Mirjam Knapik – Chair of Student Counselling Services

(she/her/hers)

I am a Registered Psychologist and came to Mount Royal in 2009. I have a BA from the University of Victoria and a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary.

Early in life I was struck by family stories that spoke of resiliency, perseverance and healing in the face of painful experiences. I wanted to facilitate this growth and healing with others and initially did so as a youth worker. Then I completed my degrees so that I am now able to do this work intensively as a counsellor.

When I meet with students I am curious about their strengths and what they've done to manage their challenges, as well as explore with them new perspectives and possibilities. For me it's about helping others determine what they want their life to be like, and together figuring out how they'll get there. 

In my life I love to make music with others and enjoy being outside to garden and hike.

Michael Huston

I am Registered Psychologist, and a counsellor at Mount Royal since 2001. I completed a BSc in psychology at the University of Alberta and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Calgary. I have experience working with a broad range of personal, career, and educational concerns.

I tend to think of counselling being about change – that it's a learning environment where we work together to think of goals, changes or outcomes, and to determine what needs to be learned to move in a preferred direction. Most concerns can be approached this way – as a learning opportunity. I tend to think of problems as being part of a normal human experience and that we can all learn how to cope better with the problems life presents.

I very much enjoy my work and appreciate the opportunity to assist students in addressing their concerns and creating desired changes. I like the idea of being tidy and organized.

Jennifer McCormick

(she/her/hers)

I grew up in Calgary and completed my Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary. When I was a university student, I came to realize that my education was not limited to textbooks and the classroom. It felt like being in school was challenging me to explore who I thought I was and what I valued.

As a psychologist, I have come to appreciate the multitude of experiences that post-secondary  students have including coming from a range of locations, having a range of school and life experiences, and dealing with a large array of passions and stressors. For me, counselling involves creating opportunities to explore what these experiences mean to you along with finding resources and skills (internal or external) to get the most out of your MRU years.

I currently have time in my schedule dedicated to working with Indigenous and International Students. 

In addition to my work, I also enjoy painting/being creative, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with my spouse and children.

Sonya Flessati

(she/her/hers)

I was born and raised in Calgary, and I am a Psychologist and Associate Professor working at MRU since 2002. I have a Master's Degree (Clinical Psychology) from Lakehead University and a Ph.D. (Counselling Psychology) from the University of Alberta.

I love my work with students – the diversity of their issues, their uniqueness, and the resilience that they bring to counselling, during a time of life transition and movement towards establishing one's identity, values, and a sense of meaning and purpose. It is fulfilling to be able to help students identify their best strengths and how they can be used to work with life's challenges.

When I am not at work, spending time with loved ones, walking my dog Casey, and being out in nature and in my garden provide me with a sense of contentment and wellness. When I am doing these things, I know that I am living well.

Janet Miller

(she/her/hers)

I'm a psychologist at Mount Royal who provides counselling support to students on a variety of topics including career uncertainty, self-discovery, growth, relationships, trauma, crisis, depression, resiliency, anxiety and grief. I also absolutely love working with student leaders and volunteers. My approach to counselling has been influenced by existential psychology, positive psychology and client-centered therapy. I like conversations about meaning and purpose, and I love talking about the "big stuff" in life.

Outside of my office you'll find me on campus welcoming students into Residence, coordinating the Student Leadership Conference, or doing research about student success. In addition to my Mount Royal identity, I'm a mom, an amateur potter, and a coffee enthusiast. I love learning new things and appreciate the opportunity to be of support to our campus community.

Danni Lei

(she/her/hers)

I am a registered psychologist and am excited to have joined the MRU Student Counselling Team. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa and a Master's of Science degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. I have previously worked in a variety of contexts and have immensely enjoyed working with post-secondary students at the University of Calgary Wellness Centre, as well as with the Cumming School of Medicine, working with medical residents.  

I am passionate about supporting students through the demanding pressures of life by working collaboratively to identify hopes and preferences that align with people's unique histories and backgrounds, and to find ways of moving towards those goals. Working from a client-centred and strength-based perspective, I hope to help people discover their own wisdom, knowledge and skills that might assist them with their challenges and difficulties. As a 1.5 generation immigrant to Canada, I am also curious to explore the cultural, familial and societal nuances that influence identity and health/wellness. 

Kelly Waters-Radcliffe

Here’s who I am: Kelly, A middle-aged fellow, husband and father of two. I’ve travelled a bit. I love art and sometimes paint. I love music but know only three chords on my guitar. I should probably go to the gym. And I’ve been a practicing therapist for about 18 years – it does take practice. The more people I meet, though, the more fully I’ve come to understand one basic thing: problems are problems because they interfere with what’s meaningful. When our needs aren’t met, when we fall out of line with our values, when our strengths go unused, and when we’re trapped in routines that don’t match our hopes, then life is drained of meaning. We disconnect. Disconnection can be felt in many ways, including but not limited to confusion, helplessness, anxiety, depression, and anger. Disconnected people are in pain, and people in pain respond in many ways, including but not limited to: avoiding, withdrawing, risk-taking, engaging in addiction, locking into conflict, acting violently, self-harming, and attempting suicide.

My practice is to help people find words for what's meaningful to them. When we find words our troubles become more understandable and 'visible'. And when things are understandable, new options emerge where once there seemed few or none. It becomes possible to reconnect with life in meaningful ways. This, I believe, is therapy.

Shellyza Murji

Zen Ladhani

Bobbi Sutherland

My name is Bobbi Sutherland (she/her), Professionally I have a Master’s in Social Work with a Clinical Specialization. I have been working passionately in the helping profession for many years. I have experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan. In my counselling practice I utilize an anti-oppressive lens with a collaborative approach, recognizing that you are the expert in your own life. Curiosity, active listening and emotion regulation are some of the strategies you can expect me to use when helping to deconstruct problems, create meaning and build connection. In my spare time you will likely find me shopping for plants, baking cookies or walking my dog Waffles.

Ricardo Avelar

(he/him/his / they/them)

Hey everyone!  I’m Ricardo Avelar; I’m a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology.  I strive to facilitate safe and collaborative conversations with folks.  In other words, I intentionally ask unassuming questions, acknowledge your strengths, listen non-judgmentally, suggest alternative perspectives, and offer evidence-based strategies.  While I have specialized knowledge in identity development, sexuality and relationships, and sexual violence/trauma, I also support individuals struggling with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, career uncertainty, communication or assertiveness skills, neurodiversity, stress management.

Outside of work, I enjoy activities like boxing, gymnastics, singing, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with friends/family.

Aleena Tahir (Practicum Student)

(she/her/hers)

Hello, I'm Aleena! I am currently completing an MEd in Counselling Psychology at the University of Lethbridge and hold a BSc in Psychology from the University of Calgary. 

As a practicum counsellor at MRU, I am passionate about supporting post-secondary students as they navigate the complexities of young adulthood. Whether you're managing mood and interpersonal concerns, nurturing growth and wellness, or facing any other personal challenges, I'm here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process and work through life's unique obstacles. My approach to therapy is grounded in a person-centred perspective, which means I am committed to creating an empathetic environment that values your individual experiences. I also take on a cultural perspective, recognizing the important role that culture and identity play in shaping our lives. I deeply admire the strength and resilience individuals bring to therapy, and I believe that by building on these qualities, we can foster meaningful change and growth.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy crocheting, spending time with family and friends, and binge-watching Netflix shows. When I get the chance, I also love to travel, discover new places, and experience different cultures!

Amanda Okafor (Practicum Student)

(she/her/hers)

Jordan Keough (Practicum Student)

(she/her/hers)

Barbara Russo

When people get a warm welcome in a new situation, the stage is set for a positive experience. That's been a strong belief throughout my working life, and especially in my administrative assistant role at the front desk of Student Counselling Services. The best part of my job here is definitely interacting with MRU students.

In the summer of 2023 I moved to the role of Administrative Assistant to the Chair on a temporary basis.

My previous positions include communications specialist for a tourism marketing organization, editor at MRU, and various medical office roles in Calgary and BC. Some of my most recent education achievements include completing the Indigenous Canada Course through the University of Alberta, a Technical Writing Certificate and Medical Terminology Certificate from MRU, and a Provincial Instructor Diploma from Vancouver Community College. Outside of work I have a passion for wildlife, nature, gardening and my adorable petsl

Angela Grey (currently on leave)

My journey to becoming an Administrative Assistant was unconventional as I have a background in Fine Arts and was mainly interested in how the arts help people emotionally and psychologically, but I continued admin work throughout my studies and found that I very much connected with the “helping people” aspect of administrative work.

Previously, I worked with students, faculty and staff in a post-secondary environment for over a decade and some of my greatest successes came from assisting students to get the support and encouragement they needed to continue to attain their academic goals.

In December 2021, I became the Administrative Assistant to the Chair of Student Counselling Services (SCS) at MRU and feel that it has become a very good fit for me. I am able to assist, not only the Chair, but the entire counselling team and their clients in receiving the support they need.

As an administrative assistant, it continues to be one of my greatest passions to help others to find solutions, feel heard and aid them in getting the support they need to move forward.