and the ways we share, absorb, take, and give energy shape how we cope, grow, and flourish. Sometimes relationships, life circumstances, or experiences leave us feeling cramped, starved, depleted and like a wild root system, we need to adapt by reaching and growing into new, healthier spaces. Or sometimes we feel disconnected from our root systems and need to relearn how to coexist.
This wild root analogy represents important therapeutic processes: helping people identify and restore imbalances within their family and communities, setting boundaries and finding new ways to adapt, and understanding and utilizing our personal resiliency and resources.
Go into the forest, you see the birch, maple, pine. Look under ground and all those trees are holding hands. We as people must do the same – Chief Charles Labrador of Acadia First Nation in Nova Scotia.
Originally from Vancouver Island, I moved to Calgary in 2007. I started my career the same year, supporting adults with developmental disabilities in the community, in their homes, and in my own home as a supportive roommate. For a decade, I worked as a Public Guardian Representative supporting vulnerable Albertans in all areas of their personal lives. My career has provided me with extensive professional experience in the world of mental health, addictions, and systems navigation. Throughout my work, I learned that people’s lived experiences create unique support needs that do not fit neatly into our disjointed systems.
On a personal note, I have 40 years of life experiences that have given me firsthand insight and understanding into family dynamics as an offspring, sibling, parent, and partner, marriage and relationships, raising significantly neurodivergant children, terminal illness, cancer, being a survivor of suicide loss, addiction, mental health, and burnout. My lived experiences give me a depth of understanding and authenticity that allows me to connect with people on a human level and see the complexity of pain that life sometimes gives us.
Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it– Gautama Buddha
I believe that:
- The mind and body are connected. You cannot take care of one without the other
- That people are happiest when their life aligns with their values and beliefs.
- That the grind of our busy lives can unknowingly create distance between us and our values, which takes a toll on our minds and bodies.
- People are capable of change and living a truly honest and fulfilling life.
- The dignity of all people is a basic human right.
- Everyone deserves the opportunity to tell their story.
Personal Interests:
- I love new adventures and experiencing the world with family and friends.
- I equally love peaceful and solitary early morning dog walks to start my day.
- I am a burner and live by the 10 principles of burning man.
My Professional Values
Social justice values are foundational to my practice. I am committed to anti-racist, anti-oppressive, non-discriminatory values. I am committed to understanding your unique cultural identity to provide a holistic and personalized therapeutic approach.
I am committed to ongoing professional education and training to stay relevant to the world and psychotherapy. This allows me to provide the most suitable and evidence-based treatment options available.
Credentials and Governing Association
Education: Masters of Counselling in Applied Psychology from Athabasca University in 2025.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology minor in Business from the University of Victoria in 2007.
I am governed by the College of Alberta Psychologists