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Receive Specialized Counselling From Our Team in Vernon

At our Vernon location, our diverse team of committed professionals, including social workers, clinical counsellors, and candidates, is ready to support you on your journey. With varied backgrounds and specialties, you'll find a counsellor who resonates with you, ensuring personalized care in a nurturing environment tailored to your unique needs.

Shannon Warner, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Vernon
Olivia Donaher, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Vernon
Blaine Croy, MA, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Kelowna, West Kelowna & Vernon
Hallie Webster, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Vernon
Marcia Mishchenko, B.A, M.C., RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Vernon
Mirrell Desjardins, MEd, PGCE, CCC, RCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor - West Kelowna & Vernon
Janice Noseworthy, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Kelowna & Vernon
Tami Muhlert, Practicum Student

Practicum Student Under the Mentorship of Mirrell Desjardins - Vernon
Elaiza Amahan

Intake & Administrative Assistant
Nathan Hayward

Community Relations Manager

Reach out to book a consultation with a specific counsellor

Learn more about our counsellors above, or call us to find which counsellors are practicing in specific methodologies you are interested in.

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Shannon Warner, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Vernon

Shannon brings 20+ years of experience in community-based, clinical, and healthcare settings. She provides compassionate, anti-oppressive, spiritually sensitive, culturally safe, and trauma-informed counselling for individuals, couples, and groups. She also has experience working with people from diverse walks of life including first responders in the military and RCMP.

Shannon moved to Vernon in 1999 and has enjoyed being an active member of the local community. After completing her undergraduate degree in Social Work at UBCO, Shannon served women, children, and the elderly fleeing intimate partner violence. During this time, she developed key community programs to support the needs of vulnerable persons. As a result, She founded a community-based non-profit organization and developed a sexual health and relationships curriculum for middle school students. After completing her graduate degree, Shannon worked in various acute care units including psychiatry.

Furthermore, as a trauma survivor herself, Shannon has great empathy and experience helping others find relief from the impacts of trauma. Utilizing trauma-informed Counselling, she feels honoured when people experiencing mental health challenges and intra-personal distress allow her to walk a part of their healing journey with them. Additionally, integrating a tailored approach for individualized care, she aims to create a non-judgmental, comfortable, yet somewhat challenging therapeutic space. Additionally, Shannon will help you explore places you feel ‘stuck’ and assist in letting go of ‘old’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours that no longer serve you.

Shannon specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR therapy both virtually and in person. She also utilizes methodologies such as CBT, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness-based interventions and more in your personalized therapy experience.

Shannon enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors in her ‘happy place’ with her dog walking or biking in the mountains and along our beautiful lakes and rivers. Spending quality time with her grandchildren is one of Shannon’s greatest joys.

Areas of Focus Include but are not limited to:

Anxiety & Depression
Life Adjustments & Transitions
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
Trauma Reprocessing
Grief & Loss
Phobias
PTSD
Relationships
Please note that Shannon is currently only accepting clients ages 19+

Contact Information:

Email: shannon@okclinical.com

Phone: 250-515-5484

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Olivia Donaher, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Vernon

*Please note: At this time Olivia is only accepting clients for Phone or Video Call sessions.*

Olivia (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling Psychology Association and the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has completed training in Compassionate Communication, Mediation, and Grief Counselling. Olivia is also trained to provide Hormone Readiness Assessments and Reports.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Olivia strongly desires to uplift the marginalized and provide her clients with a safe space of caring and non-judgment. She has an eclectic solution-focused approach that helps build hope and optimism. Her goal is to walk alongside her clients as they discover strengths, build resilience, and create manageable goals. Olivia draws on modalities such as Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and more.

At home, Olivia adores her chickens, dogs, and humans. She is an active volunteer with a variety of animal rescues and often has fosters. Olivia appreciates all kinds of humour and believes laughter really can be some of the best medicine. With a previous career in archaeology, Olivia retains a passion for the preservation of culture and is sensitive to issues of social justice. Olivia thankfully acknowledges that she lives and works on the lands of the Syilx Peoples.

Areas of Focus:

Teens and Young Adults
First Nations Community
LGBTQIA2S+ and relationship diversity
Learning Differences
Depression and Anxiety

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-515-5484

Email: olivia@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Blaine Croy, MA, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Kelowna, West Kelowna & Vernon

Blaine (he/him/his) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. with a Master of Arts in Applied Theology from Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. He has also completed undergraduate and graduate coursework in psychology and counselling at Kwantlen University and City University of Seattle. Since obtaining his MA he spent nearly four years working for Non-Governmental Organizations in both Haiti and the Central African Republic. Upon returning to Canada, Blaine spent eight years working as a behaviour consultant, supporting adults with intellectual differences, and their support teams. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Blaine is equipped to provide the best support to those in need.

Blaine believes it is the profound privilege and sacred duty of a counsellor to listen with reverence when engaging in the therapeutic process. He tends to take a solution-focused approach with an emphasis on behavioural interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy. He is also influenced by Existential and Humanist Psychotherapy.

When not at work Blaine enjoys road, mountain, and adventure cycling, hiking, walking, paddle boarding, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities and adventures.

Areas of Focus:

Depression and Anxiety
Couples and Relationships
Stress Management
Adult and Youth
- ADHD
- ASD
- LD
- ID
Cross-Cultural Issues
Personal Growth
Spiritual Issues

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: blaine@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Hallie Webster, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Vernon

Hallie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She received her master’s in counselling from Gonzaga University and her BA in Psychology through Simon Fraser University. Additionally, Hallie has worked for 20 years helping individuals identify and address barriers that impede progress towards living their best life. Furthermore, she provides a warm, hopeful and non-judgmental space as the first step in creating a strong therapeutic relationship. This is what we will use to explore areas of concern and create an individual approach to meet your goals.

Hallie brings a Person-Centred and Cultural/Relational lens to her practice while utilizing a variety of methods and techniques tailored to people’s needs, preferences and realities. Furthermore, She believes that we seek and find meaning and purpose through our relationship with ourselves, our families, and the sociocultural environment we live in. Moreover, motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and ACT are some of the approaches she uses.

Hallie has a strong background in Vocational Counselling and enjoys helping people navigate life changes and challenges. She is interested in working with individuals with ADHD and those who identify as neurodiverse, particularly when (self)diagnosed later in life, to embrace their unique selves and abilities while strategizing life hacks for areas that cause stress or loss of confidence and esteem. Additionally, she has worked with culturally diverse clientele and is an LGBTQQ2S+ ally.

Hallie lives with her family on a small acreage in Coldstream and is kept busy looking after a variety of four-footed/hoofed and winged friends. Similarly, she enjoys feeding the birds, hanging out with the horses, sitting by the creek and reading. When not hanging around the farm you might find her thrifting downtown, catching a movie at the Towne Theatre or enjoying time with friends.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety & Depression
Vocational Counselling
Life Transitions
Neurodiversity & ADHD
Person-Centered Therapies
Cultural Diversity and LGBTQQ2S+ Advocacy

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: hallie@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Marcia Mishchenko, B.A, M.C., RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Vernon

Marcia graduated with a BA in Psychology and a Teaching Certificate from Simon Fraser University. She then completed her Master of Counselling from Trinity Western Seminary. She is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Marcia has worked with children and youth in both educational settings and in community groups for the last 25 years. She has spent time as a chaplain in both the US and Canada helping people deal with issues surrounding health, grief, and spirituality. She has worked with street youth, victims of violence, behavioral and learning-challenged children, children with special needs, and those with anxiety.

Marcia utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy and prioritizes the client’s therapeutic relationship. Besides this, she has been trained in trauma therapy and family systems, as well as mindfulness and self-regulation techniques. Marcia wants children, youth, families, and adults to feel safe with her as steps are taken to see change and wholeness. She also maximizes using solutions, compassion, and emotional-focused therapy interventions. She has worked with people of all ages from young children to seniors and loves the honor of joining people on their journey.

Marcia is new to the Okanagan and has spent most of her life in the Lower Mainland. She loves living just outside of Vernon. She has four adult/ teen children of her own and in her spare time is either with family or her two dogs enjoying the beauty of the Okanagan outdoors.

Areas of Experience:

Children & Families
Anxiety/Depression
Spirituality
Grief & Trauma
Codependency, Relationship Addiction and Abuse
Behavior, Motivation and Learning Challenges

Office Location: Vernon

Contact Information:

Phone: 604-575-9375

Email: Marcia@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Mirrell Desjardins, MEd, PGCE, CCC, RCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor - West Kelowna & Vernon

Mirrell Desjardins was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is a holistic counsellor whose origins began on Muskeg Lake Reserve. After spending 25 years abroad, Mirrell relocated back to Canada in January 2019. Since that time, she has worked for Northern and Interior Health as a Mental Health Clinician and has a strong commitment to lifelong learning and enhancing her helping skills.

Mirrell has been trained in Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Action Planning, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Observed Experience Integration Level 1. Most recently, Mirrell has also gotten basic training to enhance EMDR with Psychosensorimotor Therapy and Hypnosis. Her specialty is helping individuals navigate life transitions. She utilizes and blends many methodologies in her practice and collaboratively works with the client to identify growth areas, establish goals and support her clients to work towards these goals. She believes that everybody has the capacity to live a life worth living, and sometimes, all you need is a little support along the way.

Areas of Interest:

Trauma
Anxiety and Depression
Self-Harm
Group Facilitation
First Responders
Back to Work Programs
Couples/Marriage Counselling

Credentials:

M.Ed (International Counselling) Lehigh, University, USA
M.Ed (Applied Linguistics) Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
PGCE(College Counselling) UCLA, LA, USA
CCPA: 10001749
EMDR-BT: 100051404
BCACC: RCC 18258
Somatic Interventions to Enhance EMDR Therapy
Observed Experiential Integration
EMDR with Hypnosis

Location: Vernon

Contact Information:

Email: mirrell@okclinical.com

Phone: 250-718-9291

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Janice Noseworthy, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Kelowna & Vernon

Janice (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the British Columbia College of Social Work (BCCSW) and the British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW). She grew up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and obtained her Master of Social Work from UBC. Janice has experience working with people of all ages, in all stages of life, and with diverse abilities. Her work with government organizations and community agencies has given her a diverse background working with children, parents and families facing barriers such as anxiety, depression, substance misuse, parenting and relationship challenges, and personal or work-related stress. Janice strives to connect with clients through warmth, empathy, and understanding and walks alongside them on their path.

As a Registered Social Worker, Janice has experience in solutions-focused approaches, motivational interviewing, attachment theory, family systems theory, as well as mindfulness-based techniques. Her approach is evidence-based and trauma-informed. Her goal is to empower clients to gain insight into their challenges and connect with their strengths to move past them.

At home, Janice enjoys life with her husband, children, cats and dog. Her family is frequently found having fun in the outdoors.

Areas of focus include:

Families, children and youth
Anxiety and depression
Communication and navigating conflict
Personal and work-related stress
Mental health and substance misuse

Contact Information:

Phone: 236-844-2112

Email: janice@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Tami Muhlert, Practicum Student

Practicum Student Under the Mentorship of Mirrell Desjardins - Vernon

Tami is a Registered Social Worker who has been working in the Okanagan in mental health-related positions since 2002 and is also currently a student completing her practicum in pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree through Dalhousie University. She has diverse experience with supporting people dealing with depression, learning to manage anxiety, experiencing crisis, as well as multiple other mental health concerns.

Tami believes in anti-oppressive, person-centered, strengths-based practice, and seeks to connect you with techniques and support that fit your unique situation. Tami understands the difficulty of finding the balance between caring for yourself as well as others. On a personal note, she is the parent of an adult child with Type 1 Diabetes, giving her a lived experience perspective with this condition, and a deep compassion for all people living with demanding chronic medical conditions and their loved ones.

We all need support when life gives us challenges, and sometimes we may not even know what the problem is, we just know we don’t feel our best. Tami is here to listen and support you on your journey to meet life’s challenges such as the ones listed in her areas of focus.

Tami believes in accessibility for all. If you need any accommodations to access support effectively due to a disability, please contact her and she will make it a priority to meet your accessibility needs.

Areas of Focus include:

Anxiety
Caregiver stress
Compassion Fatigue
Depression
Diabetes Distress
General Stress Management
Parenting Challenges
Relationship Difficulties
Stress Related to Chronic Medical Conditions
Workplace Burnout
2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly

Contact Information:

Email: tami.m@okclinical.com

Phone: 250-718-9291

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Elaiza Amahan

Intake & Administrative Assistant

From moving from the Philippines and having been here in Canada for a short while, Elaiza is proud to support as one of our Intake and Administrative Assistant assigned in Vernon. With years of experience as an Administrative Assistant, Elaiza is excited to be part of a mission she believes in. With a lot to offer, she keeps herself open and adaptive to learn and support anyone looking for help. Elaiza’s passion for customer service makes her shine through her role and she is available to assist with any administrative needs or questions.

Growing up, she was always determined to have people’s voices heard. Furthermore, she believes that expressing how someone feels is just as normal as anything else. Elaiza is proud to be part of the team that shares the same passion as she does and is looking forward to help more people be heard.

Outside of work, Elaiza has two adorable children whom she loves spending time with and raising. She has an Irish Twin back home who is a therapist and with whom she shares a passion to raise mental health awareness. Elaiza is a homebody who loves staying at home, reading a good book or baking sweets. She loves the occasional movie marathon but will always prefer to watch FRIENDS for the millionth time to destress herself. She also enjoys a good jog outdoors and pilates when she has the time.

Contact Information:

Phone: 1-250-718-9291

Email: elaiza@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Nathan Hayward

Community Relations Manager

Nathan is our Community Relations Manager and focuses on building better mental health accessibility in the community.. He is an Okanagan local born and raised. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling in 2016, Nathan has spent his vocational years working with charities, not-for-profits, and school districts in Kelowna, focusing on community development and fundraising. In his previous roles in the community, Nathan has seen the impact that a public-focused mental health service can have. Because of this, he is incredibly excited to be a part of the team at OCCS and make our counselling services known and accessible to all who need them.

Nathan can connect individuals, corporate teams and community organizations to help support everyone’s counselling needs. If you have any questions about connecting with our clinic for partnerships, referral systems, or other community relations-related questions, Nathan will be happy to meet with you. As one of the clinic managers, Nathan will also be happy to assist with any administrative questions or help with online bookings. Nathan can also assist with any technical issues clients may have on the website or Jane App.

Nathan can be reached Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: nathan@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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