I am a graduate of Yorkville University, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. While I have these designations, I feel I’ve been on the path to becoming a therapist for years. Growing up as a mixed-race person in a largely Caucasian community, I realized early what it is like to be "other". I developed empathy for those whose experiences seemed different from the norm. As an adult, I can see how many of us develop habits or adaptations to support our existence and manage relationships. These habits include thoughts, feelings or behaviours such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, self-harm, or addictions. My lived experiences enable me to see how one’s trials and traumas can both hold us back and be the building blocks of our resilience. Seeing through a lens of both privilege and difference has been a gift and defines me as open-minded, culturally sensitive and having empathy for people's unique experiences. With an undergrad in Commerce from the University of Victoria, I spent my early career as a consultant supporting entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. My skill set allowed me to help individuals stay the course with small, tangible steps, through challenge, adversity and insecurities and achieve their goals. I later moved into the non-profit sector, further developing my people skills, combining business, social justice, and support. With over 15 years of experience in these roles, I have learned leadership skills, the ability to see multiple sides, and deepened my empathy for others. My heart is open to people with different abilities and those facing significant challenges. Specifically, I spent over a decade as a managing and program director for a hospice society. My most cherished experiences in this role have been working directly with individuals facing life-limiting illness, their families or caregivers, and those living through the loss of a loved one. These experiences taught me the power of being a witness, amplified my intuitive channel and provided the foundation for who I am as a therapist - wading through dark waters, being an anchor when all feels lost, and finding light and laughter at the magnitude and magnificence of life.