Our Team

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Senior Counsellor (Professorial)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hello! My name is Anna-Lisa Ciccocioppo. I’m a Registered Psychologist with a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. My primary focus throughout my career has been on supporting post-secondary students’ mental health, taking into account their personal, career, and academic concerns from a whole person perspective. I believe that students are tremendously resourceful and have many strengths, and I strive to work with students in a collaborative way to achieve their goals while being mindful of the role of social location (both mine and that of the student). I draw from a number of perspectives to support students to facilitate the change process. I would describe myself as a generalist, while taking particular interest in anxiety, depression, social anxiety, career decision making, and academic success.

In addition to my counselling role, I also serve as the Training Coordinator in Student Wellness Services and am an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Werklund School of Education and relish the opportunity to support students who are entering the counselling profession.

In my free time, I enjoy various physical activities such as playing tennis, squash and running, listening to music, reading, and knitting.

Professional Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Pronouns: he/him/his
Associate Director, Counselling

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

My name is Edwin Morales and I’m a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work (Clinical Specialization). All my post-secondary education was completed here at the University of Calgary. In my counselling work my hope is to help clients learn new skills that may include learning to zoom in or out their perspective, to have hope, and to collaboratively explore alternatives. I am passionate about the intersectionality of clients based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation to name a few. I am competent at working within several counselling modalities. I am comfortable working with any topic, but I am passionate about working with clients on their self-esteem, social skills, relationship challenges/boundaries, and managing their focus, thoughts, and feelings. My other interests include working with clients who face ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia.

Outside of my counselling work my partner and I love hiking, spending time with our dog and with family and friends.

Professional Affiliations

Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: he/him/his
Senior Counsellor (Professorial)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

My name is Jeff Vander Werf and I’m a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology specializing in Counselling Psychology. When I’m not working one on one, I am facilitating workshops and groups on test anxiety or procrastination & motivation in my role as our Academic Success Coordinator. Every time I have met with a student, I have found something to appreciate, admire and respect. I focus on collaboratively finding strengths to make changes in emotions, thoughts and behaviours based on client determined goals.

When I’m not working, I’m listening to music, reading, watching movies, out walking or shopping at a local record store.

Professional Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Counsellor (Professorial)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hi! I’m Jennifer Thannhauser and I’m a Registered Psychologist with a PhD from UCalgary in Counselling Psychology. As human beings, we all have unique stories embedded within diverse contexts. I look to understand the stories we are told, and the stories we tell ourselves/others, as we strive to make sense out of our experiences. I use multiple lenses to approach counselling with the goal of meeting each of you where you’re at and collaborating toward change that is meaningful for you. I specialize in post-secondary mental health, which means I support students with a wide range of concerns. A few areas of interest are wellness & resilience, anxiety, relationships, loss, and living with a medical condition.

You might run into me outside of Student Wellness Services at various events/programs on campus or working up a sweat on the track in Kines. During evenings/weekends, you’re likely to find me outdoors (running, cycling, hiking) - training for my next race, cooking, or walking my dog.

Professional Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Counsellor (Instructor)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hi there. I’m Julie. I am a grateful visitor to Treaty 7 Territory, and I have completed undergraduate degrees in English and Secondary Education, and master’s degrees in English and Social Work (Clinical Specialization). I practice from a post-modern perspective using tools from Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy models. This means I am interested in people as experts in their own lives and taking a non-blaming approach to collaborating with them to respond to the problems they are up against.

I have worked with a post-secondary population for most of my career because I appreciate the excitement, possibility, and particular challenges of this phase of life. While I’m happy to join you in conversation about any challenge you are facing, my particular clinical interests include grief and loss, gender and sexuality, and anxiety. I strive to be intersectional in my practice, and work from an anti-racist, gender-inclusive, weight-neutral, trauma-informed stance. 

Outside of work, you can find me enjoying Calgary’s bike paths, reading, singing, and making art.

Professional Affiliations  

Alberta College of Social Workers
Canadian Association of Social Workers
Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Counsellor (Instructor)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hello! I’m Kaitlin van Geel, and I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology. My passion for counselling developed during my work as a teacher, as I found myself drawn to helping students with emotional and interpersonal concerns. I believe that each client has unique strengths, and my aim is to incorporate these strengths into the therapy process. While I am keen to work with clients on any problems that I can help with, I am particularly interested in anxiety, depression, relationship loss/decision making, motivation, loneliness, academic difficulties, and career-related concerns. I also enjoy co-facilitating workshops and groups on topics such as social anxiety and anger management.

Outside of work, I enjoy going for walks in Fish Creek Park, spending time with family and friends, and reading. I am also looking forward to being able to travel again!

Pronouns: he/him/his
Counsellor (Instructor)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hello! My name is Rob Elleker, and I am a registered psychologist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and I have also completed degrees in Law and Education. I practice from an integrative perspective using humanistic, cognitive behavioural, trauma-informed, and solution focused approaches. I love working with students, and in helping them in their paths of growth. I have past experiences working as a teacher, working as a guidance counsellor, and in crisis support work and counselling. I am a proud generalist, and love to explore interdisciplinary connections. My areas of passion revolve around the overlap between psychology, education, spirituality, politics, law, career development, and addiction/pharmacology. 

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with friends and family, playing guitar, watching sci fi, playing sports, and connecting with my community.

Professional Affiliations:

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sessional Counsellor

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

My name is Stephanie Foster. I am a Registered Psychologist and have been practicing since 2006.  Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work with children and families. This gave me the chance to learn how human beings develop across the lifespan, and how then impacts on now. These experiences gave me a passion for working with post-secondary students and adults, helping them to become the best version of themselves. I draw from many theoretical perspectives, but ultimately, each therapy is as unique as each person. My priority is on establishing an atmosphere of safety, while collaborating on the focus of our therapeutic work. My specific clinical interests include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and imposter syndrome.

In my spare time, I am often searching for the perfect cup of coffee.

Professional Affiliations:

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists Association of Alberta

Pronouns: He/Him
Counsellor (Instructor)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hi! I’m Thomas Ambrozaitis and I’m a registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Metropolitan Toronto University (formerly Ryerson University). I also completed undergraduate degrees from McMaster University: one in Social Work and the other in Philosophy and Religious Studies. I’m passionate about living a life with meaning, continuously learning and helping to create a more just and caring society for all members. I strive to live and practice from an anti-oppressive framework which means I help clients work on their personal challenges while also acknowledging and addressing the social context and factors that impact their life. I am trained in several counselling models. I am most passionate about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and have a robust experience working with suicidal and self-harming youth as well as helping individuals gain greater control over their emotions and their lives.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle of the mountains and am passionate about sustainability. I love to backcountry hike/camp all year round. I also love running, going to the gym, playing soccer, reading space sci-fi, PC gaming, and boardgames.

Professional Affiliations:

Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sessional Counsellor

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

My name is Kailee Kirkland. I am a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work (Clinical Specialization). I strive to build a collaborative and safe space for clients to explore the issues they have brought with them into counselling.

I use integrated approaches to therapy combining emotional, cognitive and somatic knowledge to help clients explore alternative perspectives as well as build skills to cope with challenges. I believe in utilizing a holistic approach to wellness – supporting clients to draw on their inner resources and enhance their strengths.

While I hope that I can support clients with a wide range of concerns, a few areas I am particularly interested in include anxiety, depression, relationships, parenting support, and living with chronic illness.

In my free time I enjoy creating pottery, reading, travelling, nature, and spending time with friends and family.

Professional Affiliations:
Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: she/her
Counsellor (Instructor)

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hi! My name is Lori.  My education includes a diploma in Illustration and a Masters degree in clinical Social work. I approach counselling through a social justice and post-modern lens. My professional background as a therapist spans 14 years and includes counselling with several non-profits, family and couples work, and private practice. My approaches are varied but are mainly situated in Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Collaborative, Trauma-Informed and Response-Based practice.  I am passionate about discovering the strengths, skills, and values that allow us to survive hard times, and also believe these hardships do not define who we are as people.

I welcome conversations about any topic (nothing is off-limits!) but my particular interests include relationship challenges of all kinds, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexuality, and trauma. I am always interested in how race, gender, and ability intersect with the problems and the privileges we experience.

I’m also a mom of 2 teenagers, an artist, a river-walker, and a really terrible athlete. Looking forward to meeting you!

Professional Affiliations  

Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sessional Counsellor

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

My name is Stephanie Foster. I am a Registered Psychologist and have been practicing in Calgary since 2006. I have provided short and long-term psychotherapy in a variety of settings, joining Student Wellness Services in 2015. I aim to help students feel heard, respected, and understood as we collaborate on the focus of therapeutic work. My specific clinical interests include depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.

Professional Affiliations:

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists Association of Alberta

(on leave)

Pronouns: She/Her
Neurodiversity Student Support Advisor

Hello! My name is Kirstin Kot and I am part of the Student Support Advising Team. My role is to support neurodivergent students through supportive conversations/check-ins, coping strategies/goal setting, and assisting students with accessing appropriate services and resources. Some students that I work with may or may not identify as having ADHD or Autism. I also work with students who are looking to explore their identity around neurodiversity.

Some of my interests outside of work include collecting houseplants, travelling, watching Avant Garde makeup shows, and spending time with my 3 cats – Dora, Luna, and Bean.

Professional Affiliations:

Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: She/Her
Student Support Advisor

Hi! My name is Megan MacKay, I am a registered social worker and a student support advisor with Student Wellness Services. I received a Bachelor in Communication in Journalism from Mount Royal University in 2017, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary in 2019. My entire life, I have been very interested in exploring people’s stories and very curious about how we interact with the world around us.

My primary responsibility in this role is to provide coordinated care support to students accessing mental health services through the university. This can look like everything from regular, supportive check-ins, to working on goal-setting and accountability, to helping students navigate systems to access the supports and resources that are right for them. I also work on the prevention and early intervention side of things by facilitating training to the campus community on topics like mental health literacy, suicide prevention, and helping skills. I am very passionate about helping to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention and about improving our capacity as a community to respond to mental health concerns and take care of one another. My favourite part of my job is working with our student volunteers to coordinate the Peer Listening program. I am a big believer in peer support and its critical role in the overall umbrella of mental health services. I especially like how it helps break down power differentials that can often be present in a formal helping relationship.

When I’m not at work, my favourite thing in the entire world to do is trail running. I also love hiking, music festivals, playing softball with my friends, traveling, and listening to podcasts (Reply All and Heavyweight, especially).

Professional Affiliations:

Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pronouns: She/Her
Harm Reduction Student Support Advisor 

Hello! My name is Naomi Den Haan and I am a Registered Social Worker and a Student Support Advisor with Student Wellness Services. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary and have experience working in many areas of the Human Services field.  Something I value as a Social Worker is supporting those with whom I work to make well-informed, self-guided choices while encouraging compassionate curiosity and critical thought.

In my role as Harm Reduction Student Support Advisor, I am here to help UCalgary community members practice curiosity around their relationship with substance use while implementing strategies that reduce risk. This can happen through supportive check-ins, information sharing, exploring resource options, and identifying sustainable goals and next steps. Harm Reduction Support Advisor sessions can be helpful whether you are wanting to discuss your own substance use or are feeling impacted by the substance use of a loved one.

In my spare time, I am likely with my cat, Simon. I also enjoy creativity through art, food, music, and movement.

Professional Affiliations:

Alberta College of Social Workers 

Pronouns: She/Her
Indigenous Student Support Advisor

Hanna is the Indigenous Student Support Advisor with Student Wellness Services and Writing Symbols Lodge. She is a Registered Social Worker from NunatuKavut, Labrador and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. She has experience working with the unhoused community, post-secondary recovery programming, community and program development, employment services for justice-involved adults, and permanent supportive housing. She is a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities, harm reduction, and access to mental health and wellness services.

Outside of work, Hanna enjoys hanging out with her golden retriever, Archie, paddleboarding, crafting (beading, macrame, crocheting, sewing), travelling, yoga, and going to the gym. She also co-founded and manages the Calgary Pop-Up Care Village, a festival aimed at supporting individuals experiencing systemic vulnerabilities such as houselessness, mental health and addiction, employment barriers, and food insecurity.

Professional Affiliations:

Alberta College of Social Workers

Pronouns: She/Her
Mental Health & Wellbeing Specialist

Hi! My name is Rachel Sheinfeld, and I’m a Registered Nurse and Mental Health & Wellbeing Specialist with Student Wellness Services. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Biology (2017) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2021), both from the University of British Columbia.

As a Registered Nurse, I’m passionate about helping people feel supported and informed in making decisions that promote their health and wellbeing. My passion for mental health was ignited during my time working and volunteering at Distress Centre Calgary, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of mental health and addiction struggles on individuals' ability to thrive.

I take a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the complex interplay between physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. I believe that compassionate care means considering all aspects of a person’s life to empower them on their journey to wellness.

As a Mental Health & Wellbeing Specialist, I provide guidance and support to students facing mental health and wellbeing challenges. This includes helping with goal setting, offering referrals, and connecting students to the appropriate services. My goal is to bridge the gap between needing support and accessing it, ensuring timely and effective care.

When I’m not working, you can find me singing, working out, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a good book!

Professional Affiliations: 

College of Registered Nurses of Alberta