Meet the Therapy Team

Alanna is a Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying. She is compassionate and trauma-informed, exercising competency in Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness. Alanna approaches the work through a strength-based lens and understanding of domestic violence and trauma. Alanna also has experience developing and facilitating psychotherapeutic groups and enjoys providing insight coaching into personal leadership and communication styles.

Candice is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). She has experience with a broad range of presenting issues, and practices utilizing a person-centered approach that best fits the clients’ goals. Candice is most enthusiastic about supporting individuals to increase their capacity to build healthy relationships, personal growth and their mental wellbeing. Candice has 14 years’ experience with working with youth and families who are involved in the criminal justice system. With this background, Candice utilizes a combination of CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches when working with individuals towards their goals. Not just limited to youth, Candice enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life to support them to be the best version of themselves.

Casey McKay is a Registered Social Worker with over 3 years of experience in the field. She has a experience with a broad range of client presenting issues, and is passionate about working with those involved in the criminal justice system.  Casey facilitates the Partner Assault Response program at Compass, and supports mandated clients to attend group or individual sessions to learn about intimate partner violence and healthy relationships.

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Catherine (Cat) is a Registered Social Worker. She is passionate about supporting individuals from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. She approaches therapy from an eclectic perspective allowing the client’s needs and goals to guide the best therapy model. Cat has training in Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. Cat is also experienced as an employment counsellor and is fully bilingual in French and English.

Galen is a Registered Social Worker, having completed his Master of Social Work degree at Laurier, and an internship at Compass. Galen has training in conflict management, mediation, and mindfulness-based therapies. His previous career was in student affairs at the University of Guelph, working in a variety of roles around experiential learning and restorative justice as well as supporting aboriginal students and international students. Galen has a passion for nature connection, holistic healing, and supporting a sense of belonging. He takes a trauma-informed and inclusive approach to help anyone facing transition and navigating change. Galen has a particular love for working with youth, men’s mental health, and facilitating groups.

Heidi is a Registered Psychotherapist.  She has a Master of Divinity degree from Tyndale University, and completed her internship at Compass in 2021.  Since that time she has been on the staff team.  Heidi integrates a number of psychotherapeutic approaches as she works with her clients including Cognitive Behavioural, Acceptance & Commitment, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Solution-Focused.  She is excited about collaboratively building strength and resilience in those who have a desire for personal change and growth.  She is passionate about working with couples, parents, and teens and supporting those who are moving through grief and loss.

Hossein is a Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying. He has over 3 years of experience providing mental health counselling and working with clients from diverse backgrounds. He has specialized experience in CBT, DBT, MBCT, Narrative Therapy, and Marriage and Family Systems Therapy. Hossein has experience working with clients who present with PTSD. Prior to completing his M.A. in Counselling Psychology, Hossein completed a Masters Degree in Philosophy at University of Windsor. He also completed a Ph.D. in Philosophy at IRIP in Iran. Hossein is excited to support our diverse community; he is able to provide counselling in English as well as Persian!

Kevin is a Registered Psychotherapist. After completing his internship at Compass, Kevin is pleased to join the staff team. Kevin is passionate about supporting individuals through collaborative counselling. He completed his Masters degree in Divinity at Tyndale University and has lived and worked in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph areas for his career. Kevin uses a strengths-based approach to psychotherapy, meeting the clients where they are at. He is trained in Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy and utilizes elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy too.

Shirley Kell is a Registered Social Worker; she has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings including child welfare, children’s mental health, addictions and schools. She has been specifically focused on children and trauma over the past 8 years. She practices from a trauma and attachment lens and comes with both Circle of Security and Connect training. Her passion is working with children and families to build resilience. She is also very excited to be returning to work at Shelldale!

Victoria is a Registered Social Worker. She enjoys supporting clients through emotional needs related to loneliness, loss, motivation, anxiety, depression, and others. Victoria is skilled in supporting individuals and families through life transitions, end of life planning, and loss. She enjoys facilitating groups with clients of all ages. Victoria has training in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy and is excited to bring her skills to help clients achieve their goals.