Counselling Psychologists
Vanessa Colombina
Preteens/Teens ages (Ages 12+)
-
Anxiety, Stress, Worry, & Burnout
- Depression & Mood (Incl. Self Harming)
- School Related Concerns Including School Avoidance & Test Anxiety
- Grief & Loss
- Career Guidance
- Sleep Struggles/Insomnia
- Coping Skills & Emotion Management
- Parent, Family & Peer Relationships
I view clients as the expert in their own lives. This is specially important for empowering youth to grow into independent beings who can make health choices and advocate for what they need. I believe young people and their families have many strengths that can be nurtured to support the health and happiness of the individual and family.
Treatment Specialities
My therapeutic practice is shaped by my belief that clients need to feel safe and part of the process. The process will evolve as we get to know each other and as the clients’ needs/goals evolve.
Modalities Include:
- Person-Centered
- Trauma Informed
- Narrative
- Strengths-based
- Mindfulness
Fun Fact
I love driving with the windows down and singing along to the radio very loudly.
Angela Young
Registered Psychologist
Children & Teens (age 3+)
- Attachment-based/bonding
-
Social
Skill Development Anxiety Management
- Behaviour Issues
- Emotional Regulation
- Play-based strategies
- Parent psycho-education / consultation
- Social Skills, Anxiety / Depression
- Behaviour
- Emotional Regulation
- Peer Conflict
- Self-Esteem Building
- Grief / Loss
- Trauma
- Interventions for Specific Diagnoses (ADHD, autism, OCD, ODD)
- Play-based strategies
- Parent psycho-education / consultation
- CBT and Narrative Modalities
- Trauma-Focused Interventions
- Social Skills
- Anxiety / Depression / OCD / Perfectionism
- Trauma
- Self-Harm
- Self-Esteem Building
- Emotional Regulation
- Play-based strategies
- Parent resources
- CBT / narrative / EMDR / ERP / client-focused therapy
Simone Moniz
Preteens/Teens (Ages 9+)
- Self Esteem
- Anxiety, Stress, Worry, & Burnout
- Depression & Mood
- Grief & Loss
- Relationship Struggles
- Parent/Child Relationships & Attachment
- Mindfulness
- Masters in Counselling Psychology (Athabasca University);
- Bachelor in Psychology-Applied Enhanced Stream (Concordia University of Alberta);
- Circle of Security Parenting;
- Talaris Parenting,
- Triple P Parenting.
Treatment Specialities: One of my passions is parents with parenting struggles, whatever the age of their child. My background has offered me parenting coaching experiences for ages 0 to 14. I love educating parents on healthy expectations of their children, so ultimately, they feel more competent and successful in positively disciplining their children. We sometimes parent the way we were parented, without the intention of doing it exactly the same way. But without a deeper understanding of what to do differently, you may feel lost. That is completely normal and you are certainly not alone.
Rachel Walpert Fairbrother
Registered Psychologist
Teens (11-17)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship Issues (Individually), Codependency,
- Separation, Attachment Issues & Family Conflict
- Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
- Addictions, Harm Reduction
- Trauma & PTSD
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions
- Career Guidance
Education Credentials:
- Masters in Counselling Psychology (University of Ottawa, 2015);
- Bachelor in Psychology (Trent University, 2011);
- Social Work- General Interest Courses (University of Northern British Columbia, 2013)
- EMDR- Level 1 Basic Training, 2019
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Training, 2017
- Certified ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Facilitator, 2015
- Cultural Competency Training in Indigenous Mental Health
- Mentorship from Elder Harriet Geddes, Fort Providence, NWT- 2015
- Indigenous Canada- Department of Native Studies Online Course- University of Alberta, 2017
Treatment Specialities: I have been fortunate to have worked in a variety of counselling settings over the last six years, which have helped to shape me into the therapist I am today. I began my journey working with adolescents in residential settings, who struggled with mental health
challenges such as childhood trauma, anxiety, depression or addiction. Following this experience, I moved to an Indigenous Dene community in the Northwest Territories where I worked with adults, youth and families. Here, I gained valuable insight into counselling within a multicultural context.
Upon settling in Edmonton, I have had the privilege of working at a non-profit agency that supports adults struggling with complex mental and physical health challenges. This role has allowed me to practice from a trauma-informed and harm-reduction lens, allowing for greater compassion and individualized treatment.I am passionate about supporting individuals to overcome hardship in the areas of trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, self-exploration, and life transitions. Working at Pine has allowed me to apply these skills to perinatal mental health; whether that may be support the transitioning into parenthood, overcoming a birth trauma, or experiencing loss.
Brittany Sales
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Teens (11-17)
- Anxiety & Stress
- Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviour
- LGBTQIA2S+ and Gender Identity Challenges
- Eating Disorders
- Interpersonal Relationship Challenges
- Life Transitions and Changes
- Self-Image, Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem Challenges
- Trauma
When it comes to youth, setting them up for success early is key. I believe that giving youth the opportunity to develop adaptive mental health skills, strategies, and tools is a priceless investment in a healthy future. I also believe in nurturing the inner strengths of both the youth and the family to cultivate
enduring health and well-being.
Treatment specialities:
I base my therapeutic practice on the values of trauma-informed care, which
include safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. As each client is a highly unique
individual, my approach is tailored to fit the needs of each client. The treatment modalities/orientations
that I draw from are:
- Person-Centered (humanistic)
- Cognitive Behavioural
- Narrative
- Existential
- Feminist and Social Justice Oriented
- Strengths-Based
- Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance Based
- Mindfulness Based
- Trauma-Informed
I am passionate about advocacy, social justice, empowerment, and cultural responsivity. I am also deeply
committed to decolonizing and Indigenizing my therapeutic practice, and engage in ongoing self auditing
to ensure I am best using culture-infused counselling principles to create an inclusive and safe space for
Queer, Indigenous, Black Brown, and People of Color (QIBPOC), LGBTQ2S+ and polyamorous youth.
Fun fact about Brittany: I love learning about dreams (the phenomena that happen when we sleep). I am
steadily improving my ability to lucid dream and it is both thrilling and mysterious!
Speech Language Pathologists
Jennifer Fung
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech Therapy.for Children, Adolescents, Teens & Adults
- Articulation/Phonology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cognitive Communication Disorders
- Fluency
- Aural Rehabilitation
- Voice Disorders
- Accent Reduction
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication
- Children with Complex Physical Needs
- Oral Motor Speech Delay/Disorder
- Literacy
- Language Delay
- Developmental Disabilities
- Apraxia
Since graduating, Jennifer has worked extensively in preschool and kindergarten settings at local school divisions. In recent years, she has also supported children (ranging from toddlers to high school) through Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).
Jennifer is excited to serve families through private practice and is looking forward to spending extended, individualized time with each client.
Physiotherapists
Calista Naismith (she/her)
Licensed Physiotherapist
Pediatric Physiotherapist
Children & Teens (age 3+)
- Transgender Pelvic Health Physio
- Musculoskeletal Physio
- Daytime Incontinence
- Bed Wetting
- Constipation
- Bowel Leakage
- Imperforate Anus
- Hirschsprung’s Disease
I see kids for Pediatric Pelvic Health Physiotherapy starting at the age of 4-5 years old. Pediatric Pelvic health Physiotherapy includes treatment for daytime incontinence, bed wetting, constipation, bowel leakage, imperforate anus and Hirschsprung’s Disease. Treatment for constipation can begin from the age of four all the way into adulthood and for urinary disorders, such as bed wetting, can start at the age of five all the way into adulthood. Unlike adult pelvic health physiotherapy there are no internal exams involved. The only time an internal assessment would be done is if the following three are present: previous surgical bowel correction, it is deemed necessary for treatment, and child and parent are both comfortable.
Even though treatment does not involve an internal assessment children are still taught how to engage their pelvic floor through specific cueing and assessment is done on top of clothing. All assessment and treatment is thoroughly explained to the guardian and child and tailored to what is comfortable. Treatment as stated includes pelvic floor training, education, breathing exercises, daily schedule and habit retraining and core strengthening. Treatment is very specific to what each child is experiencing because even what causes something like bed wetting is not universal.
I love working with kids because they are intuitive to what is going on around them and what is causing their problem. They achieve success quickly as their bodies change and modify much faster than adults. Kids are also fun and motivated. When working with pediatrics there is often a psycho-social aspect to their diagnosis which makes them motivated to see change quickly.
Building connection with children and families and helping them attain goals and milestones through play and fun makes working with children a constantly changing, exciting and the most rewarding job to have.
Holly Thompson
Licensed Physiotherapist
Pediatric Physiotherapist
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Global Developmental Delay
- Down Syndrome
- Autism
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Scoliosis
- Idiopathic Toe Walking
- Plagiocephaly
- Torticollis
- Chronic Pain
Holly graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2007 attaining her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She went on to continue her education at the University of Alberta and graduated in 2010 with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy.
Holly has always had a passion for children and began her physiotherapy career working with preschool, kindergarten and school aged children at a local school. Holly has worked with children with a variety of neurological and orthopedic conditions included but not limited to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, global developmental delay, down syndrome, autism, developmental coordination disorder, scoliosis, idiopathic toe walking, plagiocephaly and torticollis.
Building connection with children and families and helping them attain goals and milestones through play and fun makes working with children a constantly changing, exciting and the most rewarding job to have.
Lauren Richardson
Licensed Physiotherapist
Pediatric Physiotherapist
- Paediatric Head Shape (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis)
-
Gross Motor Delays
- Delays Resulting from Premature Birth
- Torticollis
- Positional Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly
- Cerebral Palsy
- Low Muscle Tone
- Intoeing
- Toe Walking
- Brain Injury
- Down Syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Other Neurological Conditions
- Sports and orthopaedic injuries
Registered Dieticians & Lactation Consultants
Megan Wallace
Registered Dietician
-
Healthy Weights
- Picky Eating
- Infant Feeding/Starting Solids
- Food Allergies
- Food & Body Relationship
- Family Meal Planning
I am extremely passionate about working with children and families. As a Mum to three, young kiddos myself (4.5, 2.5 and 1) I can assure you, I am in the arena fighting the same battles as you.
While navigating food with children can be tiresome and challenging, I long for the opportunity to teach parents and caregivers strategies to address picky eaters, decrease mealtime drama and not have to eat ‘kid-food’ every night. Among my passion for giving parents’ permission to relax at mealtimes, I also seek to support the health of children in a variety of other areas.
Administrative Team
Jessica Brownoff
Administrative Assistant
Jessica is one of the first lovely voices you hear and smiling faces you see when you come into Pine. If you have not physically met her, you may know her for her quick e-mail replies or for helping organize the various classes and workshops at the clinic. She was drawn to Pine for being a single location that offers a multidisciplinary and holistic approach for care, beautifully packaging support for the body and mind.
Jessica has been doing part-time administrative work, predominantly with physiotherapy since 2015, as she works through her various undergraduate degrees. Throughout university, she worked closely with a student group called “Brain Awareness Movement”, as well as an organization called “Networks Activity Centre” for stroke survivors. These two wonderful organizations helped develop a curiosity to further understanding the intricate connectivity and complexity of the human body.
After completing her first undergraduate degree in Biology and Science Psychology, she realized her passion for working hands-on in health care, to make a direct impact on an individual’s life. Currently, Jessica is at school full-time at the University of Alberta in the After-Degree Nursing program. She cannot wait to see where her Nursing career takes her and how she can collaborate with the wonderful family at Pine.
When Jessica is not working or studying her day away, she enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her family, friends and dogs. She is always daydreaming about her next great travel adventure. In August of 2014, she successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and is looking forward to her next travel and life endeavors.
Nicole Antunes
Administrative Assistant
Education Credentials:
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Psychology (MacEwan University)
One of my biggest passions is psychology. I have always been interested in learning more about an individual’s mental and physical health. I believe that nothing is one size fits all – everyone deserves to find the best treatment to address any of their concerns. By creating a comfortable environment (like Pine) and building connections, I hope clients feel validated and reassured. My goal is to become a psychologist. Through my graduate career, I aim to build clinical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills that allow me to work with clients to help identify mental health concerns and enhance overall well-being.
Treatment Specialities:
I have experience in a variety of mental health settings through several of my volunteer opportunities, such as Alberta Hospital and as a Crisis Responder with the Kids Help Phone. Through these opportunities, I have gained skills in collaborative problem solving, reflective listening, risk assessment, and crisis management.
Fun fact about Nicole:
When I am not at work or school, I enjoy camping and spending time outside with friends and family. I also enjoy watching true crime documentaries.
Jody Pottinger
Administrative Assistant
I feel passionately about helping others. I love assisting clients in finding a specialist that suits their specific needs, and help get them set up to meet and connect with each other.
I’m also passionate about mental and physical wellness, so watching clients improve their own well-being -with some help from our team- is really enjoyable for me.
Fun fact about Jody:
In my free time I love working out at the gym, going to the mountains & spending time with my family!
Justine James
Administrative Assistant
I have a background in social work. I am a certified holistic birth and postpartum doula. I am trained in spinning babies. I am also a certified reiki practitioner.
Philosophy: I have a passion for supporting childbearing families, especially women, children and the LGBTQ community. I am committed to ensuring that all parents and caregivers have the support they need in order to thrive prenatally, in birth and afterward.
I approach my work from a strength-based perspective and I believe that people are the experts of their own lives.
I love knowing people’s stories and I genuinely care about the experience of every patient who comes into the clinic. People connect easily with my down to earth approach; I never take myself too seriously!
Fun Fact: I love being in the mountains, so the environment at Pine definitely makes a good substitute!
15
Team Members
1K+
Patients Treated
16
Kids Between Us
Pine Cone Health Founders: