Joyce Kurnell – B.A., B. Ed., M. Ed. – Psychotherapist

Biography

Throughout my career, I have gained a comprehensive background in the areas of early intervention, resource, and counseling. I hold a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, and certification as a School Counselor and Resource Teacher.

I am passionate about providing quality mental health support to build strong connections with families within our vibrant community.

My Practice

I have had the real privilege of working with children in the field of education as an Early Years Support and Classroom Teacher. I have experience working in different roles alongside children and families in a variety of community settings, including programs working with Ukrainian families as part of the Newcomers to Canada initiative.

I am presently focusing on working with children and families in the specialized areas of Play Therapy, Theraplay, and Expressive Arts Therapies. I have obtained my Advanced Play Therapy training level from the Canadian Association For Play Therapy. I have completed training in attachment-based models such as Theraplay and The Circle of Security.

In therapy, the playful and expressive arts modalities provide a variety of creative tools for children to communicate and understand their feelings naturally in a developmentally appropriate way. I have gained valuable experience working with children and youth in the areas of attachment, anxiety, loss and depression, autism, trauma, separation, and divorce.

I am committed to working with children and families in the mental wellness field by integrating an inclusive cognitive behavioral play-based approach.

The process of Play Therapy intervention can open up a new world to help clients discover, express and develop new ways to resolve their emotions and thoughts causing discomfort.

I find such joy in being invited into a child’s world of play, by creating a nurturing healing space where children and families can grow together. I am honored to be able to help people learn how their strengths can overcome difficulties and inspire them to take the next steps in their life’s journey.

I am passionate about family, friendships, animals, and all the beauty of nature! If I am not outdoors on the trails with family and our fun-loving dog, in the summer you can find me in the water, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, traveling, or taking some time to enjoy the creative arts, yoga, music, and dance.

Other Team Members

Dr. Christine Fedora MSW, RSW, PsyD – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

I am fortunate to have completed a Master's degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Psychology. I help children, youth and families who want to feel satisfied within their daily lives.

Kristen Wright B.A. (Honours), M.S.W., RSW – Managing Director/Psychotherapist

I have been honoured with the privilege of walking along with individuals, couples, children, and families in their healing journeys.

Bruce Coombs, MEd, CCPA – Psychotherapist

I am a licensed psychotherapist (with the Canadian Counselors and Psychotherapist). I have been studying psychology and philosophy for over thirty years now.

Andrea Mandzuk, O.T. Reg. (MB) – Clinical Manager

I am an Occupational Therapist (C.O.T.M.). I am a member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba.

Crystal Rogasky – Office Manager/Administration

I began my journey with Oak Tree Therapy in July of 2020. I have 6 years of experience in providing administrative and management support to businesses.

Courtney Shwetz, MSW (cand.), BSW, RSW, B.H.Ecol. – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

I believe that both positive and negative childhood experiences help to shape an individuals’ perspective of the world around them including current feelings, behaviours, and thought processes.

Diane Ramsay – Administrator

accommodating the growth of Oak Tree Therapy while working with the administrative team since April, 2022.

Harmanjot Kaur – Administrator

Giselle Bernado MSW, RSW – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Human connection is the utmost foundation of the therapy process! I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space, and would be more than honored to work with you alongside your journey!

Bailey Southall – Intake Specialist

I'm currently an intake specialist at Oak Tree Therapy, where I strive to provide warm and compassionate support from a trauma-informed perspective.

Joyce Kurnell – B.A., B. Ed., M. Ed. – Psychotherapist

I find such joy in being invited into a child’s world of play, by creating a nurturing healing space where children and families can grow together.

Michael McCallum BSW, RSW – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

I use a holistic, anti-oppressive, decolonizing, trauma-informed approach to practice, and tailor my style to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person that allows me to join them in their healing.

Rachel McCallum BSW – Psychotherapist

I have been in social services and social justice work for 23 years: my experiences have allowed me to walk beside children, parents, and families as they navigate their journey.

Amanda Devigne B.A., M.M.F.T., – Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist

There are many reasons people come to therapy such as seeking support while going through a particular hardship, or desiring to make a change in the patterns one sees playing out in their life or relationship(s).

Brycie Klassen B.A., M.A. – Psychotherapist

Alyssa Asueimen B.A., M.A. – Psychotherapist

I believe that every person is the expert of their own life and are capable of crafting a life which aligns with their personal goals and values. It is my goal to assist in helping my clients achieve their vision of wellness by creating a safe space to share their stories.

Adepeju Oluwabukola Aina MSW, RSW – Clinical Manager

Dedicated social worker, with a passion for empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

Janelle David MSW, RSW – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

I am truly passionate about connecting with people and holding a safe space. I will always meet you where you are, in each moment, with kindness and grace.

Kyra Shaver, BSW – Intake and Psychotherapy Assistant

As an intake specialist, my role is to be the face of Oak Tree Therapy, as I am one of the first people you will encounter here! I aim to provide you with a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate first impression which will continue through your journey with us.

Robert Plese, M.A., C.C.C., B.A. (Hons.) – Clinical Manager

I offer parent-child interaction play therapy, dyadic work using A.E.D.P., Narrative, and Compassionate Focused Therapy, trauma and memory reprocessing using M-CBT, E.M.D.R., A.R.T., and I.T.A.T.M. I am also trained as a Voice of the Child Reporter. My hope and goal for you is that I might also create a space that respects your capacity to heal, grow, trust, and learn to validate yourself within the presence of little old me.

Alissa Miller, B.A., MACP (cand.) – Psychotherapist

I offer support to those living with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, suicidality, ADHD and relationship issues. Life brings on many challenges and one can only do so much alone and that is why I am here to be your guide and support person. I look forward to walking along side you in your healing journey.

Zach Fedora – Administrator

I enjoy interacting with clients supporting them with a friendly smile as I meet and greet them.

Julia Sulymka – B.A. (hons.), MSW (cand.) – Psychotherapist

If you are reading this, you have already taken a big step! I would be honoured to join you in your healing journey today!

Suzi Friesen – B.A., B.Ed., M.A. (cand.)- Psychotherapist

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or navigating life transitions, I am here to walk alongside you.

Madison Hillis, B.A., MACP (cand.) – Psychotherapist

I believe everyone has the proper tools in their belt to overcome an obstacle, it’s just about learning how to effectively use those tools.

Rikki Buck, BSW (cand.) – Practicum Student

I am committed to developing a genuine and trusting relationship with you. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment where you can feel open to sharing anything. You deserve to feel seen and heard and know you are not alone. Your well-being is my priority.

Sarah Reader, B.A., B. Ed., MACP (cand.) – Psychotherapist

I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each client, recognizing that everyone’s experience is different.

Nadiya Patskan – Receptionist

I thrive on creating a welcoming environment and ensuring smooth daily operations.

Amanda Ayres – Receptionist

I take pride in being the go-to person for client support and enjoy creating an upbeat and welcoming environment.

Tessa Leclerc – Receptionist/Administrator

I’m grateful to be part of an organization that prioritizes care and comfort, and I look forward to making each visitor’s experience a memorable one.

Joyce Kurnell – B.A., B. Ed., M. Ed. – Psychotherapist

Biography

My Practice

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Other Team Members

Dr. Christine Fedora MSW, RSW, PsyD – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Kristen Wright B.A. (Honours), M.S.W., RSW – Managing Director/Psychotherapist

Bruce Coombs, MEd, CCPA – Psychotherapist

Andrea Mandzuk, O.T. Reg. (MB) – Clinical Manager

Crystal Rogasky – Office Manager/Administration

Courtney Shwetz, MSW (cand.), BSW, RSW, B.H.Ecol. – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Diane Ramsay – Administrator

Harmanjot Kaur – Administrator

Giselle Bernado MSW, RSW – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Bailey Southall – Intake Specialist

Joyce Kurnell – B.A., B. Ed., M. Ed. – Psychotherapist

Michael McCallum BSW, RSW – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Rachel McCallum BSW – Psychotherapist

Amanda Devigne B.A., M.M.F.T., – Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist

Brycie Klassen B.A., M.A. – Psychotherapist

Alyssa Asueimen B.A., M.A. – Psychotherapist

Adepeju Oluwabukola Aina MSW, RSW – Clinical Manager

Janelle David MSW, RSW – Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Kyra Shaver, BSW – Intake and Psychotherapy Assistant

Robert Plese, M.A., C.C.C., B.A. (Hons.) – Clinical Manager

Alissa Miller, B.A., MACP (cand.) – Psychotherapist

Zach Fedora – Administrator

Julia Sulymka – B.A. (hons.), MSW (cand.) – Psychotherapist

Suzi Friesen – B.A., B.Ed., M.A. (cand.)- Psychotherapist

Madison Hillis, B.A., MACP (cand.) – Psychotherapist

Rikki Buck, BSW (cand.) – Practicum Student

Sarah Reader, B.A., B. Ed., MACP (cand.) – Psychotherapist

Nadiya Patskan – Receptionist

Amanda Ayres – Receptionist

Tessa Leclerc – Receptionist/Administrator