Find the therapist that best suits your needs.
Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC-ACS, CCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor | Clinical Director & Supervisor
Stephanie is a Certified Clinical Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, and the Director of Aurora Wellness Group. In her current role, she devotes much of her energy to mentoring and supervising practicum students, guiding the delivery of high-quality clinical services, and bringing people together through meaningful community projects and collaborations. Her leadership is rooted in a passion for fostering connection, innovation, and culturally responsive care. While she continues to be deeply engaged in the heart of Aurora’s work, Stephanie is not currently taking on new counselling clients.
She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a MA in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Stephanie has extensive experience supporting individuals impacted by multigenerational trauma and neurodivergence, and provides services through the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP) and to families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). In her role as Clinical Director, she is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of ethical, culturally responsive, and high-quality care across the organization.
Areas of Focus:
Children, youth, and families
Couples therapy
Play-based and trauma-informed care
Cultural healing and Indigenous mental health
Modalities & Training:
Attachment Therapy
Play Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Gottman Method (Couples Therapy)
PEERS® Social Skills Training
Perinatal Mental Health
Anna Schunda, MA, RP (They/Them)
Registered Psychotherapist
Anna is a non-binary Registered Psychotherapist offering in-person and virtual counselling to youth and adults in Whitehorse. Their approach is eclectic, trauma-informed, and relational, with a strong focus on self-discovery and inner healing.
Anna holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Politics and Governance and an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Their clinical experience includes private practice, adolescent addiction treatment, and government-based mental health services.
Areas of Focus:
Youth and young adults
Trauma and identity
Strengths-based, relational therapy
LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care
Modalities & Training:
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Attachment Therapy
Cognitive and Behavioural Techniques
Somatic Approaches
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Ebony Rutko, BSW, MSW, RSW (She/Her)
Registered Social Worker
Ebony is a queer, cisgender clinical social worker providing trauma-focused therapy to adults in Whitehorse and remotely. Her work is grounded in somatic healing and deep respect for the body’s wisdom.
She holds both a BSW and MSW, and her practice integrates developmental and shock trauma treatment. Ebony works holistically, drawing on strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and body-integrated frameworks.
Areas of Focus:
Developmental and shock trauma
Somatic and body-based therapy
Identity, attachment, and integration
Anti-oppressive and inclusive practice
Modalities & Training:
NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)
Self-Regulation Therapy
Somatic Psychotherapy
Strengths-Based and Holistic Approach
Sarah Taylor, BHK, BEd, MA, MC, CCC, RCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Sarah is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a strong background in education and trauma recovery. Based in Whitehorse, she offers both individual and family therapy, drawing on her experience as a teacher, counsellor, and coach in Yukon and Nunavut.
She holds undergraduate degrees in Kinesiology and English Literature, a BEd, an MA in Education, and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University.
Areas of Focus:
Trauma, PTSD, and brain injury
Education system navigation
Couples and family therapy
Mental health in athletes
Modalities & Training:
Somatic Experiencing
Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Approach
Decolonizing and Culturally Responsive Practice
Areas of Focus:
Youth and adolescents
Trauma-informed education and counselling
Crisis intervention and short-term counselling
Modalities & Training:
Client-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Trauma-Informed Practice
Psychoeducation for teens
Heather Weaver, BEd, MA, CCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Heather is a Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Whitehorse, offering both in-person and telehealth counselling services. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and counsellor, she brings deep insight into working with youth, education systems, and trauma-informed care.
Heather holds a BEd in English with minors in Psychology, Physical Education, and Special Education from the University of Lethbridge, and an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She believes in creating a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate space where healing becomes a collaborative journey.
Areas of Focus:
Oncology and end-of-life psychotherapy
Eating disorders (ages 19+)
Family and couples therapy
Complex emotional suffering and identity
Modalities & Training:
Psychodynamic and Interactional Therapy
Systemic and Family Systems Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Psychosocial Oncology
Narrative and Empowerment-Based Approaches
Pamela Ortiz Palma, MA (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Pamela is a Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and Family and Couples Therapist with over 17 years of clinical experience. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, along with intensive post-graduate training in Family and Couples Therapy.
Pamela has worked in both public and private hospitals and mental health clinics, and has extensive experience supporting clients navigating oncology diagnoses and end-of-life care. She also works with adults struggling with eating disorders, informed by both clinical expertise and lived experience.
Areas of Focus:
Children and adolescents
School-based mental health
Trauma and developmental needs
Inclusive education systems
Modalities & Training:
Trauma-Informed and Developmental Approaches
Neurosequential Model in Education (NME)
Holistic, Strengths-Based Practice
Biopsychosocial Framework
Relational and Client-Centered Care
Nicole Schroeder, BA, BEd, MEd, CCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Nicole is a Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Whitehorse, offering counselling services with a focus on children, youth, and education systems. Her approach is warm, curious, and compassion-driven, integrating biopsychosocial and trauma-informed frameworks.
Nicole holds a Master of Education with a specialization in child and youth mental health, and is a certified trainer in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education. She brings a strong background in school-based work and is committed to equitable, developmentally-responsive care.
Areas of Focus:
Trauma, grief, and life transitions
Youth and young adults
Addictions and harm reduction
Relationship challenges
Modalities & Training:
Client-Centered Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Strengths-Based and Trauma-Informed Practice
Harm Reduction Models
Stacey Taylor, BA, MACP (She/Her)
Clinical Counsellor (Qualifying)
Stacey is a pre-certified clinical counsellor currently completing her Canadian Certified Counsellor designation. She holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from UBC, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
Stacey’s approach is integrative and trauma-informed, grounded in authenticity, harm reduction, and compassion. Her background includes outreach and addiction services, and she is passionate about supporting youth, adults, and individuals navigating grief, trauma, and identity.
Areas of Focus:
Personal growth and development
Healing from past trauma
Cultivating emotional resilience
Self-regulation
Navigating transitions in life
Adolescents and Young Adults
Modalities & Approach:
Person-Centered Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Cultural Sensitivity
Trauma-Informed Care
Eric MacDonald, BA Psych (He/Him)
Practicum Counsellor (Supervised by Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC, CCC)
Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another degree in education, and is a passionate student counsellor currently in his practicum at Yorkville University. He is gaining clinical experience while deepening his commitment to supporting individuals in their personal growth and development.
With decades of experience in education, he has had the privilege of working with students of all ages, from early learners to adults navigating various stages of their lives. This extensive background has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the diverse needs and challenges people face in both academic and personal contexts. His journey has taken him abroad to South Korea, where he spent several years working in an international setting. This experience broadened his perspective and enriched his ability to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
As he moves through his practicum, it is his goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore and address the challenges they face. He believes that true, life-altering change happens from within, and his approach is rooted in fostering deep, authentic connections that promote growth, healing, and resilience.
In his free time, he enjoys hiking, spending time with close friends, engaging in self-development practices, and simply relaxing at home. He’s excited to continue his learning and to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of those he works with, offering a space where transformation can unfold in a way that feels empowering and life-affirming.
Areas of Focus:
Personality disorders
Couples and family therapy
Crisis intervention
Cross-cultural mental health
Modalities & Training:
Schema Therapy
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
Couples/Family Therapy
Crisis Counselling
Zahrasadat Kazemi (Zara), MA (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor (Qualifying)
Zara is a bilingual psychotherapist with over 7 years of experience in clinical mental health, specializing in personality disorders, schema therapy, and family dynamics. Originally trained in Iran, she now provides psychotherapy services from Whitehorse, Yukon.
She holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and has published academic research on the psychological roots of intentional homicide. Her work is both evidence-based and deeply attuned to human complexity.
Areas of Focus:
Psychosocial oncology and palliative care
Relational challenges and emotional regulation
Mind-body integration and spiritual wellbeing
Modalities & Training:
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Narrative Therapy and Relational Frameworks
Somatic Practices and Yoga-Informed Therapy
Holistic, Culturally Sensitive Approach
Rocio Robles Guedeney, MA, MS, CCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Rocio is a bilingual therapist (Spanish/English) with over 16 years of clinical experience. Originally from Chile, she holds a Master’s in Individual, Family, and Couples Therapy and has specialized in psychosocial oncology, end-of-life, and palliative care.
Her practice draws on a rich understanding of the body-mind-spirit connection, integrating yoga, Buddhist psychology, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. Rocio is committed to supporting clients from a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded perspective.
Areas of Focus:
Trauma and attachment
Anxiety, depression, and addictions
Couples therapy
Eating disorders and emotional dysregulation
Modalities & Training:
Somatic Experiencing (SEP)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience (DARe)
Brainspotting
Humanistic and Experiential Models
Sharon Wade, MA, PhD, RP, CCC (She/Her)
Registered Psychotherapist | Canadian Certified Counsellor
Sharon has lived and practiced as a psychotherapist in Whitehorse since 2014. She brings a deeply experiential, humanistic approach to her work and integrates somatic and relational models to support healing across a wide range of concerns.
She holds a PhD in Health Sciences and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. Sharon is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and has extensive training in emotion-focused, body-based, and trauma-informed approaches.
Areas of Focus:
Chronic illness
Life transitions and stress management
Anxiety
Addiction, harm reduction, and recovery
Modalities & Training:
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Trauma Informed approaches
Hannah Roth, BMT (She/Her)
Practicum Counsellor (Supervised by Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC, CCC)
Hannah is a practicum student completing her Masters of Counselling at Athabasca University under supervision by Stephanie Leithead (MA, RCC, CCC). Hannah’s approach draws primarily from narrative therapy, while integrating elements of acceptance and commitment therapy and solution focused brief therapy.
Hannah’s background includes working in substance use treatment and recovery, crisis intervention, and supporting healing and growth using creative arts. She is committed to working with compassion, curiosity, and empowering clients to move toward what they value most.
Areas of Focus:
Psycho-educational assessment
ADHD and anxiety support
Child and adolescent mental health
School consultation and family collaboration
Modalities & Training:
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Brief Intervention and Consultation
Bilingual Assessment (English/German)
Cross-sectoral Collaboration
Ivonne Fuechter-Field, R. Psych (She/Her)
Registered Psychologist (AB)
Ivonne is a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in psycho-educational, social-emotional, and behavioural assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. She offers bilingual services in English and German and is known for providing pragmatic, strengths-based recommendations that support academic success and emotional well-being.
Trained in Clinical Psychology at the University of Constance in Germany, Ivonne now lives in Calgary and travels to Whitehorse for assessment clinics several times a year.
Areas of Focus:
Intergenerational trauma and Indigenous healing
IRS RHSP and community-based counselling
PTSD and trauma recovery
Modalities & Training:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Narrative Therapy
Family Systems Theory
Traumatology Institute Training
Gabrielle Cebuliak, MA, R. Psych (She/Her)
Registered Psychologist (AB & NWT)
Gabrielle is a Registered Psychologist providing counselling through the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP). She offers a mental health travel clinic every 4–6 weeks in Inuvik and Fort Good Hope, NWT, with telehealth support between visits. She is currently accepting clients from several NWT communities including Colville Lake, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Paulatuk, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Sachs Harbour.
Gabrielle holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Calgary and an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her practice is grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care, integrating both individual and systems-level perspectives.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC, CCC (She/Her)
DIRECTOR, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Stephanie is the founder and director of Aurora Wellness Group. She founded AWG because she believes in community-based counselling that is respectful, accessible, and inclusive. She runs her business from a feminist, strength-based perspective, and believes in creating a workplace that is full of passionate people who want to make a difference.
Alex Shaw, AA (She/Her)
CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST
Alex is our client care specialist and helps to keep us organized and on track with much of the behind-the-scenes administration work. She lives and works in Spruce Grove, AB with her partner, two children, and enormous dog. Alex has experience in office management and Human Resources, as well as many aspects of childcare, so is versed and loves working with people of all ages.
Matthew Van Lankveld (He/Him)
BUSINESS CONSULTANT, BOOKKEEPER
Matt lives and works in Whitehorse and does a lot of the behind the scenes work that keeps us running. From running payroll and keeping our books straight to installing flooring in our new space, Matt has many talents and keeps us rolling. Matt spent years running restaurants and is currently doing his MBA with Athabasca University.
Christy Kirstein (She/Her)
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION -remote in SK
Christy works remotely from Saskatchewan, supporting Aurora Wellness Group in a specialized financial administration role. She focuses primarily on invoicing and payment processing, with expertise in managing Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Indian Residential School (IRS) funding. Drawing on her background in Business Administration, Accounts Receivable, and Procurement, Christy plays a key role in keeping our financial systems accurate and efficient. While you may not see her in the office, her behind-the-scenes work ensures smooth operations and timely payment processing for our clients and clinicians.
Emilie Denis
OFFICE MANAGER
Emilie lives in a quaint cabin with her partner in Marsh Lake. She is currently studying for her Master’s in counselling psychology as well as running her small business alongside her best friend.
Emilie takes on many reception tasks, such as booking appointments, invoicing, processing payments and more.
You will likely see Emilie at the front desk when you come in for your next appointment. She will happily make you a nice cup of coffee or tea.
We are expanding our team!
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, COUNSELLOR, SOCIAL WORKER, LIFE COACH, MASSAGE THERAPIST, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST
Are you looking to join an energetic and engaged team that is excited to bring individual and systemic change to mental health? Do you have a professional designation that allows you to provide mental health support to individuals, couples, or groups?
We offer competitive and flexible employment packages and we work from a team strength based approach that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you are interested in joining our team please send Emilie at our front desk an email and stop by for a coffee. We’d love to hear from you.
Territorial acknowledgement
Aurora Wellness Group’s main office is located in downtown Whitehorse, on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council. We greatly acknowledge and respect the peoples and land and are honoured to be able to live and work in this beautiful land.
We also have counsellors and psychologists that travel to communities throughout the Yukon and Northwest Territories. We are honoured to be invited to work and travel on the traditional land of the Dene, Gwich’in, and Inuvialuit people.