Our Team

Clinic Directors and Founders

April Jordan, MSW, RSW

April Jordan, MSW, RSW, a seasoned mental health professional with a rich tapestry of experience spanning over two decades. Within the intricate landscape of mental health, her experience has included acute and community settings, with particular interest in rural service delivery.

What sets her approach apart is not just the breadth of experience but the genuine commitment to creating a therapeutic space where individuals and their loved ones can unfold their stories. It's about walking together, navigating complexities, and creating a roadmap for resilience and growth.

In the course of her career, she's dedicated herself to fostering genuine empathy and tailored support for those navigating the unique challenges of being on the autism spectrum. This commitment extends beyond the individual, reaching out to parents and family members who play an integral role in the lives of those they love.

In addition to work with the autism spectrum, she's cultivated an understanding of learning and communication disorders and ADHD. This understanding allows her to offer insights and guidance that resonate with the diverse needs of those seeking support. She has particular knowledge of the landscape of ADHD in girls and the unique challenges they face so tailors her therapeutic approach is carefully tailored to nurture resilience, instill confidence, and empower them on their individual paths.

Janet Arsenault, MSW, RCSW

Janet's journey in mental health has been enriched by a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of her clients. Her over 20 years' experience has sculpted a professional deeply rooted in the belief that each person's story is unique and deserving of respect and empathy.

At the heart of Janet's services is an attachment approach, acknowledging the profound impact of relationships on one's mental health. This foundational perspective creates a nurturing space for individuals to explore their challenges, fostering healing and growth.

While Janet's expertise extends across the mental health spectrum, she has found a particular calling in working with adolescents and young adults. Her ability to connect, empathize, and guide adolescents through their unique struggles sets her apart, making her a trusted ally in their journey to well-being.

Janet's warmth and genuine care create an atmosphere of trust, where clients feel safe to share their experiences. Her therapeutic approach is tailored to meet the individual needs of each person, recognizing the importance of personalized care in the healing process.

Therapists

Karen Fossen, MSW, RSW – Currently Accepting New Clients

Karen is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts. She has worked in community and in-patient settings within the field of mental health since 2005. Client-centered and collaborative in her approach, Karen is continually humbled by the resiliency found in the human experience. She strives to build a therapeutic alliance with her clients and creates a safe space for exploration, so they can achieve their goals.

Karen's primary client base is that of adolescents and adults. She has specialized interest in the areas of risky behaviors, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stress management, anger or aggression, relational challenges, and BIPOC issues. Karen uses a holistic and eclectic approach with her clients, as she believes every story is unique, so one modality cannot serve everyone in the same way. Her practice is grounded in various evidence-based modalities, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness and cognitive processing therapy. She is additionally certified as a Sex Therapy Informed clinician.

Karen considers it a privilege to accompany you in your journey. She is pleased to offer both in- person sessions on the weekend and virtual counseling on evenings and weekends so she can support you regardless of where you might live in Alberta.

Client Focus:

• Adolescents
• Adults

Clinical Issues:

• Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Racial Identity
• Anger Management
• Coping Skills
• Peer Relationships
• Self Esteem
• Stress

Treatment Approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Somatic Work
• Mindfulness
• Cultural Humility
• Client Centered
• Strength Based

Leigh van Rootselaar, MSW, RSW – Currently Accepting New Clients

I work primarily with elder teens and adults who are looking to feel supported in exploring challenges, identity, relationships, and learning how to thrive in daily life. I come to this work with experience serving those struggling with trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, addiction, and emotion dysregulation. As a therapist with lived experience of queer identity, I am passionate about providing therapy that embraces queer and gender diverse individuals. I strive to make my practice anti-oppressive and I align with queer, feminist, racial justice, and body liberation movements.

In order to help you make the changes you're looking for in life, I can offer individual counseling drawing from Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Attachment Theory. I also offer individual trauma treatment using Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

The best therapy happens when you feel safe to be vulnerable. Together, we can create a collaborative and creative space for you to open up, explore your pain, and begin to lead the life you're looking for.

Client Focus:

• Adults
• Adolescents aged 14 years & up
• LGBTQ+ Community

Clinical Issues:

• Trauma
• Gender and Sexual Diversity
• Addiction
• Personality Disorders

Treatment Approaches:

• Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Sue Harris MSW, RSW – Currently Accepting New Clients

Welcome to my world of therapeutic support, where understanding and compassion pave the path to healing. With over three decades of experience in mental health, I've had the privilege of guiding individuals through life's challenges, whether they're navigating personal struggles, parenting dilemmas, or complex family dynamics.

At the core of my practice lies a deep belief in the power of connection and relationship. In our sessions, you'll find a safe space to express yourself freely, celebrate your victories, and explore your innermost thoughts without fear of judgment. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, hand in hand.

My expertise shines in trauma treatment, particularly through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With extensive specialized training and years of hands-on experience, I've honed my craft in guiding individuals through the tumultuous waters of past traumas and upsetting experiences. Whether these wounds were inflicted years or even decades ago, their echoes can reverberate through your present, stirring up intense emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. EMDR serves as a powerful tool, meticulously designed to address the lingering effects of such experiences with precision and care. It's been my privilege and honor to witness the profound transformations that unfold as clients find relief and embark on a journey of growth and healing through the successful resolution of long-held distress.

When I'm not in the therapy room, you'll likely find me lost in the pages of a captivating novel, surrounded by the warmth of cherished friends and family, or immersing myself in the melodies of a live music performance. Whether I'm exploring the wonders of nature or soaking up the vibrant energy of a bustling city, my zest for life fuels my dedication to helping you find peace, balance, and joy on your journey towards mental wellness.

Client Focus:

• Children 12+
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Families

Clinical Issues:

• Anxiety
• Depression/Mood Disorders
• Emotional Regulation
• Life Transitions
• Mindfulness
• Mind/ Body/Spirit Interconnections
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Issues
• Trauma

Treatment Approaches:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP)
• Family Therapy
• Parent Consultation

Donna Pruski – MSW, RSW – Currently Accepting New Clients

I'm Donna, a registered social worker with over 20 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health. I hold both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work, along with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Helping people on their life's journey is a privilege I deeply cherish, and I work hard to build trusting, collaborative relationships with those I work with.

My work focuses on youth and their families because I recognize that family involvement is critical to helping young people thrive. I believe that early intervention is key to fostering resilient youth and strengthening family connections. By working together with families, I strive to create a supportive environment where every member feels heard and valued.

In every assessment and interaction, my goal is to look beyond the numbers and provide a holistic understanding of each individual's strengths and challenges. I aim to offer practical strategies that can make a real difference in daily life. Whether you're seeking answers for academic struggles, attention issues, or social-emotional concerns, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.

I am passionate about helping my clients achieve their full potential and am dedicated to delivering compassionate care with professionalism and integrity. Contact me today to learn more about how I can support you and your family on your journey to better understanding and success.

Client Focus:

• Children (Age 7+)
• Adolescents
• Couples
• Families

Clinical Issues:

• Anxiety
• Parent-child relationships
• Family transitions
• Emotional regulation
• Behavioural concerns
• Self-esteem
• Parenting

Treatment Approaches:

• Client Centred
• Family therapy
• Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
• Play Based Therapeutic Interventions
• Behavioural Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Group Therapy

Jessica Carroll – MSW, RSW – Currently Accepting New Clients

"Without relationship, there is no influence"- unknown. This is a quote I found taped above my supervisor's desk during my Master of Social Work practicum, and those words have guided me throughout the development of my practice. My approach with every client is to meet you where you are at, with curiosity, acceptance and non-judgment. I believe in your innate capacity for healing, and I am here to serve as a witness and a guide through life's more challenging moments.

For the past 6 years, my focus has been on supporting children, adolescents, and their families experiencing mental health challenges associated with attachment disruption, peer issues, family conflict, grief following a significant loss, anticipatory grief at the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, and other life transitions. I understand the family as a system, meaning that when one family member is impacted, everyone is impacted. Together, we can explore your concerns and establish a plan for support that best meets the needs of your family.

In my work with children, I use a blend of non-directive and directive therapeutic play and expressive arts techniques. Play is the language of children; it is how they make sense of the experiences in their lives, learn necessary skills, and relate to peers. When facilitated by a qualified therapeutic play practitioner, therapeutic play empowers children to overcome challenges, learn coping skills and reach developmental milestones without the need for adult-level language and reasoning. My goal is to establish a therapeutic space in which your child has the safety and freedom to express themselves and have their voice heard.

I offer individual sessions for children 7+, adolescents, and adults as well parent coaching sessions to provide you with tools in supporting your children. Please don't hesitate to give me a call to discuss your questions, concerns, and hopes for change. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey!

Client Focus:

• Children 7 and up
• Adolescents
• Adults

Clinical Issues:

• Grief and loss, including anticipatory grief and disenfranchised grief
• Living with life-limiting illness
• Anxiety
• Behavioral difficulties
• Attachment
• Trauma
• Self-esteem

Treatment Approaches:

• Therapeutic play
• Humanistic- client centered
• Narrative therapy
• Family Systems
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Accelerated resolution therapy
• Parent coaching

Erin Maclean – MC, R.Psych – Currently Accepting New Clients

Erin is a compassionate and dedicated child and adolescent therapist with over a decade of experience in helping young people and their families navigate life's challenges. As a registered psychologist, Erin creates a warm, safe, and supportive environment where children and teens feel safe to express themselves.

Passionate about fostering resilience and emotional well-being, Erin works collaboratively with families to address issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, trauma, and chronic illness. Using evidence-based practices, Erin tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each child and family. She believes in the power of creativity and often incorporates art and play into her sessions, allowing children to communicate in ways that feel natural and engaging. Erin believes in mental health advocacy, early intervention, and the importance of emotional literacy.

Outside of her practice, Erin finds joy in gardening and reading, which she believes nurtures her creativity and mindfulness, both of which she brings into her therapeutic work. With a commitment to empowering young minds, Erin provides a supportive space for children and adolescents to flourish emotionally and thoughtfully to achieve their fullest potential.

Client Focus:

• Children 7 & up
• Adolescents
• Parent Coaching

Clinical Issues:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Chronic Illness
• Emotional Regulation and Behavioural Challenges
• Family and Peer Relationships
• Mood Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Trauma

Treatment Approaches:

• Art and Play Based Interventions
• Attachment Based Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Strength Based Approach

Tanya Muschanov, MC, R.Psych

I invite you to notice your response the next time you are asked 'how are you feeling?'. Many of us are likely to respond with something along the lines of "good" or "fine". We tend to offer a brief, comfortable answer that is socially expected and easily digestible. In therapy, together, we get to create an environment where it feels safe to put forward responses like 'I'm feeling conflicted; elated; devastated; hopeful'.

I am a Registered Psychologist in Alberta with a Master in Counselling. I have over 15 years of experience working in mental health with diverse populations. I incorporate multiple intervention modalities tailored to your individual needs. My therapeutic toolkit includes a broad selection of evidence-based interventions drawing on principles and strategies of motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy.

My approach is characterized by a curiosity about my clients' acquired wisdom and how they make meaning of their life stories. I integrate warmth, empathy, and practicality. I strive to foster a therapeutic relationship free of judgment, where clients feel understood and recognize their own capacity to step forward not from a place of deficit, but instead from a place of resilience.

I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path towards greater well-being and fulfillment.

Client Focus:

• Adolescents 14+
• Adults

Clinical Issues:

• Emotion Regulation
• Anxiety/Depression
• Interpersonal Issues
• Adjustment Concerns
• Life Transitions
• Self Esteem
• Stress

Treatment Approaches:

• Client Centred
• Strength Based
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Trauma-informed

Heather Skippen MSW, RSW

Heather Skippen is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of enriching experience in the realm of parental and early childhood support. Heather's warm and inviting nature sets the tone for a journey of understanding, growth, and transformation.

Heather extends her warm and inviting presence to those experiencing the intricate emotions surrounding perinatal and postpartum periods including fertility difficulties, loss, and transition to parenting. Heather's interest in pregnancy stressors, perinatal anxiety and depression provides a lifeline for new parents, creating a space for healing and growth during this significant transition.

Heather specializes in early childhood, empowering parents to navigate the delightful yet often demanding journey of raising young children. Her insights into attachment, child development and behavior challenges are a beacon for parents seeking guidance in creating a harmonious and nurturing environment for their little ones.

Heather has become a trusted ally for families dealing with childhood behavior challenges, ADHD, ASD, and anxiety. Her approach combines evidence-based strategies with a deep understanding of the unique needs of each child, fostering an environment where families can thrive despite the challenges they may face.

Heather believes your unique story is valued and looks forward to accompanying you on your therapeutic journey.

Client Focus:

• Woman
• Parents

Clinical Issues:

• Anxiety/Depression
• Post Partum Anxiety and Depression
• Pregnancy Stressors
• Difficult pregnancy/Labour
• Fertility/Perinatal Loss
• Emotion Regulation
• Behavioural struggles
• Parent/Child Relationships
• Child Sleep Difficulties
• ASD/ADHD

Treatment Approaches:

• Relational approach
• Strength Based
• Parent Coaching
• Developmental approach
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Educational/teaching
• Practical strategies

Chris Sullivan – MSW, RSW

Chris Sullivan, MSW, RSW, believes that therapy is more about getting to what matters than it is about fixing what's broken. A good therapeutic relationship is essential to helping the client connect with, remain in and get the most from therapy. Chris utilizes an Integrative therapeutic approach which is both individualized and holistic in practice, combining ideas and techniques from different therapeutic tools that are suitable to the unique needs of a given client. This approach can offer a more flexible, inclusive and successful treatment experience while resulting in a strong therapeutic relationship.

With over 20 years experience in working with youth, young adults and adults, Chris has supported people in navigating challenges that include substance use and addiction, depression and anxiety, grief and loss, and numerous other mental health concerns. Chris is trained in several treatment modalities and draws from extensive experience, both from his personal and professional life. Chris also has an extensive background using activities and experiential exercises in therapy. This can be a very effective approach for people who tend to learn better by doing, as well as those who may have a difficult time remaining seated for a 60 minute session.

Chris honours the privilege that comes with being a therapist and values working alongside all clients as they develop a plan that reinforces strengths, increases coping and connection, and brings further balance into their lives. Chris offers both in-person and virtual sessions on the weekends and Mondays. Please take advantage of a free 15-minute phone consult to ask any questions you may have, prior to your first session.

Client Focus:

• Youth (14-18)
• Adults (18 +)

Clinical Issues:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional Regulation
• Trauma
• Relationship Issues
• Addiction
• Grief and Loss
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management

Treatment Approaches:

• Relational approach
• Strength Based
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Testing Psychologists

Lorrie Paulsen, MA, RPsych

Lorrie is a registered psychologist who has been working within a school district in Calgary for over twenty years. She provides psychoeducational and psychological assessment and diagnosis for individuals aged 5+ and her specialties include, but are not limited to, learning assessments, gifted, mild intellectual disability, academic skills, emotional/behavioural disorders, vocabulary skills and diagnostic clarity (i.e., AD/HD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, adult AD/HD, etc.).

Lorrie also has extensive experience in a number of areas, including eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, phobias, attachment issues and relationships. Lorrie very much believes in helping clients identify their particular strengths and weaknesses within a calm, non-judgemental and welcoming manner. Her strategies are practical, relevant and sustainable and she consistently strives to stay current with the latest research, advanced trainings and confidentially consulting with other experts in the field.

Lorrie is a strong advocate of a work/life balance and she uses this and her love of travel to gain a wider perspective on human behaviour and connect with many people from diverse backgrounds so that they can move successfully forward in their life.

Carmen Gietz, MA, RPsych

Carmen is a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience supporting children, youth, and adults in schools, private practice, multi-disciplinary teams, and community outreach settings. She specializes in formal assessment and holds a Master of Arts in School Psychology from the University of British Columbia (2011). Carmen is passionate about providing individualized, strengths-based assessments that help you better understand your (or your child's) strengths and challenges and maximize positive well-being. Her areas of focus include learning disorders, giftedness and twice-exceptional profiles, emotional/behavioural disorders, ADHD, Autism, and FASD.

When she has a spare moment, Carmen enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, cheering on her kids at their sporting events, reading, baking, and connecting with loved ones.

Clinical Supervision

Jory McMillan, MSW, RCSW

Jory started on his path of learning how to support the mental health of youth when he began volunteering with a crisis support line for youth in Calgary when he was 18. This lead to a pursuit of a bachelor's degree in social work, followed by a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Calgary. Seeking to continue his clinical development Jory became a Registered Clinical Social Worker in 2005.

Jory's clinical work has always been informed by his initial grounding as a social worker, in which the context of a child, youth, family or adult's lives are a vital part of understanding when considering how to support a path towards recovery. As a lover of humor and the use of metaphor Jory has always attempted to create an safe environment where emotion and thoughts may be shared freely in order to explore and value the meaning that they have for his clients.

Over the course of his career Jory's interest and passion for Clinical Supervision has grown. This lead to him pursuing training in clinical supervision, becoming a registered supervisor for the RCSW process with the ACSW and eventually transitioning to being a full time clinical supervisor in 2018. Looking at his own experience of receiving clinical supervision he has become determined to pay forward to the positive experiences and support he received from some of his past supervisors to other clinicians in the field. As a member of the RCSW registry Jory is committed to supporting the opportunities of other social workers to pursue that certification as a way of giving back to the profession that has allowed him to help others.

As a Clinical Supervisor Jory stives to support an environment that allows for Socratic questioning and practice reflection as he believes these are conducive to strength focused growth. Jory also views Feedback Informed Supervision vital as part of fostering the safety and respect necessary to being able to explore practice successes, challenges, and goals for development for a clinician's practice.

Client Focus:

• Children aged 7 years and up
• Adolescents
• Adults

Clinical Issues:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional Regulation
• Relationship Issues

Treatment Approaches:

• Narrative Model
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Single Session Therapy

Supervision Approaches:

• Alyyson Davys' Reflective Learning Model
• Strength Focused

Office Manager

Jill Allan

Jill is our amazing the Office Manager with the Storify team. You will find her at the office working on bookkeeping, direct billing, and administrative duties. She is here to help with anything our clients need, please give her a call or email her anytime!

Prior to joining the team at Storify, Jill earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Calgary and worked in the Oil and Gas Industry before staying home to raise her three kids (and two dogs!).

Jill looks forward to meeting you at Storify!