Find the therapist that best suits your needs.
Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC-ACS, CCC (She/Her)
Clinical Director & Supervisor | Canadian Certified Counsellor
Stephanie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, and the Founder & Director of Aurora Wellness Group. She founded Aurora with a vision of reimagining mental health in the North—creating spaces where people can reconnect to themselves, their culture, and their communities through accessible, inclusive, and culturally safe care.
A leader in neurodiversity-affirming practice and an advocate for parenting support for ADHD and neurodivergent children, Stephanie approaches her work through an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens. She is deeply committed to decolonizing mental health and reclaiming wellness—centering healing that honours both individual and collective experience.
As Clinical Director, Stephanie mentors emerging clinicians, fosters reflective and ethical supervision, and builds meaningful partnerships that expand access to care. Her leadership is grounded in connection, collaboration, and culturally responsive practice, and she continues to guide the heart of Aurora’s clinical and outreach work—bridging traditional knowledge, evidence-based practice, and community-led healing.
While Stephanie is not currently taking on new counselling clients, she remains actively engaged in shaping the delivery of ethical, innovative, and community-focused care across the North.
Areas of Focus:
Children, youth, and family mental health
Neurodiversity-affirming and ADHD-informed parenting support
Trauma-informed and play-based care
Cultural healing and Indigenous mental health
Clinical supervision and leadership
Modalities & Training:
Attachment-Based Therapy
Play Therapy
Cultural-Relational Therapy
Trauma-Informed Practice
Polyvagal Theory
Neurodiversity-affirming and ADHD-informed Care
Parenting Interventions
Feminist Theories
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Culturally Grounded & Land-Based Healing Approaches
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
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, along with adults going through transitional periods.
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:
Youth, Adolescents, Couples and Adults
Trauma-informed education and Counselling
Crisis intervention and Transition counselling
Modalities & Training:
Client-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Trauma-Informed Practice
Psychoeducation for teens
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:
Oncology and end-of-life psychotherapy
Eating disorders (ages 19+)
Family and couples therapy
Complex emotional suffering and identity
Modalities & Training:
Interactional Therapy
Systemic and Family Systems Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Psychosocial Oncology
Narrative and Empowerment-Based Approaches
Parisa Rostami, MA (She/her)
Play Therapist | Counsellor (Qualifying)
Parisa is a play therapist working with children and adolescents in Whitehorse. She offers developmentally appropriate, child-centered therapy that supports emotional expression, self-expression, emotional regulation, self-efficacy and relational safety through play.
Her approach is grounded in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and integrates Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Theraplay, with a strong foundation in attachment- and trauma-informed care. Parisa supports children experiencing emotional regulation difficulties, mood- and anxiety-related concerns, behavioral challenges, ADHD, and experiences of trauma, separation, abuse, grief, and PTSD.
In addition to individual child therapy, Parisa provides parent psychoeducation, supporting caregivers with practical, relationship-focused strategies informed by schema-based and attachment-informed approaches for children and adolescents.
Parisa holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She was originally trained and practiced as a psychologist in Iran, working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Since moving to Canada, she has worked extensively with children and youth in educational, recreational, and community-based settings in Whitehorse. She is passionate about providing compassionate, culturally responsive, and relationship-based play therapy services to children and families in the Yukon.
Areas of Focus:
Children and adolescents
Emotional regulation and mood-related concerns
Trauma, separation, PTSD, abuse, and grief
Behavioral challenges
ADHD and neurodevelopmental differences (emotional regulation, social and everyday skills, executive functioning)
Parent support and psychoeducation (schema-based and attachment-informed)
Modalities & Training:
Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
Theraplay
Sand Tray Therapy
Attachment- and trauma-informed play therapy
Child and adolescent psychotherapy (CBT)
Child and adolescent schema therapy
Stacey Taylor, BA, MA, CCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Stacey is Canadian Certified Counsellor. 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:
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
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:
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
Zahrasadat Kazemi (Zara), CCC (She/Her)
Canadian Certified Counsellor
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:
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
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:
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
Sharon Wade, MA, 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:
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
Curtis Cox, BScPN, MACP (Candidate) (He/Him)
Counsellor | Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Curtis is a Practicum Counsellor and Registered Psychiatric Nurse offering counselling to youth and adults in Whitehorse. His approach is grounded in curiosity, presence, and person-centered care, shaped by over a decade of experience in addictions, crisis response, and trauma-informed outreach.
Curtis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and is currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. His decision to enter the field was deeply informed by his own lived experience of recovery and healing, values he brings into every session.
Drawing on a blend of clinical expertise and relational attunement, Curtis supports clients in reconnecting with themselves, their values, and their capacity for change. He offers an integrative approach rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), polyvagal theory, and humanistic models. He works flexibly, meeting each person where they are with authenticity, compassion, and a deep respect for autonomy.
Outside of his clinical work, Curtis finds meaning in time spent with his family, who are the center of his life. He also enjoys strength training, cooking, and exploring the Yukon wilderness. His work is grounded in the belief that healing happens in connection, with others, with the land, and with ourselves.
Areas of Focus:
Emotional regulation and identity
Trauma, shame, and recovery
Anxiety and experiential avoidance
Men’s wellness and relational work
Attachment wounding and early relational trauma
Life transitions and existential distress
Grief, loss, and meaning-making
Burnout, caregiver fatigue, and over-functioning
Nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress
Modalities & Training:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Emotion-Focused and Humanistic Approaches
Polyvagal-Informed Practice
Foundations of Play Therapy Dimensions Model (Green Stream)
Affirming Practices for Neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, "AuDHD", Dyslexia, and More)
Karissa Bascom She/Her (BSW, MSW-Qualifying)(She/Her)
Practicum Student
Karissa is completing her MSW at the University of Northern British Columbia and previously completed her BSW at the University of Victoria, with a focus on Decolonial Social Work. She is excited to continue developing her counseling skills at Aurora Wellness.
She has worked in the field of social work and support for 11 years, serving youth and adults in the community. Specifically, she has experience working with youth in home environments as well as outreach, addiction support, sexual assault support, and harm reduction work. This work has supported her in working through a relational lens. She is deeply committed to working through an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and strength-based lens.
Areas of Focus:
Personal Growth and Development
Life Transitions and Stress Management
Youth and Young Adults
Addictions and Harm Reduction
Relationship Challenges
Modalities and Training:
Motivational Interviewing
Biopsychosocial Models
Crisis Counselling
Strength-Based and Trauma-Informed
Harm Reduction Models
Andres Beltran BHKin, MSW., RSW (He/Him)
Registered Social Worker
Andres is a Registered Social Worker offering in-person and virtual counseling to youth and adults in Whitehorse. He believes that healing begins with the freedom to choose one's own path. Their practice is rooted in Self-Determination Theory, viewing each individual as the expert of their own life. Together with their clients, Andres forges a relationship built on authenticity and a total absence of judgment, creating a brave space where both mistakes and accountability are welcomed.
By focusing on unique strengths, they help clients identify meaningful goals while navigating the various risk and protective factors within their environment. They support clients in defining and achieving success on their own terms, ensuring every step forward honors their personal agency
When not in the clinic, Andres can usually be found outside and in the mountains—whether they are snowboarding, climbing, or hiking the Yukon trails.
Areas of Focus:
Behaviour Change & Health Promotion
Addiction, harm reduction, and recovery
Life transitions, stress, and anxiety management
Chronic diseases like diabetes and heart health
Modalities and Training:
Motivational Interviewing informed practice
Holistic, Strengths-Based Practice
Biopsychosocial Framework
Relational and Client-Centered Care
Restorative Justice framework
Stacey lee Robinson-Brown, MSW, RSW(She/Her)
Registered Social Worker
Stacey lee is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities across Northern Canada. She holds a Master of Social Work Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and brings a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to counselling and community wellness.
Her work has focused on mental health, community support, crisis intervention, and restorative approaches to healing. She has provided counselling and support to individuals experiencing complex life circumstances, including involvement with the justice system, family disruption, and mental health challenges. Stacey lee integrates strengths-based counseling with practical tools like DBT and CBT. She specializes in crisis intervention and restorative approaches, helping clients move through their trauma. Her work is grounded in respect, collaboration, and creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
Areas of Focus:
Adults and Seniors
Community work and crisis intervention
Intergenerational trauma
Personal growth and development
Modalities and Training:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Crisis Counselling
Trauma-informed care
Peacemaking Circle Training Foundation
Eliane Steffen (She/Her)
Practicum Counsellor (Supervised by Stephanie Leithead, MA, RCC, CCC) Starting to take clients in September 2026
Originally from Switzerland (French-speaking) and proud to have called the Yukon home for the past 18 years, Eliane is currently completing her Master of Education in School Counselling. She is delighted to be joining Aurora Wellness Group as a practicum counsellor under the supervision of Stephanie Leithead. With a background in elementary education and graduate degrees in Educational Technology and Mental Health, Eliane has spent many years supporting children and families. Through this work, she has developed a deep appreciation for the resilience, strengths, and unique stories that every person brings.
Eliane's approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. She believes that meaningful healing begins with feeling safe, seen, and accepted. Drawing from a strengths-based perspective, she works alongside clients to help them better understand themselves, navigate life's challenges, and reconnect with their own resilience. She strives to create a space where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences at a pace that feels right for them.
She has a particular passion for working with children, adolescents, and families, while welcoming clients across the lifespan. Her professional interests include school mental health, anxiety, emotional regulation, neurodiversity-affirming practice, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and nature-based approaches to wellbeing. She is especially interested in helping young people build confidence, emotional awareness, and healthy relationships through creative, developmentally appropriate interventions.
Outside of counselling, Eliane enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking Yukon trails, arts and crafting. She believes that nature, creativity, and meaningful connection can all play an important role in supporting wellbeing and hopes to thoughtfully incorporate these elements into her work whenever appropriate.
Areas of Focus:
Children and adolescents
Families and caregivers
School-related concerns
Anxiety and stress
Emotional regulation
Neurodiversity-affirming support
Self-esteem and identity
Modalities and Training:
Narrative Therapy
Trauma-Informed Practice
Strengths-Based Counselling
Solution-Focused Therapy
Nature-Based Therapy
Developmentally Responsive Practice
Creative and Play-Based Interventions
Psychoeducation
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.
Heather Dougan (She/Her)
Office Manager
Heather is happy to be joining the Aurora Wellness Group team as Office Manager. She loves creating welcoming spaces, helping people feel comfortable, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes so both clients and practitioners have a great experience.
Outside of the clinic, Heather loves spending time outdoors with her two sons, whether they're hiking Yukon trails or out on their bikes exploring together. She also facilitates sound bath experiences and enjoys making handcrafted earrings. Heather is excited to be part of the Aurora community and looks forward to welcoming you to the clinic!
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.
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 Heather 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.