OUR Team
amanda maciver, BA (she/her) - associate counsellor
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Amanda is wrapping up her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is an associate counsellor with Cultivate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioural Sciences in which she majored in Psychology and Sociology.
Amanda believes that a healthy mental state impacts the other facets of a person's life and that counselling is beneficial to improving their overall well-being. She prioritizes the client as the centre of the therapeutic process and works from a Humanistic, person-centred approach that is tailored to the individual and their specific needs and value system. Amanda's areas of interest include issues related to interpersonal relationships (partners, family members, friendships), setting healthy boundaries, parental attachment styles, trauma, PTSD, spirituality, depression, and anxiety. She has experience with first-responder stress and has worked with mothers and expectant parents through situational stress and resource strengthening.
The relationship Amanda has with her clients is a priority in her practice and she seeks to understand the client and their views on health and healing in order to reach the client's desired outcomes. She is 2SLGBQT+ affirming, culturally copetent, and available to residents of Alberta. Amanda resides on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) which is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi.
Have questions? Email Amanda.
ben jespersen, DC (he/him) - counselling intern
Ben is a counselling intern in the final stages of his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree. His path to counselling and psychology was not linear, but his work and life experiences have enriched this path and he could not feel more privileged and excited to be here. Ben spent the past 13 years working as a Chiropractor and continues to work part-time doing so. His experience in working with individuals from varied backgrounds with a variety of issues led to an interest in chronic pain and the relationship between the mind and the body. This focus, over the past couple of years, on chronic pain and the mind-body connection deepened his passion and overall interest in counselling and psychology, which led him to this stage. He has extensive experience working with a variety of individuals and understands the complex biological and physiological contributions to our psychological well-being. Beyond his professional experience, he is married and has four children, which has furthered his understanding of family, relationships and parental challenges.
Acknowledging that we are all unique, Ben takes a collaborative, individualized, person-focused, and strength-based approach to counselling. He draws from a combination of modalities, such as solution-focused therapy, person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy. He is eager to work with individuals dealing with chronic pain/somatic issues, couples/relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety, depression, spiritual concerns, religious trauma, self-esteem, work/life stress, grief, and loss. He is also very open to exploring issues or concerns beyond those listed.
Ben is a member of the LGBTQ+ healthcare directory, is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, and is available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Ben.
britta carry, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
Britta is a counselling intern completing her Master of Counselling degree through City University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Britta has obtained 5 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and youth through work in home-based environments and in the field of education. Through this work, she has developed a passion for providing clients a safe and welcoming space to explore their thoughts and feelings. She believes in accessible, affirmative care that supports individuals in living life authentically.
Britta takes an integrative, strengths-based approach to counselling, drawing from modalities such as narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, DBT, and feminist therapy. She believes that we are all experts of our own lives and stories and possess the tools needed to make our lives more satisfying. She aims to create a collaborative therapeutic atmosphere to support each client's unique needs. Britta offers counselling to children (10+), teenagers, and adults for a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, neurodiversity, stress and burnout.
Britta is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and culturally sensitive. She is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new clients across Treaties 6, 7, and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
Have questions? Email Britta.
chris mcgregor, BA (he/him) - counselling intern
Chris is in the final stages of his Masters of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology, and is currently working as an intern student with Cultivate. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioural Sciences majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Chris’ background is in the social services, education, and mental health field, providing him with experience and competency collaborating and supporting neurodiverse children, as well as at-risk youth and their families struggling against systemic barriers.
Chris works to highlight the strengths of those he works with, maintaining a sensitivity to the potential trauma in their lives, while simultaneously supporting them to realize the agency and purpose that they hold. He does his best to deeply understand and become attuned to the interior world of his clients, supporting them to live their best story by teaching cognitive skills, as well as emotional regulation skills. Chris offers counselling to children, adolescents, as well as adults, and his areas of interest include, depression, anxiety, spirituality, and trauma. He has experience working as a psychometrist, and currently offers psycho-educational as well as behavioural-emotional assessments for people of any age
Chris is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and is available to residents of Alberta. He resides as a settler on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary).
Have questions? Email Chris.
dania saeed, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
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Dania is a counselling intern who is in the final stages of completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Dania’s background in mental health includes several years of experience working with neurodivergent individuals and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Dania works from a collaborative, person-centred, and strengths-based approach in order to customize therapy to each individual’s distinctive needs. She draws from various therapeutic modalities such as narrative, mindfulness, culture-infused, and solution-focused interventions. Dania is an advocate of mental health within BIPOC communities, and she believes in creating a safe and collaborative space through which individuals can gain greater self-awareness.
Her areas of interests include neurodiversity (ADHD & Autism), depression, anxiety, stress management, and spiritual and religious issues.
Dania is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Dania.
denisse martinez, BCR (she/her) - associate counsellor
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Denisse is finalizing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree. She is a committed lifelong learner with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. Denisse has worked in the social services field for over 7 years in various settings, such as behavioural support and case management with neurodivergent children, youth, and adults of diverse backgrounds.
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Originating from Mexico, Denisse highly values her cultural identity and sense of community while highlighting their influence on mental health. Denisse’s practice advocates for values of diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality with a relational cultural approach. Denisse also works from a Person-Centered, Strength-Based and Trauma Informed Approach focusing on intergenerational trauma.
Denisse offers counselling sessions to children, youth and adults. She is interested in neurodiversity, behavioural concerns, anxiety, depression, life transitions and other mental health concerns.
Denisse is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Denisse also offers counselling in both English and Spanish.
Have questions? Email Denisse.
elena groen, MC (she/her) - registered psychologist/associate director of student support and programming
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Elena is a graduate of the Master of Counselling program at the University of Calgary. Over the past number of years, she has gained experience working with diverse individuals including neurodiverse children and adults, young adults, individuals in crisis, and people experiencing systemic oppression. Elena’s specializations and areas of interest are in neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships and interpersonal problems, grief and loss, and general mental health concerns.
In her work with individuals and families, Elena seeks to form a collaborative partnership with clients. Elena works from a stance of empathy and non-judgement in seeking to meet the client where they are at. She takes an integrative approach to counselling and draws from Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Experiential therapy including art and drawing, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Elena provides additional support to practicum students and provisional psychologists and runs program development and research opportunities for Cultivate.
Elena is L2SGBTQ+ affirming and is NOT accepting new clients.
farrah kanwal, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
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Farrah is a practicum student completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. She holds a BA in psychology and has had over eight years of experience within the mental health and wellness field. Farrah has had significant frontline and outreach experience within the addictions field working with vulnerable populations along with working with victims of domestic violence and is a firm believer in the harm reduction and safety first approach.
Farrah works from a combination of modalities including humanistic, existential, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and narrative approaches. She believes that counselling should be collaborative between client and therapist to find an approach that fits them best. Farrah brings a strength-based approach and offers clients the opportunity to be unapologetically themselves without fear of judgement while helping them recognize and accept the strengths and skills they have within themselves. Farrah offers counselling for adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of different presenting concerns.
Farrah can provide counselling in English, Urdu, and Hindi.
Farrah is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Farrah.
frances bucknor, MACP (she/her) - associate counsellor
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Frances holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology and Bachelors degrees in Criminology and Sociology.
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Originating from England, she has spent many years exploring Canada, in particular, Canada's Arctic Circle, and as a result, has been lucky enough to collaborate and grow with individuals from many different cultures and walks of life.
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Frances possesses a diverse history in the Justice, Social Work, and Mental Health fields and feels strongly that every individual deserves access to the resources required to heal, thrive, and embrace life on their own terms. Along with a passion for social justice and lifelong learning, as a BIPOC woman, she is committed to diversity and inclusion for all.
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Frances approaches therapy with the understanding that we are all experts in the management of our own lives and as such enjoys evidence-based approaches such as Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and of course Mindfulness and Acceptance based approaches.
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Frances is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, available to residents of Alberta and is NOT accepting new clients.
Have questions? Email Frances.
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gaby guzman, BSc (she/her) - counselling intern
Being the child of immigrant parents is to carry the dreams and aspirations of one’s family. Gaby has lived experience when it comes to the hardships of reconciling her own personal and cultural identity. She decided to follow her dreams of being a psychologist to fill the gap she herself experienced growing up and to heal others as such. Currently, Gaby is a counselling intern, finishing her Master of Counselling at City University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Gaby has 2-3 years of experience working in the social service field with clients who identify as neurodivergent and individuals from different backgrounds. She has experience in working with parents and children on effective ways of managing one’s behaviour and is a firm believer that counselling should be accessible to all, as it aims to set people up for success and support them throughout various life transitions. Gaby hopes to reduce the stigmatization surrounding mental health and strives to maintain a strong inclusive environment where people from all walks of life are able to feel comfortable and at peace throughout therapy.
Gaby strongly believes in maintaining a non-judgmental and open environment where communication can run freely during counselling as a means to promote growth. She tends to use a person-centred and trauma-informed lens, and draws from a multitude of modalities ranging from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness techniques.
Gaby’s areas of interest include child and youth therapy, intergenerational trauma, immigrants and refugees, BIPOC, sexuality, kink, sex work, neurodiversity (ADHD & Autism), life transitions, divorce/separation, couples and family counselling, boundary setting, communication skill building, addiction and criminal justice experiences.
Gaby is LGBTQ2S+ affirming and is located on Treaty 6 territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) and is currently accepting new clients across Alberta.
Gaby also offers counselling in both English and Spanish.
Have questions? Email Gaby.
ghaida abosafi, BSC (she/her) - associate counsellor
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Ghaida is an associate counsellor wrapping up her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological science. Her background and experience taught her that biology, mental processes, and socio-economic status are all interconnected. She is eager to enhance the skills she has learned throughout her education to help individuals in a counselling setting.
Ghaida is a passionate advocate for BIPOC and is committed to creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to develop their sense of identity and self-awareness by supporting them in reaching their therapeutic goals. Ghaida draws from a variety of modalities including Narrative, Mindfulness-Based CBT, and client-centered therapies. She currently offers counselling sessions for adults (18+). Her areas of interest include depression, stress management, anxiety, and spiritual issues.
Ghaida offers counseling in English and Arabic.
Ghaida is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, available to residents of Alberta.
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Have questions? Email Ghaida.
jenna dalton, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
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Jenna has over 20 years of experience in the mental health and fitness world where she has worked in both the non-profit and private sector supporting children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a BA Honours degree in psychology and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
Jenna provides support through a strengths-based approach where the client’s goals and desired outcomes are the driving force behind her therapeutic approach. She is dedicated to providing a genuine, empathetic, and collaborative environment to help her clients gain greater self-awareness and enjoy self-compassionate growth. She combines a variety of modalities based on the client’s unique needs. These include solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, as well as mindfulness and attachment-based approaches.
Jenna’s areas of interest include individuals seeking communication, attachment, and relational support in their romantic partnerships. She welcomes individuals in monogamous, consensual non-monogamous, polyamorous, and open relationships. She also supports individuals struggling with self-esteem and self-compassion issues, anxiety, postpartum challenges, and parenting difficulties.
Jenna is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Jenna.
jessica silva, RSW, MC (she/her) - associate counsellor
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Jessica is currently in the process of obtaining her provisional psychology license. She has a Master of Counselling degree and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is also a registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Furthermore, she is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained clinician.
She has over 7-years of experience in in-patient mental health settings. Additionally, she has experience with various forensic risk assessments and administering, scoring, and interpreting neuropsychological, intelligence and personality assessments. Jessica also has experience supporting neurodiverse teenagers, adults, families and high-risk children and youth.
Jessica’s areas of interest and specialization include working with individuals of all ages with anxiety, depression, attachment and relational issues, trauma, anger, self-esteem-related issues, immigration, work and life stress, and career counselling.
She uses a person-centred, trauma-informed and strength-based approach. Furthermore, she draws from various modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Mindfulness techniques.
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Jessica is L2SGBTQ+ affirming and is located on Treaty 6 territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). She is NOT accepting new clients across Treaties 6, 7 and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
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Have questions? Email Jessica.
joel roos, MA (he/him) - registered psychologist/clinical director
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Joel’s background in mental health comes from a varied career with community non-profits, public healthcare settings, and various private educational institutions. Since 2013, Joel has been providing graduate and post-graduate level clinical supervision and education for learners in his areas of interest including family systems, behavioural health and chronic disability and disease management, and in neurology specific to neurodevelopment disorders and neurodiversity.
At Cultivate, Joel’s primary role is to provide clinical support and supervision to all staff and students and to oversee the day-to-day caseloads of all Cultivate clinicians providing services to the public. Joel maintains a small clinical practice with clients that have previously engaged his services and regularly involves his team members as collaborators in his clinical work and teaching.
Joel’s ongoing opportunities for fun and play in his work include public education, creative problem solving with larger organizations, education and training for the Cultivate team, and finding ways to integrate his love of lego and video games into his clinical work.
Joel is 2SLBGTQ+ affirming and is NOT accepting new clients.
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Have questions? Email Joel.
karalee colmer, MACP (she/her) - associate counsellor
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Karalee holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. She has spent several years supporting women, children, and youth in various settings and in crisis situations. She has experience supporting neurodiverse children and their families, vulnerable and at-risk youth, as well as women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
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Karalee believes in meeting clients where they are at in their healing journey and provides support and understanding through a trauma-informed lens. Her therapeutic approach is largely client-centered, compassion-focused, and strength-based. She is committed to creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to develop their self-awareness and be supported in reaching their therapeutic goals. She incorporates a variety of modalities into her work and tailors her approach to each client’s individual needs. Some of these modalities include DBT, EFIT, mindfulness-based CBT, attachment-based and psychodynamic approaches. Karalee is also in the process of becoming trained and certified in EMDR therapy.
Karalee’s areas of special interest include working with individuals with self-esteem and self-compassion related issues, attachment related issues, neurodiversity, trauma, and those in need of parenting support.
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Karalee is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
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Have questions? Email Karalee.
katharine heimbigner-tenor, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
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Katharine is in the final stages of her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is completing a counselling internship. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She is interested in the long-term impacts of trauma on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of individuals, families and society and looks to incorporate that into all aspects of her professional and personal life. When not working, Katharine volunteers in a variety of social justice capacities including advocating for trauma-informed care within government. She also enjoys delivering psychoeducation seminars on a variety of mental health topics.
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Katharine takes a person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach and seeks to work collaboratively with her clients. She is familiar with include narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness and meditation techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy, and a systems orientation. With training in spiritual health care, she is aware of the positive and negative role religion and spirituality can play in mental health and is able to incorporate that understanding as desired. With 29 years of marriage, adult children and aging parents, Katharine appreciates the influence past and present family (given or chosen) can also have on life.
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Her areas of interest include grief and loss, depression, anxiety, stress, spirituality, and attachment.
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Katharine is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming. She is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new adult clients across Treaties 6, 7, and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
Have questions? Email Katharine.
keira shendaruk, BSW/RSW (she/her) - associate counsellor
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I began my journey with Cultivate as a counseling intern while completing a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree and have continued on with the team as an associate counsellor. I currently have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and am registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Over the past several years I have offered a supportive hand to individuals and families coming from many walks and stages of life. Some primary areas I have worked in include long-term and group care, crisis response, family school counseling, and child abuse.
Life is messy and complex, offering us the hardest challenges along with the most profound lessons and beautiful moments. In the midst of all these experiences I am there to walk with my clients as a witness to their unique stories and an ally on their journeys. I do what I do because at my core I care about people and I strive to offer a safe space where clients feel truly seen, where they can build trust in their capabilities and experience a sense of wholeness and healing.
Though I draw from narrative, experiential and mindfulness-based therapies in practice, I am always
open to exploring the integration of different approaches according to what works best for the
individual. I enjoy working with all ages: children, youth, and adults, as well as couple and families. And I have special interest in areas of trauma, mental health, relational and attachment-based issues, shame, abuse, spirituality, and grief and loss.
I am 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
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Have questions? Email Keira.
kelsey fiss, MA (she/her) - registered provisional psychologist
Kelsey has a graduate degree in counselling. Her areas of interest and specialization include depression, anxiety, strengths coaching, couples and marital counselling, post-partum issues and adjustment, parenting concerns, grief, loss, and spiritual issues and concerns. She is available to work with large groups and organizations to facilitate mental health discussions, training and materials.
Kelsey works from an integrative approach and works primarily from attachment-based, emotion-focused, and neurobiological frameworks, making use of mindfulness practices, and art and play therapy techniques. Kelsey is passionate about working with clients to face the challenges that are holding them back from leading the life they desire.
Kelsey is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, available to residents of Alberta. She is NOT accepting new clients.
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Have questions? Email Kelsey.
madison cruickshank, BA (she/her) - RP (ontario), counselling intern
Madison is a counselling intern completing the final stages of her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a diploma in addiction studies. She is also registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and has over 10 years of experience providing support to individuals experiencing substance use, mental health, and trauma-related concerns in a variety of settings.
Madison believes in the expertise each individual holds in their own life and embraces an empathic, non-judgmental, and collaborative partnership as the cornerstone of each client relationship. She works from a person-centered and trauma-informed lens, while integrating a variety of modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Madison is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to clients 16 years of age and older.
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Have questions? Email Madison.
malachi davis, MC (he/him) - associate counsellor
Malachi is a Master of Counselling Psychology graduate from City University currently working as an associate counsellor. He has a background in working with children with over 10 years of experience in various child support roles. In these roles, Malachi has developed a passion for supporting people and creating trusting safe spaces. He has worked with various populations in a counselling setting and is enthused to continue.
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Malachi takes a person-focused, strength-based approach to counselling. He believes the client is the expert of their experience and aims to collaborate with you to build a therapeutic environment to support your unique life. Building off of your strengths and skills and creating new ones. His areas of interest include anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal relationships, and somatic work.
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Outside of counselling Malachi spends copious amounts of time with his family and friends, engaging in play, sports, and games any chance he gets. This interest in play finds its way into his counselling through the use of creative interventions such as drawing, playing cards, Lego, and games, especially when working with child clients.
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Malachi is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to clients of all ages who are residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Malachi.
mckenzie lukacs, MC (she/her) - registered provisional psychologist
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McKenzie firmly believes the therapeutic relationship is a partnership that learns and grows together. She aims to create a warm and safe(r) space that is focused on social justice, decolonizing, intersectionality, fat-liberation, unlearning normative values, and she is endlessly curious about new information and perspectives.
McKenzie is passionate about 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC advocacy, sexuality, kink, neurodiversity, size inclusivity, sports performance, relationships, and boundary setting. She uses various therapeutic modalities, such as narrative, systemic, humility, trauma- informed, solution-focused, somatic, and harm-reduction practices.
McKenzie is Queer, anti-diet, and has a background in high-performance sports. She is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new clients across Treaties 6, 7 and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
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Have questions? Email McKenzie.
meghan reed, MACP (she/her) - associate counsellor
Meghan holds a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology and has 9 years of experience working in mental health-related fields, including over 6 years of experience working in home-based and classroom-based settings where she assisted students, young children, and their families with a variety of therapeutic needs. Through her experiences, she developed a passion for advocating for mental health initiatives in her community.
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Meghan believes in collaborating closely with her clients using non-directive strengths-based approaches that adapt therapy to each client’s unique needs. She uses a person-centered and trauma-informed approach, and she draws from a variety of modalities including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. Meghan works with children, youth, and adults, and her areas of interest include neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, stress management, attachment and relationships, trauma, spiritual issues, and self-esteem. Meghan is passionate about helping people recognize their inner strengths and to develop skills that will help them thrive throughout their lives.
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Meghan is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, available to residents of Alberta.
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Have questions? Email Meghan.
natalie siu-mitton, MACP (she/her) - registered provisional psychologist & registered dietitian
Natalie is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition and is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor, Registered Dietician, and Registered Provisional Psychologist. Her background and experience has taught her that people are more than just one aspect of their being but rather, a dynamic interaction between their lived experiences, biology, mental processes, and physical and social environments.
With over 15 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian, Natalie has worked in a variety of settings giving her the opportunity to support individuals from many intersections of life. In her work with clients, Natalie strives to create a safe, non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, inclusive, and collaborative environment. Her integrative approach draws upon modalities such as Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT, ACT, and Emotion-Focused Therapy.
Natalie provides counselling to children (ages 10+), youth, and adults. Her areas of interest include life transitions, health psychology, chronic pain, identity development, disordered eating and intuitive eating, women’s health issues, acculturative stress, trauma (big T and little t), grief and loss.
Natalie is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, HAES®-aligned, and weight inclusive. She is available to residents of Alberta.
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Have questions? Email Natalie.
niki whitefield, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
Life is a journey, with many bumps and unexpected detours along the way. Niki believes that individuals are the experts in their lives, possessing many strengths and resources that can be utilized in their journey. There are times that we could all benefit from some navigation support - your journey does not need to be a solo mission! Working from this collaborative, strengths-based approach, she strives to support individuals in identifying solutions and mechanisms that facilitate the change they seek. Niki is passionate about creating a safe therapeutic environment that is authentic, accepting, and supportive. Her practice is rooted in family systems theory which emphasizes the important influence of patterned relationship experiences. She also utilizes cognitive behavioural and solution focused strategies in her practice.
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Niki has spent the last 17 years working with children, adolescents, and parents experiencing, among other challenges, relationship conflict, mental illness, school related problems, parenting difficulties, and neurodiversity. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is in the process of completing her master’s degree in counselling psychology.
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Niki is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and accepting clients over the age of 10 across Alberta.
Have questions? Email Niki.
olivia reverie, MC (she/her) - registered provisional psychologist
Olivia is a passionate human who centres herself on fostering a safe(r) space and practice for all 2SLGBTQIA+, BDSM/kinky, BIPOC, abilities, sex work, and HAES® humans and experiences.
This includes her roles in supporting community reintegration initiatives for persons with incarceration experiences, federal penitentiary support groups, non-profit organizations, early childhood education, and the public and private mental health sectors.
She engages in a holistic, humorous, and curious approach when helping others and focuses on how to reconnect individuals with their mind and body experiences from the past and in the present. Her focus entails collaboration, psycho-education, DBT, Narrative Therapy, ACT, EFT, Gottman Method, trauma-informed, harm reduction, and sex and pleasure positive based practices.
Olivia’s areas of interest include: relational diversity (poly, open, ENM/CNM), sexuality, kink, 2SLGBTQIA+ concerns, neurodiversity (ADHD & Autism), assertive communication and boundary setting, life transitions, divorce/separation, addictions, and support for incarceration reintegration/criminal justice experiences. Her ongoing interests include diverse healing therapies, with certification of her foundational training in Psychedelic assisted Therapy (PaT) in 2022 and actively completing her advanced studies that will be integrated into her practice in the future.
She is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new clients across Treaties 6, 7, and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
Have questions? Email Olivia.
raelene denae, RN (she/her) - counselling intern
Raelene is currently completing her masters degree in counselling psychology and comes to Cultivate as a practicum student with over 17 years of experience working in healthcare. She is a registered nurse by background and a dedicated and compassionate counsellor. Her medical knowledge and experience working in emergency, psychiatry, naturopathic private practice, and community medicine allows her to bring a unique skill set and holistic approach to care. Raelene gets it, whether you are a healthcare provider, or have been a patient in the medical model for mental health or physical health issues, her experience will ensure that you receive the support and understanding you deserve.
She has a deep passion for helping individuals navigate their mental health and emotional well-being and brings a sense of humor and an empathetic perspective to her counselling practice. Whether you're facing challenges related to stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, trauma, grief, or simply seeking personal development and self-discovery, she is here to assist you on your journey. Her goal is to empower you with effective coping strategies, foster resilience, and help you build healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Raelene is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming, and culturally sensitive. She is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new adult clients, across Treaties 6, 7, and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
Have questions? Email Raelene.
ranee fallorin, MACP (she/her) - associate counsellor
Ranee holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree and a Bachelors degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. Ranee has worked in the social services field for 8 years with neurodivergent individuals and individuals from diverse backgrounds. She has experience working with educators, parents and children on effective behavior management strategies and is a strong advocate for inclusion by promoting the social adaption of settings and expectations to best fit the needs of the individual.
Ranee uses a holistic and collaborative approach in her practice that explores the client’s needs, strengths and values drawing from a variety of modalities including narrative, trauma-informed, solution focused, culture-infused, acceptance and commitment and dialectical behaviour therapy. Her counselling approach focuses on meeting clients where they’re at and acknowledges that they’re the expert in their life. Additionally, she has experience with various assessments and administering, scoring and interpreting neuropsychological, intelligence and personality assessments.
Ranee offers counselling sessions for children (10+), youth, and adults. She is interested in neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, ODD & FASD), behavior concerns, anxiety, stress management, depression, trauma, identity development, parenting support, self-esteem, and divorce/separation.
She is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new clients across Treaties 6, 7 and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
Have questions? Email Ranee.
ricardo avelar, MEd (he/him) - registered psychologist
Ricardo has worked in various fields, including non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and post-
secondary settings. He holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, a Bachelor of Education in English Language Arts, and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of Lethbridge. Prior to his counselling career, Ricardo taught high school English in rural, urban, and international settings for ten years.
He feels privileged to support youth and adults with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety,
depression, career guidance, communication skills, neurodiversity (ADHD), relationship challenges,
stress management, and trauma. He has specialized knowledge in sex therapy, queer identity
development, and working with individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Ricardo uses a
holistic and collaborative approach to counselling and integrates narrative, culture-infused, mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and somatic therapies when working with clients.
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Ricardo offers counselling in both English and Spanish.
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Ricardo is 2SLGBTQ+ and kink affirming, and is NOT accepting new clients.
Have questions? Email Ricardo.
sacha gigliuk, BEd (she/her) - counselling intern
Sacha is a counselling intern in the final stages of her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree and has spent the last several years working with youth and their families as an elementary school teacher. Sacha’s desire to work in a helping profession combined with her passion for increasing access to mental health supports in her community is what pushed her to pivot and pursue a career as a counsellor.
Sacha works from a humanistic approach and believes that individuals are the experts on their own lives. She believes counselling should be safe and collaborative, and should provide an opportunity for clients to show up as their authentic selves. Sacha adopts a flexible, strength-based approach in order to best address clients’ unique therapeutic goals. She is open to working with individuals of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship issues, self-esteem, grief and loss, life transitions, and work and life stress.
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Sacha is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Sacha.
samreen faraz, MPH (she/her) - counselling intern
Samreen is a counselling intern, finishing her Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology, with previous education in Public Health and Neurosciences. With several years of experience working at a women’s shelter, she has developed a strong commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and crisis situations.
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Samreen is truly invested in creating a collaborative and safe therapeutic space for her clients, where they can achieve personal growth and healing. She strongly believes in empowerment and has a deep interest in social justice, which makes her a passionate advocate for the BIPOC community.
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With a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, Samreen is interested in working with individuals, couples, and families. She utilizes a range of therapeutic techniques, including Narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness practices to best serve her clients.
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Samreen offers counselling in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and is affirming of 2SLGBTQ+ identities. She is available to residents of Alberta and is committed to helping her clients overcome their challenges and live fulfilling lives.
Have questions? Email Samreen.
shacarra orr, BA (she/her) - counselling intern
Shacarra is a counselling psychology student in her final year of study. Shacarra approaches her practice through an existentialist, humanistic, and somatic lens. With nearly ten years of experience in the yoga community and teaching at multiple studios within Calgary, she draws inspiration from yoga philosophy and movement practices.
Shacarra recognizes that life is hard and bad things happen to all of us. Through creating a space without judgement and guided by empathy she wants to sit with you through these challenging times. The areas that she is most interested in working are trauma, sexual assault, addictions, relationships of all denominations, Sex therapy (including sexuality, kink, BDSM) self-esteem, self-discovery, anxiety and depression. With an extensive background in the paralympic community she is very confident working with individuals with physical disabilities.
Shacarra is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta above thirteen years of age for online and in person sessions.
Have questions? Email Shacarra.
stephanie schoenberg, MACP (she/her) - associate counsellor
Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Intercultural Studies and a Diploma in Holistic Nutrition. For the past 15+ years, Stephanie has worked in the social service sector supporting diverse individuals with a variety of needs. She has also spent time studying, volunteering, and working in various parts of the globe including Belize, Jamaica, Germany, China, and South Korea.
Stephanie works from a humanistic, person-centred, trauma-informed lens and takes a stance of collaboration, empathy, and non-judgement, meeting clients exactly where they are at. She is passionate about helping people recognize their inner strength, resilience, and uniqueness in order to create uniquely meaningful lives.
Stephanie offers counselling sessions for adults aged 18+ who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, self-esteem struggles, grief and loss, relationship, career, spiritual and existential issues. Stephanie draws from a variety of modalities including Existential, Narrative, CBT, and ACT therapies along with Mindfulness, and Somatic-based treatments. She is also trained in and utilizes EMDR and clinical hypnosis in her practice.
Stephanie is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Stephanie.
tiffany ross-fletcher, BBA (she/her) - counselling intern
Tiffany is a counselling intern with a strong background in community mental health, specializing in social justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations. She is currently finishing her Master of Arts degree in counselling psychology at Yorkville University.
Tiffany has ten years of experience providing mental health support services, including harm reduction education, training, and peer support. She has been actively involved in harm reduction and sexual violence prevention initiatives, taking a leadership role in coordinating and facilitating peer support programs at festivals and nightlife venues across Western Canada, Germany, and Spain.
Guided by an intersectional, feminist, strength-based, and trauma-informed perspective, Tiffany's approach is rooted in creating a safe(r) and empowering therapeutic space. She embraces and affirms neurodiversity, ensuring a non-pathologizing environment for individuals with diverse cognitive profiles. Tiffany's commitment to inclusivity and non-judgmental support allows her to connect with individuals from many different walks of life. She is eager to collaborate with clients, helping them navigate their unique journeys toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Tiffany is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and is located on Treaty 7 territory in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and is currently accepting new clients across Treaties 6, 7 and 8 boundaries known as Alberta.
Have questions? Email Tiffany.
veronica jackson, BA (she/her) - associate counsellor
Veronica is an associate counsellor and recently finished her Master of Arts degree in counselling psychology. While completing her bachelor's degree in psychology, Veronica has obtained over 5 years of experience working with children and youth in ensuring trusting relationships.
Through this experience, Veronica was able to develop a passion for helping create safe and
therapeutic environments for others.
Veronica takes a person-centred approach to her counselling and understands the individuality
of each client. In this approach, Veronica aims to build a partnered approach, as she believes
everyone is the expert on their own life. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression,
neurodiversity and attachment.
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Veronica is 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and available to residents of Alberta.
Have questions? Email Veronica.