We welcome Ryan, our new counselling intern, to the Magnolia Health and Wellness Team. He is passionate about working with educators and their family members. Ryan’s blend of professional and lived experience addresses the unique challenges that individuals with exceptionalities or those supporting them face, making him a wonderful asset to our team. Ryan’s journey from trades and business to supporting individuals with exceptionalities and their care teams reflects the transformative power of following one’s passion. With his calm, empathetic nature, Ryan creates a safe and brave space for clients, addressing their diverse challenges, such as emotionally processing diagnosis, self-advocacy, learning styles, work/school-life balance, and career development through a holistic counselling approach.  Ryan’s academic achievements provide a strong foundation as he pursues a master’s in counselling. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education focusing on resource teaching, complemented by certifications in Inclusive Education and Personal Training.  Ryan’s extensive professional experience, spanning roles such as resource teacher, behaviour interventionist, university accessibility researcher, career teacher, and personal trainer, is a testament to his dedication to accessibility and inclusion over the past twelve years. As an intern counsellor, Ryan now extends his support to individuals and their support networks, collaborating towards a more inclusive future.

We welcome Ryan, our new counselling intern, to the Magnolia Health and Wellness Team. He is pass... Read More

Shelley Gougeon holds a Master’s degree in counselling psychology from UBC and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 35 years of experience in the field. Throughout her extensive career, she has worked with clients of all ages, offering support for a diverse range of challenges. With a steadfast commitment to a client-centred approach, Shelley finds great fulfilment in her work.

Her professional journey, coupled with a wealth of workshops, has honed her expertise in both short-term crisis intervention and long-term therapy. For more than 24 years, she has been dedicated to Employee and Family Assistance Program work, demonstrating her dedication to the well-being of individuals and families.

Shelley’s areas of specialization encompass relationship issues, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem enhancement. She firmly believes in fostering a counselling environment grounded in respect, trust, and encouragement, providing clients with a safe space to explore their thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, and cultivate emotional resilience.

Drawing from a strengths-based perspective, Shelley highlights and nurtures her clients’ existing competencies, fostering optimism for positive change and growth. She views life’s challenges as opportunities for personal development, guiding clients to tap into their inner resources and find effective solutions.

Emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being, Shelley champions the mind-body connection, recognizing the importance of holistic healing and wellness practices. Her clinical expertise is enriched by her own family life, characterized by a long-term marriage, adult children, and the joys of being a grandma.

In summary, Shelley Gougeon is a seasoned professional who brings compassion, insight, and a deep understanding of human nature to her counselling practice, empowering individuals to navigate life’s complexities and thrive.

Shelley Gougeon holds a Master’s degree in counselling psychology from UBC and is a Registered Cl... Read More

Meet Suyun, a dynamic and motivated counselling intern at Magnolia. With a relentless drive and a genuine passion for assisting others, Suyun is eager to take the next step in her professional journey. With an extensive background in education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Suyun’s experience includes serving as a resource teacher in a Lower mainland School District, specializing in Math 10/11 and Korean 11/12. Her commitment to providing exceptional education and support extends beyond the classroom, as she has also worked as a substitute teacher and casual EA, providing invaluable assistance to students across various grade levels.

As the former Director of Gosoo Academy, Suyun demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by founding the academy, developing ESL curriculums, and providing guidance to over 500 students annually. With her keen eye for management, she oversaw legal and financial operations, as well as supervised a dedicated team of teachers and staff.

Suyun’s educational background is equally impressive, with a Continuing Teacher Education program at Queens University focusing on special education. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Crandall University, along with a Bachelor of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies. Suyun’s commitment to professional development is evident through her diverse credentials, including Credentialed Numeracy Assessment, POPARD Supporting Students with ASD in your Classroom, and BC and NB Teacher’s Certificates, among others.

Equipped with a wide range of skills, Suyun is well-versed in special education, technology integration, K-12 instruction, and EAL instruction. She has a proven ability to create and implement effective lesson plans, manage student records, and provide resource support to ensure the success of at-risk and special needs students. Suyun’s expertise extends to formal and informal learner assessment, classroom management, discipline, and fostering effective communication between parents and teachers.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Suyun actively engages in extracurricular activities. She coaches the school’s Golf Club, providing guidance and mentorship to young athletes. Suyun also leads a group of aspiring leaders, empowering them to make a positive impact within their community. Additionally, she is involved in the K-Pop club and the Leo Club, where she contributes her time and energy to various initiatives.

With her extensive experience, strong educational foundation, and dedication to student well-being, Suyun is a valuable asset to the counselling team at Magnolia. Her ability to foster personal growth, support individuals through their challenges, and create a positive and inclusive environment makes her an exceptional counselling intern.

Meet Suyun, a dynamic and motivated counselling intern at Magnolia. With a relentless drive and a... Read More

Nav Lalli is a compassionate and dedicated registered clinical counsellor who holds a Master’s degree in Counselling from Yorkville University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse perspectives, Nav firmly believes that each person possesses a compelling and valuable story that deserves to be heard and understood. Creating a safe and nurturing space for her clients to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions is of utmost importance to her.

Nav’s therapeutic approach centres around empowerment, vulnerability, and growth. Recognizing the impact of cultural and social factors on her clients’ well-being, she incorporates culturally sensitive techniques and interventions to support their healing and self-discovery journeys.

To guide her clients, Nav draws upon modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. While she acknowledges that the past cannot be changed, she collaboratively works with her clients to gain insights into their challenges, helping them develop practical strategies to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives.

Nav is passionate about assisting her clients in uprooting long-standing behaviour patterns and negative perceptions that hinder personal growth. She integrates complementary therapy approaches and techniques tailored to meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being.

As a counsellor, Nav is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment that fosters healing and growth. She recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in therapy, appreciating the unique experiences and perspectives of her clients. Nav provides a supportive space where clients can explore and process their emotions, navigating the complexities of their lives and making positive changes.

Nav feels grateful for the opportunity to work with clients, aiding them in achieving their goals. Her extensive experience and understanding of various cultural backgrounds enable her to provide personalized support and guidance that is sensitive to their specific needs. Nav is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journey toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Nav Lalli is a compassionate and dedicated registered clinical counsellor who holds a Master’s de... Read More

Shellee MacKay, RCC, is a highly experienced and compassionate teacher and counsellor with almost two decades of teaching and eight years of counselling experience. Throughout her career, she has worked in both independent and public schools, across all levels. With a person-centered approach, Shellee brings a lively energy to her therapy practice, infused with a great sense of humor and empathy.

As a therapist, Shellee has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of populations, and her experience has taught her the critical importance of teacher-specific support. In today’s world, where teachers are increasingly called upon to be everything to every child, there is a growing need for a safe and accepting space where they can find support, no matter what.

Shellee is thrilled to be collaborating with Magnolia Health & Wellness to provide teachers with the care they need to heal, grow, and achieve overall wellness. Through her work, she hopes to empower teachers to overcome the challenges they face, find greater balance, and thrive in their profession. With her expertise and passion for teacher well-being, Shellee is dedicated to supporting teachers’ personal and professional growth, as well as their ability to provide the best possible care for their students.

Shellee MacKay, RCC, is a highly experienced and compassionate teacher and counsellor with almost... Read More

Sarah has recently completed her Masters of Education in Counselling degree through City University. She finished a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology before entering the teaching program at Simon Fraser University. She has been a teacher for 10 years and has always been drawn to connecting with the social emotional health of her students. In addition to work as a resource and elementary school teacher, Sarah has experience facilitating groups for children and women who have witnessed and experienced abuse. She believes teachers engage in important and impactful work, and deserve to be supported in every aspect of their wellbeing. Sarah aims to provide an empathic, non-judgmental, and safe space where individuals are valued and respected. She approaches counselling through a collaborative, client-centered, and emotion focused lens. Sarah feels honoured to listen to your story, support you towards meeting your goal, and witness positive healing and growth.

Sarah has recently completed her Masters of Education in Counselling degree through City Universi... Read More

Kara’s extensive experience and education have given her a unique perspective on the importance of mental health and wellness, particularly in the field of education. Throughout her 12 year teaching career, she has witnessed the toll that stress and burnout can take on educators, and has seen firsthand how it can impact their overall well-being. This has driven her passion for helping others navigate these challenges and prioritize their mental health.

As a counsellor, Kara believes that building strong, authentic relationships is key to healing and growth. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive space for her clients, where they can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working through their challenges. To tailor her approach to each client’s unique needs, she is focusing on various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and narrative therapy.

In addition to her counselling experience, Kara has spent the past seven years as a union table officer, advocating for teachers in one of the largest school districts in British Columbia. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the complex landscape of teaching and the challenges that educators face, from duty to accommodate and health and wellness support, to stressful employment processes, professional boundaries, and conflict in the workplace. She is therefore well-equipped to support teachers through a wide range of situations, and to help them prioritize their own mental health and wellness.

Kara’s goal as a counsellor is to help her clients develop the skills and tools they need to live their lives with greater ease and fulfillment. She is dedicated to helping her clients explore their strengths and resources, identify their goals, and work towards positive change. She firmly believes that everyone has the capacity for growth, and that therapy can be a powerful catalyst for personal transformation.

At Magnolia Health and Wellness, Kara is excited to work alongside a team of like-minded professionals who share her commitment to holistic health and wellness. She is eager to learn from her colleagues and to contribute her own knowledge and experience to the team. Above all, she is excited to have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients.

Kara’s extensive experience and education have given her a unique perspective on the importance o... Read More

As the founder and director of Magnolia Health and Wellness, Dr. Janine Orlando, Ph.D., RCC, stands at the forefront of guiding individuals toward holistic well-being. Additionally, she holds pivotal roles as a member of the Board of Directors of the BCACC and as the founder and director of the Canadian Therapist Network Inc. With over 26 years of experience in education and counselling, encompassing roles as both a school counsellor and teacher across various Lower Mainland school districts, Dr. Orlando brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. As a trained EMDR therapist and currently undergoing training in somatic attachment psychotherapy, Dr. Orlando’s understanding of how to approach trauma and mental health challenges is unparalleled.

Since establishing her private practice in 2004, Dr. Orlando has been supporting clients navigate diverse personal and mental health issues. Her dedication to advancing the field of counselling is evident through her role as a sessional professor of the School Counselling course for the Masters of Education program at Simon Fraser University (SFU), where she shares her extensive knowledge of school counselling theory and techniques.

For the past few years, Dr. Orlando has served as the Vice President of a Lower Mainland Teachers Association. This dual role not only allows her to provide essential counselling services but also empowers her to advocate for policies that prioritize educator well-being and foster positive learning environments.

Dr. Orlando’s specialization in holistic well-being, particularly in empowering women to achieve fulfillment across mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, underscores her dedication to her clients’ holistic wellness. With her wealth of experience, diverse skill set, and commitment, Dr. Janine Orlando is poised to continue making a profound and positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

As the founder and director of Magnolia Health and Wellness, Dr. Janine Orlando, Ph.D., RCC, stan... Read More

Jenna has just wrapped up her practicum and is now focusing on completing her Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) certification. As a newly appointed high school counsellor with the Magnolia Health and Wellness team, she is eager to apply her skills and knowledge in supporting the mental health and well-being of educators.

Jenna holds a Master’s degree in School Counselling from City University, building on her Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education from Simon Fraser University. Her educational background, combined with her previous experience as a teaching assistant, has given her valuable insights into the challenges educators face in their professional and personal lives. Jenna understands the unique pressures and stressors that come with the role of an educator and is dedicated to providing empathetic and effective support.

In her role as a high school counsellor, Jenna is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where educators can explore their thoughts and feelings. She believes that quality mental health care should be accessible to everyone and aims to contribute to this vision by offering compassionate and personalized counselling. Jenna strives to foster a welcoming space where educators feel comfortable and empowered to address their challenges.

Guided by a collaborative, strength-based, and holistic approach to counselling, Jenna tailors her strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By emphasizing the strengths and resources within educators, she helps them navigate the complexities of their professional lives while promoting their overall well-being.

Though she is in the early stages of her career, Jenna considers it an honor and privilege to be part of the Magnolia Health and Wellness team. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to her clients’ wellness journeys and to gain valuable experience in her field. Through her dedication, passion, and commitment to growth, Jenna aims to make a positive impact on the lives of educators, supporting their resilience and well-being.

Jenna has just wrapped up her practicum and is now focusing on completing her Registered Clinica... Read More

Prab Samra is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in counselling psychology, education, and administrative roles. Holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Prab possesses extensive expertise in providing mental health support and therapy to individuals and families. Prab’s experience spans various settings, including schools, community organizations, and crisis intervention services, where she has demonstrated proficiency in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating interventions. With additional training in play therapy and motivational interviewing, Prab brings a holistic approach to her counselling practice. Prab’s commitment to helping others is evident through her volunteer work on crisis lines and facilitating discussions on topics such as self-esteem and mental health. Overall, Prab Samra is a compassionate and versatile professional dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Prab Samra is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in counselling psychology, educa... Read More