We are fortunate to have incredibly skilled, highly trained, and empathetic faculty who push, pull, support, and of course teach. Teaching is a difficult and very worthy calling. We choose our faculty for their balance of academic abilities with the ability to hold space for our students in the deep experiential learning model Rhodes Wellness College is known for. We are very grateful for their contributions to our students and our community.
Education Management & Senior Faculty
Counselling & Coaching Faculty
Nutrition Counselling Faculty
Education Management & Senior Faculty
Director of Education
Chelsea Lee, MM, BA, C-IAYT
Chelsea is the Director of Education at Rhodes Wellness College & the Vancouver School of Healing Arts. She holds a Master of Management and Bachelor’s Degree from the University of British Columbia and a Diploma of Yoga Therapy from Pacific Rim College. As an educator and Certified Yoga Therapist (International Association of Yoga Therapy), she strives to empower students and clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their goals. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life that is filled with purpose, connection and growth and understands this takes dedication, strength and the support of a compassionate and caring community. She is grateful to be a part of such a community at Rhodes Wellness College and the Vancouver School of Healing Arts.
Special Educational Consultant
Bea Rhodes, MPCC-S, MEd
Bea Rhodes is a Registered Professional Counsellor, and Counselling Supervisor. She founded Rhodes Wellness College in 1996. She holds a Master of Education (Adult Education) from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelors Degree from Simon Fraser University. For many years, Bea was a college instructor and contract trainer for the University College of the Fraser Valley. She worked in the Federal and Provincial Prison system, providing counselling and conducting Life Skills programs for convicted offenders. Additionally, she has designed and instructed many counselling, wellness, and personal development programs over the past thirty years. Bea believes that we are all interconnected and that “hurt people hurt people.” Bea teaches the Basic Counselling and Sexual Abuse & Trauma sections in the Life Skills Counselling semester, as well as Advanced Trauma in second year.
Manager of Supervision
Kerry Vega, MPCC-S, RCS, MA (Clinical Counselling), BA
Kerry is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling and Qualified Clinical Supervisor, with a Master’s degree in Clinical Counselling.
Kerry teaches Supervised Clinical Practice, Ethics, Business & Marketing, and Mental Wellness, as well as providing Counselling Supervision for second year students (and beyond) with Rhodes. Additionally, Kerry teaches business, leadership and communication courses for multiple agencies and corporations, as well as in her private practice where she provides both counselling, coaching, and business development courses for wellness practitioners growing their own practices.
Manager of Project Development
Tova Payne, RHN, B.Sc. (Psychology), LCD
Tova is a graduate of McGill’s Psychology program, a Certified Life Coach, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and Certified Yoga Teacher, with over 17 years’ of experience in the health and wellness industry as an instructor, facilitator, curriculum designer, and coach. Tova has been involved in developing curriculum since 2009 with the launch of a yoga teacher training she took from inception to completion. Her passion for designing curriculum continued as she created several programs and supported other colleges with course content and innovation in a multitude of arenas spanning from business to nutrition, and mind-body-spirit wellness. In 2019 she was the lead developer for the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program collaborating with subject experts to launch an integrative program at Rhodes.
Supervisor of Life Skills Coaching
Jill Cherewyk, RPC, ACC, PCD
Jill received her Professional Counselling Diploma from Rhodes Wellness College in 2016 and immediately jumped into the industry, working with Coast Mental Health as a community mental health worker, and for Rhodes as an accomplished online facilitator and coach.
Supervisor of Life Skills Counselling
Christopher Testa, RTC, ACC
Christopher is a Therapeutic Counsellor, Wellness Coach, Group Facilitator, and the Supervisor of Life Skills Counselling. Christopher’s practice works closely with grief and loss, burnout and desire for change. Where he provides a client-focused approach offering a safe and empathetic space to explore. He is most inspired when working with others as they learn to empower themselves to become the version of you that you’ve always wanted.
Supervisor of Wellness Counselling
Natasha Tsakiris, PCD, ACC, RPC
Natasha is an Authentic Movement Coach and Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC), with a private practice in the lower mainland (and online). She has a background in dance, music, creative arts and community support services.
Natasha is most fulfilled walking alongside others as they fuel the light within, on their journey of discovery; and alongside her puppy on adventures into areas unknown.
Natasha honours the curiosities “What do I want? And what else might be possible?”
Nutrition Program Coordinator
Chantal Russell, RHN, RYT
Chantal Russell is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant & Yoga Teacher Trainer with over 15 years of international teaching experience. Chantal has enjoyed working with clients one-on-one and facilitating group workshops throughout yoga studios, festivals and conferences around the world, educating and empowering people to heal through nutrition & holistic living. From 2014-2020 Chantal served as the founder & director of The Well Yoga Studio on Bowen Island, and managed the Nutrition and Yoga program at The Orchard Recovery Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Today she’s honoured to serve as the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at Rhodes Wellness College, along with serving as part of the faculty of the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program, and enjoys teaching online through her virtual studio, The Well, focusing on women’s health. When not teaching, Chantal can be found playing with her son, exploring the trails of Bowen with her horse Summer, writing & reading by the fire, or sharing her love of healing foods and nourishing conversation. Learn more at thewellbychantalrussell.com
Education Services Advisor
Susie Culp, RTC, RPC-c
Susie is the Education Services Advisor at Rhodes Wellness College and the Vancouver School of Healing Arts. She graduated from the Rhodes Professional Counsellor program in 2021 and is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada and a Registered Professional Counsellor Candidate with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association. She has navigated through life with her top three values guiding her along the way: communication, integrity, and fairness. Susie is passionate about learning and loves supporting others on their journeys toward discovery and growth. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to feel understood and to become the best version of themselves. Outside of counselling, Susie enjoys animals (a lot) and volunteering for various non-profit organizations. You can learn more about Susie and her services at susieculp.ca
Student Services
Director of Student & Career Services
Janice Prinsloo, RPC
Janice is a wife, mother, counsellor, coach, and mentor. She is a dedicated student of personal growth, leadership, and taking ownership and responsibility in contributing to positive change in the world. The values that she strives to live by are integrity, impact, wealth, joy, and mastery. Having graduated from the Professional Counsellor Diploma program with Rhodes Wellness College in 2014, she has been a member of the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association for 8 years. As the Director of Student & Career Services at Rhodes Wellness College, she supports the student’s experience with understanding, empathy, curiosity, and facilitation. Outside of Rhodes Wellness College, you can find Janice helping individuals and families achieve their dreams through consistent action, leadership, and business development.
Student & Career Services Advisor
Fiona Caldwell, PCD
Fiona lives by her top 3 values: authenticity, compassion and connection. Mixing this up with a cupful of intuition, spirituality, a holistic approach, and a good measure of fun, is her best recipe for daily life. All are welcome and accepted with unconditional positive regard with Fiona. Fiona is a 2022 Graduate of the Professional Counsellor Diploma program with Rhodes Wellness College. Thanks to Rhodes, she was able to discover these fundamental values and foster them within herself. These values are highlighted in Fiona’s passion in creating a safe space for all people to be seen and heard with honest communication. Fiona is attentive in all aspects of a person’s journey but particularly where disenfranchised grief and loss exist. Originally from England, Fiona has lived in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and now Vancouver. The skills she’s gained from this have helped create her global view.
Supervisor, Alumni Services
Nat Perry M.Ed., CCC, LCT-C
Nat has an M.Ed. in Counselling, and is a Licensed Counselling Therapist candidate in her home province of New Brunswick. She graduated from the Rhodes Professional Counsellors Diploma program in 2010, and has worked in student service and support roles in post- secondary education for over 8 years. Nat is passionate about supporting accessible, collaborative, community-building and transformative education in counselling. Nat is a full-time instructor and Supervisor, Alumni Services at Rhodes.
Counselling & Coaching Faculty
Fiona Jeyachandran, MA (Counselling), CCC
Fiona supports adults, families and relationships towards health, healing and happiness. Skilled in individual & group therapy, clinical supervision, consulting, program development, and workshop creation & facilitation. 2LGBTQ friendly & trauma informed.
Kirsten Johansson, MA, RCC
Kirsten is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology. She holds additional certification in Relational Somatic Therapy, as well as training in Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Kirsten teaches in the Wellness Counselling program at Rhodes Wellness College. Her classes invite students to explore the material through engaging discussions, creative exercises, independent self-study, and practical hands-on sessions with peers. She strives to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for each student to thrive.
In addition to teaching, Kirsten has a counselling practice in Vancouver. Her work addresses issues related to trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and relationships. On occasion, Kirsten facilitates wellness retreats for small groups incorporating mindfulness based Eco-Art Therapy. For more information about Kirsten, please visit her website: kirstenjohansson.com
Stephen Garrett, MA (Leadership)
When you meet Stephen, you are meeting a man who lives life fully. A genuine heart and commitment to life have produced in Stephen the qualities of a warrior: integrity, strength, leadership, kindness, and wisdom. He has experienced success in life as a teacher, investment banker, social worker, author, Interfaith Minister, and currently executive director of the Memorial Society of BC.
Arising out of his personal experience of hundreds of deaths Stephen’s heart passion and life energy are focused on changing the conversation we have about death from one of fear and denial to one of embrace and inspiration. Stephen combines his life experience with his Masters in Leadership and Training as he trains and mentors people interested in dealing with dying, death, and grief in new and inspiring ways. Reverend Garrett is an author, educator, coach, and trainer specializing in reframing our approach to dying, death and grief.
Natasha Tsakiris, PCD, ACC, RPC
Natasha is an Authentic Movement Coach and Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC), with a private practice in the lower mainland (and online). She has a background in dance, music, creative arts and community support services.
Natasha is most fulfilled walking alongside others as they fuel the light within, on their journey of discovery; and alongside her puppy on adventures into areas unknown.
Natasha honours the curiosities “What do I want? And what else might be possible?”
Dan McMath, PCC
Dan teaches in both the full and part-time Life Coaching programs and comes from a long history of teaching, facilitating, coaching, and now counseling. As a perpetual learner Dan is always seeking opportunities to grow and improve not only inside but to help others, through mindfulness and focus, find clarity and purpose. He brings this into his own private coaching and counselling practice where he meets with couples and individuals challenged by communication, anxiety and self-awareness impeding authenticity and boundaries. Fun fact, Dan is also a Master Instructor in scuba diving and enjoys local diving here in beautiful British Columbia’s emerald coast. Dan enjoys a deep-rooted curiosity that is seated in wonder which brings with him a great compassion for the human condition while driving him toward the client/student centered approach and trauma informed lens. We all have “stuff” and Dan has a kindness and warmth with heart wide open to give students and clients a safe space to express, learn and grow. Determined to bring all elements into a classroom setting through fun, focus and creativity we learn and grow side by side.
Dr. Dean Davey, PhD
Dean lives by two convictions: 1) everyone needs to be loved; and 2) suffering is an opportunity for transformation. These convictions grew as Dean served as a Pastor, giving him the privilege of walking alongside others through life’s varied stages. During this time, he held numerous leadership and board positions in organizations focused on personal and humanitarian development. Following two decades of pastoral and non-profit work, he went into the marketplace where he led a successful business for 12 years while he completed his PhD. Dean has worked in academics since 2015, and completed the Life Coach training through Rhodes in 2021. His PhD research focused on suffering and failure as an educational transformative process and seeks to help others discover this in their own journey through Chrysalis Advantage Coaching and Consulting. To learn more about Dean, please visit deandavey.com
Aviva Smith, ACC
Coach, Consultant, Facilitator, and graduate of Rhodes Wellness College. Aviva focus is on connection. Connection to community, core values and our authentic self. This focus is what has driven her entrepreneurial career. Aviva sold her successful business in the Companion pet industry in 2019 to concentrate on her coaching practice.
Maura Ivison, MC, RCC
Maura is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has a varied counselling background with non-profit organizations working with families in crisis, youth who are disconnected from family and community, older adults and seniors, multi-barriered individuals in Vancouver’s downtown east-side, and parents and caregivers of youth who have FASD or similar Complex Needs. Now she has a private counselling practice where she gets to help people make sense of their hardships and losses, bear witness to the unfolding of their stories, strengths and skills, as well as reflect back to them their inherent value as a person. As a teacher, Maura believes in helping and encouraging students to develop their own theory of counselling by examining traditional theories, personal and cultural stories and beliefs, and experiences with clients. She also believes that warmth, transparency, and joining are powerful tools for creating safety both in the classroom and in the counselling office. Maura currently teaches Theory, Principles & Applications in Family & Couples Counselling.
Patricia Gonzalez
Patricia is a Professional Registered Counsellor, Wellness Coach, Group Facilitator and Mental and Emotional Wellness Instructor.Patricia has a private practice centered on connecting people to their innermost desires, setting effective goals and developing a plan to achieve them. She believes that long-lasting and fulfilling change requires an alignment between mind, body and spirit. Thus, her approach is to integrate all of these elements within a successful mindset, while honoring the deep emotions that arise when implementing change and transformation. Her passion project is the development of Women Circles where they can connect in a meaningful way and form authentic relationships while healing the individual and collective feminine wounds. She is also a Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner (NLP) and is currently enrolled in a 500-hour Yoga & Tantra Mindfulness Teacher Training program, to further deepen her own practice and better support her clients and students.
Christopher Testa, RTC, ACC
Christopher is a Therapeutic Counsellor, Wellness Coach, Group Facilitator, and the Supervisor of Life Skills Counselling. Christopher’s practice works closely with grief and loss, burnout and desire for change. Where he provides a client-focused approach offering a safe and empathetic space to explore. He is most inspired when working with others as they learn to empower themselves to become the version of you that you’ve always wanted.
Christine Suter, RMT, RCC
Christine has been working in the health and fitness industry for over 25 years. Christine is a Registered Massage Therapist, Multisport Coach, Rehabilitation and Personal Trainer and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She operates her own coaching and counselling business and works part time with Vancouver Coastal Health as a Concurrent Disorder Clinician with the Central Coast of BC. Prior to working with VCH, Christine lived and worked in Bella Bella for 1.5 years as the school counsellor, working with children and youth ages 4 -18 years old. Christine is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), has a certificate in Play Therapy, Reality Therapy Level 2 certified, and is currently taking courses in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy. Christine works from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective, incorporating aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Reality Therapy.
Christine has facilitated many workshops and groups on mindfullness, mental performance, and concussion support groups. Christine has completed 10 Ironman races, qualified for the World Championships in Kona, has run multiple ultramarathons, ultra swims, and was the first women at Ultraman 520 in 2019. Christine also does contract work as an Adventure Concierge, driving zodiacs in Antarctica and on the east coast. Christine has been working with Marathon Tours and Travel as a trip specialist since 2012, taking marathoners to marathon races around the world. Christine is passionate about sharing her experiences and knowledge with others and is excited about being part of the Rhodes family.
Catherine Patterson-Sterling, MA(Psychology), RCC
Catherine Patterson-Sterling is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Teacher with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Currently, she is completing her Ph.D in Forensic Psychology with a victimology specialty from Walden University. As an Educator and Registered Clinical Counsellor, she enjoys mentoring students in their career journeys in the helping professions. She is excited to be a member of the teaching team and faculty at Rhodes Wellness College.
Heather-Lynn Erais
Heather-Lynn is a passionate Coach + Counsellor. She graduated from Rhodes Professional Counsellor program in early 2021 and currently works towards supporting individuals in creating the life and career they strive for. Her co-collaborative approach in working with clients and students is rooted in accountability and attainable goal setting. With a diverse background in small business and as an entrepreneur herself, she works with the second year students to develop the skills needed to begin own practice post graduation.
Olivia Lohan, PCD, CLC
Olivia has been teaching counselling and coaching students for nearly a decade on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish nations. She currently teaches Life Coaching in the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program. Her focus is to create learning environments that welcome all people and honour all lived experiences. Olivia sees every individual in the classroom as capable of leadership and teamwork. She strives to create compassionate learning spaces and supports students towards thriving in their work.
She is Director of Nutrition and Community Life for Saint James Music Academy and has been instrumental in developing the Academy’s community-based program that creates social change through the power of music, healthy living and community building. Combining her passion for nutrition, her focus on health and her counselling/coaching experience, Olivia nurtures students on their path towards growth, empowerment and well being.
Lauren Gaudet, BA, MSW, RSW (they/she)
Lauren Gaudet graduated from their masters of Social Work at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and is a Registered Social Worker with over 8 years experience in private practice. Lauren’s dedication to co-creating a strong therapeutic relationship, emphasizing the mind-body connection, ensures long-term positive outcomes. As a compassionate and curious therapist whose mission is to empower clients, Lauren utilizes empathy, directness, and a touch of humor, as they skillfully guide clients in exploring their inner worlds and their interaction with the external environment. Lauren’s clinical training and education is based in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ‘EMDR’, Deep Brain Reorienting ‘DBR’, and the Safe and Sound Protocol ‘SSP’. As a teacher, Lauren encourages students to engage in every learning opportunity they can, to practice curiosity and compassion, and enjoys supporting students through their learning. Lauren is the Clinic Director for Held Humanity Counselling: www.heldhumanitycounselling.com
Benjamin Wong, MA (Counselling), RCC, BSc
Benjamin Wong has been a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC since 2005. With degrees from the University of British Columbia and Colorado Christian University, Benjamin held clinical positions in sectors including vocational rehabilitation, school counselling, education consultancy, and addictions. A sought-after advocate in the mindful use of digital technologies, he has spoken at professional conferences throughout North America on the prevention and treatment of Gaming Disorder. Over the past several years, Benjamin has focused his efforts on clinical supervision and teaching. Benjamin is also a contractor of outreach services with the BC Government’s Responsible Gambling Program.
John-Kyle Patterson, WCD
John-Kyle, better know as JK, graduated from Rhodes Wellness College with a Wellness Counsellor Diploma and a Life Coach Certificate. JK’s passion is for everyone to have the chance to develop secure attachments in their lives while creating space for new connections with others and with oneself. He believes that everyone deserves the chance to grow into the version of themselves that embodies their core values. JK is excited to be teaching at Rhodes and loves the interaction with his students and considers it his great honour to have the opportunity be part of everyone’s own personal journey.
Logen Elizabeth Melville, RPC-c, ACC
Logen is an RPCc certified life coach and emotional & mental wellness instructor with a focus on creating nurturing environments, growth, and self empowerment. She is also an experienced counsellor, life coach, and wellness instructor, who specializes in re-patterning through psychodrama and emotional release techniques.
Logen is an advocate for self-responsibility and conscious communication for the purpose of facilitating change, and she understands the intricate relationship between breath, boundaries, and the central nervous system as essential tools for bringing about personal and social empowerment. She embraces imperfections as a foundation for joy and nurtures holistic well-being as a means of fostering personal growth. Logen is a firm believer that expansion and growth are always possible.
Belinda Grames, WCD, CLC
With over 25 years in the field of social services, Belinda is a licensed and certified, sex-positive, trauma-informed coach, compassion-based educator, and behavioral consultant. Her biggest passion is facilitating high quality education and development of people in the coaching, wellness, and behavioral health field. Amongst provided services, Belinda mentors life coaches and counselors new to consensual non-monogamy, gender affirming and sex-positive practices.
Franco Cado
Franco is a dedicated full-time care worker focused on the well-being, safety, and advocacy of the youth he serves. He collaborates closely with various agencies to provide comprehensive support, from de-escalating situations to ensuring a secure home environment. At the core of his diverse interests lies a passion for personal development. Throughout Franco’s journey, he’s engaged in a wide range of activities aimed at holistic growth and self-discovery.
From co-facilitating retreats and workshops on mature masculinity and conscious relationships to participating in shamanic ceremonies and holotropic breathwork sessions, he’s explored various avenues for inner exploration and healing. His meditation practice spans across traditions such as Vipassana, Theravada Thai Forest, Zen, Chan, and Tibetan Tantra, offering profound insights into the nature of the mind and consciousness.
Kevin Yarnell
As a dedicated facilitator, counsellor and life coach at Rhodes Wellness College and a recent graduate from the Professional Counselling Diploma program, he brings a unique blend of personal and professional experiences to the realm of education. Drawing inspiration from his background as a former Law Enforcement Officer who triumphed over mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, he is committed to creating a positive and effective learning environment.
His mission is to foster a safe and welcoming space for students, embracing their individuality and providing unwavering support. He believe in the Rhodes healing and educational journey, and his recent completion of the Professional Counselling Diploma underscores his dedication to personal and professional growth.
Taylor Gaunce, LCT-C, DCP
Taylor is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Licensed Counselling Therapist Candidate. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University, and has been a practicing therapist in the field for many years, working extensively with individuals living with addiction, trauma, and grief. Taylor believes in lifelong learning and person-centered approaches that highlight the expert within us all.
Nick Osborne, MA, Spiritual Formation (MASF)
As a compelling speaker and creative leader, Nick is a seasoned copywriter and content writer, boasting a proven track record in the writing and editing industry across both business and nonprofit sectors. Their expertise extends to retreat leading, nonprofit organizations, coaching, team building, facilitation, and organizational leadership.
With a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Formation from Carey Theological College, Nick brings a strong foundation in media and communication to their professional endeavors. Their passion for crafting impactful messages and fostering growth within individuals and organizations is evident in their diverse skill set and commitment to excellence.
Nicole McEwen, BA, MC, RCC
Nicole is a Registered Clinical Counsellor actively working in private practice on Vancouver Island (Chemainus). During her counselling career she has worked in a variety of clinical settings including community, medical, residential addictions treatment, and intensive virtual outpatient. Her work is both trauma and neurodivergence informed and she is influenced by theories grounded in epigenetics, evolutionary psychology, and sociobiology. Nicole brings a passion for cultivating curiosity, awareness, and self-trust in her work with both clients and students.
Rachel Friederichsen, RCC
Rachel Friederichsen (she/they) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and ApprovedClinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Rachel is a non-binary, queer therapist of settler origins (northern/western Europe) practicing on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including theXʷməθkʷəy̓ y̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and Sel̓ l̓ íl̓ l̓ witulh (TsleilWaututh) nations. Rachel completed her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at UBC. They have pursued extensive post-graduate training in trauma therapy and recovery, and couples and relationship therapy. Rachel has worked for almost 10 years in non-profit settings. In recent years, this work focuses on providing trauma therapy to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and providing supervision to masters-level interns. Rachel also maintains a private practice focused on relational health and healing.
Maria Capobianco, MS, RCC-ACS
Maria is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has been working as a clinical counsellor and offering clinical supervision for over 14 years. Maria offers a client-centered, trauma informed, culturally competent care, and specializes in working with minority groups under the lens of Liberation Psychology, evaluating the impacts of oppression and violence, and promoting liberation, growth, and well-being. This perspective allowed her to provide culturally sensitive care and contribute to the development of a comprehensive and integrated approach to therapy. Maria also works as a clinical supervisor, nurturing the growth of fellow mental health practitioners by fostering their clinical skills and developing overall clinical competence. She’s an experienced psychology instructor and graduate teacher and has developed educational materials and led courses on clinical case studies, psychodiagnostics, counselling and vocational studies, besides working as a consultant to different organizations. Maria also has extensive practice working in Mental Health and Substance Use in the public sector.
Douglas Rusk
Douglas is a cisgender, disabled, neurodivergent gay man who uses he/him and they/them pronouns. He is certified in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, CBT, and Addictions Treatment, and is a Registered Addictions Counselor and Registered Counseling Therapist through ACTA. He is also a Registered Professional Counselor Candidate through the CPCA and has lived experience with Medical Trauma, Polyamorous RelationshipDynamics, and The LGBTQ2SIA+ Life Experience. Douglas operates from a core belief that access to mental health support is a basic human right and that true barrier-free mental health is affected through community and relationships, not transactions. He believes in fostering human connection, and that a will to live is not a product to be sold. Douglas manages his private practice and is contracted with The Queer and Trans HealthCollective (QTHC) where he supports programs that operate from the Harm Reduction lens. In collaboration with the QTHC, he also helped create and launch the first legal mobile drug checking program in Alberta’s history. Douglas is also a co-founder of the Ethical PsychedelicInternational community where he works to advance standards of practice and ethical posture in the psychedelic renaissance, and currently sits as their Canadian representative.
Hena Mahboob, RCC
Hena is a Registered Clinical Counsellor working in private practice in British Columbia. She has a Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University.
Originally from London, UK, Hena has a background in human resources and business management, and a passion for fostering personal and professional growth and development.
For more information about Hena, you can visit Unison Therapy.
Jasmine Vatuloka, PCD
Jasmine Vatuloka (she/her) is a recent graduate of the Professional Counselling Diploma program. As a coach, counsellor and facilitator, she cares deeply about creating spaces that align with the values of acceptance, safety and inclusion; she offers a warm and supportive energy to the classroom by embodying these values while also inviting and normalizing everyone’s imperfect humanness. “All parts belong” and “shame dies in safe spaces” are phrases she says often. Jasmine’s passion is supporting cycle-breakers and survivors in creating more compassionate relationships within themselves, and therefore others, along their post-traumatic growth path. Her belief is that if we want to create collective change in the community towards peace, we must all begin with cultivating a relationship of peace within ourselves.
Jamie Dovedoff, BHK, MEd, CVRP, CCC
Jamie is a Canadian Certified Counsellor who combines her passion for physical rehabilitation and psychological well being with a deep commitment to supporting clients through life’s challenges whether that be physical or psychological or both.
Jamie has a private practice where she offers a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and concerns so they can grow their understanding and awareness of their self and the missing piece(s) to lead fulfilling lives. She specializes in burnout prevention and recovery, pain management, stress management, resilience, assertive communication, career counselling and women’s health. Jamie’s classes encourage self exploration in a warm and respectful environment where students can stretch their comfort levels while deepening their understanding of the course content and themselves.
Akeiko Rawn, MNTCW, RCC-ACS
Akeiko Rawn (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). She earned her Master’s degree in narrative therapy and community work together with Dulwich Centre and the University of Melbourne. For over ten years, she has worked in various settings including agencies, schools, and private practice. Presently, Akeiko works at Arches Counselling as both a therapist and a site supervisor, specializing in trauma care and support for neurodivergence.
Harj Thiara, RPC-C
Harj is a Registered Counsellor (RPC-C), and certified life coach. She holds a Professional Counsellor Diploma from Rhodes Wellness College, CSW education from Stenberg, and a certification in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Her passion lies in holistic well-being, encompassing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. Thus, she strives to explore all these aspects of her clients’ well-being to ensure that their pain is comprehensively addressed. While counselling clients in private practice, she also enjoys workshop facilitation and working with students to practice their skills.
When she is not in the therapy room, you can find her exploring the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia with her dog, Chance, who possesses an unmistakable personality. I also enjoy reading books, admiring sunsets, and cherishing quality time with my close family and friends
Jasbir Khurana MCP, RCC
Jasbir (he/him/their), is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s degree in
Psychology. Jasbir works full time as a counsellor within the Primary Care Network
(PCN) and Community Health Centre model of care. Having the Health Centre located
in the Downtown Eastside of East Vancouver allows Jasbir to work with diverse
populations and varied therapeutic interventions.
Working to address issues of trauma, grief, relationships and addiction, Jasbir is trained
in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural
Therapy (DBT), Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(CBT). Many of these interventions are facilitated through 1-1 counselling, group
therapy or education workshops.
Jasbir’s identity as QTBIPOC allows him to strive to be grounded in anti-oppressive
practices.
Jess Neil, PCD
Jess started her journey with Counselling at the ripe age of 16 dealing with c-PTSD and a complicated family. Her experiences allow her to support others navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, parenthood, postpartum, addiction, post traumatic growth, relationships, and whole-life wellness.
During her time in school Jess fell in love with the Nervous System and latched onto its power to transform our lives from the inside out, as well as its power to keep us stuck or trapped. In her work, she utilizes Somatic Experiencing and Somatic Therapy to tap into this Powerhouse to support clients bring their whole body on board with their goals, dreams, and wellbeing.
While Jess is skilled in many modalities and uses tools from therapies such as CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Parts Work, Motivational Interviewing, and Somatic therapy; her passion lies in tailoring her approach to each client based on their unique experiences and circumstances. She incorporates Somatic experiencing to aid clients in accessing their own inner wisdom and knowledge, supporting a deeper connection to their sense of self and realign with their confidence and inner trust.
Jaime Adams
Originally from the beautiful town of Salmon Arm, B.C., Jaime Adams now resides in Medicine Hat, where she runs a thriving private practice and works part-time with non-verbal adults as a disability support worker. As a body-centered Psychotherapist, Jaime’s therapeutic approach is rooted in Somatic touch, embracing a nurture-by-nature philosophy that integrates the physical body into the therapy process to heal both mind and body. With nine years of experience and a rich educational background, Jaime’s expertise spans roles as a certified Death Doula, Addiction Counsellor, Professional Counsellor, qualified life coach, Shadow Integration Therapist, PolyVagal Theory, and Holistic Wellness Counsellor. Her journey began as a touch therapist in British Columbia at a treatment center in the Shuswap. Jaime’s somatic approach shines in her work with non-verbal adults, where she utilizes co- regulation to tap into their somatic wisdom, fostering better support and understanding. She believes that paying close attention to our bodies can reveal insights into our whole selves. In her practice, Jaime provides psychoeducation through body-oriented modalities such as breathwork, meditation, nervous system inventory (vagal toning), and mind-body assessments, creating a soft and inviting space for holistic healing.
Dana Hubley, RPC-C
Dana received her Professional Counsellor Diploma from Rhodes Wellness College in 2022 and is a member in good standing with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association. Being able to share knowledge, see others grow, and gain confidence in themselves has always been Dana’s passion. Whether this was in the financial industry where she worked for many years, in the field of addiction and recovery, or as a facilitator for Rhodes the desire to help others has always been strong.
Nutrition Faculty
Colleen Hartwick, NMD, BSc (Kinesiology)
Dr. Colleen Hartwick is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in British Columbia and has been in practice on Vancouver Island since 2012. Prior to her enrolment to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, she completed a 4-year honours degree in Kinesiology and Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Her passion for understanding how the human body works paired with her belief that medicine should seek to understand and address the underlying cause(s) of the symptoms of disease, Dr. Colleen embarked on her journey toward being a Naturopathic Doctor.
Upon graduation, Dr. Colleen began her trauma-informed, family-focused practice in Campbell River, BC. Realizing she has a love for imparting knowledge and empowering her patients to understand and take charge of their health, she began her teaching career and has a passion for teaching the fundamentals, and helping students understand the core of science and what happens when things go wrong (Pathology.) Dr. Colleen incorporates what she has learned from her formal education as well as clinical experience to provide her students with a comprehensive and real-world understanding of how the body works when it is well, and what factors disrupt health. She is excited to be joining Rhodes Wellness College to give students a solid foundation in the physical and nutritional aspects of health. To learn more visit campbellrivernaturopathic.com
Erin Levine, DAN, BHum
Erin is an award-winning Holistic Nutritionist working and living on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She has been voted Best Nutritionist by The Georgia Straight since and has helped hundreds of burnt-out professionals live more energized, balanced, and connected lives. Erin has a private practice, runs corporate wellness programs, and offers community-based workshops. Her work is inclusive, rooted in anti-oppressive values and is dedicated to collective healing.
Erin was drawn to this work after a cascade of digestive issues that left her feeling hopeless, exhausted and clinically depressed for two decades. Yes, two decades! After many moons of trial and error, and nurturing a deep devotion to healing, Erin eventually uncovered valuable therapies and viable options through natural healthcare. Through Erin’s own journey, she is able to integrate this work into her own life and the lives of those around her.You can learn more about Erin and her work at erinlevine.com or @erinlevinenutrition on Instagram.
Tova Payne, RHN, B.Sc. (Psychology), LCD
Tova is a graduate of McGill’s Psychology program, a Certified Life Coach, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and Certified Yoga Teacher, with over 17 years’ of experience in the health and wellness industry as an instructor, facilitator, curriculum designer, and coach.
Tova has been involved in developing curriculum since 2009 with the launch of a yoga teacher training she took from inception to completion. Her passion for designing curriculum continued as she created several online programs and supported other colleges with course content and innovation in a multitude of arenas spanning from business to nutrition, and mind-body-spirit wellness. In 2019 she was the lead developer for the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program collaborating with subject experts to launch an integrative program at Rhodes. Tova continues to support the development of curriculum at Rhodes integrating her skills in management, education, and leadership to support the launch of new programs.
Chantal Russell, RHN, RYT
Chantal Russell is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant & Yoga Teacher Trainer with over 15 years of international teaching experience. Chantal has enjoyed working with clients one-on-one and facilitating group workshops throughout yoga studios, festivals and conferences around the world, educating and empowering people to heal through nutrition & holistic living. From 2014-2020 Chantal served as the founder & director of The Well Yoga Studio on Bowen Island, and managed the Nutrition and Yoga program at The Orchard Recovery Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Today she’s honoured to serve as the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at Rhodes Wellness College, along with serving as part of the faculty of the Professional Integrative Nutrition Program, and enjoys teaching online through her virtual studio, The Well, focusing on women’s health. When not teaching, Chantal can be found playing with her son, exploring the trails of Bowen with her horse Summer, writing & reading by the fire, or sharing her love of healing foods and nourishing conversation. Learn more at thewellbychantalrussell.com
Rebecca Thornton, RHN, RYT
Rebecca is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Registered Yoga Instructor. Passionate about community wellness, her work bridges the concepts of health of the internal and external environment and is an advocate for easier access to healthful foods in all communities.
In private practice she supports clients to connect at a deeper level with the nourishment they need, her main goal being to make nutrition fun and bring clients back to basics with fresh, local, real food helping individuals make sustainable change. Excited for all aspects of wellness and teaching she has taught in nutrition and culinary arts programs in both secondary and post-secondary positions in British Columbia and Nova Scotia and is excited to join the Rhodes family being able to support students with traditional knowledge and current scientific understanding. She brings this passion and excitement to her clients and the classroom.
Balancing her time between teaching, working one-on-one with individuals and families in private practice, corporate wellness programming, and volunteering in her community, in her free time you will find her in the forest hiking with her pup.
To learn more visit wildseedholistichealth.com or see what she’s been cooking on Instagram @wildseedholistichealth
Ewa Reid, RHN, FSP
Ewa Reid is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Fertility Support Practitioner, holistic health educator, wife, and mother of two. Ewa’s Fertility & Perinatal Nutrition practice focuses on supporting women through fertility struggles, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She is committed to helping clients reach their dream of parenthood, while finding balance and empowerment in their own health. Ewa’s innate desire to enrich lives has been the driving force throughout her mission-driven professional journey. Her various roles in management, leadership, and education span a 15-year career in the healthcare, business, and non-profit sectors. Ewa comes to Rhodes following a 4-year tenure as an instructor at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and brings with her a passion for helping health practitioners unlock and share their gifts with the world.
