Julia provides services out of the main office located at 84 Isabella Street in Pembroke. She has been working in a variety of capacities with vulnerable populations, including at-risk children and families, street-involved youth, homeless adults, trauma and abuse survivors, marginalized populations, families involved with Children’s Aid Society, and youth and adults with addictions and mental health diagnoses for nearly two decades.

Julia graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa (conc. Criminology) in 2004. She continued her education and completed a professional certificate in Crisis Management/Human Psychology to competently serve clients experiencing crisis and trauma. Finally, to increase her capacity and work as a mental health professional she obtained a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is currently a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists.

Additionally, Julia has completed Collaborative Problem Solving (Tier 1), is a Certified Parenting Coach, with specialized training in attachment, as well as continued education courses in family mediation, the physiological impact of trauma, trauma-informed support services for families and holistic approaches to mental and emotional healing/well-being.

Kwey, Hello, Bonjour, Tansi, Boozhoo,

My name is Veronica, Niya Iskwew Michif, Red River Métis, and Irish. I am a Registered Indigenous Social Worker with an Honours Bachelor’s in Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University and a Master’s of Social Work in the Indigenous Field of Study from Wilfrid Laurier University. I have experience supporting both Indigenous youth and families in navigating systems such as child welfare and therapy. My office is a safe space for all individuals of all backgrounds.

Taking this first step toward healing is the most courageous, yet intimidating & vulnerable experience one may ever take. I recognize this and welcome you into a space, one shaped around your needs, where your thoughts, feelings, and I believe we are experts in our own lives, but sometimes need guidance to access our inner knowledge. I walk alongside those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, and relationships. Helping those find a fine balance, resilience & self-care. Offering support, perspective, and tools to help you make sense of your experience.

I offer holistic, relationship-focused, genuine, empathic, and grounding therapy. My practice emphasizes the balance across the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of life. Braiding Indigenous ways of knowing and being with evidence-based methods to meet the diverse needs of those they walk alongside, weaving them together in ways that honour both worlds. I provide a safe place for you to explore your journey and inner knowledge. I embrace a mindful, compassionate, collaborative approach that is holistic & inclusive, guiding you to understand & heal aspects of yourself shaped by your history & environment. Having support in exploring them can lead to empowerment.

Chi-Miigwech

Eksoi

Thank you

Veronica

Melissa (she/they) believes healing happens in safe, genuine relationships where people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted as they are. As a counsellor, they are deeply committed to creating warm, affirming, and psychologically safe spaces where individuals, children, youth, and families can explore their experiences, reconnect with themselves, and move toward greater wellness. Melissa’s work is grounded in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice, recognizing the ways systems, relationships, and lived experiences shape who we are. They have had the privilege of working alongside diverse communities, including Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families, and holds a strong commitment to providing care which is inclusive, identity-affirming, and rooted in respect and cultural humility.

As a queer identifying person, they are especially passionate about supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and the caregivers who love and support them. They strive to create a space where identity is not just accepted, but honoured and celebrated, and where people can safely explore their sense of self, relationships, and belonging. A meaningful part of Melissa’s work has been co-facilitating a nurturing attachment group for caregivers of children and youth involved in the child welfare system. Through this experience, they have seen the profound impact of connection, attunement, and compassion in strengthening relationships and supporting healing for both caregivers and the children in their care.

Melissa’s approach to counselling is holistic and wellness focused. They value the connection between mind, body, and relationships, and support clients in building insight, resilience, and self-compassion at a pace which feels right for them. Melissa also brings a strong background in leadership, with an understanding of how stress, burnout, and toxic environments can impact well-being. This allows them to support individuals navigating not only personal challenges, but also the pressures of work, caregiving, and life transitions.

Melissa brings lived experience into their work in ways which deepen empathy and authenticity, allowing them to meet people with compassion, curiosity, and without judgment. They do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, rather, walk alongside each person, honouring their story and supporting them in creating a life that feels more connected, balanced, and aligned.

Outside of clinical practice, Melissa enjoys spending time with their partner and 17-year-old daughter, going to the gym, and spending time with friends whom they consider family.

Kelly (she/her) is a compassionate and affirming Registered Social Worker who offers trauma-

informed, relational therapy grounded in clinical expertise and holistic healing. As a queer-

identifying therapist, Kelly brings lived experience, cultural humility, and deep respect for

diversity into her work, creating a welcoming and affirming space where clients feel seen,

respected, and supported. She holds a Master of Social Work with a specialization in clinical

therapy and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service

Workers (OCSWSSW).

Kelly believes meaningful healing happens when the mind, body, and nervous system are

included in the therapeutic process. Central to her approach is helping clients develop a felt

sense of safety and regulation within their bodies, allowing space to gently explore emotions,

patterns, and life experiences which may feel overwhelming or contribute to feeling stuck.

Drawing from mindfulness-based and Buddhist-informed practices, Kelly integrates

grounding, present-moment awareness, and compassion-focused techniques to support

clients in shifting perspectives and easing suffering in ways that feel accessible and

collaborative. Nature, connection, and relationship are woven throughout Kelly’s work. She

recognizes our nervous systems are often most supported when we feel connected; to

ourselves, to others, and to the natural world.

Therapy with Kelly is collaborative and client-centered; she honors each person’s lived

experience and views clients as the experts of their own lives, walking alongside them as they

reconnect with their strengths and inner wisdom. Using a trauma-informed, attachment-

based lens, Kelly supports individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety and depression,

relationship and parenting challenges, body image concerns, grief and loss, childhood and

developmental trauma, and ongoing stress.

She welcomes adults seeking a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore healing,

growth, and deeper self-understanding. Outside of her clinical work, Kelly enjoys spending

time in nature with her beagles, connecting with her partner, and embracing play and

community through a lively game of euchre; values that mirror her belief in balance,

connection, and meaning beyond the therapy room.