Kara-Leah Gonty
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Professional mental health practitioner with expertise in delivering therapeutic interventions and fostering emotional well-being. Skilled in individual and relationship therapy, active listening and empathy to foster trust and effective communication. Strong focus on being adaptable and flexible to changing client needs. Known for excellent communication skills and ensuring client-centric care.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sessional Instructor - Psychology Department
Renert School
01.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Facilitated interactive discussions to promote critical thinking among students.
- Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.
- Fostered positive learning environment, encouraging students to express their ideas and questions freely.
Practicum Supervisor
Insight Counselling & Therapy Centre
01.2021 - Current
- Facilitate a safe and caring environment for students to learn and take risks.
- Supervise all clinical work of Master of Counselling Psychology students.
- Complete assessments and evaluations.
Therapist/Owner
Brave Space Counselling and Coaching
01.2019 - Current
- Excellent knowledge, skills, and abilities in implementing various behavioral and counselling therapies including IFS, CBT, DBT and narrative therapy.
- Ability to provide client-centered individual, couple, or family counselling (virtually and in-person) and facilitate group therapy in a positive and effective manner.
- Strong sense of integrity when dealing with clients and a commitment to keeping information confidential.
School Counsellor/Teacher
Calgary Catholic School District
01.2016 - 01.2025
- Advocates and supports students in areas of academic, career and personal counselling and guidance; proactive in addressing students' needs.
- Cooperates, collaborates, and communicates with administration, staff, parents in supporting student needs.
- Acute awareness of diversity and displays sensitivity and respect towards all students, staff, parents, and community members.
- Develop and implement curriculum for junior high psychology course.
Education Coordinator (Secondment)
Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Develop practices for collaboration between school authorities and Child Advocacy Centres. Share learnings and outcomes with Child Advocacy Centres, school authorities, partner organizations and stakeholders.
- Provide leadership and support to post-secondary Faculties of Education to embed curriculum related to child abuse prevention, intervention, and trauma-informed practice.
- Engage school authorities in advancing training, processes, and practices to build staff capacity to recognize and to respond to suspected child abuse and promote trauma-informed practices virtually and in-person.
School Administrator/Teacher
Calgary Catholic School District
01.2000 - 01.2015
- Planned, implemented, monitored, and assessed instructional programs.
- Train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
- Lead staff and multi-disciplinary team meetings and professional development.
Education
Sexual Health Certificate Program -
University of Michigan
Michigan 03-2024
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Fredericton, N.B.01.2019
Master of Education - Leadership
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, AB01.2006
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB01.2000
Bachelor of Education - undefined
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB01.2000
Skills
- In-depth knowledge of psychology principles
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Strong understanding of mental health issues
- Knowledge of current trends in psychology research
- Building rapport
- Psychodynamic therapy
- In-depth understanding of sex therapy
Affiliations
- Alberta College of Social Workers, #14770
- Alberta Teachers' Association
- American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapist (AASECT), #1443001
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, #10002254
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, #842184
Professional Development
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Level 1 and 2 Clinical Training - Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Conflict Resolution Certificate
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
Timeline
Sessional Instructor - Psychology Department
Renert School
01.2025 - Current
Practicum Supervisor
Insight Counselling & Therapy Centre
01.2021 - Current
Therapist/Owner
Brave Space Counselling and Coaching
01.2019 - Current
Education Coordinator (Secondment)
Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
01.2019 - 01.2021
School Counsellor/Teacher
Calgary Catholic School District
01.2016 - 01.2025
School Administrator/Teacher
Calgary Catholic School District
01.2000 - 01.2015
Master of Education - Leadership
University of Lethbridge
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Education - undefined
University of Calgary
Sexual Health Certificate Program -
University of Michigan
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University