MEET US – Edmonton Mental Health Professionals

Melanie has been working as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta since 2008.  She specializes in working with children and adolescents.  Melanie splits her time between psycho-educational testing, parenting assessments, counselling, Circle of Security Parenting training and consultation.  

Sonia completed her Master of Education and Master of Arts in counselling Psychology. Sonia believes in using a warm, non-judgmental, client-centered approach to provide unconditional support and a safe, trusting environment for her clients to feel respected. She also believes in working collaboratively with her clients to provide support through life’s obstacles, and empower them as they embark on a personal experience of healing by exploring their inner feelings, beliefs, and behaviours. Sonia is a certified sandplay therapist and certified EMDR child specialist/therapist. She is also trained in Play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Expressive Art Therapy, Trauma Informed, and Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT). Sonia hopes that through the therapeutic journey her clients invite her on, they are reminded of their inner strength and resiliency to achieve their goals. 

Jennifer received her Master of Science in clinical mental health counselling, with a focus on child-centered play therapy. She is currently a registered psychologist, providing person- and child-centered counselling services to ages 3 and up. Jennifer believes in working collaboratively with parents and caregivers to support children throughout the counselling process. Jennifer works with clients facing a broad range of life challenges and stressors. Her specialized interest areas include attachment trauma and adoption, LGBT2QS+ clients, depression and anxiety.

Kim is a school-based Mental Health Therapist. Kim has been working with children and families for over 15 years.  She has an amazing ability to connect with others and her genuine nature supports her client-centred approach.

Sara is a Certified Canadian Counsellor and Creative Arts Therapist. Client-centred and trauma-informed in her approach, she works in both the clinic and in schools. Integrating expressive arts, child-centred play therapy, parts work, drama therapy, and various psychotherapeutic frameworks,  Sara works collaboratively with each client to find the modalities and techniques that fit their needs. She values authenticity and aims to facilitate a compassionate, nonjudgmental space wherein clients feel genuine safety and connectedness.

Muzna is a provisional psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and their families. Muzna is passionate about working with children and teens who are experiencing learning, behavioural and mental health challenges. Her experience in school and child psychology has provided her with a strong understanding of child development and strategies to promote academic achievement, positive behaviour and mental health.   

Charife Elkadri is completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She currently provides school-based mental health services. Using a client-centered approach, Charife also works through our Edmonton office and offers counselling services at Al Rashid Mosque. Charife is particularly interested in spiritual counselling and incorporating the client’s culture and practices in her work. 

Sheri is a school based Mental Health therapist, working with children and teens.  Working with Indigenous communities in Alberta.  Working from a trauma informed lens, and meeting students where they are at, to provide a safe and welcoming space.  Supporting students by empowering them to be the best versions of themselves, and encouraging them through play, art and talk therapy. 

Jodi is a Mental Health Therapist with experience working with both women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, foster families, and First Responders. She has training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Thera Play, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Jodi is also a Certified Grief Counsellor.

Kristie is currently completing her master’s in counselling psychology at Yorkville University. Kristie comes from an educational background with 17 years of experience working in schools. During this time, she worked with various populations, and as such, she believes in providing a client-led and culturally respective therapeutic environment to meet each client’s unique needs. She has completed all levels of the Play Therapy training from the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) and will soon begin her mentorship to become a Certified Play Therapist. Additional training includes completing The Brain Research & Childhood Development and Diversity Training. The guiding approaches used by Kristie include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Client-centered Theory, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Theory and Directive and Non-Directive play therapy techniques.

Jenna recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology and has experience working in schools, treatment centers, and in private and public sectors. Jenna uses a non-judgmental, person-centered and trauma-informed approach when working with clients. With the mindset that individuals coming to therapy are the experts in their own lives, Jenna enjoys collaborating with clients to help them work through whatever struggles they may be facing.
In the past Jenna has experience working with adults and youth struggling with substance use and process addictions as well as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, conflict resolution and trauma. The approaches that Jenna generally uses come from theoretical orientations including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and Strength Based Theory depending on the needs of each unique client.