Our mental health services 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
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: he/him/his
Associate Director, Counselling

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 Shelley Liu. I’m a Registered Provisional Psychologist and I hold a Master’s of Science in Counselling Psychology. I draw from various therapeutic perspectives, including psychodynamic theory, existential philosophy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness. I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they explore what matters most to them, what may be getting in the way, and the patterns they wish to better understand or change. My clinical areas of interest include depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, and challenges related to academic success, such as procrastination and perfectionism. 

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, and spending time with friends and family over a board game.  

Professional Affiliations:

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists Association of Alberta

Stephanie Foster, MC, Registered Psychologist

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

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sessional Counsellor

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hello, my name is Tafadzwa (Taffy) Mavimba. I am a Registered Social Worker with a background in business management and a Master of Social Work (Clinical Specialization) from the University of Calgary. In my practice, I draw from Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to create a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered.

I use a culturally responsive and affirming approach, meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them as they reflect on their experiences, values, and hopes for change. I have a special interest in supporting young adults navigating depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, and feelings of hopelessness. Together, we focus on building practical skills, finding clarity, and moving toward meaningful change.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, watching reality TV, and spending time with my kids.

Professional Affiliations:
Alberta College of Social Workers

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
Indigenous Therapist

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

ᐅᑭᒫᐘᐱᐤ ᐃᐢᑵᐤ

okimawapiw iskwew

Miist Kiiotsskoisisttsi

Lisa L’Hirondelle

My Cree spirit name is Boss Lady Sitting Woman. My Blackfoot name is Mountain Bluebird Woman. 

I am Métis Cree/French. I am a member of The Otipemisiwak Métis Government. My father's family (Blyan, Lewis) is from Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement and my mother's family (L’Hirondelle- which means “the swallow”) is from the Lac La Nonne, St. Alberta areas and Papaschase First Nation. My maternal grandmother’s family (Boudreau/Okanes) settled on a road allowance on the Vermilion River in Vermilion Alberta. I was born in Treaty 6 territory and now reside in Treaty 7 territory.

I am a nehiyaw onîsôhkamâkêw (Cree helper) in wellness. I align my practice with ways that promote connection and relationship as a pathway to healing as well as connecting to our own wisdom and medicines as Indigenous people. I am trained in Indigenous Focusing Orientated Therapy which is client-centered, body-centered, land-based and strength-based. 

I also enjoy the land, food and beading.

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: he/him/his
Counsellor (Instructor)

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: 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: she/her/hers
Counsellor

Clinical/Counselling Interests:

Hi! My name is Gisele Trottier. I’m a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Counselling from the University of Calgary and a background in education and school counselling. I love working with people from all backgrounds and all walks of life to help make sense of our rich, sometimes confusing life stories. I integrate a number of different theories and counselling elements in my work drawing from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused, Narrative, Positive Psychology, EMDR and CBT. My areas of interest include mindfulness, relationships, life transitions, grief, loss, and contemplative approaches to psychology. 
In my spare time, you'll find me spending time with loved ones, cooking, being in nature and losing track of time with a hobby or a good book.

Professional Affiliations:

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists Association of Alberta

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

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
International Student Support Advisor

Hello! I’m Taylor, a registered Social Worker and the International Student Support Specialist with Student Wellness Services. I am also a UCalgary alumni with both Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Calgary.

My role is to help support mental health and well-being of UCalgary students. I work closely with students from all backgrounds, including international students. This may be in in form of supportive conversations, goal setting, finding coping strategies or helping navigate helpful resources and services on and off campus. I’m especially passionate about mental health, equity, and creating a welcoming space for everyone. I bring a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to my work. I care deeply about making people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Outside of work, you can find me hanging out with my golden retriever, Mabel, getting outside whenever I can, thrifting for hidden gems, getting lost in a good book, baking something sweet, and spending time with my friends and family.

Professional Affiliations:

Alberta College of Social Workers

Residence Student Support Advisor

Kelsey holds a BSW and BA and is a registered social worker. She has worked with Student Wellness Services since 2019, and has been the Residence Student Support Advisor since 2023.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers