As of June 19, 2023, Momentum's new address is #132 6325 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, AB T6H 5H6
As of June 19, 2023, Momentum's new address is #132 6325 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, AB T6H 5H6
Welcome to Momentum!
I am lucky enough to lead this inspiring team of committed mental health professionals. I am a mom of two girls, a wife, sister, daughter and friend. I am also a self-professed social work nerd, with over 20 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker. I am thrilled to lead Momentum where I can combine my passions for mental health advocacy and leadership.
I have been on the Momentum team since 2016. It has been an honour to grow with such a beautiful organization that is commited to supporting Albertans in their mental health journey. I understand the kind of courage it takes for people to reach out for help in their darkest moments. My hope is that you always feel welcomed and safe in your time of need.
In my personal time you will find me fostering puppies and kittens for a local animal rescue, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, playing softball, painting and spending time with my husband and two kids.
I feel priveleged to be working on an innovative team who supports me, challenges me and always allows me the opportunity to grow.
I feel extremely privileged to be a member of the Executive Team with Momentum Walk-In Counselling. Carrying the unique role of working together with the Executive Director and Board of Directors while also supporting both the Office Manager and Clinical Team.
Mental health advocacy is a passion of mine. Having worked many years administratively in private practice, it has been deeply rewarding to work for a non-profit society and their volunteers who are so generous with their time.
I look forward to supporting Momentum in their mission to ensure that mental health support is available to all Albertans who may not have been able to access services due to financial or other barriers.
In my personal time, I love spending quality time with my husband, daughters, family and friends. Camping, quading and lake life are the days I live for. My mission as a mom, is to empower and encourage my daughters to be fierce female leaders and to always trust their heart.
It is admirable the strength and vulnerability it takes to reach out for mental health support. I look forward to connecting with you!
Kimberly Masliuk-Giddings, RCSW, is a Registered Clinical Social Worker who is a member in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). I have obtained my Masters in Clinical Social Work and have been in the field of mental health for several years. I also completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology. I am 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 I have 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. I am currently employed as a Clinical Director for Momentum, and continue to practice as a mental health therapist. I have 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. I have extensive knowledge, training, and experience treating complex PTSD, trauma related disorders in children and adults, as well as anxiety, depression, and mood regulation disorders. I am 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, I value the person-in-environment perspective to treatment; this allows the ability to assess and provide treatment to individuals through a systemic, strengths-based, 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. I believe 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, I endeavour to create an atmosphere that encourages self-discovery of skills, talents, and abilities in an environment that is safe, genuine and non-judgemental. In my role as a Clinical Director, I help to ensure that we continue 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. If you or your agency is interested in learning more about our services at Momentum, presentations, workshops, group therapy, and other inquiries please email me at Kimberly.Giddings@
Jennifer Thomson is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and Canadian Certified Counsellor. Jennifer’s education includes social work (diploma and BSW) and a master’s degree from the University of Alberta (counselling psychology). To advance her clinical and supervision skills, she is currently attending Yorkville University to complete her doctorate in counselling and psychotherapy (DCP). She has trained and supervised volunteers and graduate students since 1999, and is known for her love of solution-focused, single-session therapy.
Jennifer’s years of experience with walk-in counselling, and its necessity for trauma-informed, strengths-based, and non-judgmental interventions have been central to her practice. Jennifer’s therapeutic approach is creative and practical to promote insight and next steps to change. Counselling can include gaining perspective, setting boundaries, energizing coping and developing skills. When supervising, Jennifer is collaborative, using her expertise to inspire and guide supervisees’ confidence, capacity, and success as professionals. As the co-founder of Momentum, Jennifer is committed to valuing each person’s unique cultural context and identity in order to actively support their solutions.
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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.
My name is Amy, and I am grateful to join Momentum’s team as a counselling intern. I have always known I would like to work with people to become the best versions of themselves. This led me to complete my Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. My time as an educator solidified that I would like to pursue further education, and I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I have worked as an educator and school counsellor working with vulnerable populations. I understand that everyone is unique and believe in a personalized approach to therapy. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns.
Working with people; to support them, to listen, to talk, to improve mental health has always been my passion. I believe as individuals we have greater strength and ability than we often give ourselves credit for. Sometimes we get into situations too overwhelming, confusing, or difficult to even know where to start.
Being able to support individuals, help them discover their strengths and how to use them is why I practice from a Strengths Based perspective. I like to be Solutions Focused, but draw from other modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to provide a client centred approach. My goal in practice is to provide a space to feel safe and heard.
I am a Registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers. I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work, with a Clinical Specialization from the University of Calgary. I also have a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Psychology from the University of Alberta. I have been practicing in Social Work for almost 15 years, in a variety of settings. I am committed to my field and practice, always working to learn and improve.
As part of this commitment, I am grateful to be part of the team at Momentum. Our team is providing accessible mental health services to our community. Momentum is also growing the field of mental health by providing a place for individuals entering the field to learn and grow. We truly have an exceptional team!
My name is Michelle, and I am honoured to join the Momentum counselling team as a counselling intern. I have completed all my core courses for the Masters in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University. I am looking forward to completing my practicum experience with Momentum Counselling.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Guidance and Counselling and have over eight years of experience in the field at the high school level. As a Guidance counsellor, I have vast experience and knowledge that can help my clients deal with their mental health concerns. My clients are encouraged to have the autonomy to speak about their problems in a safe and therapeutic environment. I have training in Addiction and mental health focusing on youth, harm reduction, anxiety in children, high-functioning autism and complex behavioural problems.
I have worked with children from diverse backgrounds and cultural locations in the education system. I have experience counselling children and adolescents from kindergarten through to grade 12. Some of my career highlights include helping persons on the brink of suicide and children who have been abused and experienced traumatic experiences. I believe I am an agent of change to bring effective therapy and well-being to my clients.
I love to sing in my spare time and spend time with my husband and two sons. I love connecting and getting together with family and close friends for tea or coffee.
Graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Honours Psychology from MacEwan University and a Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, I have spent my time since finishing my formal education as a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Having a background working with addictions, trauma, and grief, I understand the heaviness individuals carry around with them. I often see the emotional weight of day-to-day life expressed as anxiety, depression, and relational stress, which can be a very lonely experience. My aim is to provide a safe space for both individuals and couples to express themselves in a more genuine way. Being vulnerable can be an intimidating experience, but it can be easier given the right environment, level of trust, and freedom from judgement.
Given the highly individual nature of therapy, my therapeutic style emphasizes collaboration, internal strengths, and flexibility. Using a combination of Cognitive-Behavioural, Solution-Focused, and Narrative Therapies, I work with the ideas we have about ourselves and the world around us to help create a clearer image of the road ahead. I believe that people are doing the best with the resources they currently have access to; therapy can be an opportunity to expand those resources, gain insight, and break the silence surrounding mental health. Together, we can begin to validate the weight of lived stories and write a new chapter.
My name is Erica (she/her) and I completed my Masters of Counselling through Athabasca University in 2022. Prior to graduate studies, I completed a BSc in psychology at MacEwan University, with a focus on behavioural neuroscience.
For the past several years I have worked front lines and facilitated programming for adults experiencing homelessness. This experience has led me to work alongside a variety of people experiencing a wide range of presenting concerns. I believe we all experience different hardships throughout our lives. At the same time, it is my core belief that we all possess unique skills and strengths that can be cultivated to overcome challenges thrown our way.
I use an integrative approach to therapy, meaning that I tailor therapy to fit with your needs and hopes using a variety of evidence-based approaches. Theoretical orientations that I often draw upon are solution focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, and somatic experiencing therapy. I enjoy working with youth (10+), and adults.
A few additional things about me:
Jody is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
After almost a decade of experience supporting adults with a variety of mental health needs- including those within marginalized populations, she decided to pursue her Master’s in Counselling Psychology. She sought out the field of Counselling, as she has an immense passion for seeing people’s potential and loves to help them problem solve and create a path towards the life they want to live.
Her background is in Law Enforcement as a First Responder, which contributes to her empathetic, yet direct personality. Jody loves to utilize humor in her sessions and her goal is to create and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance with those she helps. She believes clients should feel heard, accepted, and validated.
Most often, Jody will take a strength-based, solution-focused approach with her clients, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may also inform sessions.
My name Is Janet Vancaeseele and currently I am in the Master of Counseling Program at Yorkville University. I am passionate about advocating for improved mental health for individuals, families, and communities. I am honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to walk alongside others as they work through the challenges they face within their daily lives. Regardless of everyone’s background and past, I always look at people’s potential, strengths, and goals to improve their well-being. My strengths include an ability to create a safe environment where the client feels valued, respected, and understood. I like to create this environment by keeping a positive attitude and remaining non-judgemental. I look forward to this opportunity to assist others in seeing there potential and growing within their mental health journey.
Hi, I’m Ashley (she/her/hers). I’m excited to be joining Momentum as an intern as I complete a graduate degree in counselling psychology. I love people and have interacted with individuals of various ages, abilities, and cultures in the field of recreation therapy, as a volunteer, and as a mother. In the past I have worked with seniors in long-term care, and individuals with brain injuries and strokes. I have also volunteered as a youth camp counsellor and in an organization that provides support to women. I am a mother to 5 children and have spent the past 16 years as a homemaker. I have personally learned about the importance of mental health through the experiences of raising my children, and especially as we endured the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions together. I look forward to continuing my journey of becoming an effective helper as I strive to empower individuals to embrace their strengths, feel hopeful about the future, and achieve their goals in becoming their best selves.
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 student at City University, and I am looking forward to an internship with Momentum through the fall and winter of 2023-2024. Prior to pursuing my master’s degree, I spent 20+ years as an Environmental Consultant. Despite many successes in that field, living for a career that was out of alignment with my values required action, and I returned to school to pursue a career as a counselling psychologist. It excites me that my time and effort can now help improve aspects of people’s mental health, well-being, and motivation toward meaningful life changes.
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 in this regard. From a solution-oriented and strength-based approach, I intend to build relationships with clients, understand their needs, help establish goals that suit their unique needs and that rely on their personal strengths to achieve, and to seek out available solutions that move us towards the therapeutic goals.
I hope to ensure that each session will center on the client’s unique and specific needs as I walk beside them with care, compassion, and empathy on their path to healing.
Melissa (she/her) is a certified music therapist and has a Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree from Capilano University. From a young age, Melissa found comfort in expressing herself through music. She also has a desire to support others and learned to do so with her musical skills. She is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University to increase her skills to verbally support others. Melissa believes in the personal power and strengths of everyone and hopes to help individuals discover their own.
Natalie (she/her) is currently completing her Master’s degree in counselling psychology with Yorkville University. She is a certified teacher in both Alberta and British Columbia and has contributed to research surrounding hope and hopefulness with the University of Alberta. This work, her time in the classroom and her master’s coursework have led her to Momentum Counselling as an intern. Her work is rooted in the belief that every conversation we have has the power to shape our future.
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.
I currently hold a volunteer position as an Educational Assistant with aspirations to become a teacher. Self care for me is caring for and riding horses, cheer and being at the lake.
I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with the administrative team to ensure we are providing statistical information to Momentum’s Leadership team. It’s an honour and a privilege to work for a strong team who is advocating for the most vulnerable people in our community.
Hello, my name is Tony, but I often spell my name as Toni (pronouns: they/them). I am a queer second-generation Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant settler. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Counselling at Athabasca University. I am deeply honored to be joining Momentum’s counselling team to provide and advocate for equitable access to mental health care across diverse communities.
As a counsellor-to-be, my values are grounded in intersectional feminism, anti-oppression, multiculturalism, and social justice. Counselling is a deeply vulnerable process that I have come to understand not only as hard work, but as heart work. Through heart work, I aim to collaborate with clients to create a space of hope-building, mutual empathy, and relational joy.
As for self-care, I enjoy going for long walks around the city and the river valley. I also have a hidden talent of quoting random lines from classic TV shows like “The Golden Girls” and “The Nanny” (just to name a few).
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.
