Junior Associates

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 a dedicated counsellor with a strong focus on supporting individuals in their journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth. With years of experience in education and a Master’s in School Counselling, she understands the pressures people face and is passionate about helping clients build resilience, manage stress, and find balance in their lives.

Katie creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges, reflect on their experiences, and gain the tools they need to thrive. Whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout, or navigating life transitions, she offers compassionate, personalized support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that prioritizing mental health empowers individuals to face challenges with strength and resilience. Katie is committed to guiding her clients toward lasting positive change and supporting them as they cultivate well-being in all areas of their lives.

KRISTA BUTLER MA, RCC

Krista is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) based in Nanaimo, B.C., with a passion for helping individuals navigate their healing journeys. With extensive experience working with youth dealing with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, Krista's practice has expanded to support a wide range of clients, including educators, parents, and survivors of trauma.

Krista's work in Sexual Abuse Intervention Programs (SAIP) has provided her with invaluable experience supporting youth and parent survivors, as well as insights into the challenges faced by educators. Through this work, she has had the opportunity to collaborate closely with teachers, recognizing the unique stressors they encounter and the critical importance of prioritizing their mental well-being.

In her therapeutic approach, Krista creates a collaborative, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their issues at their own pace. She integrates her background as a certified yoga teacher and Vipassana meditator, emphasizing the connection between the body, mind, and heart in the healing process. This holistic approach encourages individuals to rediscover their inner wisdom and find balance in the midst of life's challenges.

Krista is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy that is highly effective in treating trauma and various mental health concerns by facilitating the processing of distressing memories and experiences.

Krista offers in-person sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays in her Nanaimo office, with virtual sessions available throughout the week. She looks forward to the opportunity to support you, whether you are a teacher seeking guidance or an individual on the path to healing.

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

Jenna has just wrapped up her practicum and is now focusing on completing her Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) certification. As a newly appointed high school counsellor with the Magnolia Health and Wellness team, she is eager to apply her skills and knowledge in supporting the mental health and well-being of educators.

Jenna holds a Master’s degree in School Counselling from City University, building on her Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education from Simon Fraser University. Her educational background, combined with her previous experience as a teaching assistant, has given her valuable insights into the challenges educators face in their professional and personal lives. Jenna understands the unique pressures and stressors that come with the role of an educator and is dedicated to providing empathetic and effective support.

In her role as a high school counsellor, Jenna is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where educators can explore their thoughts and feelings. She believes that quality mental health care should be accessible to everyone and aims to contribute to this vision by offering compassionate and personalized counselling. Jenna strives to foster a welcoming space where educators feel comfortable and empowered to address their challenges.

Guided by a collaborative, strength-based, and holistic approach to counselling, Jenna tailors her strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. By emphasizing the strengths and resources within educators, she helps them navigate the complexities of their professional lives while promoting their overall well-being.

Though she is in the early stages of her career, Jenna considers it an honor and 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.