Admin & Management Team | Ok Clinical Therapy Group | Contact Us

Get to know our Admin & Management team behind the company!

At the heart of our organization, our dedicated Admin & Management team plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of our services. Comprising skilled professionals with a wealth of experience, they bring efficiency and expertise to the forefront. From strategic planning to day-to-day operations, our team is committed to fostering a supportive environment, allowing our clients and staff alike to thrive. Their collective efforts contribute to the success of our mission, creating a foundation of reliability and excellence in all that we do.

Holly Roberge, Indigenous Cultural Liason

Indigenous Cultural Liaison
Angela Ritchie

Intake & Administrative Coordinator
Liz Jensen

Intake & Administrative Coordinator
Lori Bartkowski

Intake & Administrative Coordinator
Julie Woods

Okanagan Clinic Manager
Nicky Darko

Lower Mainland Regional Clinic Manager
Amy Beedell

Kootenay Regional Manager
Alanna Grant

Intake Manager
Kailey Brenner

Billing Supervisor
Jane Marrington

Finance Manager
Nathan Hayward

Director: Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships
Alison Ruks

Executive Director
Nicole Ballance (Ripley), BA Psyc, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor & Founder

Reach out to book a consultation with a specific counsellor

Call us to find which counsellors are practicing in specific methodologies you are interested in.

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Holly Roberge, Indigenous Cultural Liason

Indigenous Cultural Liaison

Holly is an Indigenous Cultural Liaison who provides culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and non-clinical support to individuals and families. Her work focuses on building trust, strengthening cultural connection, and helping clients navigate health and community systems in ways that feel safe and respectful. She supports access to Indigenous-led programs, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community resources, while collaborating with clinical teams to enhance culturally responsive care.

Holly brings extensive experience in Indigenous wellness, advocacy, and community engagement across health, social services, and community-based programming. She has supported individuals across the lifespan and is passionate about cultural revitalization, relationship-building, and holistic wellness. Her approach emphasizes cultural safety, practical system navigation, and strengthening connections to community, which aligns with the Indigenous Cultural Liaison role of providing relational, culturally grounded, non-clinical support and connecting clients to culturally relevant services.

She is committed to supporting meaningful healing journeys by ensuring services are accessible, culturally safe, and rooted in respect, dignity, and community.

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-718-9291
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Angela Ritchie

Intake & Administrative Coordinator

Angela is originally from Australia, she has followed her dreams and has now made this beautiful country we call Canada, her home.

She brings over two decades of extensive experience in client support, particularly in a healthcare setting. She is excited to contribute to the team as an Intake and Administrative Coordinator and truly values being able to contribute to making peoples lives better.

Angela has always had a desire to help others and achieved this through working in various careers such as a Dental Assistant, Pathology Collector, Assistant in Nursing and numerous years in Government Health Administration. She decided to further her passion for Mental Health, where she can further her skills in connecting with clients, understanding their needs, and providing compassionate care. As Intake and Administrative Coordinator, Angela is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all clients at OK Clinical Therapy Group.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing. She loves to try everything life has to offer, such as Ice hockey, snowboarding and horse riding as well as photography, crochet and pottery. She believes in living life to the fullest and wants to experience as much as she can while making true connections along her journey. Traveling and continual learning is a passion of hers, as well as spending time with her family and friends.

She believes every person has the right to live a happy and fulfilling life, and that every person at some stage of their life needs a little help achieving this. Angela is wholeheartedly looking forward to being part of your healing journey and assisting you with finding the counsellor who best fits your needs

Contact Information:

Phone: 1-250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Liz Jensen

Intake & Administrative Coordinator

Liz brings over 20 years of experience across retail administration, operations, management, and the wellness industry. She is passionate about helping others and takes pride in being of support. Liz supports through clear communication, strong organization, and thoughtful problem-solving. Liz finds purpose in creating positive, supportive experiences and being a steady presence for those she works with.

Throughout her career, Liz has been driven by a genuine desire to support people. Having personally witnessed the powerful impact that access to mental health and wellness resources can have, she is inspired to help others feel heard, supported, and guided toward the care they need. Her approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and making sure everyone feels comfortable and valued.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys traveling, especially to different regions of Mexico, along with golfing, pickleball, snowshoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, and exploring small towns across British Columbia. She loves cooking, gardening, caring for her plants, and spending time with family and friends. After a busy day, she recharges by walking her two dogs along the waterfront or fitting in a quick round of golf.

Liz believes everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with care, and looks forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact wherever she goes.

Contact Information:

Phone: 1-250-718-9291
Email: [email protected]
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Lori Bartkowski

Intake & Administrative Coordinator

Lori is one of our Intake & Administrative Coordinator and is a seasoned professional. She joins us with over 25 years of invaluable experience in customer service. With a passion for fostering positive connections and a commitment to community well-being, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and a warm, personable touch to our team.

Throughout Lori’s extensive career, she has honed her skills in providing exceptional customer service, understanding the intricacies of client needs, and ensuring a seamless experience for all. Lori’s dedication to building strong relationships and delivering top-notch support has been a driving force behind her successful career.

Outside of the professional realm, Lori finds joy in spending quality time with her friends & family. She loves creating cherished memories with her grandchildren. Additionally, she has a zest for exploring new horizons and experiencing different cultures through travel, adding a diverse perspective to her wealth of experiences.

One of Lori’s true passions lies in advocating for mental health and contributing to the betterment of the community. She is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that fosters well-being, and her commitment to making a positive impact aligns seamlessly with our values at OK Clinical Therapy Group.

Contact Information:

Phone: 1-250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Julie Woods

Okanagan Clinic Manager

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Kelowna, Julie has spent over a decade honing her skills in the customer service industry. She later transitioned into health care, where she spent three years as a community health worker, providing in-home care and meaningful mental health support to clients, a role she found deeply rewarding.

Today, she is proud to serve as the Clinic Manager for our Kelowna and West Kelowna locations, where she gets to support both our team and our clients in creating a welcoming, well-organized environment.

Outside of work, life is delightfully full with her two energetic boys and their playful puppy, who always keep her on her toes. She loves staying active, playing sports, trying new recipes, and spending as much time outdoors as possible, soaking in the beauty of the Okanagan.

Contact Information:

Phone: 1-250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Nicky Darko

Lower Mainland Regional Clinic Manager

Nicky is our dedicated Lower Mainland Regional Clinic Manager for our Abbotsford and Vancouver locations. She combines her expertise in aesthetics with a passion for creating a soothing and serene environment that promotes healing and rejuvenation.

In addition to her aesthetics background, Nicky holds a diploma in Education Assistance, where she enhanced her skills and knowledge in special education, behaviour management, and communication strategies. Additionally, Nicky is working towards completing her health and life coach diploma.

With a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, Nicky finds inspiration in the sun, the ocean, and all things natural. This passion allows her to infuse a sense of tranquility and positivity into the clinic. Therefore, individuals can find balance and achieve their goals through mental & health wellness. Nicky has over 10 years working in a spa environment. Because of this, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for detail.

Nicky’s passion for health and wellness drives her to ensure that all employees, and clients have the support they need to embark on the continuous journey towards living healthier balanced lives.

As a mother of 3 beautiful boys, Nicky understands the importance of living a balanced life. This includes while also focusing on the discipline of self-care practices. With a combination of organizational skills, a passion for health and wellness, and a love for nature, Nicky strives to bring a unique and nurturing perspective to her role as an office manager.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Amy Beedell

Kootenay Regional Manager

Amy is our Kootenay Regional Manager and moved to the Kootenays from England half a decade ago. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and working in retail management, Amy decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a primary school teacher. The blend of experience in retail management and elementary school teaching, have both shaped her ability to create a warm, safe and supportive environment for our clients. Amy’s background in retail management has honed her organizational and communication skills. Her experience as an elementary school teacher has enhanced her empathy, patience, and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In her role as the Kootenay Regional Manager, Amy works closely with our team of counsellors to ensure that everything is in place for our counsellors to deliver the best care. Amy is keen about fostering a welcoming and compassionate space for mental health and wellness.

Outside of work, Amy is a mother to her wonderful girl. Amy loves baking, crafts, gardening and is slowly working her way through an ever-growing list of local hikes.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291
Email: [email protected]
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Alanna Grant

Intake Manager

Alanna brings well over a decade of experience in customer support, particularly in a healthcare setting. She supports our team and clients as an Intake Manager and truly values the importance of making mental health services accessible while creating a positive impact in her community.

Alanna has always had an interest in health and a natural desire to help others. After working in dentistry as a Dental Assistant, she decided to further pursue her passion for wellness and earned her Diploma in Holistic Nutrition, where she honed her skills in connecting with clients, understanding their needs, and providing compassionate care. As Intake Manager, Alanna is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all clients at OK Clinical.

Outside of work, she loves to spend time outdoors, take in a good yoga or fitness class, travel, and spend time with her dog, a miniature dachshund named Sprout. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Alanna whenever you need guidance or have any inquiries.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291
Email: [email protected]
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Kailey Brenner

Billing Supervisor

Kailey has worked as the Billing Supervisor at OK Clinical. She brings with her a love for problem-solving and numbers. She is a local to Kelowna, BC, and has years of experience in both administrative and client-based work. Prior to OK Clinical, Kailey worked closely with individuals from various walks of life and assisted them around the community. From there she decided to further her knowledge of administrative work and Completed the Business Program at Okanagan College and now serves our team remotely for all of the OK Clinical locations.

As our Billing Supervisor, Kailey is happy to assist clients with any invoicing needs as well as direct billing to insurance companies. She works closely with our counsellors to ensure all external invoicing is complete and accurate.

Outside of work, Kailey is a mother to her beautiful boy along with a very energetic Australian Shepherd named Goji (yes, like the berry!). Her family loves getting outside during the warm summer months to soak in the rays of the Okanagan but sticks to the indoors once the temperature drops, and enjoys cozy activities like board games, knitting, and reading.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Jane Marrington

Finance Manager

Jane boasts an impressive 45 years in the bookkeeping industry and as an accountant. She started at IGA Head Office, then shifted to private accounting services. Upon moving to the Kootenays in 2014, she established a home-based bookkeeping business. Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services was one of her first clients.

Her skills in organization and problem-solving have been crucial in building and managing various provincial funding programs and providing subsidies to clients with financial barriers. Additionally, her passion for numbers has made her an invaluable asset to the OK Clinical team.

Aside from her professional achievements, Jane is a proud mother of three, grandmother of seven, and soon-to-be great-grandmother. Family is important to her and she takes pride in her role as a loving and supportive parent and grandparent.

In her free time, Jane enjoys life in the West Kootenays with her partner and their wild Jack Russel Shitzu Cross, Kasha.

If you are in need of OCCS accounting services, Jane is here to help. With her years of experience, passion for numbers and problem-solving, and commitment to her clients, she is more than equipped to meet your needs.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to her at [email protected].

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Nathan Hayward

Director: Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships

Nathan Hayward is one of the Directors at OK Clinical Therapy Group, supporting Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships. He plays a central role in expanding access to mental health services through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and systems-level collaboration.

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Nathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and supplementary certificates in leadership, community development, marketing and business. Nathan also brings over a decade of experience across human services, non-profits, school districts, and community-based organizations. His work is informed by a strong understanding of how organizational systems, accessibility, and relationships shape meaningful access to care.

In his role, Nathan develops and manages organizational and corporate partnerships, supports contract-based counselling programs, and collaborates closely with clinical and administrative leadership to ensure services are operationally sound, ethical, and sustainable. He also contributes to marketing and public-facing initiatives, helps design referral and intake pathways, and supports digital systems that improve client access and experience.

Known for his collaborative, solutions-focused approach, Nathan serves as a key point of connection for organizations, referral partners, and individuals seeking to engage with OK Clinical. He supports cross-team communication and problem-solving, helping bridge strategy, operations, and community impact.

Nathan is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and welcomes conversations around partnerships, referrals, and community initiatives.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Alison Ruks

Executive Director

Alison Ruks is an executive leader and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of business, mental health, and wellbeing. Her background spans consumer packaged goods, natural health, technology, agriculture, cannabis, and education, with a strong focus on executive leadership within the health, counselling, and wellness space.

Born and raised in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, Alison relocated to the Okanagan and made it her home in 2000. She has held senior leadership roles across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, most recently serving as Executive Director of Connect Counselling & Therapy Society, a large multidisciplinary charitable counselling and education organization delivering community-based mental health services.

Alison holds a business degree from the University of British Columbia with a specialization in Human Resources and workplace health and wellbeing. She is a Chartered Human Resources Professional and has served as an Executive in Residence with Accelerate Okanagan, mentoring founders and leadership teams.

She is also the author of the forthcoming book Healing Outside the System, informed by her personal experience in healing from an incurable neurological autoimmune disease, which continues to shape her grounded, compassionate leadership approach.

Alison welcomes conversations around strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, community collaboration, and initiatives that strengthen access to ethical, sustainable mental health care. She is also open to thoughtful media and speaking opportunities aligned with these values.

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Nicole Ballance (Ripley), BA Psyc, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor & Founder

Founder and Registered Clinical Counsellor

Nicole earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Fremantle, Australia, in 2012. She is the visionary Founder of the OK Clinical Therapy Group, a company she has nurtured from its inception to address the ongoing need for accessible, high-quality mental health services within our communities. Nicole has established a social enterprise that fosters a supportive environment for counsellors to thrive while providing clients with access to funding and a safe, beautiful, and judgment-free space for counselling. At the core of her organization lies a dedication to community mental health, safety and accessibility.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, she is skilled in working with complex trauma, PTSD and mental health concerns. Nicole is passionate about her work with children and families experiencing difficulties after divorce and separation. She helps families navigate healthy ways forward after experiencing traumatic or unwanted changes within their family unit. Nicole offers Hear the Child reports, for families and for court purposes where necessary. Within these reports, she interviews children to learn about their needs and desires during their parents difficult separation process.

Nicole has worked as a Traumatologist around the world in Asia, Africa and Australia, assisting individuals to overcome personal adversity and struggle with their difficult environments and mental health challenges. Nicole has worked with indigenous children living in remote parts of North-Western Australia. She has worked with children recovering from human trafficking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nicole has worked extensively with PTSD and management of major stress, depression and anxiety. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and mindfulness-based practices into her work.

Outside of her work in the mental health field, Nicole enjoys her mountain life in the Kootenay region where she lives with the three little loves of her life, her adventurous spouse and two very active boys.

Areas of Focus:

Trauma/PTSD
Depression & Anxiety
Family Separation
Children of Divorce
Relationships & Sexuality

*Not accepting new clients*

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]
Have other questions? Contact Us
RCC#10535

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