ABOUT

Meet the Team

Our team at Bright Star Counselling consists of many certified child therapists, family therapists, registered social workers, a registered occupational therapist, a speech pathologist, and a behavioural interventionist. Let us know if any one of our profiles resonate with you and your family. We all look forward to meeting you.

Check out Sonja’s insightful interview on managing childhood anxiety, hosted by Tricities Community Television.

Sonja Braig, B.A., Psych., B.S.W., M.S.W.

Board Certified Social Worker, Registered Social Worker,

& Child Psychotherapist.

Clinical Director at Bright Star Counselling.

When families come to the clinic, they are often in crisis. A child's anxiety and inflexibility can be overwhelming, and even change the entire way a family functions.

Frustration often comes from not having the tools to parent a child who is struggling. A crisis is often the catalyst to seeking help. The decision to reach out for help often comes with apprehension, and fear of not knowing how counselling works. You will learn, grow, and become stronger as a family through therapy. Your child will develop lifelong coping skills and your family will thrive and build lasting relationships.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work. I have a strong background in mental health and speciality training in treating children with anxiety, selective mutism, OCD, and behavioural issues. I'm certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. I'm also trained and passionate about family therapy and work closely with family lawyers and parenting coordinators in the community to strengthen family functioning.

I have worked for the school board as a Clinical Social Worker for many years, developing treatment plans and doing psychosocial assessments. I have also worked in hospitals as part of a multidisciplinary team and on community teams delivering specialized intervention services to complex children and youth. Alongside my role as the Clinical Director at Bright Star, I supervise graduate level social workers and clinical counsellors.

The clinic is bright and cheerful and has many toys, books, and games to engage children and families. My approach is warm, friendly, and non- judgmental. I pride myself in offering families evidenced-based therapy by regularly attending training opportunities, conferences, and peer consultations.

Outside of our clinic and treatment centre, I’m a mom and co-parent to four children, and am part of a family that also includes two dogs.

Ayesha Azfar, M.C., RCC,

Child and Family Psychotherapist.

Childhood is considered to be the best and most carefree time of our life. When stressors occur, however, it can impact not just the child but also their family and loved ones. I believe that each child and family unit hold within themselves the key to unlocking the tools to help overcome their challenges. I can help in their journey as a guide to access and build their toolkit to ensure empowerment and resilience.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Counselling and a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I have been working with children, youth, and families for the past 10 years and provide counselling based on their individual and specific needs from a trauma-informed lens.

I take an integrative, holistic, and collaborative approach towards counselling. I believe that everyone has the inherent power within themselves to bring about change. My task is to guide and facilitate them towards reaching their goals and achieve personal growth. At the same time, I recognize that each client is unique and individual, and therefore I draw from a wide range of counselling modalities depending on the needs and requirements of my clients. These include Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Adlerian STEP Parenting, and attachment-based approaches.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment while providing clients with the tools they need to develop solutions to the challenges they face. I believe in providing emotional support and practical tools to process experiences and strengthen and deepen bonds.

Chanel Harrison, M.C., RCC,

Child and Family Therapist.

When seeking support for your child, it can be difficult to know where to start. As caregivers, we may know the stressor our child is facing (school stress, grief, caregiver separation) or it may be more difficult to pinpoint, making it seem as though challenging behaviour is coming out of nowhere.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for young people and their families. I hold an Undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health, and a Master’s Degree in Counselling. I am trained in a number of modalities and find that I like to meet a client/family first before determining the most applicable one. Some of these include: play therapy, family therapy, parent education, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), parent psychotherapy, attachment-based therapies, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). All therapy I conduct is based on attachment principles and are trauma-informed.

I have helped children ages 0-18 and their families navigate anxiety, low mood, frustration and aggression, attention difficulties, opposition and non-compliance, peer conflict, learning challenges, and a number of other issues that can come up for young people. I have worked in a number of youth settings, including outreach, youth custody, residential complex care, and am currently working as a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician in the Public Health Sector. As a parent of 3 young children, I understand the overwhelm that can come with raising them, which is also how I've come to trust which strategies/concepts are effective in creating positive change in the home.

It's important to note that Chanel is available for online sessions only, providing accessible and effective support to her clients.

Ana De Pinho Gast, M.Ed, RCC,

Child and Family Therapist.

My name is Ana (She/Her). As a Registered Clinical Counsellor accredited by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), I bring a wealth of international experience and education.

Drawing from years of hands-on experience working with young children and their families, I have honed my expertise in a wide array of assessment techniques. These include developmental screenings, behavioural observations, and fostering positive parent-child interactions. Recognizing the critical importance of early intervention, I am skilled at identifying and addressing concerns such as anxiety, attachment issues, trauma and developmental delays.

My academic journey includes completing my M.Ed. in Educational Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand and obtaining a B.A. in Psychology with a B.Ed. Honours in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

I am deeply committed to cultivating a safe and nurturing environment where children can freely explore their emotions, develop resilient coping strategies, and thrive emotionally. My therapeutic toolbox encompasses a variety of approaches, including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic-based techniques, and attachment-focused strategies. Moreover, my background as a Behaviour Interventionist has equipped me with additional skills to support clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

As a dedicated counsellor with a profound passion for nurturing the emotional well-being of young children, I specialize in offering compassionate support and guidance to all my clients and their families. In addition, I am fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and I am committed to serving diverse communities and ensuring that every child and family feels deeply understood and valued.

I am here to accompany you and your family on a journey of healing, growth, and empowerment.

Donna Dan, MCP-AT, RCC,

Behavioural Interventionist/Consultant.

Child and Family Therapist.

Nobody is born to be a parent. We learn parenting from our caregivers and keep improving and learning from our children and continuing education. In the journey, we may feel stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Through the therapy sessions, we will find our strengths and modify our parenting styles to fit our children best.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology-Art Therapy from Adler University. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, a certified positive discipline parent educator, a professional art therapist with Canadian Art Therapy Association, and a clinical hypnotherapist. I have worked with special needs and behaviour-challenged children and their families since 2007 in their homes, clinics, and schools. Every child is unique, so I tailor my therapeutic approach to best fit each family and child. I am passionate about working collaboratively with parents and children to meet their goals. I speak fluent Mandarin and can provide service in Mandarin upon request.

Donna Dan works with our youngest clients under the age of 10 years old and is part of our specialized early childhood mental health team.

Hillary Gallinger, B.S.W, M.S.W., RSW, RCC

Child and Family Therapist.

Families are the places we begin to know love, belonging, and the bond of connection. From here we start to understand our worth and place the world. For children and adults the bonds of family are so important to our sense of wellbeing. When one person struggles, it is felt throughout all the members. When children are affected, they are deserving of understanding, nurturing, and empowerment. I believe that people have an inherent capacity to find paths towards healing and wellness.

I believe in collaborating in partnership with people to support them in finding a way forward that is personalized for them. I am committed to being genuine and supporting the holistic wellbeing of those individuals and families I work with. I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches depending on the situation and the needs of those I am involved with. These may include Emotion Focused Family (EFFT), Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), somatic, attachment-based, expressive, mindful self-compassion, internal family systems, somatic, polyvagal, attachment, and emotion focused therapies. I enjoy working with relationships, trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, and parenting among other issues.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have undergraduate and master degrees in Social Work, with a concentration in children and families. I have clinical therapy experience as a therapist; working with adults, children, and youth since 2014. I also have work experience as a family development worker, parent support group facilitator, anger management group facilitator, youth worker, and community mental health worker. I have worked in child protection, preschool/child care settings, and am a parent myself.

I strive to offer a nonjudgmental, safe, trauma-informed and inclusive space, to reflect, learn, heal, and create positive change in life. I am dedicated to providing support and techniques tailored to each person’s unique life journey which I am privileged enough to impact.

Julia McCarron, M.C., RCC,

Child and Family Therapist.

My therapeutic approach is very much guided by my clients and their needs, as I view our process together as needing to be collaborative, comfortable, and client-centered. Children and youth can be apprehensive of coming to therapy; therefore, my goal is to establish a safe and compassionate relationship in order to engage them in the process while being trauma sensitive. Counselling children and families is not only my career but also my passion, which I feel incredibly humble to call my work.

I have over 20 years of experience working with children and youth; included in that is 17 years working for the New Westminster School Board as a Child Care Worker, assisting children in elementary schools.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care Counselling from Fraser Valley University and a Master's Degree in Counselling from City University. I spend my other days as a School Counsellor at a private school. I support children in areas of crisis intervention, conflict resolution, outreach, individual, group, and parenting/family support with the overall goal of creating a positive social climate at school.

My counselling experience includes supporting challenging behaviours and/or mental health conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, CDBC, OCD, aggression, withdrawal, and autism, as well as navigating the challenges of parenthood. I am passionate in supporting children and youth to be the best that they can be, and offer a safe, non-judgmental, and down to earth approach. I look forward to being a part of your journey towards a more emotion-focused, healthy, and happy life.

Dana Begg, MCP, RCC,

Child and Family Therapist

My name is Dana (she/her) and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is passionate about working with young people and their families. I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and I am registered with the BCACC. My goal is to use my experience, creativity and warm energy to create an enriching and healing space for young people.

My approach to working with children and their families comes from my extensive background working in schools and clinical settings in one-on-one support roles while consulting with parents. I use a combination of play therapy, expressive art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies in the counselling room. This includes Synergetic Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Sandtray Therapy.

Using an attachment-based approach allows me to connect with clients and learn more about the needs of the child and their family by building trust and establishing safety. Collaborating with families this way leads to a deeper understanding of their child’s needs and provides skills for caregivers in this process."

Dana Begg works with our youngest clients under the age of 10 years old and is part of our specialized early childhood mental health team.

Margaret Tarumian, MSW,

Registered Social Worker, Child and Family Therapist.

I believe that life has a way of challenging all of us with difficulty, loss, and change, and that healing is a collaborative journey that needs honest caring without judgment.

I bring an attachment-based, strength-based, and client-centered approach to my counselling practice.

I strive for genuine connection with children and youth and use narrative, cognitive, behavioural, and somatic approaches as the foundation of my work. I have a passion for working with children in a non-judgmental way, while helping them journey on their unique paths. I support my clients to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and communicate effectively about their issues and needs. Through this active, collaborative therapeutic process, children and their families reclaim balance, hope, and mental health.

I am a Board Certified Social Worker (RSW) and have a Master of Social Work (MSW) along with additional clinical training with a concentration in mental health. I have also completed numerous postgraduate courses specializing in attachment, parent, teen, and child relationships, anxiety, OCD, and trauma (TF-CBT).

I have been working as a Child and Family Therapist at Child and Youth Mental Health, where I specialized in working with children and teens struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma-related symptoms, and OCD.

I have over 10 years of experience providing counselling to children, youth, young adults, and their families. My main areas of practice are in Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Selective Mutism, Depression, Self-Harm, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

I am thrilled to be walking alongside children and youth in their journey to find growth and healing at Bright Star Counselling.

Maggie Yang, RD,

Registered Dietician

Maggie is a dedicated registered dietitian, passionate about empowering individuals to embrace healthy eating habits.

Graduating from UBC with a major in Dietetics in 2014, she has honed her skills over the years to cater to diverse lifestyles and life stages. With a deep-seated commitment to making a difference, Maggie enjoys guiding families towards their health goals, both big and small.

When she's not immersed in her profession, you can find her adventuring outdoors with her energetic toddler, embracing the joy of exploration and wellness in every aspect of her life.

Rebecca Orman, O.T., Reg.,

Registered Occupational Therapist

A paediatric Occupational Therapist works with children to improve their participation and independence in childhood occupations. These occupations are the day to day skills such as getting dressed, playing, holding a pencil, or emotional regulation skills that children require to participate at home, school, and in the community.

As a Registered Occupational Therapist, my job is to help develop solutions to support a child and their family to achieve their unique goals. I have over 15 years of experience working with children aged 2.5 years to 18 years old with varying diagnoses in both the school and home settings. I have vast experience with the preschool and kindergarten aged population along with medically complex children with augmentative communication and assistive technology needs.

I am passionate about supporting children to reach their full potential and collaborating with the adults that support them. I take a strengths based and holistic approach to children and their families.

Outside of the clinic, I am a mom to 2 small children and love exploring the outdoors.

Yana Kim, SLP.,

Registered Speech-Language Pathologist

Hi there! My name is Yana, and I am a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who works with children and youth on difficulties pertaining to speech, swallowing, and language (i.e., comprehension and/or social navigation skills). Since graduating in 2021, I have gained experience working with clients who required support in the areas of early-language intervention, neurodivergent-language intervention (e.g., Autism, ADHD, etc.), alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and gestalt language processing/development (GLP).

I believe that every human being, regardless of their age, has something important to share with the people around them which is why I strive to make sure my clients have the tools and strategies necessary to communicate effectively and confidently with anyone they encounter, in a variety of settings. I implement play-based therapy techniques in my sessions, and like to focus on client-strengths in order to build a trusting connection and best reveal their competencies.

I graduated with my Master's from UBC after completing my undergraduate degree at McGill University. I am registered and in good standing with the College of Speech and Hearing Professionals of BC (CSHBC) and am a member of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC).

During my down time, I love hanging out with my 2 cats (egg and soup) and eating Häagen-Dazs ice cream while watching Netflix's latest hit.

Linda Bakker, CS.,

Counselling student

My name is Linda (she/her). I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Counselling at City University in Vancouver. My background includes working as a Family Support Worker and Child/Youth Worker, where I gained valuable experience supporting diverse families and children. I have helped clients navigate and build coping skills in areas such as parenting, relational conflict, anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, learning difficulties, and emotional regulation. I practice a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, recognizing and honouring each client’s unique experiences. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a crucial component of the healing process, and through connection, support, and validation, we can foster growth and resilience. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment for my clients.

I am excited to continue my professional development at Bright Star, where I will be utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Therapy, and attachment-based therapies. I look forward to collaborating with the Clinical Director and my colleagues to deliver the highest quality care through ongoing supervision and training. Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, hiking with my dogs, practicing yoga, and indulging in reading and baking.

Sabine Sasakura, B.A. Hons., M.Ed., RCC,

Youth and Family Therapist.

Everyone has a story. How you tell your story to yourself and others, matters. How your story interacts with the stories of others, matters. Sometimes it can all become overwhelming and confusing, and we need help to pick through the storylines to figure out how we feel about it all, and how we want our story to continue. That is where I hope to help.

I began my journey in my 20s as a trained actor, having graduated from UBC with an B.A. (Hons) in Theatre. I loved entering the world of the people whose lives I was entrusted to portray on stage. I loved seeing and understanding the world from their unique viewpoint.

My curiosity about people led me to explore many places in the world; ultimately, I ended up teaching in Japan for four years. I went on to complete my Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology at UBC shortly after I returned to Canada, and have been working as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors since 2007. My professional journey has seen me working with youth, families, and adults whose lives have been impacted by either their own, or others’ use of substances. I have spent the past three years working with youth as a counsellor in the school system.

Being a naturally curious person, I have also taken many trainings and certificate courses. Some of the theories that impact my work the most are CBT, Narrative Therapy, DBT/mindfulness, Attachment theory, and solution-focused therapy, among others. Ultimately, the story that you tell and where you want to go with it will guide our work together.

When not working, I can usually be found outside with my family, either hiking, playing soccer, paddling on some body of water, or with my horse.

I look forward to listening to your story, and to walking alongside you as you live your next chapter of it.

Tara Worth, M.C., RCC,

Youth and Family Therapist.

Youth face a lot of challenges in our world today. Not only are they struggling with who they are and how they fit into the world, but also the pressures of being a teen with homework, social influences, expectations from family, sports, school, and what the future holds can lead to added stress and unhealthy coping tools.

I have a layered background of working with youth for the past 20 years in schools as a Youth Worker, as a Street Youth Worker in the DTES, and as a community Substance Use Counsellor. I have supported teens from many different backgrounds struggling with anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, depression, grief, substance use, gender identity/LGBTQ+2S, as well as youth and families who have experienced intergenerational/systemic trauma. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Clinical Counselling. I have also taken additional training in self-harm, gender/LGBTQ2+, and suicidality. On a personal note, I am the parent of a teen and have been in an intercultural relationship with my partner for the past 12 years. I love cooking, sketching, silversmith/jewelry-making, walking in the forest, and spending time with our dog Bailey (who may be in sessions with us sometimes).

I work from a healing-centered and strengths-based approach, believing that those who have experienced trauma can be agents in the creation of their own well-being. My therapeutic approach is grounded in developing a warm and safe relationship with youth clients to create opportunities for connection and validation.

I have experience with a range of counselling modalities and follow the lead of clients to determine what works best for them. As a client-centered therapist, counselling sessions can include DBT, CBT, ACT, and solution-focused approaches.

By creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where teens can talk, my hope is for them to have dedicated time to share and work through the “hard stuff” together. Collaboratively, we can explore solutions and tools so ultimately, they don’t feel alone.

Manjima Salim, MC, RCC,

Youth and Family Therapist.

Relationships are the heartbeat of our lives, often providing an indicator of our interpersonal health (the ways in which we relate to others) and of our intrapersonal inner worlds (the ways in which we relate to ourselves).

Childhood and adolescence is a pivotal time for understanding and forming healthy relationship dynamics—both with others and ourselves—and often, this starts at home.

At best, our close relationships can be a warm and safe space for healing and/or bringing our authentic self forward. My aim is to provide this same safety and warmth in my counselling relationships, free of judgement and rich in connection.

I feel fortunate in providing support to youth and their families while navigating the challenges and complexities that naturally arise when moving through “relationship growing-pains”, life stages and transitions.

My journey as a clinical counsellor has deeply influenced how I engage with the world: through a trauma-informed and cultural-competency lens, grounded in family systems and anti-oppressive frameworks. I approach my work with a strengths-based and client-centered approach, and a belief that all of us, regardless of age, gender, background, etc., have a sincere wisdom within us, waiting to be shared and/or realized. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Master’s in Counselling and a Bachelor’s in Physiology—the combination of the two has profoundly impacted and shaped my view of the mind and body as one, as a continuously ebbing and flowing system. I have over 5 years of experience working in healthcare and have supported youth and their families through CBT and DBT-informed therapeutic interventions when struggling with some of the following: anxiety (generalized, social, performance-based), depression, ADHD, self-harm, suicidal ideations, disordered eating, distress related to body image/dysmorphia, difficulty with peer and/or family relationships and school refusal. My mission is to support and empower those I am in service of to overcome systemic barriers, while recognizing that I operate within systems myself.

When I’m not engaging in counselling spaces, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, reading, exploring the great outdoors, and re-organizing. Being surrounded by nature, gardening/arranging flowers, perusing a home goods or bookstore, and being climbed on by small animals and children alike, are some of my happy places.

Taylor Willis, MA., RCC,

Child and Family Therapist.

While childhood is a time filled with new experiences, wonder, and development, it also comes with many challenges and a variety of emotions which can sometimes be difficult to manage. Through providing a safe, friendly environment for your child to process experiences and grow, I use empirically supported models of therapy to assist in their journey. I use a trauma-informed lens to provide support involving empowerment and choice for children, youth, and families.

I hold a master's degree in Counselling Psychology and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counselling. I have spent the past decade working with children and youth, as well as their caregivers in a variety of settings, including residential programs, caregiver support, crisis intervention, play therapy with children, and therapy with youth.

I have training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Applied Behaviour Analysis, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT). I believe learning is an ongoing process and am committed to continuous learning and training to enable me to provide the best service for my clients.

I believe in using a client-centered approach, meaning I will use a collaborative approach to support you and your child to help guide you. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to help you, your child, and your family process experiences, identify and build upon your strengths, learn to regulate emotions, and develop strategies to help improve your lives.

Amy Thorne Broderick, M.Ed, RCC

Child and Family Therapist.

Childhood is a time for exploration of the outside world and the development of the inner world. Despite the magic this time can hold, being a young person and a caretaker can be stressful. Sometimes these stressors may be sudden and other times, there may be worsening behavior or symptoms that are showing up. As a caretaker, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of next steps. I am here to support you and your child in a way that strengthens your connection, confidence and skills. During sessions, your child can play and create while building resilience for the world they live in.

I am passionate about working in an evidence based way that also allows the client to be seen and appreciated as they are. The goal of the sessions is to shine light on strengths and use those strengths to springboard to heightened emotional literacy and communication skills. I use a personalized approach with all of my clients in consultation with their caregivers. Some of these modalities include child centered play therapy, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), somatic, attachment-based, expressive, internal family systems, somatic, attachment, and art based therapies. I also use PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) in order to support parents and children who are experiencing elevated behavioral issues.

My name is Amy Thorne-Broderick and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold two undergraduate degrees both in arts and in elementary education. I also hold a Masters degree in School Counselling from City University. I have a 20 year history of working closely with students and clients with various challenges that include learning differences, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Giftedness and those with dual diagnosis. Although a diagnosis can support clients to understand their own experience, I am passionate about maining a person centered approach.

I am honored to work closely with your family as you deepen your bonds and grow your skills. As always, I strive to create a safe, informed and even fun environment for your child to express themselves!

Renette Cilliers, MCP, RCC

Child and Family Therapist.

Childhood is a very influential time of our lives, and events that happen, whether intentional or not, can have a lasting impact on a child’s life and development. I believe in working with children in their developmental stage and take on a holistic approach to counselling, where I integrate numerous aspects in and around their lives to guide therapy. I believe the client is the expert in their lives, and we can utilise resources like family, school and extra-curricular activities to gain more information about the way behaviours are displayed.

My name is Renette (pronounced René (she/ her) I have a bachelor’s degree in education and completed my master’s in counselling psychology at the University of Yorkville. I am a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

After working as a primary school teacher for a few years, I was promoted to Assistant Principal where I mainly worked with Behaviour Management in the classroom and believe this has been extremely valuable in providing me with useful information to learn and understand childhood behaviours. As an immigrant from South Africa, I have experienced cultural integration firsthand and understand the challenges that might arise. especially when we feel removed from our comfort zone and faced with unfamiliar circumstances. In many ways I believe this is how children feel, and understanding the way they communicate this to us can help us understand their behavior.

My goal is to empower children to feel competent in their own lives and draw from a wide range of evidence-based approaches to support this. I am a mother of two young children and apply the knowledge I have gained through experience and graduate studies in my own home daily. I believe authenticity in therapy is crucial and the therapeutic relationship should be one that portrays this authenticity.

Renette Cilliers works with our youngest clients under the age of 10 years old and is part of our specialized early childhood mental health team.

Jazaiah Light,

Clinic Manager & Social Worker.

Life can be challenging, especially when juggling numerous responsibilities without feeling in control. My passion lies in assisting children throughout their developmental journey. Whether they're navigating the transition from daycare to elementary school, needing academic support, or seeking guidance on organizational skills, I am dedicated to fostering their executive functioning abilities.

I have a Bachelors of Social Work Degree (BSW) and am currently in the process of becoming a Registered Social Worker (RSW). My expertise lies in enhancing social skills and addressing executive functioning challenges.

Executive functioning refers to the cognitive processes that help individuals plan, organize, manage time, pay attention, and regulate emotions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including play therapy, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and more. These methods allow me to tailor interventions that meet the diverse needs of those I work with.

I am passionate about facilitating growth and connection through group settings. I lead social skill development groups and support those with selective mutism, making these sessions engaging and enjoyable to foster a supportive environment where individuals can thrive socially. In addition to group facilitation, I play a pivotal role in programs like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and family reunification. My overarching goal is to strengthen relationships and unite families by providing effective therapeutic support.

I am enthusiastic about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families, promoting resilience and well-being through compassionate and effective social work practices.

Cami De Giuli,

Client Services Coordinator.

I am currently studying actuarial sciences at Simon Fraser University. I love talking to different people and seeing new faces every day, a couple of the many reasons why I love working as a receptionist here at Bright Star Counselling.

Since my very first day, everyone has been so warm and welcoming! I am so grateful to work in this very friendly and inclusive environment, and I look forward to coming into work and seeing all of the Bright Star family.

Sephra Light,

Client Services Coordinator.

I am currently a student at Douglas College in my third year of the Bachelor of Social Work program, where my passion for connecting with people and helping children thrive drives my academic journey. Working at Bright Star Counselling has been incredibly fulfilling, offering me new insights and experiences every day.

At Bright Star, I've enjoyed expanding my skills and building meaningful connections. Looking forward, I am eager to pursue a master's degree in Social Work, envisioning myself in an environment that values collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to helping others—much like the supportive and welcoming atmosphere at Bright Star.

Josie Latifpour,

Client Services Coordinator.

Hi! My name is Josie and I am currently a student at University of Western Ontario working to complete a double major in Political Science and International Relations.

I love working at Bright Star because of the opportunity to see and meet new faces everyday, whether that be families that come in, therapists or fellow front desk staff! Working in a receptionist role here has allowed me to understand the importance of a welcoming and inclusive work environment - which is exactly what Bright Star provides!

Haydn Pak,

Finance Manager.

I am currently finishing my degree at Simon Fraser University in Criminology, with a focus on legal studies as well as a minor in applied mathematics. Through experiences in and out of the classroom, I have learned to appreciate both the importance of mental health and the importance of creating this conversation from childhood.

Bright Star is a place filled with smiles, and everyone I meet at Bright Star, whether it be a therapist or a child, parent, or front desk staff, have been some of the friendliest I have ever met. Working here allows me to work in a setting I love, while doing what I can to help every child access different types of counselling services.

In the near future, I hope to attend law school and work towards my JD. With my degree, I plan on focusing on rehabilitation through mental health advocacy, and am glad I get to work at a place that allows me to strive towards that! When I'm not at work, you can find me on the beach or out exploring what BC's backyard has to offer!

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