Our Humans
We have a team of rad humans helping other humans.
Therapists
Founder
Ashley Wanamaker, MC
Registered Psychologist
My name is Ashley Wanamaker (she/her) and I’m a Registered Psychologist, accidental Tik Tok therapist, Founder of Being Human Club (BHC), and colonizer who lives and works on Treaty 7 land in Mohkínstsis, also known as Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
As a white woman in Canada, BHC is my attempt to use my privilege to help dismantle systems of oppression, and advocate for marginalized communities, on an individual and systemic basis.
In other words, I’m a messy human, who somehow managed to get some of the smartest and most skilled humans she knows to create an inclusive mental health space during a pandemic.
Just like humans, BHC is composed of many parts. BHC is a safe and inclusive space. BHC is social justice. BHC is weird. BHC is therapeutic. BHC is Queer. BHC is advocacy. BHC is trauma-informed. BHC is a resource centre. BHC is punk. BHC is a start up. BHC is feminist. BHC is community. BHC is creative. BHC is messy and imperfect.
Ultimately, BHC is a place to reclaim the art of being human.
Co-Founder
Megan Kontrimas, MC
Registered Psychologist
Megan Kontrimas (she/her) is our resident introvert, particularly on social media, but if you are lucky you may catch sight of her awesome awkwardness on our IG stories every once in a while. Megan is a Registered Psychologist, the co-founder of BHC, and although she is pretty risk-averse, she dove headfirst into an amazing opportunity to develop a feminist mental health centre with some of the best humans she knows.
Indira Caro, MC, RPsych
www.indiracaro.ca
I’m Indira (she/her), a first generation Canadian originally from Colombia. I completed a BA in Psychology and a Master of Counselling at the University of Calgary. I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
I am also a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional and an EMDR trained therapist. My work experience includes anxiety, depression, multicultural counselling, PTSD, trauma, loss and grief, anger management, and life transitions. I use evidence based approaches to support my clients and their needs.
I believe counselling is a calling, and it stems from an inner drive to support others in finding a sense of fulfillment and belonging. I feel honoured to be part of my clients' stories, and I am constantly inspired by their courage and positive intention to change and undergo personal growth.
I believe that engaging in a collaborative therapeutic process can help people live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Thus, my goal is to provide caring, compassionate, and accepting support to set the foundation for a trusting relationship. I use a client-centred, holistic approach since I believe in the interconnection of mind, body and emotions, and in the importance of experiencing a whole life.
I offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments in English and Spanish. I provide counselling to pre-teens, adolescents and adults.
Michelle Dubiel, MSW, RSW
Meet Michelle Dubiel (she/her). She is a Registered Social Worker who works with individuals (adults and teens). You can find Michelle at BHC in the evenings and on Saturdays as she currently has two work “homes.” Being at BHC was such an easy decision because of not only the underlying values as well as the incredible individuals that spear headed the space to become alive.
Michelle is originally from Windsor, Ontario which sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie. Michelle was called out to make Mohkínstsis aka Calgary her home after completing school. In her spare time, you can catch Michelle spending time with her not one but two dogs. Michelle enjoys exploring the outdoors, wandering aimlessly around the city, and drinking copious amounts of tea.
For many people, lives can feel so busy and non-stop. Michelle strives in providing individuals a space to slow down and reconnect with themselves. She brings a individualistic approach to therapy as there is no “one size fits all.” She tailors sessions with a focus on feeling, understanding, and addressing root concerns while working with the mind and body. Michelle brings her personality (hello humour) and humanity into each session. Be prepared to laugh and cry all in one session!
Michelle is currently not accepting new clients however, is accepting clients for wait list for the near future.
Joanna Nowotarski, MC, RPsych
www.jncounselling.ca
Hi there! My name is Joanna Nowotarski (she/her) and I am a Registered Psychologist. I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults who are experiencing trauma impacts, anxiety, depression, and general mental health challenges. Over the past few years, I have been able to develop my skills and passion for working with individuals who have experienced sexual violence, recognizing its multifaceted and multilayered challenges and injustices on the individual and community.
My goal is to provide my clients with a genuine and safe space to share their experiences. I approach every client and their challenges as an ally; appreciating each person’s uniqueness and individuality, and recognizing that individuals are the agents of their own healing and change.
Adrienne Krause, MC
Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified Canadian Counsellor.
Hello! It’s so great to see you. I’m Adrienne (she/her), and I’m a Registered Provisional Psychologist and Certified Canadian Counsellor. I hold a Masters of Art Degree in Counselling Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a focus in family and gender studies. I have a keen interest in working with individuals and couples, from teens to adults, and from all walks of life, who may be struggling with identity, trauma, life transitions, family/relationship issues, neurodivergence, and general issues related to mental health and well-being. My goal is to help empower you to live a full and meaningful life, and to find out what that means for you.
I am of the belief that people need people. Thus, my therapy is relationship driven. I will meet you in your humanness- imperfect, messy, stressed, depressed, anxious, confused- all of it. I strive to embody philosophies of inclusion, intersectionality, feminism, and non-judgement.
I operate from primarily existential, trauma-informed, and humanistic approaches. I believe that therapy isn’t one size fits all and tailor my approach based off my experience and understanding of your needs.
When I’m not connecting with clients, you can find me trying to make my son laugh, running and attempting other various sweaty endeavours, reading the latest psychology/fantasy/mystery novels, or taking a nap.
Lauren Cowley, MC
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Hey there! I’m Lauren, a Canadian Certified Counsellor equipped with a Master of Counselling degree, and a knack for making the tough stuff feel a little less overwhelming. In our sessions, there is the invitation to cozy up with a warm cup of tea, slow down, and reconnect with yourself, practicing self-acceptance through exploration. I believe that what we truly need is to feel like we truly belong and that we are enough, especially when the most unloved and neglected parts of ourselves show up. From a place of gentleness and curiosity, I aim to help you navigate the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that seem too big to carry alone. Because, sometimes, healing begins with the permission to embrace our messy, imperfect selves.
My unique background as a long-time yoga teacher and professional figure skater informs my holistic therapy approach that understands that healing is multi-faceted and isn’t confined to talk therapy alone. I tailor my sessions to each client, including the opportunity (if it fits) to utilize creativity, art, movement, & mindfulness. This often looks like exploring the mind-body connection to help clients make sense of the sometimes conflicting experiences between what they think and believe & what they feel and experience. I also believe that relationships are vital to our well-being, and can bring us back home to ourselves. As such, I offer trauma-informed movement and yoga sessions at Being Human Club, where we get to bond and heal in the safe container of our community. It is truly a gift to share this sacred space with others, as we learn to find safety and joy within movement and our bodies.
I am currently accepting new clients, for both individual (adult and adolescent) and couples therapy. When I’m not in counsellor mode, you can find me in the mountains rock climbing or hiking with my two rascal golden retrievers, initiating impromptu dance parties, learning new songs on the guitar and piano, keeping my indoor jungle alive, and brushing up on my dad jokes and gen-z lingo.
Dr. Elisabeth Saxton, PsyD
Registered Psychologist
Elisabeth (She/Her) is a clinical psychologist providing assessment services for adults as well as supervision for provisional psychologists. She is licensed in British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. As a consultant, she can provide clinical opinions and is available to educational events/workshops. Elisabeth’s areas of expertise include trauma, persistent pain, occupational health, and program development.
Elisabeth is currently accepting new inquiries.
Angela Chan, MC
Registered Psychologist
Having worked in both private practice and agency settings, Angela has honed her strength and passion for supporting individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, anger, addiction, abuse, family/relationship stress, and faith-based trauma. Additionally, Angela specializes in working with self-identified people-pleasers, who struggle with over-giving, burnout, and issues of self-worth.
Angela views counselling as a collaborative process, approaching change both relationally and holistically. Her approach encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of well-being.
Having been in the client chair herself, Angela knows the value of having a safe space to share and develop personalized strategies to take the next step, and she strives to provide nuanced and culturally-sensitive support that is tailored to her clients’ strengths and unique situations. Therapy changed Angela’s life, and she is passionate about her call to empower clients to reclaim joy, gain peace, and take steps towards their own definition of a life worth living.
It is Angela’s honour to provide practical and trauma-informed care to adults, couples, and youth (12+) Alberta. With curiosity and compassion, you can plan, explore, and journey alongside her.
Angela is currently accepting new clients.
Sarah Kinnie, MSW
Registered Social Worker
https://counsellingsk.janeapp.com
Meet Sarah Kinnie!
Sarah is a Registered Social Worker who works individually from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens with adult humans experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma. Sarah is trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Expressive Arts Therapy.
Sarah is known around BHC for her deep compassion, boundless curiosity, and strong sense of humour. If you’re ready to laugh and cry in the same session, Sarah may be the right therapist for you.
Sarah is currently accepting new clients!
My work is rooted in bodily autonomy and consent as overarching principles, and I see these as extending into all areas of life. From freedom of religion, to ongoing decolonization and anti-oppressive practices, to sex and sexuality, to gender identity and expression, to fat liberation and body emancipation, and on and on I firmly believe that each person has the innate human right to do with their body, heart, and mind whatever they see fit so long as it doesn’t take away or limit the same right for every living being. This also means that I get to hear stories with genuine curiosity and awe, because there is no singular “right way” to live.
Part of my work that I love dearly is how I get to use therapeutic documents. These documents take many creative shapes and forms, including letters, stories, and, most commonly, poetry. The goal of these documents is to hold the heart of the conversation that we’ve had and give us a place to start our next conversation, but it also gives me a chance to say, “Hey, am I understanding you right?” This means that I will bring a creative something to our second session and beyond, written just for you, that are inspired by and hold your words. I freely admit it can be odd to sign up to have someone read a poem about you to you, but my sincere hope is that we get to marvel at the healing power of our words and perspectives as we look back on how far you’ve already come.
I am currently accepting new clients through my private practice (New Authorship Narrative Therapy) at the Being Human Club, and I can’t wait to meet you!
Heather Samarron ,M.S.W
Registered Social Worker
www.NewAuthorshipNarrative.com
My name is Heather Samarron (they/them or she/her), I am a Registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers and hold a Bachelors and Master of Social Work degrees, and I specialize in the practice of Contemporary Feminist Narrative Therapy (CFNT) and Sex Therapy through a CNFT lens! What all this means to clients is that I bring a person-in-society, trauma-informed approach to understanding your stories and experiences, exactly as they happened to you, and all from the perspective that people are not problems but that people live alongside problems all the time. Striving to understand exactly who you are, what stories you carry, and the context in which our lives take place can help as we strategize exactly what freedom looks like to you and how you can truly become the author of your next chapters.
Piper Menini
Registered Dietician
Hi! I'm Piper Menini, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. As a weight inclusive, and trauma informed dietitian, I love helping clients unpack and explore their relationships with food and body. These conversations are often sticky, complicated and messy and I'm here for helping you weave through all of it! I truly believe that learning to live at peace with food and our bodies is when we can be our most authentic selves and I'm here to help you discover what's most important to you.
I have special interests and have completed additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating, intuitive eating, body image, mental health and neurodivergent affirming care and women's health. I also help humans navigate chronic health conditions without needing to strictly diet.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time hiking, trying new ice cream flavours and listening to podcasts. Staying connected with friends and family over game nights is regularly a highlight of my week.
I'm accepting new in person and virtual clients!
Sanam Amiri
Registered Psychologist
https://thoughtsinhoneypsychology.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1
Hi! My name is Sanam Amiri (she/her) and I am a Registered Psychologist. I am a humanistic, person-centred therapist with a passion for supporting others through the various transitions and changes of life. I believe in providing compassionate, integrative and responsive care in therapy spaces.
I am passionate about working with humans to support and understand ones’ individual needs. From there, we can collaboratively identify goals and hopes for counselling. Our work could include: talk therapy, acceptance and commitment theory, values and strengths based support, somatic and nervous system perspectives and culturally responsive support.
I believe that entering a therapy space is a brave and courageous experience; I value all the things and parts of you that you bring to sessions and hope to walk along side you offering support, perspective and insights as you find your way forward
The therapy and psychology world is growing and becoming a more inclusive, trauma-informed and (even more) evidence-based space; staying close to new literature, research and new ways of seeing the world is an important pillar for me as a human and as a clinician.
I am currently accepting new clients (teens and adults).
Theresa Rybchinski,
BKin, MSW, RSW
Welcome! My name is Theresa Rybchinski (she/her) and I am a Registered Social Worker. I completed my Master of Clinical Social Work degree with a specialization in Addiction and Mental Health. My passion is working alongside people seeking to overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, substance use disorders and/or addiction, burnout and other stress-related concerns. As a body-centred and somatic-based therapist trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.), my approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive. I draw from polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, liberation psychology, attachment theory, and internal family systems and weave this into my work with you.
I’ve worked in the field of Social Work for eight years in harm reduction, Indigenous communities and programs, and addiction treatment centers. Becoming a part of the Being Human Club aligns beautifully with my values of social justice-orientated care. Integrating my professional experience with my personal lived experience of overcoming my mental health challenges, I strive to create a space of comfort, compassion and empathy for you to understand what happened to you, to feel witnessed in your humanness, to build capacity, expand resilience and move into a place of empowerment to heal.
Outside of work, you will find me adventuring in nature—rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking. I also cherish time with loved ones and my practices of movement, writing, and meditation. I nerd out reading anything trauma-related I can get my hands on and have been told to read more novels, which is something I am integrating more of into my world ;)
I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey and supporting you in navigating the messiness of being human together.
I am currently accepting new clients both in person and over telehealth.
Stephen Sills,
MC, Registered Psychologist
My name is Stephen (he/him) and I'm a registered psychologist. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment, so that we can comfortably understand and explore your challenges, experiences, and hopes for the future. I hope to help guide you through the process of change by assisting you in taking new perspectives, developing deeper understandings about your challenges, utilizing your strengths and resources, and defining actionable ways to move forwards that are guided by your values. My perspective is client-centred, emotion-focussed, and strengths-based, and our sessions would serve to help you feel safe, inspire hope, and assist you in creating meaningful change.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and I have experience working with individuals experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, identity, ADHD, neurodivergence, motivation, suicidality, and mental toughness. My counselling approach is flexible and adapts to best meet your needs, while drawing from evidence-based interventions.
Finding a therapist and initiating counselling can be challenging and intimidating, but making it this far is a huge step. If you are wanting to increase your motivation, chart your path, and feel more empowered then you have come to the right place. If you believe we may be a good fit, please reach out via phone/ email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Genny Tevlin, MSW
Registered Social Worker
https://www.thenooktherapy.com/
Hello! My name is Genny. I am a registered social worker, currently pursuing the designation as a registered clinical social worker. I support folks who have experienced all types of trauma, with specialization in sexual violence or anyone that is feeling sad, confused, stuck or stressed about their life, patterns of behaviour or relationships. When I meet a new client, I make space to acknowledge and appreciate the bravery and strength that went into making it to the therapy room. I know therapy can feel scary, so I strive to make it a comfortable, cozy and safe place for folks to explore who they are and work towards authentically connecting with themselves in new and healing ways.
I ground my practice in humanistic and feminist theory and acknowledge that every individual is the expert of their own experience and healing journey. I believe the relationship is the most important part of the therapeutic process and use a gentle while direct approach to collaborate with folks in reconnecting or strengthening their own connection to themselves and their intuition. I bring my whole self to the therapy room and believe in the healing power of incorporating moments of joy and humour into sessions.
My practice is rooted in somatic therapy modalities, meaning I focus on the importance of trusting the innate wisdom of the body to work towards nurturing mind, body and spirit connection. I am also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and work largely from this perspective. IFS Parts work can help folks to identify and shift patterns of behaviour or beliefs that may have been necessary at one time in their life but are no longer serving them, leading to more harmony and self-acceptance within the person.
Outside of work I spend my time hanging with my senior dog Blue, hitting up a yoga or exercise class or trying out new plant-based recipes. My guilty pleasures include watching and analyzing reality TV personas in-depth.
I am currently accepting both online and in-person clients, and have daytime, evening and weekend availability.
Sarah Dent, MC
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hey there! I’m Sarah, and my pronouns are she/her.
First, a bit about me as a human:
I’m Metis, with Cree and English lineage, and was born and raised in Alberta. Today, I live and work in Moh’kinsstis / Calgary, and am thrilled to be part of the BHC community. I’m a partner of 10 years and a mom to a tiny human and two not-so-tiny dogs. When I have time to myself I’m usually at home playing video games, DIY-ing something, gardening, or streaming sci-fi/horror or animated shows. I’m a terrible cook, bad at math, and dislike large crowds, although I do enjoy visiting Calgary’s many breweries and city parks.
I have lived experience of mental health challenges (including postpartum) and am a counselling client myself.
Now a bit about me as a therapist:
I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a graduate degree in Counselling Psychology. I spent 10 years working and volunteering with mental health non-profits, supporting folks facing a variety of challenges, including members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. These experiences set a strong foundation for how I approach counselling: I see the whole person in front of me, and consider how not only psychological factors, but how systems, culture, identity, class, oppression, early life, relationships – and all their intersections – impact mental health.
I like to describe my therapeutic style as “right brained”. The right brain is typically associated with implicit memory, self-awareness, emotional processing, meaning making, and non-verbal communication. While some therapy focuses on left-brain activities such as logic and analysis, I use techniques that go deeper.
Central to my approach is relational/cultural theory, attachment theory, and humanistic therapy. I utilize emotion-focused, internal family systems, and narrative therapies with individuals, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy with couples.
You can check out my website at www.sarahdentcounselling.ca to learn more, or send me an email at sarahdentcounselling@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting you!
Elaine Li, MACP
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Hi, thanks for stopping by! I’m Elaine, and I’m deeply passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges and discover their true selves. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
As a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), I specialize in working with adults who are managing ADHD, trauma, and the pressures of career and family life. I use therapeutic approaches such as CBT, EMDR, and SFBT, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, I aim to create a culturally sensitive and inclusive space where clients feel supported.
Outside of therapy, I’m a lifelong learner. Songwriting on my guitar and learning French are two ways I stay curious and remind myself that personal growth is an ongoing journey. Life can be messy, but embracing our imperfections is a powerful step toward living authentically. I’m honoured to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
I’m currently accepting new clients! Book a free 15-minute consultation today.