Find the therapist that best suits your needs.

CLINICIANS

  • Stephanie

    Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC, CCC (She/Her)

    CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR

    Stephanie lives and works in Whitehorse. She is currently accepting clients in person at the Whitehorse office and also over telehealth. Stephanie is currently doing all intake sessions and consultations.

    Stephanie is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and also the director of Aurora Wellness Group. She has a BA, with a major in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a MA in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She is trained in attachment therapy, play therapy, family systems therapy, Gottman Couples therapy, PEERS social skills training, and perinatal therapy and has experience working with multigenerational trauma and adults and children with special needs.

    She specializes in work with children, families, and couples. She also provides support through the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program and to family members of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

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  • Anna

    Anna Schunda, MA, RP (They/Them)

    REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

    Anna is a non-binary (they/them) Registered Psychotherapist located in Whitehorse. They provide in-person and telehealth counselling and Psychotherapy to youth and adults using an eclectic approach including Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment therapy, cognitive and behavioural techniques and somatic approaches.

    Anna has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Politics and Governance with a focus on human equity, and a MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. They have worked in private practice, an addiction treatment centre for teens, as well as government agencies.

    Anna believes that everyone has the capacity within themselves to heal, and helps clients find and harness their internal energy through an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens using a relational and strengths-based approach.

    In their downtime, Anna enjoys spending time with friends, their dog and horse, and painting, camping, hiking and canoeing.

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  • Ebony Rutko, BSW, MSW, RSW (She/Her)

    REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

    Ebony is a white, queer, cis-female clinical social worker located in Whitehorse, Yukon. She provides in-person and remote therapy to adults using the Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM), a therapeutic modality targeted at treating developmental trauma.

    Ebony is also trained in Self Regulation Therapy and treats shock trauma, which may be the result of motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and medical procedures. Ebony is a somatic therapist, meaning that she invites the wisdom of the body into treatment. She brings a holistic lens to integrating cognition, identity, and body-based modalities into a strengths-based and anti-oppressive approach. Ebony believes in the power of connection and that true healing happens naturally as we cultivate greater capacity to hold ourselves with presence and curiosity.

    Ebony enjoys being outdoors, hiking, cross country skiing, and running. She is grateful to live, work, and play on the beautiful ancestral lands of the Taa’an Kwächän and the Kwanlin Dün First Nations.

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  • Sarah Taylor, BHK, BED, MA, MC, CCC, RCC (She/Her)

    CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR

    With a Master's in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and English Literature, a Bachelor's of Education, and a Master of Arts in Education. Sarah's professional journey has seen her serve as a teacher, counsellor, and coach in Carmacks, Yukon, Nunavut, and now on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Ta’an Kwach’an Council in Whitehorse, Yukon.

    Sarah’s primary expertise is working with trauma and PTSD, relationships, supporting those with traumatic brain injuries, working with individuals and families navigating concerns within the Education system, and working with athletes on mental health, focus, and goal setting.

    Sarah gravitates towards a trauma-informed framework that is person-centered, integrative, and culturally responsive. She utilizes an integrative approach, meaning that she draws from several counselling frameworks/theories that are based on the needs/interests of the client(s). Her interests lie in somatic experiencing, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), emotion-focused therapy, and working with couples using a decolonizing lens/approach.

    When she's not in the office, Sarah enjoys a variety of activities, such as mountain biking, whitewater canoeing, and skiing. She also finds solace in the pages of a good book and cherishes time spent with friends, family, and her cat.

    Sarah is accepting new clients and looking forward to working with you soon!

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  • Heather Weaver, BEd, MA, CCC (She/Her)

    CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR

    Heather lives and works in Whitehorse. She is currently accepting clients in person at the Whitehorse office and also over telehealth.

    Heather is a Canadian Certified Counsellor. She has a BEd with a major in English and minors in Psychology, PE and Special Education from the University of Lethbridge and an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Heather has been a teacher and counsellor for over 20 years. She has had the opportunity to work in schools at different multiple levels. Heather has training and experience in various modalities including trauma-informed therapy education with teens, crisis intervention, brief-focused counselling, mindfulness and solution-focused training. Heather believes that through a client-centred approach and creating a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space, the client gains confidence and embraces the opportunity to heal. It becomes a collaborative journey that she would be honoured to embrace together.

    Heather enjoys spending time with her family outdoors camping, mountain biking, snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, dog walks and travelling. She is grateful to live, work, and play on the beautiful ancestral lands of the Taa’an Kwächän and the Kwanlin Dün First Nations.

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  • Pamela Ortiz Palma

    CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR

    Pamela is a Clinical counselor, Psychotherapist, and Family and Couples therapist, with more than 17 years of clinical experience.

    Pamela has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in clinical psychology and Psychotherapy, as well as post graduate intensive training as Family and Couples therapist.

    Pamela has trained and worked as a Psychosocial oncologist and end of life Psychotherapist. She has worked for public and private health care Hospitals and mental health clinics. Pamela is currently receiving clients with any oncological diagnosis as well as clients in their end of life.

    She is also an eating disorder therapist (expert by experience and training), she is currently receiving clients 19 +, who struggle with Eating Disorders.

    Pamela works with a perspective of the human being and the human experience of suffering at the center of her clinical approach, from an interactional/ systemic, compassionate and empowering framework.

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  • Nicole Schroeder

    Nicole Schroeder, BA, BEd, MEd (She/Her)

    Nicole believes in connection and care, and knows the most powerful healing agents are only effective when individuals are seen and heard. She weaves warmth and compassion, and compassion-fuelled curiosity, into her eclectic, biopsychosocial counselling-style. Meeting clients where they are at, and integrating a holistic approach to well-being, is the heart of her work.

    Nicole has a Master of Education with a specialization in supporting and enhancing children and youths’ mental wellbeing, and a specific focus in providing trauma-informed care. Nicole is also a certified trainer in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education, which supports developmentally-responsive care. Working within both high school and elementary school settings in Whitehorse, Nicole is passionate about making education accessible for all families.

    In her spare time, Nicole loves yoga, running, hiking, puzzling, and writing; however, spending time outdoors with her family is her favourite. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and play within the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

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  • Stacey Taylor, BA, MACP

    Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of British Columbia. Currently, she is pursuing certification as a play therapist, with plans to complete the training by next year. Her counseling approach is integrative, combining client-centered and emotion-focused techniques, along with methods from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

    Her professional interests include trauma, grief, play therapy, relationships, and addictions. Working from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective, she aims to create a safe and supportive environment for clients. Stacey’s experience primarily involves harm reduction, addictions, and outreach services, allowing her to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

    Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time in the mountains hiking with her dog or snowboarding. She has a passion for music—attending live shows, playing with friends, and traveling to festivals. She also loves outdoor adventures and camping, which help her stay grounded and inspired.

    Dedicated to helping clients navigate their challenges, Stacey is committed to fostering paths to healing and growth.

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  • Faith Mukuku BSc. (Psychology)

    PRACTICUM STUDENT

    Faith is a practicum student with Yorkville University, and she is working toward completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She will be offering reduced-priced counselling services, and her practicum supervisor is Stephanie Leithead.

    Faith’s background as an immigrant and her Christian faith play a significant role in shaping her approach to counseling. Having personally experienced the challenges of immigration, including cultural adaptation and navigating a new environment with her family, she brings this to her work. Faith values inclusivity and cultural awareness, striving to establish client-centered therapeutic relationships based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. 

    Faith has over ten years of experience in corporate HR as a Learning and Development Specialist and is dedicated to helping individuals enhance self-awareness and reach their full potential despite facing challenges in their careers. She is passionate about fostering personal development and growth in all aspects of her clients’ lives.

  • Brian Bendell, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

    REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

    Brian lives and works in Whitehorse and is currently accepting new referrals. Brian provides in-person and telehealth sessions for both youth and adults.

     Brian is currently a registered Psychotherapist and Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. Brian has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Memorial University, Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, and a Master of Social Work from Memorial University, with a certificate in Addiction Studies from MacMasters University.

     Brian has extensive experience working in social welfare, totalling 25 years in areas of social supports, justice and child welfare. Brian channels all energy through a solution-focused lens, feeling that the individual has personal mastery of their life path and that the goal is to bring these solutions to the surface. He has education and practical experience in cognitive behavior therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, psycho-education group delivery and narrative therapy for individuals experiencing issues with substance use, anxiety, depression, or behaviour management.   

    When not working, you can find Brian camping with his family, playing hockey in the winter, softball in the summer, or just trying to run the full millennium trail at least once without stopping.

  • Gurmanpreet Kaur

    PRACTICUM STUDENT IN WELLNESS COACHING

    As a wellness coach in training, my mission is to help you unlock your potential and embrace a life of balance and vitality. With 5 years of experience in recreation and community wellness, I offer a personalized, holistic coaching approach that caters to your unique needs. I've led community programs and worked extensively with older adults, deepening my passion for creating accessible wellness opportunities for all individuals. Currently, I am studying Wellness Coaching at Humber College, which enhances my understanding of effective strategies to help individuals thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and organizational partnerships, I strive to foster a supportive environment.

    Inclusivity is a cornerstone of my approach, and I specifically aim to support the Punjabi community by providing coaching in both Punjabi and English. I believe that everyone deserves access to wellness resources tailored to their cultural context. At Aurora Wellness, my coaching is grounded in empathy and positivity, guiding you on your journey toward a healthier, happier future. Together, we can navigate the challenges of wellness and cultivate a life that resonates with your personal goals and aspirations.

  • Gabrielle

    Gabrielle Cebuliak, MA, R. Psych (She/Her)

    REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST- practice in AB and NWT

    Gabrielle offers counselling services through the Residential School Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP), offering a mental health travel clinic every 4-6 weeks in Inuvik and Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories. Telehealth sessions are available between in-person clinics.

    Gabrielle has BA in Psychology from the University of Calgary and a MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. She has trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems Theory, Narrative Approaches, and specific training in trauma including Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, and training from the Traumatology Institute.

    Gabrielle is currently accepting new clients in Inuvik, Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Paulatuk, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Sachs Harbour.

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  • Ivonne

    Ivonne Fuechter-Field, R. Psych (She/Her)

    REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST - practice in AB

    Ivonne Fuechter-Field is a Registered Psychologist with more than twenty years of experience in the areas of psycho-educational, social-emotional, and behavioural assessment of children, adolescents, and adults. She also provides consultations and short-term therapy in the areas of anxiety and ADHD. Her services provide clients, their families, and schools with pragmatic and applicable information and solutions in order to foster emotional well-being, the development of positive behaviours and academic success. A critical feature of her work includes follow-up consultations with families, school personnel, and other professionals.

    Ivonne received her training in Germany at the University of Constance, where she studied Clinical Psychology for six years. Throughout her training she had the opportunity to delve deeply into the theoretical and practical aspects of psychology. Ivonne offers German and English bilingual services.

    Ivonne currently lives in Calgary, but does week long clinics in Whitehorse a few times a year. When She is not working she can often be found in the wonderful Canadian outdoors where she enjoys spending time with her family and dog.

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  • Alex

    Alex Shaw, AA (She/Her)

    PARENT EDUCATOR/PERINATAL SUPPORT WORKER

    Alex loves kids and has spent much of her life working with children of all ages. Alex ran a daycare for many years, one centre for ages 1-3 and another ages 3-5, and worked in Playcare groups for infants. Alex worked in a Youth Centre with teens and one-on-one with at risk youth, she worked with school kids in summer camps and provided tutoring support, she facilitated LGBTQIA2S+ groups in high schools, and she worked with G Day which is an event series to welcome girls ages 10-12 into adolescence.

    Alex is also a mom of two young children, so has much first hand experience in the world of parenting.

    As a parent educator at Aurora Wellness Group, she is here to support parents and expecting parents, and will be providing group parenting sessions virtually and at the Whitehorse location.

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We are expanding our team!

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, COUNSELLOR, SOCIAL WORKER, LIFE COACH, MASSAGE THERAPIST, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Are you looking to join an energetic and engaged team that is excited to bring individual and systemic change to mental health? Do you have a professional designation that allows you to provide mental health support to individuals, couples, or groups?

We offer competitive and flexible employment packages and we work from a team strength based approach that you won’t find anywhere else.

If you are interested in joining our team please send Emilie at our front desk an email and stop by for a coffee. We’d love to hear from you.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

  • Stephanie

    Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC, CCC (She/Her)

    DIRECTOR, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

    Stephanie is the founder and director of Aurora Wellness Group. She founded AWG because she believes in community-based counselling that is respectful, accessible, and inclusive. She runs her business from a feminist, strength-based perspective, and believes in creating a workplace that is full of passionate people who want to make a difference.

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  • Alex

    Alex Shaw, AA (She/Her)

    CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST

    Alex is our client care specialist and helps to keep us organized and on track with much of the behind-the-scenes administration work. She lives and works in Spruce Grove, AB with her partner, two children, and enormous dog. Alex has experience in office management and Human Resources, as well as many aspects of childcare, so is versed and loves working with people of all ages.

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  • Matt

    Matthew Van Lankveld (He/Him)

    BUSINESS CONSULTANT, BOOKKEEPER

    Matt lives and works in Whitehorse and does a lot of the behind the scenes work that keeps us running. From running payroll and keeping our books straight to installing flooring in our new space, Matt has many talents and keeps us rolling. Matt spent years running restaurants and is currently doing his MBA with Athabasca University.

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  • Christy Kirstein (She/Her)

    OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

    Christy lives in Whitehorse with her husband and two boys. Christy is an asset to our admin team bringing knowledge from her experience in Business Administration, Accounts Receivables and Procurement. She does much behind the scenes work to help our office organized and running smoothly. She takes care of reception duties, booking appointments, processing payments, and invoicing. You will likely see Christy's smiling face to greet you for an appointment.

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  • Emilie Denis

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Emilie lives in a quaint cabin with her partner in Marsh Lake. She is currently studying for her Master’s in counselling psychology as well as running her small business alongside her best friend.

    Emilie takes on many reception tasks, such as booking appointments, invoicing, processing payments and more.

    You will likely see Emilie at the front desk when you come in for your next appointment. She will happily make you a nice cup of coffee or tea.

Get started with Aurora Wellness, today.