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Receive Specialized Counselling From Our Team in Nelson

In Nelson, our team of passionate professionals, including social workers, clinical counsellors, and candidates, is devoted to guiding you through your journey. With a rich diversity of backgrounds and expertise, you'll find a counsellor who understands your unique perspective, offering personalized care within a nurturing environment crafted to address your individual needs.

Jessica Atnikov, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Andrew Phillipps, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson
Molly Sweeney, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Geoff Purdy, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Nelson, Castlegar & Trail
Tami O’Meara, BA, MEd, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar
Maya Tekavcic, Practicum Student

Practicum Student - Nelson
Cassandra Twiname, Practicum Student

Practicum Student - Nelson, Castlegar, & Trail
Amy Beedell

Kootenay Community Support
Daniel Snell, Practicum Student

Practicum Student Under the Mentorship of Devinder Dhaliwal - Nelson
Sarah-Ellen Hale

Penticton & Kootenay Clinic Manager
Nathan Hayward

Community Relations 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

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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Jessica Atnikov, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Jessica works as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 19149) and professional art therapist. She holds her Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counselling Psychology from Adler University. From a compassionate and curious lens, Jessica strives to create a safe place for clients to explore and engage with their creative process and connect with their innate wholeness.

Using a combination of art and talk therapy Jessica works with a variety of presenting issues including, but not limited to anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, body image, burnout, trauma & PTSD, grief, and couples counselling. She has also worked extensively with addiction, first responders, families, and school related stress and issues.

Her client-centered, trauma-informed approach pulls from modalities such as EMDR, IFS, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness approaches, somatic therapy, and existential therapy.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety and OCD
Trauma and PTSD
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Addiction and First Responders
Couples Counselling
EMDR

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: jessica.a@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Andrew Phillipps, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson

Andrew is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. He aims to provide a warm, accepting and calm space for clients to mindfully explore their challenges with life in a secure, non-judgemental environment. Andrew feels a calling to help people journey through life in a way that alleviates burdens and reduces the sense of isolation. Using a systemic approach known as Internal Family Systems that connects you to different parts of yourself in order to feel whole, loved and accepted, we can work together to change your relationship with your own emotions, and connect to a more balanced, healing perspective.

Andrew also incorporates a mindfulness approach. Increasing awareness of one’s own behavioural patterns can be a driver of personal transformation. Andrew’s speciality lies in treating anxiety and stress related disorders, making sense of and accommodating neurodiversity, healing from past trauma, finding purpose or working through existential angst or depression, and anything related to self-actualization or exploring one’s shadow self.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Andrew uses experiential interventions and designs a treatment approach that is tailored specifically to you and your unique system of parts. No matter who you are or where you come from, Andrew’s therapeutic presence will ensure that you feel seen, heard and understood while guiding you to explore and connect with your Core Self in deeper ways.

Areas of Focus:

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
EMDR
Mindfulness and Personal Transformation
Anxiety and Stress Management
Neurodiversity and Trauma Healing
Self-Actualization and Shadow Work

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: andrew@okclinical.com

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Molly Sweeney, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Molly completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, supporting youth, couples, families and adults with diverse needs and abilities. She works from a trauma-informed perspective, using both somatic and cognitive behavioural modalities to help her clients move forward at their own pace. With a keen interest in the principle of neuroplasticity, Molly provides non-judgmental support to those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, injury, violence, loss, anger, or navigating the demands of parenting. This spring and summer, Mary will complete the first year of her Somatic Experiencing training and begin her training in Internal Family Systems.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety and Depression
Trauma
Parenting
Neurodiversity
Somatic Work
Voice Work
Individuals, Couples, Families
Children (10+), Youth, Adults

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: molly@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Geoff Purdy, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker - Nelson, Castlegar & Trail

Geoff Purdy is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, brings extensive experience, education and passion to his clinical counselling role. Trained in EFT and Gottman’s Method, he ensures high-level support in couples counselling as well as specialized techniques in supporting those through challenging mental health circumstances. Therapy, to Geoff, is a profound blessing, symbolizing personal growth and transformative change. He eagerly anticipates engaging with others to foster therapeutic relationships, aiming for not only successful but enjoyable therapy.

Having achieved academic milestones and a decade of clinical experience, Geoff is equipped with profound problem-solving skills. Acknowledging familiarity with challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction, and impulse control, he draws from personal experiences to guide others through life’s complexities with knowledge and compassion.

Geoff, as a registered social worker fully trained in supporting couples, adults and teens, emphasizes collaborative work to appreciate differences and strengthen relationships discreetly. He looks forward to meeting individuals and couples, offering expertise and empathy to facilitate positive transformations in their lives.

When not working at the clinic, you can find Geoff riding motorcycles, fishing and spending time maintaining with his family and in his garden.

Areas of Focus:

Depression and Anxiety
Men’s Challenges
Relationship Issues
Stress Management
Substance Use/Dependence

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: geoff@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Tami O’Meara, BA, MEd, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Nelson & Castlegar

Tami is an experienced, supportive, down-to-earth Registered Clinical Counsellor in the Kootenay area who offers in-person and online sessions for a variety of concerns including, but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, stress, life transitions, divorce and separation, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has over 20 years of providing educational, career, personal and crisis counselling to youth and adults within the post-secondary system including students with learning differences, are of Indigenous ancestry, international students, and those with a broad range of mental health concerns.

She believes that each person wants to make the best choices for themselves and sometimes we need some additional support in achieving our goals. Tami will work with you to identify goals and create a therapeutic plan, focusing on your needs. She will walk alongside you as you develop the tools necessary to make positive long-lasting changes.

Being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Tami also holds a Masters degree of Education in Counselling from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. She works from a strength-based approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and clinical hypnotherapy in her work.

Areas of focus:

Child & Youth
Divorce & Separation
Hear the Child Reports
Anxiety & Depression
Educational and Career counselling
ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Clinical Hypnosis

Contact Information:

Phone: 250-718-9291

Email: Tami@okclinical.com

Have other questions? Contact Us

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Maya Tekavcic, Practicum Student

Practicum Student - Nelson

Maya (she/her) is a counsellor, educator and masters of counselling psychology practicum student whose work is rooted in care, connection, and a deep curiosity in the human experience. Grounded in a person-centred and strengths-based philosophy, Maya’s practice reflects her unwavering belief in every human’s capacity for meaningful growth. She draws from a bank of therapeutic approaches, including Existentialism, Family Systems, and Emotion-Focused Therapy, tailoring her methods to collaborate with each person’s unique needs.

In her current work as a school district counsellor with a background in school-based inclusion and case management, she collaborates with children, families, and educators to cultivate inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where children feel truly seen and supported. Integrating play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy her approach honours the complexities of young lives, blending gentleness and playfulness to guide them back to the heart of childhood.

With warmth, humour, and a genuine respect for each unique path, Maya helps individuals uncover their inner resilience and live in alignment with their values. She is passionate about the transformative potential of curiosity and the healing power of playful, meaningful connection.

Areas of Focus:

Grief and Loss
Anxiety and Depression
Neurodivergence
Identity and Self-Discovery
Life Transitions
Stress Management
Self-Worth and Body Image
Relationship and Family Dynamics

Contact Information:

Email: maya@okclinical.com
Phone: 250-718-9291
Have other questions? Contact Us
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Cassandra Twiname, Practicum Student

Practicum Student - Nelson, Castlegar, & Trail

Cassandra was born and raised in rural northern BC, where her passion for nature-inspired mental health care began. Growing up in the North, mental health resources were scarce. As such, community members turned to the mountains, rivers, and forests for relief. This experience forged Cassandra’s love and admiration for nature and its healing properties. To combine her love for nature with mental health care, Cassandra completed a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biology (Ecology) and Psychology (Neuroscience) at Vancouver Island University. Continuing to seek nature’s gifts, Cassandra has travelled within Canada and internationally to work and recreate outdoors. This experience enabled her to work as an English teacher for children and adults in Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as a cave guide and healthcare worker in New Zealand and Australia.

Cassandra is now a practicum student at OK Clinical Therapy Group, completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University. Through this practicum and inspired mental health care, her goal is to provide nonjudgmental and compassionate care in a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. She is very excited to immerse herself in the community and learn from her colleagues and supervisor.

Areas of Focus include:

Self-Esteem & Compassion
Anxiety & Depression
Relationships & Sexuality
Mindfullness & Solutions-Focused Therapy
Stress Management
Outdoor / Walk and Talk

Contact Information:

Email: cassandra@okclinical.com
Phone: 250-718-9291
Have other questions? Contact Us

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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
Have other questions? Contact Us

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Daniel Snell, Practicum Student

Practicum Student Under the Mentorship of Devinder Dhaliwal - Nelson

Daniel is currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University and is a Practicum Student at OKTG. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in multidisciplinary Social Sciences from Trinity Western University. Daniel also has a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from the University of British Columbia. In addition to working as a counselling intern, Daniel is a public school teacher specializing in special/inclusive education, elementary learning assistance and school-based case management. This includes the support of children who have been designated by the BC Ministry of Education as living and learning with exceptionalities.

Daniel has been married for 32 years. Together with his wife, has raised five children ranging in age from 16-27. Nelson has been home for Daniel and his family for 20 years and considers it a privilege to support a diverse clientele that makes up this beautiful community.

With an intuitive sense of empathy and evidence-based approaches, Daniel supports clients in their life journeys from a strength-based and person-centered approach. Emphasis is on building and maintaining collaborative therapeutic relationships designed to bring about healing and life-long change. Daniel utilizes an integrative approach that includes: biopsychosocial treatment modalities, solution-focused and narrative therapies, family systems, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, somatic mindfulness and positive psychology, each through a trauma-informed and multicultural lens.

Areas of Focus include:

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Self-Esteem
Anxiety and Depression
Couples and Family
Children and Youth
Relational Conflicts
Life Transitions
Problem-Solving
Stress Management

Contact Information:

Email: daniel@okclinical.com

Phone: 250-718-9291

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

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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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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