As of June 19, 2023, Momentum's new address is #132 6325 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, AB T6H 5H6
Our Group Facilitators are a team of registered mental health professionals who lead psychoeducational and compassionate groups and workshops for our community.
I have over 5 years of experience working with kids, teens, adults, and groups. I thoroughly enjoy working with different populations as it informs my approach. I am constantly learning from my clients’ honesty, bravery, and hope, and am passionate about co-creating strategies for how to make life a little bit better. I am interested in what you are hoping to work on or get from therapy and how we can find ways to practice, experiment, and evaluate how to meet your needs. I use a number of different approaches that aim to understand what you are already doing that are helpful. Together we can build tools to support your individual needs.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University. I am a registered provisional psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
I am passionate about finding the right approach or the right support; so, in the case that the best fit is not with me, I am happy to refer you to a broader community of supportive professionals that could meet your needs.
I am extremely grateful to be part of the Momentum team. My time at Momentum started during the end of my graduate studies, in early 2014, as a volunteer walk-in counselling therapist. Soon after joining the team, I was asked to lead a weekly men’s support group, now known as Anchor Men’s Group, which I have continued to do since then, with the help of several amazing co-facilitators.
I am a cisgender, heterosexual, white, able bodied, not quite middle aged, learning disabled (self-diagnosed), man with French, Ukrainian, and English heritage who was born and raised in rural Alberta. I am passionate about social justice and strive to be an ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and engaged in the Truth and Reconciliation process. I am also a mini-van driving husband and father of two energic and often emotionally dysregulated young boys. I enjoy playing and watching soccer and most other sports.
I also happen to be a Registered Psychologist in the Province of Alberta who has training and experience providing psychological counselling with school aged children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, couples and families; and training and experience conducting psycho-educational assessments with children, adolescents and adults; adult capacity assessments; employment selection screening; formal adult psychological assessments; parenting capacity assessments; and custody (parenting time) evaluations. I work therapeutically from a collaborative and integrative approach that is informed by the needs and preferences of my clients combined with the various therapeutic approaches that I have training and experience providing (i.e. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Hakomi, Play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy).
Additionally, I enjoy teaching and I am Associate Faculty in the Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality Program at St. Stephen’s College, currently teaching a course on Couples/Family therapy, and I have been a teaching assistant and sessional instructor for several undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Alberta. I have also supervised a couple of graduate students in their couples/family therapy practicums at the University of Alberta. Furthermore, I have previously volunteered for the board of directors for the Psychologist Association of Alberta, a youth drop-in Centre, local distress line, and I currently volunteer on the board of directors for Kids Kottage. Finally, I have been involved in and have completed my own research projects in the areas of marginalized youth, positive psychology, youth criminal justice, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, homelessness, Canadian immigration, and refugee mental health. I am currently not involved in conducting any research and do not anticipate doing so in the near future.
My name is Jesse Howard, and I am a Master of Counselling graduate from the City University of Seattle and a referral therapist at Momentum Counselling. I believe healing occurs within a safe and trusting relationship, whether with oneself, one’s environment, or another person. I also believe that every client is an expert in their own experience and that the counsellor’s main responsibility is to provide structure and guidance as we explore together. From a person centred and strength-based approach, I strive to build caring relationships with clients, understand their needs, help establish goals that suit their personal strengths, and seek available solutions and insights that move us toward our desired therapeutic outcomes.
I strive to ensure that each session will center on the client’s unique and specific needs, often including concerns such as identity, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, interpersonal conflict, and any other personal and relational challenges the client may be facing. When appropriate I like to explore attachment patterns, early childhood experiences, the impact of social norms, and our relationship to existential concerns, all while prioritizing understanding and validation as we walk together down the path toward healing.
Tansi (Hello), my name is Evan Anderson from Cega’kin (Carry the Kettle) First Nation in Nakoda/Assiniboine territory in Treaty 4. My family relocated to Amiskwacî Wâskahikan (also known as Edmonton). Since then, learning about my cultural roots has been a personal journey. I am actively taking the lifelong journey to decolonize my spirit through the involvement of cultural ceremonies and honouring the teachings of elders. I grew up without culture or language, but I have realized the ethical and moral responsibility of understanding myself deeply. My purpose is to be a healer, and naturally, this gravitated me to a journey into social work. I graduated with my diploma from MacEwan University in 2015 and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary in 2017. This brings me to my current adventure into the Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary with a clinical specialization in trauma-informed practice. I am in the final year of my education and have the opportunity to complete my practicum requirements with Momentum Counselling. I have experience working with non-profits in the inner city, drop-in youth centre, program for pregnant/parenting teenagers and within addiction and mental health for a first nation community, treatment centre, and men’s group facilitation.
I have leaned on having a strengths-based perspective in my practice and have utilized the principles of holism in my understanding of an individual. Understanding the importance of harmony within the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental aspects of self is essential. When imbalances appear, it is crucial to work spirit to spirit and seek for holism and balance. I believe in the importance of destigmatizing help-seeking behaviours and honouring the courage to ask for help. I believe in developing two-eyed seeing that combines the knowledge of Western knowledge and First Nation ways of knowing, being and doing. I believe life is a journey that requires a multidimensional approach and have gravitated towards grounding and meditative practices. I believe in developing a trauma-informed practice to encourage the possibility for growth, resiliency, and healing. My practice is ever-evolving and this is represented by my motivations as a graduate social worker student.
I am proudly 2-spirited and a proud dad of 2 cats and 2 bunnies. I have travelled to South America, Thailand, Australia, and Vietnam but I am hoping to backpack through Japan. I really appreciate cultural ceremonies where I have recently received my spiritual name at the Sundance ceremony this past June. I appreciate the connection to mother nature and the serenity it brings to the healing process. I am a low-key nerd with a life-long fan of all things Pokemon to help connect with my inner child.
Darcy is a registered Provisional Psychologist who graduated from Yorkville University, completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in psychology, from MacEwan University. Darcy uses a variety of counselling frameworks and takes a client-centered approach to therapy. In his free-time, Darcy enjoys learning, exploring the outdoors, and sharing a laugh with others. He enjoys participating in various sports, and has been a player, coach, referee, and spectator throughout the years.
Welcome to Momentum!
My name is Janet VanCaeseele, and I am a Mental Health Therapist and licensed Canadian Certified Counsellor.
I am honored and privileged to have this opportunity to walk alongside others as they work through the challenges they face within their lives. Regardless of everyone’s background and past, I strive to focus on the individual’s potential, strengths, and resilience
to improve their well-being.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe environment where the client feels valued and understood, that can instil hope. I am passionate in applying a trauma informed approach to empowering individuals to heal from their adversity.
I apply a variety of modalities within my practice including solution focused, somatic experiencing, client centred, attachment based, emotion focused, humanistic, CBT, DBT, ACT, MBCT, and I am certified in EMDR trauma treatment.
I look forward to this opportunity to assist others in seeing their potential and growing within their mental health journey.
Kimberly Masliuk-Giddings, RCSW, is a Registered Clinical Social Worker, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor of Record, who is a member in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). She has obtained her Masters in Clinical Social Work and has been in the field of mental health for several years. Kimberly also completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology.
Kimberly is an author of an academic publication featured in the Journal of Psychological Injury and Law, which explores the facets of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and malingering. She has been involved in the development and delivery of various programs, services, clinical treatment and therapy, for diverse individuals presenting with a variety of mental health concerns.
Kimberly is currently employed as a Clinical Director for Momentum, and continue to practice as a mental health therapist. She has developed and implemented curriculums for several group therapy sessions and workshops covering a variety of topics such as emotion regulation, attachment disorders, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Workshops and presentations on a variety of topics can be tailored for the needs of your agency. She has extensive knowledge, training, and experience treating complex PTSD, trauma related disorders in children and adults, as well as anxiety, depression, and mood regulation disorders.
Kimberly is a certified EMDR therapist; EMDR is currently the leading modality for treatment of trauma and trauma related issues and experiences. As a Registered Clinical Social Worker, she values the person-in-environment perspective to treatment; this allows the ability to assess and provide treatment to individuals through trauma-informed, client-centered, solution-focused approach. Through individual and group therapy, individuals are able to gain insight as to how and why certain behaviours are developed and maintained by the influences within and around them through various contexts.
Kimberly believes that every person possesses the ability to safely and successfully overcome one’s obstacles and challenges that are causing crisis or distress in their life. As a mental health therapist and therapy group facilitator, she endeavours to create an atmosphere that encourages self-discovery of skills, talents, and abilities in an environment that is safe, genuine and non-judgemental.
In her role as a Clinical Director, Kimberly helps to ensure that Momentum Counselling continues to provide high quality mental health counselling and services, and continue to advocate for the reduction of barriers to quality mental health treatment for all individuals.
As an approved clinical supervisor, she provides supervision to social workers who are interested in pursuing their Clinical Designation and/or are actively seeking additional support/mentorship in their current role as a social worker. She also provides group facilitator training for agencies and their staff; this can include support with the development and implementation of various group facilitation curriculums. If you or your agency is interested in learning more about our services at Momentum, presentations, workshops, group therapy, supervision opportunities, and other inquiries please email Kimberly at Kimberly.Giddings@MomentumCounselling.org.
Kellie Symons is excited to embark on her career, transitioning from corporate account management to becoming a counsellor. She has secured an internship position starting in January 2024 and is honoured to learn from and work with the leadership team at Momentum Counselling.
Kellie is eager to become skilled using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. She strongly believes that all people have the ability, courage and capability to draw from their inner strengths to overcome challenges. Every client has an ability to realize their successes and work towards better lived experiences, grounded by their own meaning-making.
Kellie looks forward to supporting others to find their voice, learn to understand, and leverage their own self-empowerment tools and resources to overcome obstacles that arise in everyday life. She believes there is potential within everyone to build resilience in the face of adversity.
Kellie is commited to supporting Albertans as they begin their healing journey.
My name is Mehrnaaz (she/her) and I am a Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Calgary. I am currently obtaining my registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
My interest in the field fuels from my passion for reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in underserved communities. I carry experience in non-profit and mental health settings. I have also worked closely with the Criminal Justice System to reduce systematic barriers and provide advocacy for vulnerable populations. I believe that mental health is a fundamental human right as it is integral to overall well-being.
In my practice, I use an anti-oppressive and strengths-based approach to create empowering environments driven by resilience and growth. Using a person-in- environment lens, I strive to nurture a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between individuals and their surroundings. As such, the experiences I’ve gained have reinforced my belief in the power of community to dismantle stereotypes and foster culturally safe practices.
My role at Momentum varies from facilitating the Empowering Teens Group, to providing in-take and social work assessments to better understand the multifaceted needs of clients, while connecting them to appropriate resources.
In the near future, I intend to pursue an MSW with Clinical Specialization. My goal is to be able to provide therapeutic support to those in need, while cultivating an environment in which individuals feel safe to express themselves.
My name is Shereen Singh, and I am a Canadian Certified Counselor. Prior to therapy, I have 12 years of experience working in the human services field (group homes, shelters for youth & women, as well as
Children Services). I completed my undergraduate degree in Child & Youth care at MacEwan University, followed by my master’s degree in counselling at City University of Seattle. In my fulltime work, I work with pregnant and parenting teens this includes individual therapy, therapy for co-parenting families, and couples therapy. I also teach/coach at MacEwan university part time, and run my private practice out of Sherwood Park, AB. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my son and family as well as cooking, reading and creating art!
I am a certified EMDR and DBT therapist, and also provide couples therapy using the Gottman (level 1) method. I strive to build a therapeutic relationship with all of my clients using an attachment focused lens, where you feel safe to explore the impacts of past and present experiences of your life!
NEW! IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS AS WELL AS ONLINE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE!
With the health, safety and comfort of our clients and team members being our first priority, we are transitioning to in-person counselling on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only, beginning April 1st. We will continue to offer all of our services virtually as well. When booking your preferred method, please watch for ‘in person’ or ‘virtual’ offerings in the schedule.
Should you have any questions please email info@walkinedmonton.org or call us at 780 757-0900.
If you require immediate assistance please contact the Distress Line at 780-482-4357, Access 24/7 at 780-424-2424 or 911.
Angela Morris is a Certified Life and Mindset Coach, known for her commitment to personal development and empowerment. As a devoted mother of four, Angela’s life journey is a testament to healing and recovery with an unshakable belief in limitless possibilities, even in the face of adversity.
Angela’s coaching approach blends empathy and empowerment, helping clients reshape their mindsets to unlock their true potential and walk boldly in their purpose. She is a vocal advocate for women’s well-being and mental health, leveraging her own experiences to support others who have, or who are overcoming past traumas.
Her career as a life coach, born from enduring extreme challenges, is a testament to the power of mindset in achieving personal growth and happiness. With Angela, you will embark on a transformative journey to self-discovery and transformation!
