Junior Associates

NAV LALLI M.A., RCC

Nav is a compassionate and dedicated registered clinical counsellor who holds a Master's degree in Counselling from Yorkville University, along with a Bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse perspectives, Nav firmly believes that each person possesses a compelling and valuable story that deserves to be heard and understood. Creating a safe and nurturing space for her clients to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions is of utmost importance to her.

Nav's therapeutic approach centers around empowerment, vulnerability, and growth. Recognizing the impact of cultural and social factors on her clients' well-being, she incorporates culturally sensitive techniques and interventions to support their healing and self-discovery journeys.

To guide her clients, Nav draws upon modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. While she acknowledges that the past cannot be changed, she collaboratively works with her clients to gain insights into their challenges, helping them develop practical strategies to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives.

Nav is passionate about assisting her clients in uprooting long-standing behavior patterns and negative perceptions that hinder personal growth. She integrates complementary therapy approaches and techniques tailored to meet her clients' specific needs and goals, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being.

As a counsellor, Nav is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment that fosters healing and growth. She recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in therapy, appreciating the unique experiences and perspectives of her clients. Nav provides a supportive space where clients can explore and process their emotions, navigating the complexities of their lives and making positive changes.

Nav feels grateful for the opportunity to work with clients, aiding them in achieving their goals. Her extensive experience and understanding of various cultural backgrounds enable her to provide personalized support and guidance that is sensitive to their specific needs. Nav is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journey toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

KARA OBOJSKI B.A., B.Ed, M.A., RCC

Kara's extensive experience and education have given her a unique perspective on the importance of mental health and wellness, particularly in the field of education. Throughout her 15-year teaching career, she has witnessed the toll that stress and burnout can take on educators, and has seen firsthand how it can impact their overall well-being. This has driven her passion for helping others navigate these challenges and prioritize their mental health.

As a counsellor, Kara believes that building strong, authentic relationships is key to healing and growth. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive space for her clients, where they can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working through their challenges. To tailor her approach to each client's unique needs, she is focusing on various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and narrative therapy.

In addition to her counselling experience, Kara has spent the past seven years as a union table officer, advocating for teachers in one of the largest school districts in British Columbia. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the complex landscape of teaching and the challenges that educators face, from duty to accommodate and health and wellness support, to stressful employment processes, professional boundaries, and conflict in the workplace. She is therefore well-equipped to support teachers through a wide range of situations, and to help them prioritize their own mental health and wellness.

Kara's goal as a counsellor is to help her clients develop the skills and tools they need to live their lives with greater ease and fulfillment. She is dedicated to helping her clients explore their strengths and resources, identify their goals, and work towards positive change. She firmly believes that everyone has the capacity for growth, and that therapy can be a powerful catalyst for personal transformation.

At Magnolia Health and Wellness, Kara is excited to work alongside a team of like-minded professionals who share her commitment to holistic health and wellness. She is eager to learn from her colleagues and to contribute her own knowledge and experience to the team. Above all, she is excited to have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients.

SARAH MICHEL B.A., B.Ed., M.A., RCC

Sarah Michel is grateful to join the team at Magnolia Health and Wellness.  Sarah is completing her Master of Education in Counselling degree through City University.  She finished a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology before entering the teaching program at Simon Fraser University. She has been a teacher for 10 years and has always been drawn to connecting with the social emotional health of her students.  In addition to work as a resource and elementary school teacher, Sarah has experience facilitating groups for children and women who have witnessed and experienced abuse.  She believes teachers engage in important and impactful work, and deserve to be supported in every aspect of their wellbeing.  Sarah aims to provide an empathic, non-judgmental, and safe space where individuals are valued and respected. She approaches counselling through a collaborative, client-centered, and emotion focused lens.  Sarah feels honoured to listen to your story, support you towards meeting your goal, and witness positive healing and growth.

KATIE TITTLER M.Ed., RCC

Katie is an experienced elementary school teacher in the lower mainland, has dedicated years of her career to shaping young minds. Her belief in the significance of social-emotional learning has been the driving force behind her teaching practice. Recognizing the transformative impact it can have on students' lives, she made the decision to pursue her Masters of Education in School Counselling through City University, further solidifying her commitment to this essential aspect of education.

Katie's dedication to prioritizing mental health and wellness extends beyond her students. She understands the immense pressure and challenges that teachers face in their ever-changing careers. With this understanding, she strives to provide a supportive environment for teachers, ensuring their well-being is at the forefront. Katie firmly believes that by nurturing the mental and emotional health of teachers, they can better navigate the demanding tides of their profession.

In addition to her work with students, Katie is deeply committed to supporting educators in their professional journeys. Recognizing the unique challenges and demands of the teaching profession, she offers a range of resources and strategies to help teachers effectively manage stress, prevent burnout, and prioritize their own well-being.

Katie provides individual counselling sessions specifically tailored to the needs of educators. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, she encourages teachers to explore their challenges, emotions, and concerns. Through these sessions, she provides the support and guidance teachers need to navigate their professional lives, find balance, and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.

Moreover, Katie understands the power of professional development and collaboration in promoting teacher well-being. She facilitates workshops and training sessions for educators, focusing on topics such as self-care, stress management, and building resilience. Through these interactive sessions, she equips teachers with practical tools and strategies to enhance their overall well-being, empowering them to thrive both personally and professionally.

Furthermore, Katie fosters a sense of community and support among educators. She organizes peer support groups and networking opportunities, allowing teachers to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These platforms provide a valuable space for educators to find solace, encouragement, and inspiration, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective growth.

By prioritizing mental health and wellness among educators, Katie believes that the entire educational community benefits. Through her compassionate and collaborative approach, she helps teachers develop a strong foundation of self-care, emotional resilience, and effective coping mechanisms. By supporting educators in their personal well-being, Katie enables them to bring their best selves to the classroom, ultimately creating a positive and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

In summary, Katie's passion for social-emotional learning and her dedication to supporting educators come together to create a comprehensive approach to education. Through her work as an elementary school teacher and a school counsellor, she not only focuses on the well-being and growth of her students but also provides valuable resources, counseling, and professional development opportunities for teachers. Katie strives to create an educational community where social-emotional learning and mental health are prioritized, empowering both teachers and students to thrive in their personal and academic journeys.

JEANETTE LEWIS B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., RCC
Jeanette's career spans over 25 years in the field of education, where she has undertaken various roles, including Classroom Teacher, Inclusion Support Teacher, and her current position as a School Counsellor, primarily focusing on elementary education from K-12. Throughout her journey, she has also served as a teacher mentor, a dedicated union representative, and a nurturing sponsor for aspiring student teachers.

At the heart of Jeanette's work in educational settings, there has consistently been a genuine commitment to forming meaningful and compassionate relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Her extensive experience within the education system enriches her role as a counsellor, where she provides crucial support to fellow educators. She possesses a profound understanding of the intricacies and challenges inherent to the teaching profession and has consistently worked to assist her colleagues throughout her career. In the face of the stressors and hurdles that many educators contend with in our current system, Jeanette firmly believes in the importance of self-care and striving for a harmonious work-life balance.

Jeanette is dedicated to aiding her colleagues and sharing valuable tools and resources to improve their overall well-being. Her counselling approach is firmly rooted in being person-centered, which entails the establishment of trust and connection with her clients. She embraces an empathetic methodology to encourage her clients to share their stories and utilizes their strengths as a means to achieve their personal goals on their journey towards wellness.

KRISTA BUTLER MA, RCC

Hi there, I'm Krista, an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) based out of Nanaimo B.C., with a passion for supporting individuals through their healing journeys. While my primary focus has been on working with young individuals grappling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss, my journey has led me to intersect with various demographics.

My experience in Sexual Abuse Intervention Programs (SAIP) has not only honed my skills in supporting youth and parent survivors but has also provided me with valuable insights into the challenges faced by educators. Through these programs, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with teachers, understanding the unique stressors they encounter and the importance of prioritizing their mental well-being.

In my practice, I approach therapy as a collaborative and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their issues at their own pace. Drawing from my background as a certified yoga teacher and vipassana meditator, I emphasize the connection between the body, mind, and heart in the healing process. This holistic approach allows Individuals to rediscover their inherent wisdom and find balance amidst life's challenges. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy proven effective in treating trauma and various mental health concerns by facilitating the processing of distressing memories and experiences.

I currently offer in person sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays based in my Nanaimo offices, and virtual sessions the remainder of the week. I look forward to the opportunity To support you, whether you're a teacher seeking guidance or an individual on the path to healing.

PRAB SAMRA B.A., M.A., RCC

Prab Samra is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in counselling psychology, education, and administrative roles. Holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and being a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Prab possesses extensive expertise in providing mental health support and therapy to individuals and families. Prab’s experience spans various settings, including schools, community organizations, and crisis intervention services, where she has demonstrated proficiency in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating interventions. With additional training in play therapy and motivational interviewing, Prab brings a holistic approach to her counselling practice. Prab’s commitment to helping others is evident through her volunteer work on crisis lines and facilitating discussions on topics such as self-esteem and mental health. Overall, Prab Samra is a compassionate and versatile professional dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

JENNA RIZNEK B.A., B.Ed., M.A (RCC in progress)

Jenna is an esteemed intern on the Magnolia Health and Wellness team, where she is honing her skills as a school counsellor. Currently pursuing her Master's degree in School Counselling from City University, Jenna's educational journey builds upon her previous Bachelor's degree in Arts and Education, obtained from Simon Fraser University. Despite being an intern, Jenna brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a desire to learn and grow in her role.

With her educational background and ongoing training, Jenna is eager to apply her knowledge and gain practical experience in supporting the mental health and well-being of educators. She understands the challenges that educators face in their professional and personal lives, thanks to her previous experience as a teaching assistant and her interactions with educators during her academic journey. Jenna recognizes the importance of providing empathetic and effective support to educators, who often experience unique pressures and stressors in their roles.

As an intern, Jenna is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for educators to explore their thoughts and feelings. She believes that quality mental health care should be accessible to everyone, and she aims to contribute to this vision by providing compassionate and personalized counselling. Jenna strives to foster a welcoming and caring space where educators can feel comfortable and empowered to address their challenges.

In her internship, Jenna is guided by a collaborative, strength-based, and holistic approach to counselling. She understands that each individual has unique needs and goals, and she tailors her strategies accordingly. By emphasizing the strengths and resources within educators, Jenna aims to help them navigate the complexities of their professional lives while promoting their overall well-being.

While Jenna may be an intern, she considers it an honor and a privilege to be part of the Magnolia Health and Wellness team. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to her clients' wellness journeys and to gain valuable experience in her field. Through her dedication, passion, and commitment to growth, Jenna aims to make a positive impact on the lives of educators, supporting their resilience and well-being.