Who Am I

Originally from Aylmer, Quebec, I moved to Rossland, BC with my husband and young daughter in 1991. Our second daughter was born in 1994, after we decided to make Rossland our home. Recently, my husband and I have moved to Galiano Island where we are in semi-retirement and pursuing new interests and activities. I like to walk, hike, ski, read and learn new things every day. I love the snow and cold, and miss that most living on Galiano Island.

I have worked in the Social Services field since I received my Undergraduate Degree in 1986. I have a Masters in Applied Behavioural Science, with an emphasis in Systems Counselling (received in 2001 from LIOS, Bastyr University, Seattle, WA). This means that I am trained in the Application of Psychology, as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

I use many different therapeutic techniques during counselling sessions, including Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Self-Relations Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and lots more.

My first job within the Social Services field was in Community Living, then with Child Protection and finally, Mental Health and Substance Use for 14 years. In January of 2017, I started working at Selkirk College, teaching Mental Health and Substance Use courses along with counselling. I am now working at Island Health, once again, providing Mental Health and Substance Use support.

I have worked with people of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds and I continue to be humbled and very blessed to be witness to the resilience and strength that people demonstrate in their healing journeys.

I just recently graduated from Vancouver Community College with a Provincial Instructor’s Diploma. The hard work involved in obtaining this diploma was worth it, as I learned so many new things that I can use with my counselling, as well as, in any teaching that I do.

I understand the importance of developing a strong therapeutic relationship, built upon trust and respect, in order for change and growth to occur. I have also had my own personal journey of growth and healing and understand first-hand the vulnerability and courage it takes to walk into a counselling office.