• • Administration

    Cory Hrushka, M.A., DST., CCS, Registered Psychologist - Executive Director
    Doreen LeBlanc - Office Manager

  • Psychological Services

    Cory Hrushka, M.A., DST, CCS., Registered Psychologist
    ASECT Certified Diplomate in Sex Therapy
    AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor
    Certified Clinical Sexologist
    Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology #05186

• Administrative Support Staff

  Tammy Knight

Cory is a certified (Diplomate) Sex Therapist/ and Supervisor, an Associate in Sex Education and a Clinical Sexologist. Cory provides psychological/forensic assessment services and counselling to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Although he uses numerous psychological approaches to achieve client success, his foundation is in client-centered cognitive behavioural therapy. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Re-processing (EMDR) techniques for recurrent traumatic images and post traumatic stress disorder issues as well as Clinical Hypnosis. His other expertise is in Family violence and Anger management. He is also trained in forensic and custody/access assessment issues.

Cory is also frequently contacted by magazines and major newspapers for interviews and has often been quoted in print on topics related to sexuality, relationships and violence issues. He has been quoted in the Edmonton Journal, the Edmonton and Toronto Sun, and See Magazine to name a few and Cory has been a regular guest on Access/Help T.V. and has also made guest appearances on CBC T.V., CBC radio and A Channel.

Larry Keown, Ph.D., Registered PsychologistDr. Larry Keown is an adaptive, people oriented psychologist with over twenty years experience in both research and direct client services crafting innovative solutions that build upon established directions and discover useful new ones at both the client and the organizational level. His professional strengths include a broad cross-cultural knowledge of people, well honed research and program evaluation skills, exceptional communication, listening, and narrative skills; as well as, a willingness to learn from and work collaboratively with the organisation's team at all levels. As a flexible, action oriented professional, Larry does not take himself too seriously; rather, he recognizes the cultural diversity, strengths, and needs of the people with whom he works, and strives to carry out effective formal and informal negotiations leading to positive outcomes for all concerned.

Shannon Bannerman, M.A., Registered PsychologistShannon has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Her eclectic approach is primarily client centered along with cognitive behavioural techniques. Shannon is trained in sandtray therapy and art therapy. She is knowledgeable in the issues surrounding adoption and adoption reunion counselling as well as attachment issues. divorce, separation, self-esteem and depression are also her areas of knowledge.

Melodie Sanford, M.A., Provisionally Registered PsychologistMelodie is a Masters level professional with outstanding academic training and quality clinical experience providing direct psychotherapy treatment services to individuals, couples, and families. Melodie utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment with an emphasis on client-centered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Melodie has worked with a variety of clients of different cultures, abilities and ages experiencing a range of difficulties including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual assault/sexual abuse, self-esteem, substance abuse/recovery, domestic violence, crisis, suicide, anger management, sexuality, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues, career development, life transitions, grief and loss, and relationship issues. Her background has also included focused work with survivors of sexual assault and psychoeducation.

Sian Roberts, M.Sc. MFT, Marriage and Family Therapist, Provisionally Registered PsychologistSian received her Masters degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. Her work in marriage and family therapy is based on research findings that clearly indicate that individuals and their problems are best seen in context, particularly the context of the family. As such, her training in psychotherapy and family systems gears her towards bringing a family-oriented perspective to mental health care, delivered in a person-centered, safe, non-judgemental, and nurturing environment. This knowledge and approach channels her abilities into helping clients, either individuals, couples or families, resolve difficulties in a number of areas, including, but not limited to, couples and families in crisis, domestic violence, children/adolescents/adult children and their parents, families coping with divorce and/or step-family issues, families dealing with medical crises, gay/lesbian issues, marriage preparation, depression, coping with stress, anger management, post-traumatic stress disorder, group therapy, communication skills, psychological assessments, and self-esteem and personal growth. Sian also has a strong interest in psycho-education. She has experience teaching courses and offering coaching sessions in a variety of topics ranging from anger management to couples communication.

Doris M. Kieser, PhD, Certified Canadian Counsellor Doris M. Kieser has a Masters in Counselling Psychology (Gonzaga University, Spokane), a Masters in Theology (University of St. Michael's College, Toronto), and a PhD in Secondary Education (University of Alberta, Edmonton). Doris maintains a special interest in the well-being of women and children in the home and brings a strong background of education and research in health, ethics, sexuality, and spirituality to her Counselling work. Her Counselling focus is with adolescent girls and women, and she works extensively with issues related to abuse.

Primrose Igonor M. CL.P (Clinical Psychology), Provisionally Registered PsychologistPrimrose Igonor brings a wealth of experience spanning different countries including South Africa, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and more recently Canada. During these periods, she managed a private practice, worked as a Trainer and also taught Psychology at graduate and undergraduate levels. Her over 10 years of experience includes demonstrating expertise in Counselling adults, children, individuals and families. She has also conducted assessments in a variety of areas including intelligence, neuro-psychological and personality. She utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment with an emphasis on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. She is particularly keen and focused on working with immigrants and refugees around issues of bi-cultural parenting and culture shock.

Nina Russell, M.A., Provisionally Registered PsychologistNina is a Masters level professional with outstanding academic training and quality clinical experience providing direct psychotherapy treatment services to families, individuals and couples. She has worked with a variety of clients of different cultures, abilities and ages experiencing a range of difficulties including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse/recovery, domestic violence, anger management and relationship issues.

Sean Rogers, M.A., Registered PsychologistReceived his Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Is experienced in assessment and therapy for a wide range of concerns including depression, adoption and attachment issues, family and marital difficulties and stress management. Has facilitated groups and conducted seminars about parenting, coping with stress, anger management, as well as social and communication skills. Knowledgeable about childhood and adult development, adoption issues, attachment and bonding, sexual abuse and meditation and relaxation techniques. Trained in playtherapy for young children. Works with adults, children and teens. Conducts psycho-educational, behavioural/emotional, custody/access and parenting assessments.

Eunice Johannson Ph.D, Registered PsychologistNeuropsychological Services

• • Red Deer Location

    Renuka Sanghvi, M.A., Registered Psychologist
    Renuka Sanghvi is Registered Provisional Psychologist, based in Red Deer. She brings with her 20 years of professional experience as well as cultural flavor of having served as a psychologist in India and New Zealand. Renuka endeavors to assist individuals, couples and families using a holistic approach. Her expertise in the areas of psychological assessments include, psycho-educational, psycho-diagnostics with a strong understanding of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV TR, Aspergers, Borderline Personality Disorder and Forensic Risk Assessments. Renuka provides an eclectic approach to treatment with emphasis on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for clients diagnosed with BPD, EMDR for trauma, Biofeedback training for anxiety and chronic pain management, expressive therapy using sand, play and art, family and couples therapy. Her focus is in enabling individuals and families to work towards a more rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle. Renuka is passionate in her commitment to her clients and strives to enhance individuals' strengths by transcending the ordinary, making life more meaningful, enriching interpersonal relationships, and experiencing work as pleasure. Renuka is also involved in working with organizations with regards to workplace issues such as conflict management, communication and leadership training, through coaching and mentoring.

    Forrest Maridas, MA, Provisionally Registered Psychologist
    Professional member of BC Art Therapy Association

    "Through being authentic, calm, and respectful I hope to assist others to journey into self awareness, understanding themselves better. By modelling this behaviour, I contribute to positive change for myself, others, and the community." Forrest completed her Masters degree in Clinical Counselling Psychology & has a Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy from Antioch University, Seattle. Forrest also has additional training in process psychology, anti-oppression, group consensus, mediation, & facilitation.

    In the twelve years she has dedicated to social service Forrest has been fortunate to work with a wide array of client populations including the differently abled (disabled), clients with multicultural backgrounds, and individuals questioning their gender and sexual orientations; with a personal passion for working with transgender, lesbian, bisexual, and gay youth and adults. In addition, Forrest has been the primary therapist for children, families, couples, and groups.

    Forrest is passionate about supporting and encouraging her clients so they may grow to their full potential. This process moves into many realms, including the inner experience and aspects of the world around her/him and accessing core understanding about what meaning your life has.
    
    She believes that Individual therapy can be a powerful tool for change in life, relationships, and how one moves through the world. She also has experience with mental health issues, family of origin issues, abuse, trauma, attachment and abandonment.

  • Within the couple and family therapy area, Forrest believes that bringing multiple family members into therapy to work on difficulties brings the situations that occur at home, in front of the therapist/mediator, can change the unhealthy patterns. She does couples and family therapy working on healthy communication, how the role of "fighting" plays out and how to transform it, parent/child conflict, parenting skills, developmental learning, relationship stability, blended families, enmeshment, differentiation for young adult or adult daughters/sons, co-parenting, boundaries, house rules, and many other issues facing familial groups.

    Forrest has found art therapy to be a crucial tool in communicating with withdrawn, non-verbal, and developmentally delayed folks. She has her theoretical orientation based in Process Psychology, a blending of Eastern concepts of wellness, the Tao, with ideas of awareness of change, process, and “gender freedom” (i.e. feminist theory).

• • Grande Prairie

    Janette Strokappe, M.Sc., Registered Psychologist
    Jan comes to the work of Marriage & Family Counselling as her chosen second career. Her life experiences drew her to a desire to give back to her community, offering hope to those who are struggling. Jan works with a wide range of individual, couple & family issues, helping people find new ways of relating to one another. She is a candidate for certification in sex therapy and works with a variety of sexual and intimacy issues. Jan is also a licenced Veterinarian and work with pet erlated therapy.

  • Calgary Location

    Shelley Hanna M.A., Registered Psychologist
    Shelley Hanna has a Master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Seattle. She has been working with children, adolescents, families and adults for over ten years, with the goal to assist them in reaching their highest potential. Depression, anxiety, family conflict and marital issues are all areas of experience in her practice. In addition, addressing children's behaviour problems, attachment issues, family stress and separation, and pre-adoptive preparation are professional strengths. Shelley's approach to Counselling includes keeping an awareness of the lifetime of strengths and experience that each person brings, as well as their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioural techniques and family systems approach is also utilized in assessing a course of action. Shelley has a background of mindfulness and meditation consideration and practice, as well as the connection between body and mind health. Shelley also holds interest in working with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, children's issues, cultural diversity considerations, and creative therapies.