There are times when we feel down, distressed, concerned about our substance use, nervous, or just have too much going on.
No need to figure it all out by yourself. Connect with a Kickstand counsellor and leave with a plan to address what is important to you!
Meet our Substance Use Counsellor, Amy!
Substance Use Counsellor
Amy Laughlin
Hi, my name is Amy, and I am so excited to be apart of the Kickstand Team.
For the past 15 years I have had the pleasure in supporting young people, their families and/or supports within the Addiction and Mental Health field. Struggling with substance use can be at times very lonely and kind of scary. In my practice I use a strength-based approach; providing support to young people who are navigating through the transition to adulthood.
I see myself as very hopeful, energetic, and kind of funny at times. In my spare time I am either with my family camping, traveling around or being creative with making all kinds of crafts!
Mental Health Counselling
Short-Term Counselling
If you’ve had 3+ drop-in sessions and want to focus on a specific issue, you may qualify for short-term counselling. This includes an intake and 3-4 scheduled appointments with one therapist. Let the drop-in counsellor know to set up your intake.
Meet our mental health providers!
Registered Nurse
Valerie Taylor
Hello, my name is Valerie Taylor (she/her). I have been practicing as a Mental Health Therapist for 9 years. I identify as a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and love working with members of the same community. I also have a background in nursing, with experience in chronic illness, sexual health, and substance use.
My style of therapy is to work with and build on your unique strengths and qualities, with a focus on the future and solutions to what is most relevant to you right now. My goal is your goal, whatever that might be. You direct therapy, and I trust you are your best expert in your experience. We can talk about serious things, or we can be playful and embrace our weirdness in learning who you are, and what you want.
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Noreen Sibanda
Hi, I’m Noreen! I pride myself in being able to create a safe space for clients to take a deep breath, put down the heavy load and engage in a joint process to help you overcome the challenges, in a short-term and solution-focused manner. My approach to counselling is person-centered which means I take into consideration the client’s lived experiences, worldview and incorporate other modalities such as CBT, EMDR, DBT as needed.
I am trained to work with various topics such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. I have extensive experience working with immigrant and refugee clients, individuals who identify as bi/multicultural and those transitioning into new careers, lifes and relationships. I identify as a Black, feminist therapist that employs an anti-oppressive, decolonizing and trauma informed approach. I believe in co-learning for both the clients and myself, therefore placing great emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and creating individualized experiences of counselling.
Occupational Therapist
Petrina Calder
Hello! My name is Petrina and I’m a cis-gendered white woman who has more than a few silver-hairs in her head. I’m a registered Occupational Therapist and I love my work! Getting to be of service to others - by being there in the dark times, providing support and encouragement, listening more than I talk, and giving advice only when it’s asked for – gives my life a sense of purpose and meaning. If you’re looking for a non-judgemental therapist who knows a few things about mental health, and who will partner with you as the expert in your own life, then we would probably be a good fit. Also, if you’re a gamer, we will definitely be a good fit; think of me as a reliable NPC, who can give you some hints for the more challenging quests in your life.
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Gina Slocuk
Hi, I’m Gina. The world can be filled with so many good things, but also, we can find ourselves struggling with the hard parts of life. Talking with a therapist can help you discover where you want to go, and how to cope with change that might feel scary.
I have worked closely with a diverse population who experience mental health issues, personal challenges, life transitions and some who are simply looking for a new direction or hope. Along with my professional experience I also bring my humour, empathy, and genuine nature to each session.I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years, with the last six as a Counselling Therapist. I approach therapy by using a variety of techniques and therapies, including: Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, CBT, and Strength Based modes. In my personal time I strive to balance my love of video games, looking for the perfect cup of coffee and watching all the birds takes over my backyard.
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Lucia Onyeakazi
I’m Lucia! I’m passionate about helping clients improve their emotional and psychological wellbeing while navigating life challenges. I've worked with children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens as well as people from different racial and cultural backgrounds that have experienced various life situations such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Domestic Violence, Depression, Trauma, Addiction, Mandated Clients, Self Esteem, and Grief and Loss. I’m trained in a range of treatment approaches which includes EMDR, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, TEAM-CBT with Dr. David Burns, which helps mywork with clients’ challenging situations. I love watching movies, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Sunday Komolafe
Hello, I’m Sunday. Prior to joining Kickstand, I have been working full-time at Alberta Health Services in youth addictions for 2 years. I enjoy working with young people and families who have diverse needs. I will bring a compassionate, understanding, and friendly demeanor to my work with you as I help you to see your positive qualities, strengths, and exceptional abilities. It is my goal to support you in core areas that enhance your self-development and self-understanding. I view these areas as one of the many paths to navigate, explore, and manage unique life experiences and challenges. I will assist you to realize your capacity to find solutions, coping skills, and strategies and access your inner strengths.
I love playing soccer, traveling, listening, and playing musical instruments, dancing, and entertainment of all kinds. I enjoy hanging out with family members, friends, and colleagues. In addition, I like to go for long walks in nature, watch movies with my family and play table tennis.
Registered Social Worker
Chantelle Leclair
Hi, I’m Chantelle! I believe that everyone has the power to create change in their lives and I am grateful to help support people on their journeys. I have a specialization in Trauma Informed Practice. I can be found spending my spare time exploring the river valley with my puppy, lost on the recipe side of TikTok or hanging with my family and friends.
Canadian Certified Counsellor​
Lysylle Del Rosario
Hi, I'm Lysylle. I have worked in various settings with children, students, trauma survivors, seniors, immigrants and refugees. As an immigrant myself, I am a strong advocate for people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities. I use narrative, attachment, strength-based, and client-centered therapies with expressive arts. My goal is to meet clients where they are at, honor their experiences, and journey with them towards their full potential.
Registered Social Worker
Manju Ann Antony
Hello, I'm Manju. I have 11 years of work experience in mental health care among all ages and diverse cultural communities and a clinical specialization in substance use and mental health.
Schedule
Check our website and social media regularly for updated program and service options!
