Counselling Team (RCCs)

Dr. Alison McCleary

Doctoral Resident, PsyD, (Supervised Practice)

Alison is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who recently completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University. In therapy, Alison tries her best to create a collaborative space to explore, grow, and heal. She works hard to practice what she preaches, dedicating clinical time to ensuring that the client is receiving a uniquely-tailored therapeutic experience. Alison primarily uses an existential-humanistic approach to therapy, which centres the relationship between the therapist and the client. Underneath that umbrella, Alison offers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectal Behaviour Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Alison’s approach allows clients to share their stories while also building new, necessary skills and getting to know their inner selves better. Alison prioritizes meaning-making, personal exploration, and authentic connection.

Jenn Gauthier

CEO, Clinical Director, MEd, RCC, PsyD (in progress)

Jenn is the clinical director and has been involved with Dr. Jillian since 2017. She oversees operations and clinical products. She has a teaching degree, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, and is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She is currently completing a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. When out of office she enjoys travelling and being in the outdoors. Jenn also shamelessly enjoys reality tv competition shows.

Jenn’s current/former counselling clients can book online here

Lisa Norden-Infante

Pre-Doctoral Resident, MEd, RCC, PsyD (in progress)

**Please note that Lisa is not accepting new counselling clients at this time**

Types of therapy offered:  Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused, EMDR therapy, and Mindfulness based therapy.

Ages or Specific groups of clients: Children, youth, families, and individuals

Group, Family, couple or individuals: Individuals, families and couples.

Specializations: Anxiety, depression, trauma, social-emotional and behavioral difficulties, parenting skills and peer and family relationships

Treatment to alleviate what Problems: Anxiety, School Challenges, Behavioral challenges, Family Challenges, Relationship Difficulties

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

It is Lisa’s genuine, caring and compassionate approach, along with her lighthearted sense of humor that is instrumental in establishing an empowering and safe relationship with her clients.  This approach allows her to become part of the team that helps support her clients in their journey to reach their true potential.

Lisa graduated with a Masters in Education with emphasis in Psychology from Pepperdine University and is currently working towards a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) through California Southern University.  Lisa is Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. Lisa works under the supervision of Dr. Jillian Roberts.

Lisa is a wife and mother to five children.  She enjoys time with her family, long walks, and loves reading.  One day she will walk the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome.

Natalie Padron-Alarcon

Office Manager, MA, RCC

Natalie is the office manager at our Sidney location and is looking forward to a bright future in the world of mental health and counselling. She currently holds a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and has years of experience in administrative roles. She is happy to help our clients move through their journeys with us here at MindKey Health.  Coming from a Latinx bilingual background, Natalie enjoys spending her personal time cooking traditional foods for her family and dancing to Salsa. You might even catch her dancing in the office.

Tasha Liberatore

Counsellor, MEd, RCC

Tasha has a Masters of Education Psychology in Special Education and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She has 20 years experience in direct counselling and/or acting as a case manager for elementary, middle, and high school students. Tasha also works with adults. Tasha’s preferred counselling style is a mix of Narrative, Solution Focused, and Strength Based Therapies. Her specialization is working with people with ADHD, learning disabilities and/or have family members with disabilities, as well as individuals struggling with a multitude of concerns; some of which include anxiety, stress, motivation, attention, depression, trauma, grief, difficulty with transitions, healthy relationships or self-esteem. Tasha is also approved by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) as a mental health service provider. Tasha is an active volunteer in her community with a variety of sports associations as well as the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.

Stephen Roberts

Head of Counselling, MA, RCC

**Please note that Stephen is only seeing current and former clients at this time and is not accepting new clients**

Types of therapy offered: A blend of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural and Christian therapeutic approaches.

Ages or specific groups of clients: Children, adolescents, adults and families.

Group, family, couple or individuals: Individuals and groups

Specializations: Working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement, motivational challenges and building emotionally fulfilling relationships.

Treatment to alleviate what problems: Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, Depression, Addictions

Stephen Roberts, MA, RCC is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Stephen brings a diverse history of lived experience to his counselling practice. Stephen approaches each client with the belief that with the right support and encouragement we all have the ability to lead more productive and fulfilled lives. Starting from a place of empathy and compassion, Stephen guides his patients through a respectful examination of their life choices with the goal of providing them with the practical tools they need to meet their true potential.

Stephen received his Master of Arts from Liberty University, with a specialty in Marriage and Family Counselling. Prior to becoming a counsellor, Stephen earned a Doctorate and Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia, and a BA from Queen’s University.

Stephen has been married to Dr. Jillian Roberts since 1989 and is the father of three children. He is a proud and active citizen of the Métis Nation of British Columbia.

Andrea Bennington

Counsellor, MA, RCC

Andrea received her Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University in Fredricton, New Brunswick.

Andrea has always been drawn to work and volunteering opportunities helping others. She grew up in the Northwest Territories and spent many years volunteering with Victim Services in Yellowknife. Andrea moved to Victoria in 2013 and has been involved with several organizations including the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC (now Stigma- Free Society) as a Mental Health group facilitator and The British Columbia Schizophrenia Society- Victoria Branch (now Mental Health Recovery Partners, South Vancouver Island) as a peer support worker. Her extensive experience working with individuals struggling with persistent mental health challenges in a peer support framework, sparked her desire to become a clinical counsellor.

Andrea supports solution-focused, client-centred, and recovery-oriented philosophies rooted in strength, growth, and resiliency. She believes that with the right support individuals have a boundless ability to mobilize change and growth in their lives.

She builds therapeutic relationships based on trust, unconditional positive regard, and on-going rapport. She has worked with a diverse group of individuals with varying challenges including anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns while they overcome barriers, build self-autonomy and improve their quality of life on their own terms.

Cristina Martin

Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC

Cristina has her Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Cristina has always been drawn to work and volunteering opportunities helping others. She grew up in Switzerland where she later returned to work as a primary and special education teacher. Cristina is well travelled and has lived and work abroad in many countries. Cristina previously lived in Victoria for five years working with adults in mental health and addiction programs. She then left for five years to travel and further her studies, before returning to the beautiful West Coast. Cristina has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with persistent mental health challenges and she works within a biopsychosocial spiritual framework.

Cristina’s approach to counselling is gentle, informal, and is a mutual and collaborative alliance based on safety, trust, and unconditional positive regard. Cristina believes that everyone has a unique story and will help you work towards your preferred story. Cristina’s goals in counselling are to support client goals and help them become the best version of themselves. Cristina enjoys working with children, youth, families and adults from all walks of life including the LGBTQ+ community. She would be honoured to help you along on this journey.

On her time off, you can find Cristina adventuring on the island, swimming in lakes, hiking in nature, cycling or enjoying some good Netflix.

Fun Fact: Cristina attended after school Circus club and can juggle!

Tara Poole

Counsellor, RCC, MA, PhD (in progress)

Tara holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology degree from the University of Victoria. She is completing her doctoral studies in Educational Psychology at the University of Victoria.

Tara has developed a keen interest in helping people overcome their mental health challenges. During her academic years, she took several courses that equipped her with a strong foundation in counselling theories, techniques, and ethics. Her passion for counselling and desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives led her to pursue a career in clinical counselling.

Tara is an Inclusive Learning Teacher in the Greater Victoria School District, where she works with students from diverse backgrounds who have mental health, behavioural, social, and academic difficulties. She has worked with individuals with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, and poor interpersonal skills. Through an integrated approach to wellness, she has helped them to build social and emotional skills, resiliency, choice, autonomy, and improve their quality of life.

Tara is excited to apply her theoretical knowledge and practical experience to work with clients under the supervision of experienced professionals. She takes an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness and acceptance-based, and behavioural modalities that emphasize strength, agency, growth, connection, and resiliency. She believes that through a positive therapeutic relationship, clients can discover their inherent capacity for growth, healing, positive change, and agency.

Tara’s ultimate goal is to become a licensed professional counsellor and help individuals navigate the complexities of life while achieving their goals and finding a sense of fulfillment. She believes that this internship will be an essential step towards achieving her professional aspirations, and she is eager to embark on this journey of personal and professional growth.

Ages or Specific groups of clients: children, youth, and adults

Group, family, couples, or individuals: all

Specializations: ADHD, autism, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, disorganized attachment, self-regulation skills, learning disabilities, substance use.

Susanna Longridge

Counsellor, MACP, RCC

Types of therapy offered: A blend of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT), strengths-based, person-centred, and schema-focused.

Ages or specific groups of clients: Adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Assisting with: Anxiety, depression, grief and loss, partnering and parenting.

Integrating: Bio-psycho-social-spiritual frameworks, mindful presence, deep rest, transmutative and Judea-Christian frames of reference.

Susanna has an MA in Counselling Psychology and a BA in Secondary Education. Her professional and personal experience motivate her in assisting others to successfully process and manage the transitions life holds. Susanna’s time working with teens and adults has informed her philosophy that Life is fascinating, challenging, funny, and precious—from it we learn to skillfully engage with new experiences and savor them as a valuable part of living on the earth.

Claudia Donald

RCC, MACP

Claudia is a calm, compassionate, and hard-working individual who is passionate about mental health. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria and has completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. Claudia has been working with youth for the past 15 years as a support worker, out of school care leader, summer camp leader, and preschool teacher. Over the past 7 years, she has been working as a high school teacher teaching French immersion, Spanish, and Psychology as well as coaching the school’s girls volleyball team. Her experience has led her to advocate for those who cannot or do not have access to affordable mental health care. In addition to working with youth, Claudia’s areas of interest are anxiety, (step) parenting, separation/divorce, motherhood, relationships, and life transitions. Her approach brings together elements of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Person-Centered Therapy. She meets her clients where they are in their journey and strives to tailor the sessions to her client’s needs.

In her spare time you can find her playing volleyball, taking hikes with her dog, painting, or indulging in some Netflix-watching with her family. She is also fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

Hayley Rennalls

Counsellor, MA, RCC

Please note that Hayley is currently away on maternity leave

Please note that Hayley is not currently accepting new clients

Types of therapy offered: Person-centered, solution-focused, growth-mindset, behavioural intervention, and Christian Therapeutic approaches.

Ages or specific groups of clients: Children and adolescents

Group, family, couple or individuals: Individuals and families

Specializations: Working with clients who have disabilities (physical, mental, or learning) and/or have family members with disabilities. Clients who are experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, depression, social difficulties, and behavioural challenges. Motivational challenges as well as challenges pertaining to healthy relationships.

Treatment to alleviate what problems: Anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal relationship challenges, attentional issues, and challenges pertaining to behaviour and executive functioning. As well as the problems that one encounters when living with a disability.

Hayley received a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and Theology from William Jessup University, Rocklin, Californiaand completed a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies (with a specialization in Special Education) from the University of Victoria.

Hayley has worked with children and teens since 2003 in various capacities including in schools and homes as a behavioural interventionist and a learning support teacher. She has worked with a range of students who have mental, physical or learning disabilities such as: Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy.

Through her experiences, Hayley believes that a client can be best supported when a team of people (families, schools, counsellors, etc.) collaborate and act jointly to support the client. She encourages families to work together to support their family member through building strong interpersonal relationships. Hayley spent five years living and working in China and can speak Mandarin.

Chelsea Peddle

Counsellor, MEd, RCC

Chelsea has a focus on supporting grieving children and families through the illness and the death of someone close to them. She believes that caring and informed counselling support can help people process this difficult experience in ways that can lead to a healthy relationship with death and deepen family and community connections. Her passion is enabling parents to become grief facilitators within their families by offering a compassionate ear, education, encouragement, and skill development. Chelsea brings a heart-centred, collaborative, and strength-based approach to counselling, drawing from meaning-centred therapies, narrative, dignity therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, creative approaches, and nature-based rituals for grief and bereavement. She is committed to building her cultural humility through continuing education and reflection and strives to create counselling experiences that honor everyone’s diversity, and including supporting folks who are Two Spirit LGBTQIA+.

Chelsea lives in Victoria with her two children where she loves to watch baking shows with her family, though her own recipes don’t usually turn out as well as the ones on tv!

Ages or Specific groups of clients: Children, youth, adults, people facing a life-limiting illness, and those grieving the death of someone in their life.

Group, Family, couple, or individuals: Individuals and Groups

Specializations: Grief and loss, anticipatory grief counselling, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) preparation and grief bereavement.

Michael Oakes

Counsellor, MA, RCC

Michael received his Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Michael has worked with youth and adults in a number of roles within the field of mental health. In his role at Dr. Jillian Roberts Psychology Corporation, Michael provides clinical counselling to address a variety of issues from evidence-based, and insight-oriented approaches. He has worked in residential and outpatient mental health settings across British Columbia and continues to provide collaborative care, teamed with psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, health consultants, nurses, social workers, and counselor/clinicians at the health authority.

Michael views the therapeutic relationship as a mutual and collaborative alliance based on safety, trust, congruence, unconditional positive regard, and ongoing rapport. He is experienced in several therapeutic orientations including Solution-Focused, Client-Centred, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioural, Attachment-based, Humanistic and Psychodynamic based modalities. Michael believes that people, like all living things, are inherently driven to thrive and grow, and when given the right conditions, people are capable of making meaningful changes.

Alex Roberts

Counsellor, MA, CCC, RCC

Alex has a Master’s in Counselling Psychology through The University of Victoria. She enjoys a collaborative approach to counselling, in which clients can explore and develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating in a supportive and empowering therapeutic relationship. Specializing in clients who identify as LGBTQ+ or are exploring new gender and sexual identities, she is available for in-person sessions as well as telephone and video sessions.

When not working, she can usually be found enjoying leisurely nature walks, reading fantasy novels, or playing video games.

Types of therapy offered: A blend of solution-focused, experiential, narrative, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Ages or Specific groups of clients: Adult clients, particularly those who are LGBTQ+ or are exploring gender and sexual orientation.

Group, Family, couple or individuals: Individuals

Specializations: Anxiety, stress management, identity challenges, major life transitions, interpersonal challenges