Meet The Team

HE/HIM

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.

HE/HIM

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

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg and an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University. She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Melanie is a compassionate, inclusive and grounded professional who takes a strength-based, person-centred approach to counselling. She focuses on empowering her clients to lean into

their inner strengths to cultivate their innate wisdom and build resilience to face life’s challenges and transitions. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating the healing power of nature, yoga, creativity and mindfulness meditation, of which she is a certified teacher.

Melanie will be located at both our Fredericton and Saint John offices and will finish her internship in August 2026.

SHE/HER

Kamala is a Licensed Counselling Therapist - Candidate who brings warmth, compassion and authenticity to her work with clients, offering a space where healing and growth can unfold. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Maine.

Kamala views therapy as a collaborative partnership, working with clients to address concerns such anxiety and depression, stress management, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, burnout and parenting stress. She draws from a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches to create individualized and holistic treatment plans that honor the mind-body connection. Her approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity and deep respect for each individual's unique life experiences.

Kamala believes deeply in the strength and resilience of her clients. She is passionate about helping clients process difficult experiences, explore new perspectives, develop greater self awareness, build practical skills and reconnect with their sense of purpose. Her goal is to help clients feel empowered and supported as they create lasting change. She is committed to her own continuous learning and personal growth to best support those she works with.

Kamala will be based at our Fredericton office and will finish her internship in August 2026.

SHE/HER

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of New Brunswick and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.

She brings experience as a family support worker, where she supported children, adults, and families navigating mental health challenges and disabilities. In this role, Jennifer worked closely with families to offer guidance, compassion, and connection to community resources and services.

As a mom of two, Jennifer understands firsthand the complexities of parenthood, including the emotional challenges that can arise during the postpartum period. These experiences deepen her empathy and her commitment to creating a safe, supportive space for others.

Jennifer values the power of listening, collaboration, and genuine human connection. With a strong interest in client-centered approaches and cognitive-behavioural strategies, she is dedicated to fostering positive change and supporting the mental well-being of the individuals she has the privilege to work with.

Jennifer is based in our Saint John office and will finish her internship in August 2026.

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.

SHE/HER

Noha is an RP (Qualifying) under CRPO (The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario), an LCT-C under CCTNB, and a CCC Canada-wide.

She is a bilingual therapist, fluent in both English and Arabic, with over 15 years of multicultural experience working and volunteering with diverse populations from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. In addition, she has more than 5 years of experience supporting underprivileged populations in different capacities across Canada.

Noha understands that the unique challenges people face can often be demanding, emotionally draining, and at times isolating. For those struggling to process emotions, manage thoughts, or navigate their actions, she provides a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space to explore experiences, address both personal and professional needs, and develop strategies to enhance overall well-being.

She believes that there is no wrong doorway to living life—answers are already within us. By navigating inward, reframing thoughts, and regulating emotions, healing becomes possible. For Noha, recognizing triggers, raising self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness are key aspects of this process.

Noha is a full-time permanent staff member based in our Saint John office.

SHE/HER

Hailey exemplifies empathy, respect, and a genuine humanistic presence, backed by a robust background in mental health support and skill-building programming. As she completes her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University, she fosters a safe and supportive environment that prioritizes an integrative approach. Her approach effectively includes solution-focused strategies, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) Modalities.

Driven by compassion and personal experience, Hailey honors client autonomy and focuses on meeting clients where they are in their journeys. Her commitment to being a supportive partner in their progress empowers clients to move forward with confidence and strength.

Hailey is based in our Saint John office and will finish her internship in August 2026.

SHE/HER

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

RECEPTIONIST

RECEPTIONIST

MARKETING MANAGER

GRANT WRITER

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

Retired
Formerly, Vice President, Government Relations
J.D. Irving, Limited