Practitioners
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Clinical Lead/ Therapist
Kirsten Nelson, MSW, RSW
Kirsten Nelson holds a Masters in Social Work with a clinical focus and is a Registered Social Worker. She is currently working towards her designation of becoming a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW).
Kirsten works from a client-centered approach and always approaches her work from a trauma-informed stance. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She currently holds Levels 1 and 2 certificates in Gottman Therapy.
Her specialities focus on treating anxiety and depression, targeting issues specific to stress, grief and loss, chronic illness and pain, as well as overall mental health. Kirsten has experience working with clients across the life span.
When she is not performing her clinical practice, she enjoys being in nature and participating in physical activity. She is currently accepting all clients into her practice at this time.
403-640-7667
Therapist
Marie Sutherby
Marie Sutherby is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and holds a Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary.
Marie has been fortunate to work and train in public and rural schools and a not-for-profit agency providing assessment, consultation, and intervention services. Marie approaches her work utilizing a collaborative and strength-based perspective in order to help children, adolescents, and their families understand and overcome challenges.
Marie specializes in child and adolescent psychology and provides both intervention and formal and informal assessment to address a wide range of concerns such as, mood and regulation concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress), social skills, self-esteem, trauma, and grief/loss. Marie also has specialized training in psychoeducational assessments which identify school-based concerns and provide individualized recommendations to optimize learning.
In addition, Marie provides support to parents/families who are struggling or concerned about their child’s behavioural, social, emotional, or academic wellbeing. Marie views parents as the experts on their children, and as such, works collaboratively with families to create strategies and supports to meet their unique needs.
On a personal note, Marie enjoys being with her family, spending time in nature, and baking.
403-640-7667
Office Manager
Tanja Stipanovic
Tanja Stipanovic is an experienced professional with 10 years of supervision and administrative experience with different organizations. Tanja holds a diploma in Addictions Counselling & Community Service Work from Reeves College with strong understanding of addictions and trauma- informed care.
Over the years Tanja has developed excellent interpersonal skills with high level of personal maturity and responsibility, along with active listening and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Delivering outstanding customer service has always been and essential part of a day's work for Tanja.
Outside of the office setting, Tanja is a busy mother of three beautiful children who enjoys biking and vacationing with her family and friends.
403-640-7667
Research Coordinator
Vincenzo Sabella
Vincenzo Sabella holds a Masters with honours in Applied Clinical and Health Psychology and Bachelors Degree in Sciences and Psychological Techniques from the University of L'Aquila in Italy. He
spent two years of post-university studies in Rome at the Italian Institute of Scientific Sexology.
Vincenzo is currently working towards his objective of becoming a Certified Psychologist in Canada.
During the internships Vincenzo gained experience working with all age groups, such as children with alleged ADHD, elders and sexual minorities and in several settings.
Vincenzo has acquired experience researching on suicidal ideation and suicide in sexual minorities for his Master thesis. His favourite psychological area of work and research is emotions.
He has also reached a great level of communication and organizational skills during his volunteering and working experience.
Vincenzo is currently employed as the research coordinator and office assistant manager while he is completing his education and professional realization.
Outside of work Vincenzo enjoys a nice chess game, outdoor and fitness activities, a good book or a good movie.
403-640-7667
Therapist
Amy Price BSW RSW
Amy Price holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria and has been a member in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Workers since 2006. She has also completed three Graduate Certificates in the following: Masters Certificate in Child & Youth Mental Health, Masters Certificate in Adult Mental Health & Addiction, and a Masters Certificate in Advanced Social Work Practice.
Amy has spent the majority of her Social Work career working within the Public Sector and has held the following roles: Mental Health Clinician with Alberta Health Services, Caseworker with Child & Family Services, and School Social Worker in the Red Deer Public School District.
Amy has a passion to work with individuals, families, and groups; with an emphasis to improve mental health and addiction outcomes. She is trained in the following: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (including Trauma Focused CBT, and CBTi for sleep), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Outside of her training, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching hockey & football, walking her two Siberian huskies, climbing mountains, and travelling.
403-640-7667
MSW University of Calgary Practicum Student
Brittany Geerlinks, BSW, RSW
Brittany Geerlinks holds a Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) and is currently completing her Masters in Social Work (MSW), with a clinical focus, through the University of Calgary. Brittany is a registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
In her first practicum, Brittany gained valuable experience working with children who have experienced trauma. In other roles, Brittany has worked as a behaviour therapist, a crisis support worker, and as a child development worker. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan.
Brittany is passionate about trauma-informed care and utilizes this stance in her work with clients. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is working towards learning more models to utilize in her work with clients. Brittany’s areas of clinical interest are trauma-related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, and developmental disorders.
In her spare time Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on road trips.
403-640-7667
MA Providence University
College & Theological Seminary Practicum Student
Tanya Woo B.Sc., B.Ed., B.A.
Tanya has a love of learning and is currently working on a Master of Arts in
Counselling Psychology. Her educational background is diverse, including study in
the fields of mathematics, education, and counselling. Tanya’s passion is to help
others gain healing and learn strategies to succeed in their lives.
Tanya works from a narrative perspective, believing that each person is the expert in
their own life. Collaboratively, Tanya partners with her clients to help get them
unstuck so they can overcome problems. Most of Tanya’s research includes trauma
and how adverse childhood experiences profoundly impact a person’s life.
In her free time, Tanya loves hiking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates.
403-640-7667
Receptionist
Alexis Vatcher, B.A. Math, minor Sociology
Alexis Vatcher holds a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics with a minor in Sociology. She is currently working towards her second degree in Psychology. She is an experienced professional with 10 years of customer service experience with cross – cultural communication based on empathetic understanding working with diverse clients.
Alexis enjoys the dynamics of working as part of a team, including growing and learning from others. She has a strong emphasis on reliability, loyalty, and leadership skills coherent with company standards. Alexis brings great passion to everything she does.
Alexis attributes great importance to her friendships and family. She likes to grow her mind and perspective by reading. Outside of office hours, you can find Alexis on the pickleball court.
403-640-7667
Psychologist
Marlena Paca
As a registered provisional Psychologist with the Collage of Alberta Psychologist I have been working in the mental health field for over 7 years. This has included schools, mental health organizations, physician clinics, and not-for profit agencies.
It is an honour and a privilege to build and develop a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, safety and connection. I believe these are essential in supporting a client in their journey of healing, as they navigate the intricacies of this world.
I firmly believe by cultivating self-compassion we can develop an awareness that is true to ourselves allowing our vulnerabilities surface, and creating opportunities for sustainable change.
My approach to therapy is fundamentally client centered, creating a collaborative relationship with my clients is a priority as it is a foundation for healing. Utilizing evidence-based modalities, my approach draws from Attachment Theory, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).
My areas of specialization include children, adolescence, couples and families with a range of concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, grief/loss, chronic illnesses and trauma.
When I’m not practicing I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling the world.
403-640-7667