Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Maya Brstilo

Maya Brstilo

Vancouver,Canada

Summary

Dedicated facilitator passionate about supporting children and youth through safe, empowering, and relationship-based programming. Skilled in creating engaging workshops that foster emotional safety, resilience, and peer connection. Known for a warm, approachable presence and strong communication skills. Committed to child advocacy, trauma-informed care, and building culturally inclusive spaces for children, youth, and families. Excited to bring these strengths to the PEACE Program.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Professional Counsellor

in Partnership With Divine Elements Naturopathic Clinic
04.2025 - Current
  • Provide counselling services to individuals and groups, integrating talk therapy with body-based approaches including CBT, somatic therapy, mindfulness-in-motion, and polyvagal-informed practices.
  • Offer free community-based psychoeducational workshops focused on nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and interoception practices.
  • Collaborate with naturopathic practitioners to provide holistic, integrative care while maintaining independent practice.
  • Support clients in stress management, self-awareness, and emotional resilience through trauma-informed, client-centered interventions.
  • Maintain confidential records and adhere to professional ethical standards (CPCA Code of Ethics).and understanding of their unique challenges.

Nervous System Regulation Facilitator and Guide

Kolm Kontrast
11.2024 - Current
  • Facilitate group sessions integrating breathwork and meditation to support self-regulation during sauna and cold plunge use
  • Provide individualized guidance for nervous system regulation and emotional well-being
  • Maintain strict safety standards during excursions, resulting in zero accidents or incidents
  • Lead participants in practices that build body awareness, resilience, and community connection
  • Adapt sessions to meet diverse cultural, developmental, and accessibility needs

Practicum - Student Counsellor

The Women’s Health Collective
01.2025 - 06.2025
  • Completed 120 hours of supervised clinical counselling
  • Provided individual counselling to marginalized women navigating trauma and mental health challenges
  • Maintained accurate SOAP notes and adhered to CPCA’s ethical and professional standards
  • Developed strong rapport with clients through empathetic listening and nonjudgmental support, fostering a safe environment for growth and selfdiscovery.
  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team and participated in regular supervision and case consultations
  • Created a safe, affirming space for women of diverse backgrounds, with an emphasis on empowerment, inclusion, and client autonomy

Camp Counselor

Harbourfront Centre
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
  • Ensured camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
  • Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
  • Acted as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp''s core values.

Youth Mentor (Volunteer)

Big Brothers Big Sisters
01.2018 - 03.2020
  • Build a trusting, supportive one-on-one relationship with a child or youth
  • Provide mentorship through shared activities, homework help, and life skills guidance
  • Serve as a positive role model, helping the child build confidence, resilience, and social skills
  • Support the child’s emotional well-being and encourage healthy decision-making
  • Maintain consistent communication with program coordinators about the child’s progress and any concerns

Education

Certified Child And Adolescent Trauma Professional - A Polyvagal-Informed Approach To Nurture Safety

Pesi
Online
06-2025

Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) -

Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA)
01.2025

Diploma - Professional Counselling

Rhodes Wellness College
Vancouver, BC
01.2025

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

York University
Toronto
05-2021

Skills

  • Psycho-educational group facilitation
  • One-to-one counselling support
  • Trauma-informed and child-centered approaches
  • Active listening and conflict resolution
  • Safety planning and risk assessment
  • Attachment-focused caregiver support
  • Nonviolent Communication (NVC) techniques
  • Experiential and hands-on learning strategies
  • Program coordination and workshop design
  • Cultural competency and inclusive practice
  • Community outreach and resource navigation
  • Team collaboration and case management

Languages

English
Croatian

Certification

  • Emergency First Aid CPR/AED Level C
  • Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional Training
  • Class 5 Driver License

Timeline

Registered Professional Counsellor

in Partnership With Divine Elements Naturopathic Clinic
04.2025 - Current

Practicum - Student Counsellor

The Women’s Health Collective
01.2025 - 06.2025

Nervous System Regulation Facilitator and Guide

Kolm Kontrast
11.2024 - Current

Camp Counselor

Harbourfront Centre
06.2022 - 06.2023

Youth Mentor (Volunteer)

Big Brothers Big Sisters
01.2018 - 03.2020

Certified Child And Adolescent Trauma Professional - A Polyvagal-Informed Approach To Nurture Safety

Pesi

Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) -

Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA)

Diploma - Professional Counselling

Rhodes Wellness College

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

York University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Maya Brstilo