OUR AMAZING TEAM OF INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS
Bernadene Weskin
The founder of Northwest Psychology, I am originally from Australia and have had the good fortune to visit many countries and experience many cultures. My empathy, humor, and culturally sensitive approach provide a warm atmosphere where children, adolescents, and adults can feel welcome and accepted. I am a proud parent of a child on the autism spectrum and believe that every child can grow up to lead a happy and productive life given the right opportunities and support.
Kelly Williams
Managing the difficulties of life can feel overwhelming sometimes. However, if these challenges start to consume you and affect your everyday life, it’s a great time to seek help. Together, we will explore and work within your strengths to discover the strategies that work for you. Every client begins therapy at a different place and I am experienced in cultivating thorough, individualized treatment to help my clients overcome their struggles piece by piece.
Lesley Sugden
I specialize in psychoeducational assessment, diagnostic and intervention services for children, adolescents and adults, to identify and address giftedness, learning disorders, intellectual disability, ADHD/ADD, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression. I also provide counselling services to children, adolescents and adults struggling to cope with challenging life events such as; anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, separation/divorce, self-esteem, parenting issues, anger issues and many other presenting concerns.
Gillian McKirdy
I specialize in issues relating to adoption, parenting, attachment, ADHD, trauma, loss, accepting a diagnosis for you or your child, living well with chronic disease, and living with major body changes and trauma following invasive medical procedures. I have specialist training and experience in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Parenting, Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), and attachment and trauma training, and trauma (EMDR, including specialist training for traumatised children).
Jennifer Hoy
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Science degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. I have many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing significant behavioural, emotional, and psychological challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, parent-child relationships, trauma, loss, and other presenting concerns). I have specialized training in trauma (including EMDR), psycho-educational assessments, interventions for children and adolescents, and family therapy.
Illisha Patterson
Registered Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist who truly enjoys working with adults, adolescents and children and I strive to be non-judgmental and respectful of the beliefs, morals, culture and values of all people. I view people’s challenges from a biopsychosocial, family/client centered, trauma informed lens and have specialized training in CBT, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy and Play Therapy.
Ashley Jones
I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary with 15 years experience working in the mental health field. I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and families who are experiencing complex mental health concerns including behavioral and mood disorders, somatization, attachment, grief and loss, and trauma. I will work with you to identify the steps needed to manifest concrete and lasting change.
Scott McKirdy
Scott holds a Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle in Canada and a postgraduate diploma in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Scott has experience in supporting individuals through grief and loss, suicide bereavement, couple relationships, family therapy, parenting support, adoption and fostering family counselling, and anxiety and depression. He is trained in EMDR, EMDR with children, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Scott also has extensive experience in facilitating both psychoeducational and counselling support groups.
Celia Sticksl
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and have completed advanced training in play therapy. My previous work experiences include early intervention support for children with ASD diagnoses; instructional support for youth with complex mental health and learning needs; and individual, family, and child counselling within the nonprofit sector.
Sydney McKenzie-Hougestol
Sydney has experience in supporting individuals with complex trauma, addictions, and a myriad of concerns including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism, and Intellectual Disability. She has held positions working with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and/or systemic oppression for six years.
Krystle Smith
I am a registered social worker with a Master of Social Work from University of North Dakota. For close to 15 years, I have had the pleasure of supporting children, youth, and families through some of their biggest life challenges. Areas I’m experienced in include anxiety, trauma, grief, parenting, and women’s mental health. Working through a client-centered and strength-based approach I support adolescents and adults in their journey of healing or self-discovery.
Erika Jakic
As a practicum counselor, it is my privilege to hear your unique stories and discover you or your child’s strengths and goals. I am an experienced educator and I believe that every person should have the opportunity to benefit from psychological support. I have developed and implemented school wide programs to promote and support mental health. In the past, I have shown success at building relationships and trust with people from high need and diverse populations. I have experience with connecting with youth and developing authentic connections by listening with a non-judgmental ear.