The Mountainside Wellness Team
Caylan Barber RTC
(She/Her)
Executive Director
I've always been a listener. Hearing other people, truly hearing and understanding them resonates with me on a soul level. Over the years I took this passion and continuously learned everything I could about how to best support the people who chose to trust me with their stories.
I started by studying Behavioural Neuroscience for 3 years at Laurentian University and volunteered in adolescent psychiatry before moving back to BC. Then I began to work with Indigenous youth and inter-generational trauma. Eventually my partner and I settled in Revelstoke, where I also discovered this profound passion for everything related to fertility, birth, postpartum and nurturing the developing mind. Here is where I became a mother myself.
After becoming a mother, I completed my diploma of Applied Psychology and counselling through the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling. Currently I am registered through the ACCT as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC).
My Indigenous background is still deeply routed in the way I live my life: with a holistic balance. I believe in balancing the emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual (whatever that means to you) sides of oneself. I am also proudly a part of the queer and neurodiverse communities, and use my experience in both worlds to inform the work that I do with others.
Life has taught me to never underestimate people, and that everyone has unique needs when it comes to healing, because we all have unique identities and ways of functioning.
It is one of the reasons I can truly listen without judgement. Everyone has a journey, reasons behind their actions, and their own perspective that is uniquely theirs.
My current areas of focus include Neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD), perinatal mental health, trauma, inter-generational trauma, and couples. I use a variety of modalities, and draw from CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, parts work, Brainspotting, narrative therapy, and relational therapy.
Outside of work, you’ll find me with my head in the books, preferably outside, and taking my little one on adventures. I also volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Indigenous Friendship Society.
Jeremy Williams RPC, ADHD-CCSP
(He/They)
Executive Vice Director
Director of Operations
Director of Finance
Jeremy Williams brings cutting-edge counselling techniques to the forefront of his practice, ensuring that individuals receive the most effective and innovative support. With a deep understanding of various therapeutic modalities, Jeremy tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of each client, fostering positive and lasting outcomes.
As an ADHD Certified Clinical Service Provider and specialist in ADHD and neurodiversity counselling, Jeremy is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for individuals navigating the challenges associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. His nuanced understanding of ADHD allows him to develop tailored strategies that empower clients to harness their strengths and overcome obstacles, promoting personal and professional success.
As a member of the queer community Jeremy is passionate about mental health advocacy, equity/diversity/inclusion, and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues; actively working to dismantle stigma and promote a culture of well-being. Through community outreach, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives, he strives to create environments that prioritise mental health and foster understanding and compassion.
With a wealth of experience as a company director, Jeremy has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, guiding organizations through strategic planning and execution. His visionary approach ensures that businesses not only navigate challenges successfully but also thrive in competitive markets. Jeremy's leadership is characterised by a commitment to innovation, adaptability, and a keen understanding of organisational dynamics.
As an engaging manager, Jeremy fosters a collaborative and inclusive team culture. His approach emphasises open communication, mentorship, and a commitment to the professional development of team members. Under Jeremy's leadership, teams not only meet but exceed expectations, creating a positive and high-performing work environment.
Jeremy Williams is more than a professional; he is a catalyst for positive change. His diverse skill set, spanning counselling, leadership, and advocacy, positions him as a sought-after expert capable of driving individual and organisational success. Whether guiding individuals through personal challenges or steering companies toward new heights, Jeremy's dedication to excellence is unwavering.
Melyssa Hudson
CCC, BA, MA, ADHD-CCSP
Director of Community Engagement
(She/Her)
Change can be hard, but with the right support, change is possible. Not only is it possible, but it is also calling you - today.
What I offer is the place to explore the depths of your courage, your inner wisdom, and your capacity to become who you want to be. Right now, in this moment, you know what is not serving you any longer, habits you want to break and thoughts you want to stop thinking.
But how do you make the shifts needed to step into this new version of yourself? With me. I believe we need someone to walk alongside us to help us to make sense of change and trust in our innate capacity to weather the storms. By seeking support on your journey, you are taking the first and most challenging step: choosing courage.
How can I help you?
My approach is non-judgemental, full of compassion and rife with curiosity. My style of therapy is whatever you need in the moment, and as you change, I change. You are at the centre of this relationship, and you are in control.
I cannot tell you how to resolve the issues you are facing but I can help you see through the overwhelm, exhaustion and fear. I can help relieve the burden of shame and feelings of hopelessness that keeps you feeling stuck.
No issues are off the table. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/loss, parenting struggles, gender or sexual identity, anger, life transitions, trauma, eco-anxiety, career focus, addictions. It doesn’t matter because at the heart of these issues are the core feelings of sadness, unresolved hurt, and fear. That is what we get to the heart of.
About Me
I have spent over a decade working in environmental advocacy and communications engaging citizens on our global challenge of adapting and mitigating the impacts of climate change. I developed a closer relationship with the impacts of poverty, colonialism, and capitalism on human mental health. I made the switch into a career in mental health because I recognize the power of small, manageable and meaningful steps towards something better and more resilient for the future. Sitting alongside someone while they transform themselves is an incredible honour.
I am deeply grateful to live on the traditional and unceded territory of four nations: Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Secwépemc and Syilx people.
Janice Ha RTC
Senior Associate Counsellor
(She/Her)
My own lifelong journey deep diving into exploring, growing, making mistakes, healing and learning to live with past traumas has led me into this field.
Through travels and learning different modalities in other parts of the world and culture, I’ve met many healers, life coaches and therapists who have left a massive impact in my therapeutic journey. It has cultivated in me a strong passion for wellness, love of neuroscience and body centered work.
This led me to go back to school in my 40’s to get a Professional Counselling diploma and Life Coaching certification. Now as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor through ACCT (Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada) I am working at a non profit in the downtown eastside.
I value working with individuals from all ages, cultures, genders and sexuality. I recognize it is both a privilege and an honor to be walking alongside someone’s sacred voyage in rediscovering their wholeness.
Janice co-creates a warm and supportive environment for others to grow and flourish. Using a holistic approach to her work, she fully attends each person's needs while beautifully interweaving compassionate caring presence with professional skills. She strongly believes that each person already has inside of them an inherent desire to grow and possess innate healing powers. Janice wants to help others discover their own language of what medicine might serve them best in the present moment, be it more space, play, connection, or creativity.
Some frameworks Janice is informed in and inspired by:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT),
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),
Attachment Theory
Narrative Therapy,
Somatic Approaches
Polyvagal Theory/ Nervous System Regulation
Mindfulness/ Meditation/ Breathwork
Therapeutic art and movement
Trauma and Grief informed lens.
Outside of work Janice enjoys soaking up simple beauty in nature, playing make believe with her niece and most of all dancing in her pj’s while embracing being a human.
Chantel Fewtrell
Practicum Student
(She/Her)
I have always been drawn to helping professions, however I soon discovered my true passion is helping others with their emotional wellbeing and inner healing journeys. I believe health not only encompasses physical health but also mental wellbeing, as individuals cannot fully thrive unless they are both physically well and mentally well.
I began my first career as a Registered Nurse 11 years ago, after gaining an interest in helping others heal their emotional body, I have since gained a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, a BSc Honours in Psychology graduating with first class honours, and I am currently studying a PhD in Psychology. I feel it is a privilege to support others on their journey of healing and growth and I am extremely passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space where people can express their personal stories. I also help individuals to develop the tools to navigate difficult emotions, thoughts, or challenging life experiences. My approach to counselling involves both therapeutic approaches as well as coaching methods. I work with clients to confront difficult life experiences, heal old wounds, trauma or unprocessed emotions, and identify limiting beliefs. I also focus on developing mindfulness skills to help individuals be present to their everyday experiences and utilise coaching methods to help individuals create a future they can look forward to and ultimately experience more joy and meaning in life.
Outside of work I’m either skiing in the backcountry with my hubby, mountain biking, or surfing, and I have recently picked up the guitar.
I primarily use a client-centred approach to facilitate self discovery.
Other modalities I draw upon include:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural therapy
Solution Focused Therapy.
Currently I am working regularly at the Golden Branch
Aleksandra Stanosevic
Registered Social Worker
(She/Her)
Aleksandra is a therapeutic counsellor with a background in integrative transactional analysis that relies on approaches such as relational, gestalt, and mindfulness-based techniques to name the few.
Having emigrated to Canada in 2015, Aleksandra took up a bachelor program of social work where she gained considerable insight into mental health and counselling as well as indigenous history of residential schools, the 60’s scoop and neo-colonialism.
In her five years of social work practice, Aleksandra has worked with clients from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds. Her passion and enthusiasm lie in social justice issues and decolonization - what she enjoys the most is helping clients with self-advocacy and practicing autonomy.
The benefits of her approach lie in using different techniques tailored to the client's unique personality. Some clients like a directive approach; they want to be guided, to be given an almost 'engineering' model explaining our inner life while some prefer a non-directive, client-centered approach, where they explore their inner landscape with the therapist as a co-traveller.
In the course of her professional practice, Aleksandra has worked mostly with addictions, co-occurring disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, attachment and relationship issues. Aleksandra has seen clients leave their (usually toxic) family of origin, change unsatisfying jobs and end unsuccessful relationship.
Aleksandra fully believes, and has seen how therapy can heal suffering and enhance the quality of life for her clients which for some can also turn into being a spiritual outcome.
Besides handling three kids and two black pugs, the highlight of Aleksandra’s day is going riding her bike and listening to applied psychology training courses which adds a delightful flavour to her life.
Natalie Kristelijn RPCc
Junior Counsellor
(She/Her)
I became a counsellor to be able to offer support and hold hope to those of us living with struggles and challenges. I feel fulfilled when witnessing my clients gain insight in their own journey and patterns as well as learning ways to cope.
My approach to counselling is that I believe we are stronger than we think and capable of healing and living a fulfilled and balanced life. I wish for my place in this world to be like that of a lighthouse: to shine a light that offers clarity, safety and hope to those in need.
I enjoy working with young adults ages 21 and up and I am personally motivated to support newcomers to Vancouver / Canada that may struggle with cultural adjustments, as well as those going through grief and loss, anxiety and depression.
I work with the following modalities:
Individual Therapy
CBT
DBT
Narrative Therapy
Existential Therapy
My goal as a counsellor is to look for connection and offer a safe space for any stories, thoughts or experiences you may share. My style is to approach things with curiosity, acceptance and a dash of humour. My wish is for my client to feel heard, understood and self-empowered to change their life for the better.
My hobbies include travelling and being in nature as well as biking every day. Aside from that, I get my dopamine hits from petting cute dogs and enjoying music, art and movies.