Our Team
TEEN & ADULT
Dr. Katie Elmhurst, DSW
Dr. Elmhurst has committed her life to building her knowledge and skills to counsel and consult youth, adults and families through the lens of strengths-based Social Work and family system’s practice. Dr. Elmhurst received her Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, as well as her Masters of Science in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University in New York City. Following this, Dr. Elmhurst moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she completed her Doctorate of Clinical Social Work practice with a specialization in trauma from Tulane University. Dr. Katie Elmhurst believes that as individuals we each have the ability to channel unique personal strengths and resiliencies to overcome hardship and adversity. It is through client partnership that Dr. Elmhurst creates a safe space for each client to continue on their unique journey of self-acceptance and healing.
YOUTH, TEEN & ADULT
Marnie Caron
Marnie, who has worked in a variety of settings, provides individual counselling for children, teens and adults who find themselves having difficulty coping with life’s various challenges. Marnie takes a holistic approach in her counselling where she integrates techniques from modalities, including: Response Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. As part of her graduate degree in counselling, Marnie completed a clinical internship with Child and Youth Family Services (MCFD). While at MCFD, she provided individual, family and group therapy to children and youth experiencing concerns with depression, anxiety identity, school performance, technology use and difficult life transition. Marnie has a diverse academic background with a Masters of Counselling from City University of Seattle, a Post Degree diploma in elementary education and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with focus on Critical Cultural Studies. With her unique combination of education and experience Marnie is able to support a diversity of clients with a wide range of challenges and concerns.
TEEN, ADULT
Sandra Birkenhead
Sandra has returned to her hometown of Victoria after working as a counsellor and teacher in Vancouver for over 25 years. She completed her Bachelor of Arts and her Bachelor of Education at UBC. While working as a Drama and French teacher, she completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology (UBC) in 2005. She has had the privilege of working within a number of diverse communities supporting youth, adults, and families.
As a Drama teacher, Sandra experienced firsthand the power of change and growth by listening, collaborating and building trust. Today, these continue to be the primary elements of her counselling practice. Her goal is to help youth and adults become aware of their inner strengths and to develop a greater sense of peace and acceptance of themselves and their choices. Throughout this process, there is often room for lightness and laughter. With support and encouragement, Sandra and her clients figure out what isn't working and, in a safe space, work together to change it.
Sandra’s integrative, strength-based and trauma-informed approach creates an opportunity to better understand the many thoughts and feelings that shape our choices and experiences. With this understanding comes greater peace, self-acceptance, and happiness. Her work is informed by theories such as Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural (Level 3 TEAM-CBT), Narrative, Emotion-Focused, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
TEEN & ADULT
Laurie Parker
After leaving the sprawling prairies many years ago to live closer to the ocean and attend university, Laurie has happily settled in Victoria. She takes an integrative approach to counselling, working collaboratively with people of all ages to construct a therapy plan that incorporates elements of cognitive behaviour therapy, talk therapy, and solution-focused therapy. She pulls in aspects of art, play, reading, writing, and mindfulness, and helps people learn skills to cope with challenges such as anxiety, depression, big emotions, life transitions, and uncertainty. She is open, honest, and warm, and approaches counselling from a place of curiosity. Finding a good fit with a therapist is one of the most important parts of the counselling process, and she welcomes clients of all ages to get in touch for a consultation.
She has worked in many fields, gaining a wide perspective, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication. Most recently she spent time living and working at a local boarding school with students and families from all over the world, and then pursued her MA in Counselling Psychology. She also makes a perfect chocolate chip cookie.
YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT & FAMILY
Kelly Houlahan
Kelly brings experience working with children, youth, and families in community, school, and in-patient environments across southern Vancouver Island. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
She specializes in addressing the distinct needs associated with developmental stages, whether guiding teenagers through identity exploration, helping adults navigate life transitions, or supporting children facing emotional challenges. Her goal is to empower her clients to develop resilience and coping skills, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. She believes in the transformative power of building a strong therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone for positive change. Together, you’ll embark on a collaborative journey toward emotional balance, growth, and healing.
Kelly offers a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, and Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She addresses a variety of concerns, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, peer/family relationships, academic stress, and self-esteem. As a trained yoga instructor, Kelly is passionate about incorporating mindfulness and movement into her integrative therapeutic approach. She also loves singing along to musicals!
YOUTH, ADULT & FAMILY
Andrea Thomlison
Andrea has worked with children, youth and families for over 15 years in various settings, including schools, youth residential treatment, community and recreational-based programming.
Andrea holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and received her Bachelor of Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria.
Andrea values holding a non-judgmental, safe space to find healthy perceptions of yourself while navigating life transitions. Andrea believes that we all have times when we need a little more or a little different support when our support systems and usual ways of coping are not enough. Her approach is not just about understanding; it's about action. Picture a session where you not only explore the roots of your challenges but also actively build a toolkit to overcome them. She will work alongside you to define your needs and goals using an integrative approach rooted in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy.
Andrea loves to explore the ocean and many lakes on Vancouver Island in her spare time, whether kayaking, camping, or hiking.
YOUTH, ADULT & FAMILY
Tiffany Canning
Whatever it is, how you tell your story online can make all the difference. Tiffany is your local Labradorian from the North who thrives on humour and joy! She almost always has a smile on her face! She brings a welcoming and warm presence to the counselling environment. Seeking counselling can be one of the most difficult things you do, but Tiffany makes it a point to show you how strong you truly are.
With a decade of experience in the non-profit sector and mental health crisis response, she has worked extensively with children, youth, and families from all backgrounds and walks of life. As a third-cultured kid, she advocates for indigenous youth and immigrant families in her community. Her work is grounded in integrative, anti-oppressive, collectorate, and trauma-informed principles, fostering a safe and empathic environment that encourages growth and promotes healing and freedom.
Tiffany holds a M.A. in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville Univ), B.A. in Theology and is a Certified Clinical Counsellor (BCACC), and Canadian-certified Counsellor (CCPA).
Beyond her counselling practice, Tiffany indulges her passion for exploration by travelling globally, learning new cultures, camping, hiking, biking, and spending quality time with her furry cat companion, Lulu.
COUPLES, YOUTH & FAMILY
Lizanne Chicanot
Lizanne is a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor who has spent much of her career working in the education system as a teacher, behaviour support specialist, counsellor and administrator. She has worked at all three levels–high school, middle school and elementary school and loves to work with children of all ages. Lizanne has lived and worked in remote Indigenous communities as well as in Africa and is very interested in individuals and families coming from diverse cultural experiences.
Lizanne has always been fascinated with human beings and the relationships in which they are embedded. She approaches her work with keen interest, curiosity and compassion, which lie at the centre of her work. She believes everyone has innate strength and wisdom within themselves, which sometimes just needs some work to uncover and release. Her work draws on elements of Solution-Focussed Therapy, Brief Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, among other modalities. She has a high level of respect for all individuals who engage in counselling to work through the tough and challenging parts of life.
Lizanne received her Bachelor's Degree (Honours) in Drama and Math from Queen’s University as well as her Bachelor of Education. She obtained her Masters in Education in Counselling from the University of Victoria. She has a special interest in working with children and their parents, with couples and with individuals.
Reduce rates with a sliding scale apply. Contact us for more information.
YOUTH, COUPLES & FAMILY
Laura Bates
Laura is a highly experienced professional, holding a Child and Youth Care degree from the University of Victoria and a Master's of Counselling from City University in Canada. With extensive experience in the Greater Victoria School District and the YMCA, Laura specializes in supporting youth and children.
Operating on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, Laura acknowledges and respects the indigenous land she practices on.
In her counselling practice, Laura embraces diversity and tailors her approach to each individual, utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Narrative Therapy, DBT, Solution-Focused techniques, and EMDR.
Laura works with couples, families, and youth, addressing issues including eating disorders, alternative lifestyles, and concerns within the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Her counselling style is gentle yet results-driven, empowering clients with practical strategies for daily life.
She finds joy in counselling’s transformative potential, fostering genuine connections with humour and empathy.
YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT
Brooke Ruygrok
Brooke, born and raised in Victoria, brings a wealth of academic achievement and passion to her role as a Registered Clinical Counsellor at The Budding Elm. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Victoria and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Clinical Counselling of Psychology at Yorkville University. Brooke specializes in collaborative therapy across all age groups, focusing on the adolescent population.
Drawing from her expertise, Brooke designs personalized therapy plans that integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a Person-Centered approach, and Solution-Focused Therapy techniques. Her approach addresses current issues while equipping clients with essential coping skills for sustained positive change.
Despite being one of the younger counsellors, Brooke leverages her age as a strength, fostering a deep sense of understanding and empathy among young clients. Her goal is to create a safe and accepting environment where clients can explore their challenges and achieve meaningful growth.
YOUTH & FAMILY
Layla Casper
Layla Casper is honoured to be completing her counselling internship under the mentorship of Dr. Katie Elmhurst and Tiffany Canning, at The Budding Elm. Layla has nearly finished her Registered Clinical Counselling requirements, as well as a Master’s of School Counselling, through the City University of Seattle.
Layla has been supporting and advocating for youth for over 25 years, and with over 13 years of classroom teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her counselling internship at The Budding Elm. Layla believes in a person-centered approach to her counselling and has the utmost respect for her students and clients. She has seen firsthand the impact screens and social media can have on youth mental health, especially for children and youth already struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Layla has a developing focus on counselling teens on healthy online habits and self-compassion.
As an RCC and Master’s student, Layla is connected to current and relevant research and evidence-based practices for counselling youth. As an intern student, Layla will provide lower-cost counselling services that will not compromise the values and experiences The Budding Elm clients receive.
Layla holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Camosun College and Thompson Rivers University, as well as a Bachelor of Education from The University of British Columbia. She is a retired professional Dance Artist and loves spending time with her husband and little dog Tootsie.
TEEN & ADULT
Cheryl Dafoe
Cheryl views authentic and trusting relationships as powerful catalysts for growth and change. Her counselling approach is compassionate, candid, and genuinely curious, creating a welcoming space where clients can feel safe and seen as they explore and understand their unique experiences.
With a diverse professional background in education, recreational programming, and youth and child care, Cheryl brings a range of knowledge to her work. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor's in Recreation Management from Acadia University, and is currently completing her MA in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Cheryl is thrilled to join The Budding Elm as a counselling intern under the skilled supervision of Dr. Katie Elmhurst and Tiffany Canning.
Cheryl’s work takes an integrative approach informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Self-Compassion, Solution-Focused, and Existential modalities. She collaborates with clients to meet them where they are, offering support for individuals navigating separation and divorce, family and relationship dynamics, attachment and self-esteem, ADHD, life transitions, burnout, grief, anger, and other challenges.
Cheryl aims to foster self-awareness and resilience, helping clients uncover their inner strengths and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Outside of growing her practice, Cheryl enjoys comedy, music, animals, and exploring Vancouver Island with her two kids and their giant dog, Cleo.
TEEN, ADULT & GROUP
Shelby De Nat
Shelby is passionate about creating a non-judgmental, warm, and authentic environment that fosters change, growth, and safety to share. She believes that people are the experts of their own lives and that the therapeutic process should be one of collaboration with the client’s needs and goals at its centre. Shelby provides individual counselling for teens and adults.
Shelby works from a holistic and integrative lens, with a focus on clients’ strengths and resources. She draws from a range of therapeutic orientations, including Somatic and Polyvagal Theory, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Shelby values being decolonized, social justice-informed, and client-centred in her counselling work.
Shelby is experienced in supporting individuals through a range of challenges, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, substance use challenges, identity exploration, grief, and life transitions.
Shelby has worked in a range of settings in her career thus far. She holds a Master of Counselling degree from the City University of Seattle and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Shelby is a Registered Clinical Counsellor through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
Finding the right fit in a counselling relationship is of paramount importance, and Shelby invites any interested clients to contact her for a consultation.
