Presently, I am a therapeutic registered counsellor with my own private practice. My office is in Lower Sackville, N.S. I have extensive experience facilitating individuals, couples, and groups manage emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges. I assess mental health conditions, develop treatment plans, and provide evidence-based therapy to support clients in achieving emotional well-being and personal growth.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Therapist
Brightside Integrated Health
06.2023 - 05.2025
Utilized evidence-based interventions in individual therapy sessions, tailoring techniques to each patient''s unique needs.
Implemented preventative measures by identifying risk factors within a client's life situation or environment that could trigger potential crises or setbacks in recovery progress.
Provided psychoeducation on coping mechanisms, equipping patients with practical tools to manage stressors effectively.
Coordinated care with primary healthcare providers for seamless integration of mental health services into overall patient wellness plans.
Provided mentorship to counsellor interns.
Established a safe space for diverse populations by maintaining an inclusive therapeutic environment responsive to cultural differences and unique needs.
Continuously updated clinical knowledge through professional development, staying current on best practices in the field of therapy.
School Mental Health Consultant
Continuum North
06.2023 - 05.2024
Tier 3 therapeutic counselling for students
Developed and delivered Tier 2 classroom mental health lessons
Developed training materials for staff members to ensure consistent implementation of evidence-based practices across all programs.
Reduced crisis incidents by implementing effective prevention strategies and early intervention techniques.
Advised school personnel on best practices for supporting students with mental health challenges, leading to increased academic success rates among this population.
Increased access to mental health services by establishing partnerships with local community organizations and schools.
Documented client progress in confidential files.
Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
Lecturer: Adolescent Psychology 3319
Mount Saint Vincent University
05.2022 - 08.2022
Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for Adolescent Psychology.
Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
Implemented differentiated instruction methods to accommodate diverse student learning styles.
Trauma-Informed Consultant
Beaufort-Delta Education Council
07.2020 - 08.2022
Professional development regarding the effects of trauma and stress on learning and interpersonal relationships.
LGBTQ2+ awareness lead team member for Beaufort-Delta Education Council.
Contributor to Inclusive Schools and Conflict Resolution Policy,
Provided recommendations for modification, development or improvement of educational programs to promote mental health.
Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to over 100 teachers and administrators to impact student achievement.
Cultivated an inclusive classroom environment that prioritized respect, empathy, and cultural understanding among students.
Coordinated training for 9 schools by creating webinars, tutorials and training manuals, maintaining consistent quality of mental health programs.
Partnered with school administrators, teachers and parents or guardians to provide students with appropriate and adequate counseling support in school.
Lecturer: DSM-5 and Therapeutic Counselling Methods
Stenberg College
01.2022 - 05.2022
Delivered curriculum via Collaborate and Moodle
Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Implemented instructional technologies in course delivery to engage and educate students.
Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
Fostered supportive and inclusive classroom environment, leading to improved student engagement and participation.
Enhanced student comprehension of complex theories through engaging lectures and interactive discussions.
Private Counselling Practice Employee Assistance Programs
Self-Employed
01.2000 - 01.2017
Counselling adults with issues relating to grief, anxiety, stress, relationships, work, parenting
Coordination with insurance companies and health providers to create back-to-work plans
Guidance Counsellor/Teacher/Registrar
Halifax Regional Center for Education
01.2005
Behavioral and academic programming for students.
Liaison for international students.
Race-relations and cross-cultural understanding officer.
Gay-Straight Alliance Chair and member.
Trained staff members on HRCE policies and procedures.
Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
Maintained a high level of professional development through continuous education, conference attendance, and participation in professional organizations related to school counseling.
Coordinated with outside agencies to determine students receive appropriate services and resources.
Teacher of Senior High Biology, Chemistry and Math
Chignecto-Central School Board and King's County School Board
09.1990 - 06.2006
Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Education
Ph.D. - Psychology
California Southern University
Costa Mesa, California
04.2022
Master of Education - Diverse Learners
Mount Saint Vincent University
Halifax, NS
01.2013
Master of Education - Counselling Psychology
Acadia University
Wolfville, NS
Bachelor of Education - Science Methods And Special Education
Mount Allison University
Sackville, NB
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Psychology
Mount Allison University
Sackville, NB
Skills
Person-centered approaches (Rogers)
Positive psychology (Seligman)
Behavioral/cognitive skills development
Cognitive-behavioural approaches (Beck)
Emotionally focused therapy
Narrative therapy
Trauma-informed approaches
Curriculum development
Course delivery and evaluation via Moodle and Collaborate
Inquiry-based teaching
Poly-vagal techniques
Course material development
Program evaluation
Differentiated instruction specialist
Group therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Adolescent therapy
Certification
2019 CITI Human Subject Research for Doctoral Students
2016 Mental Health First Aid, Canadian Mental Health Association
2014 Leadership Development Program- Vice-Principal Pool
2008 ASSIST Suicide Intervention, Canadian Mental Health Association
2007 Restorative Justice Facilitator, RCMP
1999-present Canadian Counselling Association Certified Counsellor
Accomplishments
International Student Liaison Award
Anti-Bullying Award for Gay-Straight Alliance activities
Built a school in Ecuador for underprivileged children
Published book by Routledge Publishing; Trauma-Informed Schools
Languages
English
Full Professional
Affiliations
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
Timeline
Clinical Therapist
Brightside Integrated Health
06.2023 - 05.2025
School Mental Health Consultant
Continuum North
06.2023 - 05.2024
Lecturer: Adolescent Psychology 3319
Mount Saint Vincent University
05.2022 - 08.2022
Lecturer: DSM-5 and Therapeutic Counselling Methods
Stenberg College
01.2022 - 05.2022
Trauma-Informed Consultant
Beaufort-Delta Education Council
07.2020 - 08.2022
Guidance Counsellor/Teacher/Registrar
Halifax Regional Center for Education
01.2005
Private Counselling Practice Employee Assistance Programs
Self-Employed
01.2000 - 01.2017
Teacher of Senior High Biology, Chemistry and Math
Chignecto-Central School Board and King's County School Board
09.1990 - 06.2006
Ph.D. - Psychology
California Southern University
Master of Education - Diverse Learners
Mount Saint Vincent University
Master of Education - Counselling Psychology
Acadia University
Bachelor of Education - Science Methods And Special Education
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