Meet The Team

Pete brings a calm, grounded presence to his counselling work and is passionate about supporting individuals through life’s most difficult and meaningful moments. With a strong foundation in psychology and a deep respect for the resilience of the human spirit, Pete believes that healing begins in the context of a safe, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Pete holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick and is currently completing his Master of Education in Counselling at UNB. Throughout his graduate training, Pete has developed competencies in counselling theory, skills, research, assessment, and group facilitation. He has also completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and nonviolent crisis intervention (CPI) programs.

With more than seven years of experience working with people in care and community-based settings, Pete has supported individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation challenges, neurodiversity, and justice-involvement. He brings an informed and compassionate lens to crisis intervention and emotional safety planning, and he is committed to honouring the uniqueness of each client’s story and strengths.

Pete will be located at our Saint John office and will finish his internship in April 2026.

Joel Bell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saint Francis Xavier University and is currently completing graduate studies in counselling at Yorkville University.

With a deep interest in person-centred and culturally sensitive approaches, Joel is committed to fostering therapeutic relationships built on empathy, collaboration, and meaningful change.

Drawing on personal and professional experiences, he values the integration of theory with practical skills and continuously reflects on how to best support clients’ mental health journeys.

Joel’s work is guided by respect, curiosity, and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit.

Joel will be located at our Saint John office and will finish his internship in April 2026.

SHE/HER

Kayla Downey holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Saint John and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Following university, she took on a role as a Family Service Worker, providing direct support and advocacy to individuals and families facing life challenges such as financial stress, health concerns, and disability. This work deepened her understanding of the systemic barriers many people face and sparked her passion for mental health. That experience ultimately led her to pursue counselling to foster meaningful, lasting change in people’s lives.

Kayla takes a compassionate, holistic approach, drawing from CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapies to tailor support to each person’s unique needs. She believes in meeting clients exactly where they are, offering a space free from judgment and pressure. Kayla is especially passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and more. Her goal is to foster a safe, empowering environment where clients feel truly heard, supported, and equipped to move forward in their healing journey.

Kayla will be located at our Saint John office and will finish her internship in April 2026.

SHE/HER

Lauren has always been dedicated to helping her community by guiding them through their emotional hardships and is passionate about guiding them to their own personal successes. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is paramount in helping those achieve their goals along with creating an environment that promotes safety and comfortability.

Since beginning her university education, Lauren has worked within the mental health community supporting individuals with multiple complex mental health disorders such as addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, etc. The importance of mental health has always been at the forefront of Lauren’s life for as long as she can remember. With the tools and techniques that she has learned and applied throughout her life, she is very ready to take her learning to the next step and apply herself to help those who need support in this domain. 

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminology at St. Thomas University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Outside of her studies, Lauren enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends and family and going on outdoor adventures with her fiancée and their dog.

Lauren will be located at our Fredericton office and will finish her internship in December 2025.

SHE/HER

Jessica is a dedicated and compassionate professional committed to fostering mental well-being and empowering individuals. With a diverse background spanning emergency response, healthcare and management, she brings extensive expertise in a trauma-informed  approach and client-centered care.  

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of New Brunswick and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals through various life transitions and challenges, including navigating evolving health issues, entering or exiting the workforce, and evolving family dynamics or living situations. Jessica has also received additional training in counselling the neurodivergent population. 

In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading and gardening as well as several artistic pursuits including painting and bookbinding. 

Jessica will be located at our Fredericton office and will finish her internship in April 2026.

HE/HIM

Justin gained interest in the helping profession after a career pivot motivated him to pursue a university degree as a mature learner. During that journey Justin gained a passionate interest in helping people navigate life's stresses, leading to the counselling field. He is currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Justin strongly believes that becoming a counselling therapist is his purpose as he combines his lived and professional experiences to help people who are walking the paths he once walked. His experience of being a crisis survivor and late-diagnosed neurodivergent contributes to his passion for helping others find their peace, internal love, and internal validation. 

Justin will be located at our Saint John office and will finish his internship in December 2025. 

Melanie is passionate about providing accessible mental health support and services to individuals. She is dedicated to assisting clients with developing coping strategies to navigate difficult experiences. Melanie feels strongly about meeting a client where they are in their journey by developing a strong therapeutic alliance fostered through respect and trust.

Melanie has experience working in the addiction and mental health field with young adults as a registered social worker. She is passionate about mental health awareness and looks forward to working with individuals of all ages.

Melanie has completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Criminology and Psychology from St. Thomas University. She also has earned a Bachelor of Social Work through Dalhousie University and has been a practicing Registered Social Worker since 2016. Melanie is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

In her free time, Melanie enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Melanie will be located at our Saint John office and will finish her internship in April 2026.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARKETING MANAGER

RECEPTIONIST

RECEPTIONIST

BOARD CHAIR

Founder
Just Us; We All Struggle Inc.

VICE-CHAIR

Firefighter & Entrepreneur
Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department

TREASURER

Partner
Emerge Chartered Professional Accountants

Director, Integrated Health Initiative
University of New Brunswick

Retired Police Detective, Metro Toronto Police/Halton Region, Ontario

Accountant & Business Owner
Reid’s Accounting Ltd./Lifestyles Wellness Studio

Retired Director of the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program

Lawyer
Carleton Law Group

Retired Staff Sargeant
Saint John Police Force

Managing Partner
Keltic Consulting Service