More About Me

Whistler has held a special place in my heart for a long time. I started coming to Whistler in the late 60s with my parents and siblings and am grateful to my prairie parents for introducing me to the magnificence of the mountains, the trees and the outdoors. Recently Whistler has become my “forever” home where I have established a therapy room in my home.  

I have spent my entire adult life in the company of children beginning as a classroom teacher in the public school system. Subsequently I have worked in many settings including private schools, alternate and special education settings for children and youth with emotional and learning challenges, university settings, and public and private counselling settings with a focus on child and family therapy.

I believe as adults we have a significant responsibility and obligation to build a caring, supportive, encouraging environment for our children so that they in turn will become caring, competent, responsible and knowledgeable people. Over the years there has been nothing more satisfying to me than to watch as children begin to shine from the inside out and radiate kindness and happiness when their surroundings are full of such care and nurturing.

However, anyone who is a parent or who has an ongoing responsibility for supporting the growth of children knows that providing such an environment not only abounds with beautiful joy and gratification but can also be full of challenging pain and distress. Sometimes difficult circumstances or incidents cannot be overcome alone. Sometimes we need support for wellness and/or healing to occur.

Often during these distressing times a safe, trusting space can help bring the inherent tools we all have tucked away inside to the surface and help shape a brighter, more hopeful and productive future. I would like to offer such a space to the Whistler community and the surrounding area.

Education, Certifications and Experience

My professional training includes more than 20 years as a counsellor as well as accredited university degrees and additional certifications. I have earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology, an M.A. in counselling psychology, a B.A. in psychology and kinesiology, certification in teacher education, Level 2 certification in Special Education, Level 1 certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and certification in expressive play therapy.

I hold designations from the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and the B.C. Ministry of Education, and am a member of the B.C. Play Therapy Association.

I am very willing to work collaboratively with other professionals, including teachers, social workers and medical doctors, in the service of the well-being of children and families. I am also willing to do home visits and parent groups.