Calgary Therapists

  • Shannon Foster R. Psych.

    Shannon is a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about working with teens, young adults, and their families. She has expertise in treating all types of eating disorders and disordered eating (Anorexia Nervosa, Atypical Anorexia, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and ARFID) and all the co-morbidities that accompany them. These can include body image concerns, low self-esteem, perfectionism, emotional dysregulation, self-harming behaviours, anxiety, trauma, depression and relationship conflict and challenges.

    Shannon places a strong emphasis on partnering with parents, recognizing how overwhelming and frightening it can be to watch your child struggle. She has training in attachment-based theories and interventions such as the Circle of Security and CONNECT parenting group.

    Her approach is warm, collaborative and is grounded in evidence-based therapy methods including:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID

    • Family Based Treatment (Maudsley Method)- Certified FBT therapist

    • Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)

    • Informed Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

    • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

    She has over 15 years of experience working in a hospital-based eating disorder program, Calgary Elementary and High Schools and community agencies such as the Alex, Eastside Family Center and Carya.

  • Lois McCormack RSW/RSW

    Lois has worked as a family counsellor since she graduated with her Masters of Social Work in 2006, and she spent the next 19 years in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Alberta Health Services. She spent her first three years working in the Eating Disorder Clinic, (where she met the lovely and talented, Keri Sullivan.) For the most recent decade and a half, she worked in the Mood Anxiety and Psychosis Service (MAPS). It was a tertiary level service where she was part of an interdisciplinary team of psychologists and psychiatrists and some other allied health professionals. Lois has always believed that parents/caregivers were the underutilized secret ingredient of treatment.

    Serendipitously, Lois ended up working with a lot of families where aggression (from the child) was a main issue, and it became a niche for her during her time at the MAPS clinic. She's had a private practice since 2017 - which she considered her "side hustle" until her clinic was dismantled and she jumped into private practice full time in 2025. Her approach draws primarily on the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, with a sprinkling of Daniel Siegel's work (hand model of the brain, specifically). She's taken several EFFT courses as well (Adele LaFrance's work). She has extensive training in Sue Johnson's work with couples, and is working towards becoming a certified EFCT therapist. Neufeld's parent coaching model is near and dear to her heart, and as such she is less likely to bring the young person into session.

    Lois is a member of a women's competitive acapella barbershop chorus and has competed internationally several times. (If that sounds super geeky, it IS!) She's married, with two daughters and a large dog she bought off Kijiji during Covid. She's very excited to be part of the Lionheart community.

  • Meisha Kolbuc R. Psych.

    Meisha Kolbuc has spent much of the last two decades working with families and individuals to live their best possible lives. Her compassionate and practical approach is focused on understanding the unique needs of each client and supporting them in their journey to wellness. By understanding an individual’s life experiences and their current circumstances, she is able to provide individuals and families with the skills and tools they need to help heal from the past and manage present and future challenges.

    When appropriate, Meisha incorporates the family into the journey towards wellness and works with individual and family strengths to support growth and change. Her understanding of the important role families can play in supporting loved ones to heal, helps to resolve personal challenges, and also decreases family conflict and improves family communication. She works to support parents in enhancing their parenting skills and strengthens the bond within families by fostering positive and healthy family dynamics. Through connection, regulation, and understanding the past, Meisha helps clients to focus on what they can change to bring joy to the here and now.

    Meisha is a passionate advocate for youth and women’s health, and an ally of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Over the last 20 years she has worked in a variety of settings to support individuals and families in overcoming trauma, addictions, self-injury, anxiety and depression. Since 2012, she has specialized in supporting youth and adults with eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns. She is an engaging (and entertaining) presenter who welcomes the opportunity to share knowledge on a variety of topics including eating disorders, improving family functioning, and emotional literacy.

    As a Mom of three, partner, sister, daughter and friend to many, Meisha is always striving to live her best life, whether that be through a ride on the motorbike, playing mini-sticks, doing dance braids or reading a good book while enjoying nature - she never sits still for long.

  • Pamela loves to laugh and have fun; she believes laughing until your belly hurts can be the best antidote to almost anything. Luckily, her family, including her dog, make her laugh and keep her
    goofy.

    Pamela holds a Graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary with a specialization in Clinical Social Work (Counselling) and has provided psychotherapy to a wide range of
    individuals, families and groups for more than 20 years.  Pamela's career has mostly been focused on working with children, adolescents, young adults and their parents. She believes her role is to provide the treatment that best meets the needs of those seeking therapy with specific strategies aimed at decreasing stress, anxiety, depression and the effects of trauma so that people can enjoy life while reducing future risks.

    She has worked with people at the beginning of their struggle, providing support and expertise to ensure problems stay manageable, and with individuals and families struggling with intense difficulties including concerns related to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. In addition, Pamela has facilitated a variety of therapy groups
    including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy Groups, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Girls' Leadership Groups.

    Pamela has a specialization in trauma-focused treatment and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specialized treatment approach for individuals of
    all ages struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression and other overwhelming life events.

    Pamela loves her work and the privilege of getting to know and understand herself and others in this process; witnessing people in their most difficult, vulnerable and triumphant moments has
    helped her to connect to her own vulnerabilities and the courage and bravery needed to do the work of therapy.

  • Grace Wong, MSc, RD, CEDS-S

    Grace is a Calgary-based registered dietitian.  Her practice focuses on feeding & eating disorders and weight-inclusive nutrition care. 

    She received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia.  She subsequently pursued her graduate work on the impact of social determinants of health on women, children, and families at the University of Alberta. 

    Grace has worked in various health care settings including mental health, pediatrics, and Indigenous health.  She is experienced in working with a broad range of eating challenges along with co-existing conditions including complex medical conditions, developmental concerns, mental health conditions, addictions, and trauma.

    Grace Wong - Therapies and Treatments

    Grace firmly believes in an integrated approach to support eating disorder recovery.  Nutrition often progresses in tandem with therapy during recovery.  She works closely with therapists and physicians to ensure all elements are coordinated.  She values the involvement of families and key relationships in eating disorder recovery.  Grace is also a certified eating disorder specialist and iaedp-approved supervisor.  Besides her clinical practice, she provides training and supervision for health professionals in Canada and overseas.

    Grace is immensely grateful for resources made available by the Lionheart Foundation.  It is a great honour to partner with the Lionheart Foundation to provide mental health services for young people in Calgary.

  • Emily Shaffer, R. Psych

    Emily Shaffer began her journey over 20 years ago working at a youth crisis shelter, fresh from earning her first degree at university. She had no idea it would bring her to where she’s at today - being a therapist and loving what she does. In that time, Emily has worked with a number of different programs, agencies, schools and other environments where she continued to learn and grow, enriching her integrated approach to working with clients.

    Today she has a thriving private practice shared with one of her life-long friends and is so pleased to partner with Lionheart to bring support to those who might otherwise struggle to access therapy.

    Emily Shaffer, Therapies

    Always seeking moments of levity in the often heavy process of therapy, Emily weaves in humour and deep compassion when listening to people’s stories, validating and helping to navigate through to the other side.

    Sometimes Emily teaches skills and tools to manage the mind, body and heart; other times sessions need to dig deep and get mucky in order to explore old patterns or events to reframe them in a more balanced and nourishing way.

    Emily does not believe there is a single path to follow on a therapeutic voyage and instead sees it as vital to truly seek out and champion the unique and individual route for each person who walks through her door. By slowing down, incorporating various forms of mindfulness, EMDR, cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, attachment theory, family systems theory, and ultimately looking to the glorious brain science behind it all, Emily believes that with hard work, growth and healing are waiting to flourish.

    Having two young teenagers herself, Emily feeds her soul by being in outdoors and dragging her kids to the mountains as much as possible!

  • Emily Shaffer, R. Psych

    Emily Shaffer began her journey over 20 years ago working at a youth crisis shelter, fresh from earning her first degree at university. She had no idea it would bring her to where she’s at today - being a therapist and loving what she does. In that time, Emily has worked with a number of different programs, agencies, schools and other environments where she continued to learn and grow, enriching her integrated approach to working with clients.

    Today she has a thriving private practice shared with one of her life-long friends and is so pleased to partner with Lionheart to bring support to those who might otherwise struggle to access therapy.

    Emily Shaffer, Therapies

    Always seeking moments of levity in the often heavy process of therapy, Emily weaves in humour and deep compassion when listening to people’s stories, validating and helping to navigate through to the other side.

    Sometimes Emily teaches skills and tools to manage the mind, body and heart; other times sessions need to dig deep and get mucky in order to explore old patterns or events to reframe them in a more balanced and nourishing way.

    Emily does not believe there is a single path to follow on a therapeutic voyage and instead sees it as vital to truly seek out and champion the unique and individual route for each person who walks through her door. By slowing down, incorporating various forms of mindfulness, EMDR, cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, attachment theory, family systems theory, and ultimately looking to the glorious brain science behind it all, Emily believes that with hard work, growth and healing are waiting to flourish.

    Having two young teenagers herself, Emily feeds her soul by being in outdoors and dragging her kids to the mountains as much as possible!

  • Melanie Badour, MC, Registered Psychologist & EMDR Therapist

    Mel is a registered psychologist predominantly working with adolescents, young adults, and families whose lives and relationships are impacted by anxiety, depression, perfectionism, low self-esteem, anger, difficulties with emotional regulation, self-harm, and trauma. Having started a career in education, teaching Grades 6-12 in Canada and overseas, Mel has a diverse background. She received her Master of Counselling from the University of Calgary and also holds an Honors Bachelor of Science (in Nutritional Science) and a Bachelor of Education. For the last 7 years, her focus has been on adolescent mental health.

    Melanie Badour, Therapies

    Mel provides care that is non-judgemental, non-blaming, compassionate, and collaborative. She uses an integrative, creative and eclectic approach that is attachment-focused and trauma-informed. Mel has advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). Her therapist toolbox also includes other modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and Motivational Interviewing.

    Known for her empathy and dedication, Mel understands how challenging it can be to face the issues that bring young people to her office. For this reason, she creates safe, honest and trusting relationships that help clients to open up, cultivate insights and build skills that create positive change. Currently, Mel provides counselling and consultation within a school and in private practice and offers individual, group and parent sessions.

  • Malvern Nyamande, Family Counselor and EMDR Therapist

    Malvern Nyamande is a Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Clinical Social Work. He enjoys working with children, adolescents, and families.

    Malvern Nyamande, Therapies

    Malvern espouses the idea that people are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them (Carl Rogers). He draws his treatment approaches from EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy.

    Malvern has worked for Children's Services, Alberta Health Service, Supported Lifestyles, Chicken On the Way (yes way), Home Depot, FedEx and Starchoice (Shaw Direct). He takes pride in having attended three universities in Calgary, Why? Just for fun and to discover himself. When not doing therapy, he enjoys riding and shopping for motorcycles, playing soccer, watching the news and cleaning his truck - it's a guy thing (Please don't tell his wife.)

  • Tasha Belix, MA

    Registered Psychologist, EMDR Therapist

    Tasha is a Registered Psychologist who has been supporting girls to reach their full potential for over 20 years.  Her career has crossed a variety of child and adolescent mental health settings, such as working with street youth, the foster care system, domestic violence, youth addictions and at-risk young parents and their children and as Community Educator for Juno House. 

    Tasha Belix currently runs a thriving private practice that specializes in girls 8 to 15 years old, helping them and their families with internalizing disorders. Often called “The Feelings Expert”, Tasha works as a consultant to Strathcona Tweedsmuir School and Fast and Female.

    Tasha Belix, Therapies

    Tasha has earned a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a MA in Counselling Psychology from the University of Chicago.  Tasha's philosophy flows from Adlerian Therapy, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and current research in brain development.  She has additional training in the expressive arts, EMDR and Motivational Interviewing, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (tapping). Tasha is a strong proponent of group therapy and believes wholeheartedly in the cost-effectiveness and incredible growth that can be ignited when one's experience is normalized in a safe group setting.  In 2014, Tasha created a series of interactive learning modules to be delivered in a group setting under the name, B'Tween Girls.  These are designed for girls and the important people in their world to develop a deeper sense of their inner strengths and to build stronger relationships.

    From Tasha's own experience of living in a home with a mentally ill sibling, she knows first-hand the profound impact that mental health issues can have on the whole family.  All of Tasha's educational, work and personal experiences have fueled her passion to support girls and their families, where anger, depression, anxiety, self-harm, OCD behaviours and self-esteem symptoms have developed. Tasha's clients and group participants have told her that empathy, energy and humour give her a unique ability to connect in an authentic and motivating way. Tasha is a Mom to three spicy girls and is full of gratitude to Lionheart for supporting her life’s work.

    www.tashabelix.com

  • May Melnyk RMFT MSW RSW

    May Melnyk believes in the power of connection and community when it comes to getting through the hard stuff. She is a Registered Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist. May graduated from the University of Calgary with a Master’s of Social Work and a Post-Master’s Diploma in Couple and Family Therapy. She is a Systemic Family Therapist and incorporates elements of Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Family-Based Treatment, Exposure Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

    May has over 17 years of experience in general mental health, with 9 of those years counselling individuals, families, and groups with an eating disorder. She has worked in a variety of settings from hospitals, and community agencies, to private practice. May is exceptionally passionate about working with people in the areas of eating disorders, anxiety-related disorders, depression, gender dysphoria, ADHD, and general relationship struggles. She is an ally of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.  

    May is known for her holistic and relational lens focusing on the patterns that exist between people. She believes in grounding problems in the environment to which they were influenced by exploring how societal beliefs, gender, race, sexuality, age, socio-economic status, intergenerational trauma, and other power imbalances play a role. She prefers to focus on the spaces between people rather than locating problems within people, while at the same time considering how biology, attachment, trauma, emotions, and the brain all interact with each other. If there is one principle that guides May’s work most, its that individuals and particularly children should not be held responsible for “fixing” themselves rather it’s a collective effort we all have in making changes.   

    Personally, May is a mother of two, an avid soccer and gymnastics observer and driver, a lover of all animals and people, she enjoys gardening, listening to music, and cycling to re-charge. 

    May would like to say a special thank-you to the Lionheart Foundation for recognizing a need and doing an exceptional job at providing this resource to the community. She couldn’t be more excited to join the team.  

  • The Dietitian Team
    at Health Stand Nutrition

    Since 2000, our experienced Registered Dietitian Calgary team has provided personal nutrition counselling at their local office or virtually by phone or video conferencing. Their services and resources have always been grounded in science and practicality (no-nonsense here.)

    Their mission is to empower people to create a healthy and joyous relationship with food and their body. This means getting enough nerdy nutritious foods for health, but also saving room for foods chosen exclusively for taste and social fun (like nachos and dessert.)

    Health Stand specializes in nutrition counselling for mental health, a variety of medical concerns, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID and binge eating disorder. They understand food and weight obsession, endless tracking, second-guessing food decisions, anxiety about social situations as well as coping behaviours such as restriction, bingeing, purging, and overexercising.

    Health Stand Nutrition works collaboratively with patients’ family doctors and therapists to ensure they offer personalized support. Health Stand sees mental health and eating disorder recovery at all different ages, genders, and struggles for so many different reasons. This is also a place where LGBTQIA2S+ and their friends and allies are welcomed and supported. Health Stand continues to learn as much as possible about mental health and behaviour change to best serve clients also managing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and more.

    The Health Stand Nutrition Dietitian team is honoured to work with Lionheart Foundation to provide access to individuals and families that may otherwise not have access to the care they need.

  • Lakshmi Krishnan, MSW, RSW

    After 15 years as a stay-at-home mum, Lakshmi Krishnan came to Canada in 2000 and started her career as a Social Worker. Lakshmi’s work experience over the past 17 years has covered the areas of domestic violence at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, addictions at the Foothills Hospital and children’s mental health and eating disorders at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The experience of working in multi-disciplinary settings at the hospital has taught Lakshmi to value the expertise and knowledge that other disciplines offer and to seek their collaboration wherever possible. During this time, Lakshmi has also had the delight of supervising many young students through their MSW practicum placements at the hospital.

    Lakshmi Krishnan, Therapies

    Lakshmi’s practice is firmly grounded in the principles of attachment theory and family systems. Lakshmi refers to herself as a Family Therapist and will involve other significant members of the family, whenever possible. Lakshmi has also trained in the trauma models of Integrative Body-focused Psychotherapy and EMDR and practises from a mindfully eclectic stance. Lakshmi believes that every system, individual and family, has an intrinsic desire for wellness that brings people into the uncomfortable process of therapy and feels that it is an honour to walk with each person in their journey.

    While the larger part of her practice is working with families struggling with eating disorders, Lakshmi likes to keep a broad practice including couple therapy, individual therapy and supporting families with parenting issues. Lakshmi is extremely grateful to the Lionheart Foundation for the support they offer the community in making help possible for many young women in need.

    Currently, Lakshmi keeps busy with her private practice and her role as the co-founder and Clinical Advisor with the Calgary Silver Linings Foundation. In her personal life, Lakshmi enjoys her role as the mother of her two adult sons and the grandmother of two adorable grandchildren.

  • Kristin Boettger, Certified Counsellor & Registered Art Therapist

    As a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Art Therapist, Kristin draws on over 20 years of experience working in the fields of mental health and creativity.  She offers individual counselling and art therapy sessions for children, teens and families, as well as a variety of art groups and workshops. Issues addressed range from anxiety-based concerns to trauma, grief and overall self-care.

    Kristin Boettger, Sessions and Therapies

    All sessions take place in a warm and welcoming studio environment.  Her approach is unique and specialized, informed by advanced training in EMDR, EFFT, CBT, interpersonal neurobiology, expressive arts and mindfulness practices.  She especially enjoys working with girls and young women to help them process life and develop a unique and empowered identity for themselves.  Parents are welcome in this process.

    Kristin's counselling approach is rooted in the belief that authentic human connection, emotional expression and creativity are all key to our health and wellness.

  • Jenn Champagne, Registered Psychologist

    Jenn is an entrepreneur-at-heart, a lover of nature (especially rock climbing and camping), and dreams of living tiny and off-grid.  She feels honoured that people trust her with their stories and experiences.

    Jenn's diverse education and training inform her practice with adolescents, adults, and families. She aims to help people through difficult life transitions, particularly serious medical diagnoses.  This passion comes from Jenn's own journey through breast cancer. Her friends and family comment on how powerfully she navigated that journey, and Jenn hopes to help others do the same, whether it is a medical diagnosis, life transition, or mental health concern. She believes in individuals' power to heal themselves with a little guidance.

    Jenn's collaborative approach involves meeting individuals where they're at to help them to identify their values, strengths, and needs so that they can live their life powerfully despite the circumstances. Drawing from attachment theory and neurobiology, Jenn uses concepts from her training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Hakomi, CBT, and DBT skills.  Jenn is always seeking training opportunities to expand on her ability to help.

     

  • Kirsten White, M.C., R Psych. - Registered Psychologist

    Kirsten White is a Registered Psychologist in private practice and has a passion for working with children and young women. Kirsten received her Masters of Counselling from Athabasca University and has experience working within non-profit organizations supporting families and children with grief, bereavement, and domestic violence. In her spare time she is also a practicing artist, which influences her therapeutic approach by bringing in creativity, play, and curiosity.

    Kirsten White - Therapies and Treatments

    Kirsten approaches therapy holistically by using her knowledge of neurobiology and attachment to help clients overcome phobias, learn valuable stress management skills and to have a strong awareness of their own mind and body. Kirsten meets her clients where they are at and together strengthens their awareness of old patterns that no longer serve them, and helps them work towards creating a healthy balance of body, mind, and environment. Kirsten has specialized training in therapies such as Eye Movement and Desensitization Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy and play therapy.

    Kirsten is excited to join Lionheart Foundation and is honoured to have the opportunity to offer clients and their families affordable counselling services.

  • Talia Zink, MSW, RSW

    Talia specializes in clinical counselling with youth, young adults, and families and has been passionate about working with these populations for over ten years. Prior to starting her clinical practice, Talia worked in a number of human services positions both locally and abroad. Once settled in Calgary, she completed her Masters in Clinical Social Work and additional training in the areas of trauma, family conflict, at-risk youth and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Further driving her therapeutic work is Talia’s focus on family systems theory, the latest research in brain development and the neurobiology of early attachment-related issues. In addition to her clinical work, she also deeply enjoys the opportunities she has had to present and share her knowledge at various educational institutions and conferences.

    Talia Zink, Practice and Therapy

    After working as a therapist in a range of settings including hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and in the broader community, Talia started a private practice in 2010. Talia is passionate about supporting girls and young women to overcome the incredible challenges often associated with adolescence and early adulthood.

    She believes the young women she works with are the authorities of their own lives and strives to ensure they truly feel seen and understood before addressing the roots of the issues they face. Talia supports youth to access their inherent ability to re-wire their brain so they can achieve maximum wellness. She often engages parents in therapeutic work, believing that their involvement can result in both faster and more sustainable benefits for the entire family.

    Talia is honoured to be connected with the Lionheart Foundation and the incredible work it does to improve the access of adolescents to mental health resources.

  • Ekene Balogun MA Counselling Psychology

     Ekene Balogun has a MA in Counselling Psychology and has worked with children, youth, Individuals, and families for over 23 years. Ekene has a wealth of experience working with individuals that have experienced trauma, depression, grief, self-harm, anxiety, stress, bullying and anger.

    Ekene graduated in 2004 with a BSC in Social Science & Criminology. After graduating Ekene worked with the Metropolitan Police in London UK, then went onto work with the biggest charity in London NSPCC to protect children from child abuse.

    Ekene Balogun Therapies and Treatments

     

    After migrating to Canada in 2012, Ekene went onto to complete a Masters in Counselling Psychology. In her practice, she endeavours to find the unique blend that is best for her client. Ekene uses Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Trauma-focused Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Ekene enjoys working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and is grateful to be able to align herself with Lionheart Foundation's vision.

    There is a famous quote that says, “Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% is how we react to it”. Ekene believes we gain important pieces of wisdom through experience, and her goal is to reconnect individuals with the hope that change can happen, barriers can be broken, and that the quality of a person’s life can be maximized.  

    In her spare time, Ekene enjoys working out in the gym and being a mother to four children.

  • Wegahta Berhane, MSW, RSW

    Wegahta is a registered social worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work. She has an extensive background working as a mental health therapist and a family counsellor with adolescents, adults and families in the community, hospital and residential treatment settings.

    Wegahta Berhane, Therapies

    Wegahta has worked across multiple child and adolescent mental health services in Calgary including Alberta Health Services, Children’s Services, the Children’s Cottage and in private practice. She is trained in and uses various approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Expressive Arts Therapy. Wegahta also works with various organizations in Calgary providing mental health education, workshops and consultancy.

    Wegahta’s presence in therapy has been described as compassionate, nurturing and relational. Her ability to listen and prioritize connection with her clients has been the key to her success as a therapist and a helper.

    Outside of therapy, Wegahta enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and learning about new cultures. Wegahta was raised in four different countries making her no stranger to experiences of anxiety and adventure.

  • Dr. Raechelle Paperny, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist

    Dr. Raechelle Paperny is a Calgary-based psychologist. For the past 30 years she has worked in the field as a researcher, university professor, consultant, speaker, and therapist. Her private practice focuses on boosting emotional resiliency in individuals and strengthening family relationships.

    Dr. Raechelle Paperny Expertise

    Her expertise in the fields of attachment, interpersonal-neurobiology, and developmental psychology has laid the foundation for her guiding principles: Connection to others is key to human survival and mental wellness; Relationships shape our brains, bodies, sense of “self” & “other”, as well as our patterns of emotional regulation; History is not destiny, we all hold the capacity to change, adapt & grow towards wellness.

    Dr. Raechelle creates a therapeutic atmosphere that emphasizes safety, acceptance, understanding, and authenticity as she accompanies her clients on their paths towards well-being and wholeness. Her clinical approach is relational and holistic. Rather than working with a singular protocol or method, she works intuitively, selecting from a diverse toolbox of modalities to best meet the individual needs of her clients. She is trained in and employs EMDR, EFFT, CBT, interpersonal neurobiology, as well as somatic-based models that integrate mind-body connection (Trauma Sensitive Yoga Therapy, Polyvagal-informed approach, and meditation & mindfulness techniques).

    She has witnessed time and again the self-righting nature we all possess to re-wire our brains toward health. This capacity provides a foundation of hope that continues to inspire her work.

  • Deanne Elsner MSW RSW

    Deanne has more than 15 years of experience as a therapist working with young people and their families. She graduated with a Masters of Social Work Degree with a clinical designation from the University of Calgary and is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Since graduating, Deanne has pursued advanced training in many areas, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

    Deanne has spent many years working in several outpatient mental health clinics with Alberta Health Services and has provided assessment and treatment to young people (and their families) with a range of mental health issues, including; ADHD, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety (such as OCD, perfectionism, procrastination, panic etc.), trauma, psychosis, mood instability, oppositionality and depression. Deanne is especially passionate about helping people repair their relationship with food and with themselves. Recently, Deanne has transitioned into the community, providing services through her own private practice.

    Underpinning Deanne’s work with all her clients is the assumption that we are all doing the very best that we can. Deanne approaches all her work from a non-judgmental, empathetic stance and works with clients to build self-compassion and help them move away from the harsh self-criticism that often shows up in pain and suffering. Her goal with each client is to invite them to explore what really matters and identify how they get hooked by thoughts, feelings, urges and memories and move away from creating a rich and meaningful life. She provides a range of skills to help her clients learn to ‘unhook’ from these thoughts and feelings and live a life filled with purpose that aligns with their values.

  • Michelle Dyer - Certified Counsellor & Professional Art Therapist

    Michelle Dyer is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Professional Art Therapist. She works with adolescents, young adults, adults and families in private practice. She also facilitates arts-based workshops and has a personal arts practice.

    Michelle Dyer - Therapies and Treatments

    Michelle’s primary model of counselling is art therapy, offering a strength-based and client-centred perspective. She practices from a feminist lens and a foundation of person-centred therapy, with a focus on other mindfulness-based practices that are rooted in attachment theory and neuroscience research. Art therapy is a dynamic, body-centred approach to self-discovery utilizing art materials, play and creative processes to work through personal, interpersonal, and familial challenges including anxiety and depression. The benefits of art therapy are numerous: clients can learn to express and regulate emotions (verbally and non-verbally), the process and then transform trauma, and use creative materials to neurologically shift problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

    In her work as a therapist, Michelle models secure attachment and offer pertinent and creative interventions. Michelle’s holistic approach acknowledges clients’ courage, resiliency and inner resources as part of their individual healing journeys. Michelle’s hope is to hold therapeutic space alongside individuals and families so they can feel safe, understood, and heard. She believes that individual and familial healing and empowerment lead to social advocacy and change. 

  • Keri Sullivan - Registered Psychologist

    Keri Sullivan is a Registered Psychologist who has over 20 years of experience working in the field of child and adolescent mental health. She has worked in supporting adolescents, families, groups and adults in school, hospital and private settings. These roles have included working as a family therapist at Hull Home; a school psychologist at the Junior and Senior High School levels; a clinical supervisor at the Calgary Eating Disorder Program and as a supervisor to chartering psychologists.

    Keri Sullivan - Therapies and Treatments

    Her integrative, strength-based approach is strongly informed by neuroscience, attachment theory and emotionally-focused therapy and is aimed to support every individual’s innate capacity for healing and well-being. Keri believes in the healing power that exists within families. She is particularly passionate about supporting the healing of estranged parent-child relationships and helping caregivers support their loved ones in finding freedom from eating disorders and other mental health struggles.

    Keri is incredibly grateful to the Lionheart Foundation for the opportunity to support adolescent girls and their families. She also would like to thank the Foundation for providing ongoing professional development and training to support effective and research-based care.

    Personally, Keri loves to spend time in nature with her husband and 2 boys. This is usually with a cup of coffee.

  • Joanna Card, Registered Psychologist

    Joanna Card is a Registered Psychologist in private practice who specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, adults and families. Joanna has worked with youth and families since 1997 in schools, hospitals, and in community settings. She is passionate about working with individuals and families of all genders and sexual orientations and helping them grow into confident and successful people with effective life-management skills.

    Her counselling approach is holistic and creative - integrating mind, body, emotions, and the environment within an Interpersonal Neurobiology oriented framework. Joanna combines the latest research in brain development and attachment and uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, EFFT (Emotion-Focused Family Therapy), Parent Coaching, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and other treatment modalities and skills training to provide her clients with comprehensive and effective care.

    Joanna is thrilled and very grateful to partner with Lionheart Foundation, which provides her clients and their families with access to affordable counselling services. She is also grateful for the support from the Foundation for herself and other specialists in Calgary as they are provided with exciting opportunities to collaborate and to continue to develop their clinical skills with cutting-edge training.

    Additional Information

    Joanna provides comprehensive and efficient care for all of her clients.  From Integrative body psychotherapy to creative arts therapy Joanna has a wide range of services that she offers.

    Joanna Card - Specialization Areas

    Joanna specializes in teens and young adults aged 12-35 and their families.  When working with these groups of people there are the target areas.

    • Addictions

    • Anger Management

    • Anxiety

    • Assertiveness

    • Body Image

    • Emotional Eating

    • Conflict resolution

    • Cross-cultural parenting

    • Depression

    • Grief

    • Parent Coaching

    • Parent/teen conflict

    • Performance enhancement - Academic, sports and workplace

    • Pet loss support

    • Relationship Issues

    • Self-esteem

    • Self-harm

    • Sexuality

    • Stress management

    • Trauma