Meet the Team
Our team comprises of Registered Social Workers and Canadian Certified Counsellors, dedicated to supporting your journey.
Benefit from our therapists’ access to group supervision led by a Ph.D. level Clinical Psychologist boasting over 20 years of direct clinical experience. Additionally, they regularly engage in peer consultation to ensure the highest quality of care.
Explore our therapists’ profiles by clicking on their individual images below.
*Services by Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCCs) may be covered by your health insurance plan.
Plus, Registered Social Workers are recognized as “medical practitioners” under the Income Tax Act, allowing you to claim medical expenses on your income tax returns.
Helping You Care about You with Your Life Design Inc.
Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
Click on their name to read their bio
Magan MacDonald
Clinical Director/Social Work Clinical Lead
BSc, BEd, BSW, MSW
Specialties:
- Working with children (4+) and their parent(s)/ guardian(s)
- Parent counselling and Consulting
- Family counselling
- Youth and young adults experiencing addiction and mental health concerns
- Offers Trauma Treatment including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Rehabilitation)
Chantel Doran
BSW, MSW, RSW
Specialties:
- Working with individuals (age 10+)
- Supporting individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families
- Bleeding Disorder Community
- Support with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns
Sandra Levesque
BA. Hon., MSW, RSW
Specialties:
- Counselling for Adults
- Leadership Development
- Expertise in conflict navigation for high-conflict situations
-
Tailored support and guidance for individuals navigating divorce complexities
Amanda Petrie
BSW, MSW, RSW
Specialties:
- Working with youth, young adults, and LGBTQIA2S++ populations
- Experience in helping people manage anxiety, grief and loss, gender identity issues, addictions, and/or general stress
Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs)
Click on their name to read their bio
Karen Milligan
Counselling Therapist Lead
BEd HRD, MEd, MSGC, CCC, CT
Specialties:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Rehabilitation)
- Training in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Working with people experiencing PTSD, having trauma, and / or generalized anxiety
Lori Gard
BA, BEd, MEd, MSGC, CCC, CT
Specialties:
- Couple Counselling and Family Counselling
- Working with children (age 10+), youth, and adult families
- Solution-Focused (SF) Brief Counselling and Therapy
- Supporting those with anxiety, depression, trauma, dysregulation, PTSD, stress, along with many other difficulties
- Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Supervision for provisional therapists newly graduated from their Master’s programs,
- Supporting registration with the College of Counselling Therapists and attainment of the CCC designation
- EMDR therapy
Carline Core
BA, MACP (C), CCPA
Specialties:
- Children (10+) and adolescents – self-worth, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders
- Guidance for parents and caregivers
- Behaviour support planning with families
- Support for families and individuals with boundaries, communication, and relationship skills
- Attachment-focused and trauma-informed care
Alice Cooke
BScN, RN, MACP (C)
Specialties:
- Supporting young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, low self-esteem, and challenges with personal growth.
- Using a collaborative, client–centered approach to develop coping skills and navigate life transitions.
- Utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Rachael Hall
BA. Hon. Psych., MACP (C)
Specialties:
- Counselling for adults and adolescents with a focus on supporting people with ADHD
- Assistance with depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, career/academic concerns, life transitions, supportive counseling, as well as personal growth or self-exploration
- Emphasis on emotion focused therapy and attachment theory, in addition to CBT and solution-focused interventions
Justyn Henley
BA Hon., ASIST, DPC, MACP, CT
Specialties:
- Eclectic and open approach: Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, and CBT/DBT interventions
- Working with students (10+) and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or life stressors
- 3+ years of group counselling experience
- Accountability, relationship skills, and trauma-informed work
Megan Jay
Intern Success Coordinator
BBA, ASIST, MACP
Specialties:
- Narrative therapy, CBT, and ACT
- Group therapy
- Working with youth (age 15+), parents
- Navigating life transitions and changes
- Managing stress, anxiety, and burnout
Lauryn Kuzyk
Clinical Content Lead
(Social Media)
BA, MACP
Specialties:
- Supporting young adults with anxiety, depression, and eating concerns
- Navigating academic pressures and major life transitions
- Building self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth
- Managing relationship challenges and emotional well-being
- Using ACT, CBT, and Person-Centred Therapy to support healing and meaningful change
Lauren Lawless
BA, BEd, MACP, CT
Specialties:
- Relationship difficulties
- Developmental trauma and attachment concerns
- Navigating life transitions and changes
- Understanding and coping with grief and loss
Erin Lintaman
BA (Hons), MACP (C)
Specialties:
- Trauma-informed, strength-based, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches.
- Supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Helping individuals and families manage stress, burnout, relationships, and life transitions.
- Working with children, youth, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Brittany Mckenna
B.A., HSD, MACP (C)
Specialties:
- Supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities (ID), and/or Physical Disabilities
- Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies
- Building resilience, coping strategies, and fostering independence and inclusion
- Experience in community support and educational assistant roles
Karen Parker
BA, MACP
Specialties:
- Helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds manage stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma
- Providing support for caregivers, individuals living with grief and chronic illness, and those experiencing challenges with relationships and major life transitions
- Trauma- informed CBT, DBT, Strength-Based and Solution-Focused Approach, Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Intern Therapists
Click on their name to read their bio
Kristina Barr
BA, MBA, MACP (C)
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults through anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and other mental health concerns
- Helping clients navigate relationship challenges, family conflict, divorce, school-related pressures, and life transitions
- Building emotional regulation, self-worth, self-awareness, and healthier boundaries
- Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to support practical coping and personal growth
Satori Curry
HS Dip, BA and MACP (C)
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, and personal growth challenges.
- Using a collaborative, client-centred approach to build coping skills and navigate life transitions.
- Integrating evidence-based approaches, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Supporting parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and providing care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and/or physical disabilities.
Yvonne Lee
BA, BEd, MBehSc
Location: Prince Edward island, Canada
Specialties:
- Bilingual counselling (English/Mandarin) for individuals and families seeking culturally responsive care
- Youth, student, and school-related pressures and stress (anxiety, confidence, emotional regulation, coping skills)
- Parent–teen communication and family support through transitions, conflict, or overwhelm
Jemima John Miranda
BA, Dip. Psych., Dip. AMH, MACP (C)
Specialties:
- Offering bilingual counselling services in English and Hindi.
- Supporting young adults and adults with anxiety, depression, burnout, self-esteem, coping with life transitions, and substance abuse.
- Using a collaborative client focused approach to help clients build coping skills helping them to navigate life transitions.
- Integrating evidence-based approaches focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT ) Solution focused Brief Therapy (SFBT ) and Narrative Therapy.
- Creating a warm, supportive space where clients feel heard and understood
Lisa Paananen
BA, MSc, BCBA, RBA (Ont.), RP (Qual.), MACP (C)
Location: Ontario, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent individuals
- Challenges with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and other mental health concerns
- Aid with emotional regulation and social skills
- Behaviour support
- Narrative Therapy, SFBT, Reality Therapy, ACT, and CBT
Cathy Pavlik
BA, ARCT, BEd, MA, PhD (ABD), MACP (C)
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting youth and adults through stress, anxiety, grief, burnout, and life transitions
- Helping clients work through performance anxiety, self-doubt, and personal blocks
- Creating a calm, creative space for reflection, emotional processing, and growth
- Using Emotion-Focused Therapy and EFT to support self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Supporting confidence, communication, and goal setting for personal growth
Kasamjot (Kas) Sidhu
BA (Psychology), CCPA, MACP (C)
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting young adults through anxiety, stress, identity concerns, and life transitions
- Helping individuals navigate cultural pressure, immigrant experiences, and a sense of belonging
- Building confidence, self-esteem, and self-trust through seasons of change
- Supporting career uncertainty, direction, and decision-making
- Using CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to build insight and coping
- Creating a warm, collaborative space for reflection, growth, and self-discovery
Andean Thomas
BA, MEd, MACP (C)
Location: Ontario, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting youth (12+) and adults through stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions
- Helping youth navigate school stress, emotional overwhelm, and personal challenges
- Creating a calm, nonjudgmental space to feel heard, supported, and understood
- Building practical coping tools, self-awareness, and emotional resilience
- Using CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy to support everyday growth
Adetola Williams
BA, MBA, MACP (C)
Location: Alberta, Canada
Specialties:
- Supporting Couples/Individuals, Neurodivergent Individuals, Men, Minority, New immigrants, Youths
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Complex Trauma & PTSD
- Mood & Personality Disorders
- Neurodevelopmental Support
- Faith-based psychotherapy, including DBT, CBT, and Internal Family Systems
- Spiritual & Existential Integration
- Identity & Self-Worth
Behaviour Support Service
Click on their name to read their bio
Erin Despres
LA Dip., CYCW-AS, BA (C)
Not Accepting Clients At This Time
Specialties:
- Dedicated support to individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Collaborating with the families to address behavioural concerns
- Uses evidence-based methods and simple strategies to empower individuals and families
Sarah Pundit
SSW Dip., CPI, ASIST
Specialties:
- Specializes in providing dedicated support to individuals with exceptional needs.
- Expertise in Intellectual Disability (ID) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Proficient in respite care, educational guidance and behaviour support
Allyson Warren
HS Dip, BA, B.Ed, M.ADS
Not Accepting Clients At This Time
Specialties:
- Working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), and/or physical disabilities
- Collaborating with individuals and/or families to address behavioral concerns
- Providing expert consultation, and the creation behaviour support plans for families and/or teams
Coaching Services and Programs
Click on their name to read their bio
Karen Murray
BBA, DFM (C)
Specialties:
- Working with parents of children with ADHD/adults/professionals with ADHD.
- Functional medicine (root cause) ADHD coaching to support attention, mood, behavior, executive function, anger management, and cognitive performance.
- Creating structure, strengthening emotional regulation, building resilience.
- Coaching through nutrition, sleep, environment, stress management, and lifestyle changes for symptom reduction. Addressing inflammation, nutrient status, sleep, gut-brain interactions, and stress physiology.
YLD Management Team
Nifesimi Adejoro
YLD Senior Executive Administrator (Clinic, Group Programs, Coaching)
BSc. Geology & Mineral Science
Languages: English, Yoruba
Kim Eneau
YLD Business Results Trainer and Coach
Languages: English
Trudy-Ann
Respite Care Professional Microcredential Coordinator
BSc. Management Studies
Languages: English
Mariel Erilla
Social Media Coordinator
BSc in Business Administration (Marketing Management)
Languages: English, Filipino
Who do we help?
Our therapists have expertise in variety of areas.
These are only a few of the reasons you may want to work with a therapist.
You feel that all you do is work, and not feeling your best
You are caring for someone with a chronic or terminal illness
You are very shy and want strategies for self growth
You look happy on the outside, but feel terrible on the inside, and just going through the motions
You are feeling like you race from one thing to the next, and are not really enjoying life
You are a parent and want support
You are a person with an intellectual disability or caregiver going through transitions
You want to gain more self awareness
You want to gain skills and strategies to improve your emotional intelligence
You have experienced trauma and want to start healing
You have experienced sad things in your life, that you think are affecting you
You are struggling with some form of addictive behaviour
You have had a difficult upbringing and want to explore how this is impacting your life today
You have experienced the death of a loved one
You feel resentment about things that have happened. You want to get “better”, instead of “bitter.” You are becoming someone you don’t want to be as a result of what life has thrown at you
You are having trouble asking for what you need in your relationships
You need someone to be a sounding board for you
You feel like you are always giving to others, but don’t know how to take care of yourself
You have experienced bullying
You are currently living feeling stressed and fearful, with feelings of no control
You are trying to “adult” but feel overwhelmed and need strategies and skills
You are a young adult not knowing what you want to do for a career
You are grieving a loss
You are a busy professional trying to hold it all together
You don’t have the life you want right now
You are a teenager going through some difficult things
You have experienced a transition like retirement, a move, a change of school or job, or a relationship
Reach out to explore who may be best the best match to work with you.
We respectfully acknowledge that Your Life Design Inc., a virtual practice, was founded on the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. We recognize their enduring connection to the land and waterways.
We are committed to fostering an environment of reconciliation, healing, and inclusivity. We honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of all Indigenous peoples and strive to incorporate practices that reflect respect, compassion, and understanding.
































