Amanda Balsillie MSW, BSW, RSW (10070)

Registered Social Worker Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, in northeast Alberta but currently resides in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Licensing: Alberta

Languages: English

Education: Master of Social Work, University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work, University of Calgary Social Work Diploma, Northern Lakes College

Client base: Children, Teenagers, Adults, Elders.

The principles guiding my practice are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, emphasizing a strength-based perspective and incorporating the medicine wheel as a holistic framework for assessment.

My approach to helping is rooted in compassion and active listening, incorporating Indigenous medicines while also blending Western modalities when appropriate.

Some of the gifts I carry in my holistic healing practice include being a smudge bundle carrier and using time on the land as a means of reconnection.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Child/Youth, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, C-PTSD, Depression, Developing Healthy Emotional Expression for Men, Family Dynamics, Fostering resilience for personal growth, Indian Residential School, Intergenerational trauma, Loss and Grief, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys (MMIMB), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Suicide, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Sixties Scoop, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Violence, Witnessing Violence.

Amanda Balsillie MSW, BSW, RSW (10070) Registered Social Worker Athabasca C... Read More

Samaria Nancy Cardinal MSW. BSW RSW (AB 18180, BC 17723, SK 7750)

Registered Social Worker I am a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Nation of Alberta (MNA), District 6.

Licensing: Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia

Languages: English, tiny bit of michif and cree.

Education: Master of Social Work Clinical Practice (April 2024) University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work - University of Calgary Diploma of Social Work - Mount Royal University

Client base: Teenagers, adults, seniors, groups.

The principles that guide my practice are: traditional ways of knowing and walking in balance using a holistic framework based on the medicine wheel.

My approach to helping includes: Indigenous Focused Therapy where all therapy is done ceremonially. I use trauma-informed practices that are client-centered. The therapeutic techniques I use are narrative and dialectical behaviour therapy.

Some gifts I carry in my holistic healing practices are: meditation, dance therapy, healing with energy and connecting to the land and its medicine.

I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas: disability, addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, trauma, lateral and physical violence, oppression and racism.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Loss and Grief, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem / Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Sixties Scoop, Stress, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Witnessing Violence.

Samaria Nancy Cardinal MSW. BSW RSW (AB 18180, BC 17723, SK 7750) Registered Soci... Read More

Joanna Gladue, CCPA (10009270)

I am a member of Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Proud Cree woman from the Treaty 8 Bigstone Cree Nation, embodies a deep connection to her Indigenous roots.

Licensing: Alberta

Languages: English

Education: City University of Seattle, Masters in Counselling

Client base: Children, Teenagers, Adults, Groups

Although my familial connections are in Northern Alberta, I have been residing in Edmonton, Amiskwacîwâskahikan, for most of my life. I bring a holistic perspective of wellness and includes Indigenous traditional ways of knowing and being into my therapy practice along with somatic theory, polyvagal theory, trauma-informed yoga, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

The principles that guide my practice are: 7 Grandfather teachings of love, respect, honesty, courage, truth, wisdom, and humility. I am also guided by a trauma-informed holistic approach to wellness, based on the teachings of the medicine wheel. I incorporate both traditional Indigenous practices, and Western therapeutic modalities into my healing practices.

My approach to helping is one that is inclusive, client-centred, non-judgmental, empathetic, and trauma-informed. I will walk alongside you, empowering you to engage in self-reflection, while respecting that your identity, beliefs, and values, as you begin or continue, your journey toward holistic wellness.

Some gifts I carry in my holistic healing practices are having an understanding that your journey is yours; I must have respect and empathy in your own experiences, your thoughts and your feelings. I will utilize Indigenous approaches to wellness, with Western theory in the work I do with you. As an Indigenous person, I myself have faced many adversities and having this lived experience, allows myself to have a better understanding of the struggles and strengths with being Indigenous.

I have experience supporting Indigenous people in several key areas. This includes understanding the experiences and impacts of residential schools on both survivors and their families across generations. I am well-versed in intergenerational trauma and its connections to social issues such as poverty, addiction, and family dynamics — all rooted in the legacy of colonization.

Additionally, I advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and have worked directly with clients who have experienced sexual exploitation and violence.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Child/Youth, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Indian Residential School, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys (MMIMB), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem / Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Sixties Scoop, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Violence, Witnessing Violence.

Joanna Gladue, CCPA (10009270) I am a member of Canadian Counselling and Psychoth... Read More

**Mackenzie Kuzyk (They/Them/Theirs) BAP, BSW, MCS, RSW (AB 16694 BC 16695)** Registered Social Worker I live in Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary, Alberta). My Nation is in the south of Newfoundland at the mouth of the Conne River and is called Miawpukek First Nation.

Licensing: Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island

Languages: English

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mount Royal University Bachelor of Social Work, University of Calgary Master’s in Clinical Social Work, University of Calgary (Specialization: Trauma-Informed Practice).

Client base: Teenagers, Adults, Couples (limited capacity for)

The principles guiding my practice are: Relationality. I have both seen and come to understand that great healing can be done when in relationship. I value reciprocity and honor the inner wisdom my clients come with and acknowledge them as being the experts of themselves. I am am open in sharing my identities as a Two Spirit & Indigiqueer human because I value transparency and sharing intersections with my clients that can deepen our understanding of each other. Our intersections, social location, and context all impact how we experience the world. Our sexuality/gender identity, cultural identity, and spiritual connections all can be important parts of who we are. I welcome space in counselling process to acknowledge the impacts of colonialism and one’s own experience of oppression.

My approach to helping might be: Incorporating both Indigenous ways of knowing and Western ways of knowing into my clinical practice. I work from a holistic approach which includes consideration of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of wellness. Western Approaches I have found to share perspectives with and/or compliment Indigenous Ways of knowing: 1) Internal Family Systems Therapy (Parts Work) 2) Narrative Therapy 3) Somatic/Body-Based Therapy Approaches

Some gifts I carry in my wholistic healing practices include: Welcoming in any/all cultural practices that resonate for you. I aim to decolonize the counselling process as much as I can and approach from a trauma-informed, client-centered, non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, strength-based, and Self/Spirit-led place.

I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas:

• In a post-secondary context as an Indigenous Student Support Advisor where I helped support students in addressing wellness concerns, case management, and resource navigation.
• In a counselling context, helping supports folks who are 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous identifying. Helping folks process and heal from trauma and explore cultural/2SLGBTQ+ identities.
• Completed an MSW practicum with the Indigenous Mental Health Program at Alberta Health Services (AHS)

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Anxiety, Child / Youth, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

**Mackenzie Kuzyk (They/Them/Theirs) BAP, BSW, MCS, RSW (AB 16694 BC 16695)*... Read More

Lindi Shade MSW, BSW RSW (9141)

Registered Social Worker Kainai (Blood) Nation, Blackfoot Confederacy.

Licensing: Alberta

Languages: English, Understands Blackfoot.

Education: Master of Social Work-Clinical Specialization, University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work, University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts-Psychology, University of Lethbridge

Client base: Teenagers, Adults, Seniors, Families and Groups

I have been practicing Clinical Social Work for Thirteen years, mainly within First Nations Communities and currently within our urban communities. My professional background is quite diverse, as I have experience working in various areas and have a deep compassion in helping others.

The Principles guiding my practice encompasses an Indigenous Focused Therapy that is client centered, strength-based, and follows a Holistic Framework.

Some gifts I carry in my Holistic Healing Practice include a Spiritual and Intuitive lens that is focused on healing. I also provide Reiki and meditation with my clients.

I have experience working as a Therapist with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Inquiry (MMIW). I have a background working with Intergenerational Trauma, Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma-Informed Care, Grief and Loss, Indian Residential Schools, and complex trauma.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Child/Youth, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Depression, Indian Residential School, Loss and Grief, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Attacks, Relationship & Couples Counselling, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Sixties Scoop, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Violence.

Lindi Shade MSW, BSW RSW (9141) Registered Social Worker Kainai (Blood) Nat... Read More

Kristel Slawik MSW, BSW, RSW (14567)

Registered Social Worker Big River Cree First Nation (Treaty 6), with German ancestry. I was raised in Calgary, Alberta, which is where I currently live and work.

Licensing: Alberta

Languages: English

Education: Master of Social Work, University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work, University of Calgary

Client base: Adults

The principles that guide my practice include compassion, empathy, respect, accountability, and self-awareness. I strive to lead with authenticity—walking the talk—and to cultivate balance in body, mind, and spirit. My approach is rooted in wellness, grounded in a deep connection to self, to spirit, and to the relationships we build with others.

My approach to helping might be: Valuing a wholistic approach that is rooted in a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework of health and wellbeing when addressing addictions of all manifestations, trauma, and mental wellness. I provide a wholistic recovery lens that is suited to the individuals’ needs for moving forward in their life, to discover your gifts and who you are. My clinical work integrates aspects of DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative and Emotion-Focused within a talk therapy environment. Indigenous ways of knowing guide my therapeutic approach towards connection, grounding, and safety.

Some of the gifts I bring to my wholistic healing practice include my lived experience as a person in long-term recovery and my reconnection to cultural identity and Indigenous ways of knowing and healing. I am also a trained energy practitioner. With deep gratitude for this transformative journey, I offer a grounded, heart-centered approach to supporting others in their own paths to wellness.

I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas: previously working in a non-profit Indigenous-based addiction treatment facility. I also moved on to study with an elder during my MSW program, and counselled Indigenous university students. I am currently partnered with an Indigenous non-profit agency providing counselling through my private practice.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Holistic Recovery, Healthy Relationships/Boundaries, Loss and Grief, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Shame, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care.

Kristel Slawik MSW, BSW, RSW (14567) Registered Social Worker Big River Cre... Read More

Brenda St. Germain MSW, BSW, RSW (28253)

Registered Social Worker Metis Cree woman from Central Alberta, following Nêhiyaw or Cree traditions.

Licensing: Alberta

Languages: English

Education: BSW and MSW - University of Victoria, Indigenous Specialization

Client base: No age limit

The principles guiding my Indigenous social work practice are based from a blended approach that combines my Nêhiyaw or Cree traditions with progressive social theories on decolonization, reconciliation and anti-colonial ideologies.

My approach to helping is based from an Indigenous - Centered Practice framework through a self-conscious traditionalism in Indigenous Social Work Practice. My practice approach has evolved into a complex and unique theoretical framework that is culturally relevant as an Indigenous social worker.

Some gifts I carry in my wholistic healing practices are that I have synthesized anti-oppressive and decolonization into a process that shifts individuals towards their own healing journey as they learn how colonial policies have impacted their communities, families and themselves through intergenerational and historical trauma.

I have experience working with Indigenous people and communities in the following areas: residential school trauma, intergenerational trauma, domestic violence, sexual molestation and rape, addictions, complex mental health, child welfare, corrections, health, lateral violence/ bullying, discrimination/ racism, reconciliation, Indigenous research, community development, project management, workshops, personal development, strategic planning, social work theories, decolonization workshops.

Areas of Counselling Support

Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Anger Management, Anxiety, Child/Youth, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Depression, Indian Residential School, Loss and Grief, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Sixties Scoop, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Violence.

Brenda St. Germain MSW, BSW, RSW (28253) Registered Social Worker Metis Cre... Read More