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.

Amy Beedell

Kootenay Community Support
Michelle Alcanse

Medical Office Assistant Student
Alanna Grant

Intake and Administrative Coordinator
Sarah-Ellen Hale

Penticton & Kootenay Clinic Manager
Nicky Darko

Abbotsford Clinic Manager
Lori Bartkowski

Intake & Administrative Coordinator
Nathan Hayward

Community Relations Manager
Kailey Brenner

Billing Supervisor
Jane Marrington

Finance Manager
Chantelle Froats

Managing Director
Nicole Ripley, BA Psyc, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor & Founder/Owner

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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Amy Beedell

Kootenay Community Support

Amy is our Kootenay Community Support 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 Community Support, 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: amy.b@okclinical.com
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Michelle Alcanse

Medical Office Assistant Student

Michelle is in the process of completing a Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Program at ERP College and she is currently a practicum student with OK Clinical Therapy Group. She wants to expand her knowledge by mastering a diverse range of administrative tasks by gaining hands-on experience in the medical office field.

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and she has been working for the past nine years in customer service which has enabled her to gain a lot of experience on how to provide exceptional service by following the gold standards of the job and going that extra mile to exceed the customer’s expectations. During her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling and exploring nature with her husband. She loves photography, music, and arts.

She is highly motivated to learn something new and is dedicated to serve our community with a high level of quality service while contributing in a positive working environment.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: info@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Alanna Grant

Intake and Administrative Coordinator

Alanna brings well over a decade of experience in customer support, particularly in a healthcare setting. She is excited to contribute to the team as an Intake and Administrative Coordinator 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 and Administrative Coordinator, 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. She also has a passion for food and is re-discovering the joy of cooking. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Alanna whenever you need guidance or have any inquiries.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: alanna@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Sarah-Ellen Hale

Penticton & Kootenay Clinic Manager

Sarah is our Penticton Clinic Manager and recently made the move from Auckland, New Zealand to Penticton. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Psychology, Sarah has a keen interest in people, community, and culture. In her leisure time, Sarah enjoys literature and film. She believes these can be used as tools to advocate for mental health across a wide variety of platforms and can foster an inclusive culture around connecting with and understanding individuals from different paths of life. Previously from a financial administration role, Sarah has focused on building interpersonal skills and is a team player who always aims to foster positive discussions and to bring out the best in others. Her knowledge of sales etiquette and expertise in managing relationships is a great advantage in her role as Clinic Manager.

Sarah’s optimistic and bubbly energy helps to foster a welcoming environment within our Penticton clinic. She is always happy to help wherever possible and aims to find the perfect counsellor to partner with you on your journey toward personal growth and prosperity. Sarah 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. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Sarah whenever you need guidance or have any inquiries. She looks forward to connecting with you and being a trusted resource throughout your journey of healing and growth.

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: sarah@okclinical.com

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Nicky Darko

Abbotsford Clinic Manager

Nicky is our dedicated office manager at Coastal Clinical in our Abbotsford location. 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: nicky@coastalclinical.com

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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: lori@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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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: invoices@okclinical.com

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 Jane@okclinical.com.

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Chantelle Froats

Managing Director

Chantelle Froats serves as the Managing Director at OK Clinical Therapy Group. She supports our Management and Administration team with operations, marketing, and business development functions. With a robust background in operational leadership, Chantelle brings systems, community-driven ideas, and positive leadership to our organization.

Her expertise, particularly in systems development to improve efficiencies allows our Therapy Group to expand our support offerings and resources to members of our community. Chantelle’s commitment to fostering growth and supporting organizational development allows our group to excel. Furthermore, this includes reducing barriers, building stronger provincial partnerships, and supporting our counsellors to thrive in their roles. Her past experiences have deepened her understanding of the importance of a well-organized and collaborative team. She is proud to work alongside our group’s amazing team, who are genuinely committed to improving the lives of our clients.

Additionally, Chantelle is passionate about the mental health industry and believes that everyone should have access to services. This includes supporting them with navigating all things in life, without any barriers or stigma. Chantelle is wholeheartedly committed to a future where counselling is accessible, high-quality, ethical, and normalized.

Chantelle loves spending her free time outdoors with her family in the Okanagan Valley, whether it’s in the garden or on the water enjoying our spectacular lakes. Feel free to connect with Chantelle for any operational or big-picture concepts related to OK Clinical and she will connect you with the best-fit team member or resource.

Contact Information:

Direct Line: 250-718-9291

Email: chantelle@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Nicole Ripley, BA Psyc, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor & Founder/Owner

Founder, Clinic Director, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Canadian Certified 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 and Certified Canadian 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: info@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

RCC#10535
CCC#11247246

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