Our team members are compassionate and dynamic humans who offer support and guidance through the change process with nature as their co-facilitator. We aim to match you with a counsellor or Master’s level practicum student who fits your individual or family needs.

David Segal
Executive Director – MA, RCC-ACS (he/him)
David Segal has been providing therapeutic nature-based counselling for children, youth, adults, couples, and families for over 15 years. He is deeply passionate about the natural world and how strengthening human-nature relationships can enrich our collective and individual well-being. He has spent the last decade learning from a vast array of teachers (including the non-human natural ones) the tools and skills for guiding people to truly know their own inherent wholeness and how to work with the struggles of their life in order to both harness and harvest the gifts and learning available.
David completed a Masters degree in Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria, is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and is a certified Somatic Transformation Practitioner and Emotionally Focused Therapist with specializations in working with couples/families and resolving trauma. When not counselling, he loves playing sports, exploring forests, training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and spending time with his family.
Eidel the Nova Scotia Duck Toller
Eidel brings with her an insatiable joy for life and contagious love for the present moment, sticks, and running in the forest. Eidel loves to join Dave on his adventures with clients.

Katy Rose
Clinical Director – MA, RCC-ACS (she/her)
For over 15 years Katy has been discovering the joys of experiential and nature-based approaches to working with children, youth and families for the promotion of healing and growth. Katy holds a deep trust in the healing power of connection with the non-human natural world, and believes that each individual is born with an innate drive and capacity towards wholeness and health. Katy completed a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology, with a specialization in Wilderness Therapy, from Naropa University in Colorado. She is trained in Somatic Transformation, Emotion Focused Family Therapy and EMDR.
Along with her involvement in HNCS, Katy has developed and facilitated several group therapy programs for families and youth throughout the Greater Victoria Region. Katy’s passion is in creating innovative and accessible programming which are steeped in the values of connection, family, nature and community. Katy loves to share her passion for the exciting field of Nature-Based Therapy with others, and provides training, supervision and education on these topics in the hopes of encouraging other counsellors step beyond the office walls. Katy is a parent to two vivacious boys and a Registered Clinical Counselor with the BC Association of Clinical Counselors. Katy is ever grateful to have the privilege of working and living in the traditional and unceded territories of the Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ people, and is committed to ongoing learning and unsettling of how our services can contribute to decolonizing mental health practices and services in our communities.
Ripple the Bernerdoodle
Ripple is full of love for all humans and fellow creatures. She loves exploring the beach, romping through the forest, finding giant sticks, and most of all, snuggles. Ripple is happiest when she gets to join Katy and her clients in the great outdoors (FYI – she is a gentle giant at 110 lbs!).

Bonnie Dyck
Manager of Clinical Supervision & Training – MSW, RCC-ACS (she/her)
Squamish-North Vancouver & Telehealth
For over 20 years, Bonnie has been providing experiential nature-based and adventure therapy for children, youth, adults, couples, and families. She believes it is through relationship with ourselves, each other, and the natural world that we learn, grow, and heal. Through experiential invitations, she supports clients in repairing relationships, deepening connection, and increasing a sense of meaning, health and wholeness in their lives.
Bonnie completed a Masters of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2001 and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Clinical Supervisor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is trained in Adventure Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (individual and Family), and Narrative Therapy.
Bonnie is passionate about growing the field of Nature-Based Therapy Practitioners. She oversees Certification and provides Training, Supervision, and Consultation for individuals and agencies that are seeking to work with clients in nature settings.
When not providing support to counsellors and clients, Bonnie teaches courses on “Facilitating a Healthy Relationship with Media”, serves as President on a school board, and spends time playing in nature with her family. She has 2 adventurous boys who continue to be her greatest teachers. Bonnie is grateful to have the privilege to work, live, and play on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people and is committed to ongoing learning and decolonizing of mental health practices.
Registered Counsellors
Sarah Delroy (she/her/they) – MA, RCC – Cortes and Quadra Islands, Campbell River – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Sarah is a third generation Ukrainian/English/Irish settler who grew up on unceded Algonquin territory. She uses a strengths-based approach to counselling to help generate a safe and compassionate space for clients to find connection to themselves, others and the living world. She works with families, adults, and youth to help highlight what is already working, offer tools to grow what’s needed and help shift what isn’t, then helps to integrate these changes into daily life.
Sarah has studied and worked in wilderness and life ways skills since 2001, with a focus on connecting children, youth and adults with nature for the last 10 years. She has trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, and Nature-Based Therapy. She can offer tools from these orientations, and if there is interest, life ways skills such as weaving, storytelling, animal tracking, bird language, stone tool making and various fine art mediums.
Sarah works from a culturally sensitive, inclusive and trauma informed lens. She especially welcomes 2SLGBTQIA+ folx and their families.
Nate Demetrius (he/him) – MC, BCYC, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Nate works with children, caregivers, and couples navigating emotion-regulation, neurodiversity, and relationship challenges. As a BIPOC individual, he loves working with racialized individuals, and he draws from a systems-aware, social justice (feminist) perspective developed over 6 years of supporting families exposed to domestic violence.
His volunteer work with JDF Search and Rescue, Power To Be, and local faith communities has enriched his support for people processing traumatic situations, discovering spiritual identity, and desiring connection with the Natural World.
Nate is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), holds a Master of Counselling (City University) and has a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (UVic). He is Level 2 Certified in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP; in process), and is a trained Nature-Based Therapist.
Nate was raised and still lives on the unceded territories of the WSANEC and Songhees Nations (Victoria, BC). In his free time, he gratefully explores Coast Salish territory all across Vancouver Island in search of nature, connection, and adventure.
Sarah Duncan (she/her) – MA, RCC – Clinical Counsellor
Cowichan & Victoria
Sarah is a 5th-generation white settler of Scottish descent, born on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe-Algonquin people. For over 20 years, she has respectfully and gratefully lived and raised her family on the unceded traditional territory of the Quw’utsun people.
As a creative, calm, and respectful counsellor, Sarah offers an integrative approach that meets clients where they are and gently guides them toward their therapeutic goals. Since 2007, she has worked in various settings, including non-profit organizations, Island Health, the Cowichan Valley School District, Cowichan Tribes, and Child and Youth Mental Health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from Vancouver Island University and a Master’s degree in Counselling from City University.
Sarah’s formal training includes Emotionally Focused Individual and Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Response-Based Practice, and Ecotherapy. She is currently pursuing Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy training and is working towards becoming a clinical supervisor.
An avid outdoorswoman, Sarah has long integrated nature into her own healing journey, understanding how deeply nourishing our relationship with the natural world can be. She offers individual, child (9+), teen, family, and group counselling, utilizing creative, experiential, integrative, and relational approaches. Sarah recognizes that we are complex beings connected to family, society, and community—each shaping how we navigate and make sense of our lives.
Elise Gilchrist (she/her) – MA, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Elise is an enthusiastic, warm, and playful registered clinical counsellor who approaches client relationships with reverence, humility, and care. Elise offers a flexible and integrative approach to counselling (Narrative, Experiential, Solutions-focused, CBT, etc.), and she infuses her personality and sense of humour into her client work.
Elise has years of experience facilitating outdoor adventure activities, leadership programs, and therapy groups with kids, teens, and adults. She also worked in community health for over a decade, and has assisted others as they navigate illness and mental-health concerns. These experiences provided Elise with many opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Supporting Indigenous clients is a priority for Elise because much of her own healing journey was made possible through her lived experiences in community. She wishes to reciprocate the support and care that she received, and she is FNHA registered.
Elise has a deeply felt sense of the therapeutic power of being in relationship with nature. In her work, she intends to team up with nature as co-facilitator to cultivate a carefully attuned relationship with each unique client and family unit.
Isla & Halle (left to right)
Halle (11 years) and Isla (3 years) are lovable and curious goofballs who enjoy exploring beaches and forests, chewing on sticks, and cuddling. Both Halle and Isla are great with kids, and they have very soft fur. They do not bark, but Halle might bark occasionally to tell you that she wants to play!
Cilla Holmes (she/her) – RTC, EXA – Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Cilla Holmes (she/her) is a wild-foraged ink maker, a deer trail wanderer, a parent, a teacher, and an all-around expressive arts geek. She grew up kayaking, drawing, and writing about seals and arctic sea smoke on the traditional coastal territory of the Algonquin and Penobscot people.
Cilla’s work with youth and families is land-based, multi-modal, and rooted in fifteen years of teaching and mentoring in the arts, and a lifetime of resourcing in nature. Deep trust in our innate creativity, ecological belonging, and embodied knowing lies at the heart of Cilla’s relationship to counselling. Cilla supports youth and adults to honour their own stories, to attune to their essential glimmers of joy and resilience, and to root into their own self-resourcing practices in nature and the arts.
Cilla holds a certificate in expressive arts therapy (EXA), and she completed a practicum year integrating arts-based and nature-based therapy. Since 2009, Cilla has trained in wilderness skills and mentorship, suicide and crisis intervention, trauma-informed grief-tending, somatic awareness, family wellness, and literacy. Cilla completed her BA, MFA, and postgrad certificate studies in literature, teaching, creative writing, and fine arts and design.
As a sixth generation settler of Scottish, Irish, and Swedish descent, Cilla holds gratitude for loon song at dusk, and for each day she spends in relationship with Coast Salish lands.
Sarah Johnston (she/her) – MC, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Squamish & Online
Sarah connects with clients with warmth, curiosity, and acceptance, acknowledging each persons inherent worth and strength to overcome challenges. She is offering sessions both in person in Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) and online to clients in British Columbia. She works with clients in their teens and adulthood who are facing transitions, anxiety, stress and relational challenges.
Sarah takes an ecological approach that considers mind, body, relationships and connections to the natural world. She draws together the client’s story (narrative therapy) with a body-based lens of somatic and nervous system-based approaches (polyvagal theory). Sarah takes a relational approach that is grounded in the importance of relationship and community in healing (attachment theory). She honours our inherent connection to the land through a nature-based approach, collaborating with the land to facilitate regulation, clarity, and authenticity.
Sarah spent seven years facilitating wilderness and adventure based therapy for youth and young adult men with addictions. She supported a deep process of change for clients through the intentional use of adventure activities, group therapy and individual sessions. Sarah completed an undergraduate degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership as well as a teaching degree focused on Indigenizing practices in education at Lakehead in Thunder Bay, ON. She went onto complete a Master of Counselling Psychology degree with City University where she focused on nature-based therapy and therapeutic climbing. Sarah’s passion for utilizing climbing as a tool for growth and empowerment prompted her to co-found Dirtbabe Collective, a grassroots organization impacting mountain culture through offering therapeutically framed experiences in combination with technical skill development and visual storytelling.
A third generation settler of Scottish, Irish and English descent, Sarah was raised where prairies meet mountains on treaty Seven Territory, home to Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina and Ktunaxa peoples.
She is blessed to now reside on Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish Territory).
Tensley Koontz (he/him) – MEd, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Cowichan
Tensley offers warmth, curiosity, and compassion, and his approach is grounded in building a trusting therapeutic relationship wherein space for transformation, healing, and meaning-making is held.
Intertwined with his own healing journey and upbringing in Alberta’s backcountry and the rangelands of BC’s Cariboo-Chilcotin, Tensley recognizes Nature as a valued teacher and support of wellbeing. His approach honours our interconnectedness with the social and physical environments around us and invites a collaboration with the land through experiential activities and play, mind-body awareness, insights from neuroscience, and attachment and family systems perspectives. Tensley works with adults, youth, and families to support them where they are at, offer tools to foster growth, and walk alongside them on their journey to rediscovering their inherent wholeness. Supporting his integrative counselling approach is specialized training in Nature-Based Therapy (NBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based interventions, including Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Tensley previously completed a BEd in Physical Education at the University of Victoria and has taken a path supporting youth and adults as a teacher and coach in BC and abroad, as a field instructor with Outward Bound Canada, a kayak guide, as well as working as a wildland firefighter. He is father to an effervescent daughter and is of German and Métis heritage. Tensley draws from his ancestral background and experience walking in different worlds, and he appreciates connecting with diverse peoples.
It is with gratitude and humility that Tensley practices on the traditional unceded territories and ancestral homelands of the Quw’utsun, MÁLEXEȽ, BOḰEĆEN, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, and Stz’uminus Peoples.
Kelly Nakatsuka (he/him) – RTC – Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Kelly has taken a bit of a meandering path to the world of Nature Therapy. He is a lifelong lover and explorer of the outdoors, with a childhood split between rural Northern Alberta and the West Coast. His professional life has taken him from forestry research in virtually every beautiful nook and cranny of BC, to cooking in downtown Vancouver restaurants, to running a music festival, to a 13 year career at CBC Radio. The common thread through it all has been his passion for working with other humans.
Kelly has always believed in people, in their brilliance, and in their ability and inherent right to grow and heal and thrive. These days he is a registered therapeutic counsellor with a background in family systems, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), group facilitation, as well as nature connection work, along side both adults and children. He is a patient, curious, and deeply compassionate therapist who loves working with clients to discover their own healing path. Combining our innate ability to grow and heal, with the innately healing qualities of the natural world, has been one of the simplest and most profound experiences he has had as a therapist and as a human being. He his grateful to live and work on the unceded traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) people, now know as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, as well as the traditional and unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ nations.
Jessica Neary (she/her) – MA, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Jessica is a third-generation English/Irish settler who grew up on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations. She brings a grounded presence, warmth, and a deep sense of curiosity to her work, creating a compassionate and playful space where clients can explore their inner worlds with trust and safety. Jessica believes in attuning to your unique process, offering thoughtful guidance while allowing room for your authentic self to unfold.
With a focus on deep connection, Jessica facilitates Circling, a relational meditation practice that invites mindful exploration of the present moment, fostering meaningful connection with self and others. She also draws from six years of experience working in outdoor day camps and child care, helping children and youth engage with nature and the arts. Her therapeutic practice with adults is rooted in five years of experience supporting people in their professional lives as a Human Resources Advisor.
Holding a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, Jessica is trained in Internal Family Systems therapy, Nature-Based Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. Where there’s interest, she weaves these modalities with play therapy and creative arts, using paints and crafting mediums to encourage self-expression and emotional processing.
Jessica works from a culturally sensitive, inclusive, and trauma-informed lens, bringing a blend of presence, warmth, depth and playfulness to her practice, helping clients of all ages navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity.
Ashley Pierobon (she/her) – MSW, RSW – Registered Social Worker
Greater Victoria
Ashley is a compassionate and dedicated registered social worker with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of British Columbia. With a deep passion for supporting children and families, Ashley has spent her time delving into the latest research on child development, attachment, mindfulness, and emotional regulation to help children thrive emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
As a mother of two lively and curious children, Ashley finds immense joy and learning in parenting. Her experiences as a mother have enriched her professional approach, providing a unique perspective that resonates with the families she supports.
Nature has always been a sanctuary for Ashley, offering her a sense of safety, connection, and grounding. This personal connection to the outdoors has greatly influenced her practice, inspiring her to incorporate nature into her therapeutic work to promote healing and wellbeing.
Ashley began her career working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This experience taught her the importance of tailoring her approach to meet each person’s unique needs, fostering a deeply empathetic and personalized method of care.
Additionally, Ashley is a certified Pilates instructor and movement educator. Her comprehensive training has given her a profound understanding of the mind-body connection, allowing her to address both the emotional and physical aspects of wellbeing holistically.
Ashley is grateful to have the privilege to live and work in the beautiful traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. In her spare time, Ashley loves to explore the outdoors with her family. Whether hiking, biking, or enjoying the beach, she thrives on adventure and activity. Ashley is excited to be a part of the Human Nature Counselling team and looks forward to walking alongside you on your journey with empathy, knowledge, and dedication.
Charlie
Charlie is a bubbly, loving, warm-hearted golden doodle who thrives on adventure and loves being with people. She’s perceptive of others’ emotions and always ready for a comforting cuddle or pat. Charlie spends her free time lounging in the sun, chasing squirrels, and being run off her feet by two high energy toddlers.
Calum Ramsay (he/him) – MA, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Calum helps people navigate life. During sessions, you can expect to build relationships characterized by trust, presence, and connection, both with Calum and with the natural settings where you’ll work together. Calum recognizes who you are as a person and addresses your needs by integrating experiential learning, mindfulness, and your pre-existing strengths. This allows you and Calum to generate a combination of insight and action to move you toward your goals. Calum is committed to creating an experience with you through nature-based therapy that provides opportunities for meaningful growth, change, and acceptance.
Calum’s path to becoming a counsellor has been non-linear. After training as an engineer, he spent 12 years growing the decision-making skills of international rugby players at hundreds of competitions including the Olympics and Rugby World Cups. This work led to collaboration with experts from the NFL, NHL, and Super Rugby to advance his understanding of human behaviour under stress. Calum has also worked in the trades and facilitated over 400 hours of support groups. He holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a registered clinical counsellor with the BCACC. In his free time, Calum can usually be found outdoors on a bike, beach, or camping trip with his wife and dog.
Calum lives, with respect and humility, on the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
Timber
Timber is a gentle and affectionate six-year-old flat-coated retriever mix. He may join in on sessions if they align with his overloaded nap schedule. Timber’s favourite hobbies are being lovable and picking blackberries directly from the vine.
Sasha Routley (she/her) – MA, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Sasha’s path to counselling has grown through her experiences of deep connection with other animals and the natural world. Throughout her life, she has learned there are endless and extraordinary ways that humans can experience authentic connection, deeply felt support and transformation, through our relationship with nature.
Sasha’s approach to counselling is also guided by the science of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which has a significant influence on our emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Through a process of befriending our ANS, we can better understand how to take care of our selves and others.
Creating patterns of attunement and connection, supports our natural capacity to heal, show up authentically and navigate the complexities of our shared world.
Acknowledging the colonial relationship with the unceded land that supports her life, Sasha honours the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Quw’utsun, W̱SÁNEĆ, Songhees, and Stz’uminus First Nations.
Sasha strives to grow her understanding and take action in support of social justice and Indigenous resiliency.
Daniella Roze des Ordons (she/her) – PhD Candidate, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor and Training Facilitator
Victoria & Online
Daniella draws on over 15 years of experience as an ecotherapy practitioner, facilitator, and educator, guiding nature-based therapeutic and educational programs for both youth and adults. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Daniella brings a strength-based, inclusive, and culturally competent lens that recognizes inherent wholeness, empowers agency, and celebrates diversity. She draws on relational and compassionate approaches that support others in navigating their challenges while honouring and living into their unique gifts. Daniella believes in working collaboratively with people, communities, and nature for collective and individual healing and wellness.
Daniella is trained in Nature-Based Therapy, EMDR, and Emotionally-focused Family Therapy and has a background working with Indigenous individuals and communities. As a PhD candidate within the Educational Theory and Practice program at Simon Fraser University, Daniella’s research explores ecopsychology-informed education within an eco-social justice framework. She holds a Master of Contemplative Education and a diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling. Daniella is the founder of Thriving Roots Wilderness School, has served as an instructor and researcher at several post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, and presents to international audiences on ecopsychology and nature-based education. She is a training facilitator in the Nature-Based Therapy Certification Program.
Daniella’s love for nature began in her childhood growing up in the Okanagan Valley, and since then, the land has become an important teacher and friend. She has a passion for wild plants, weaving, carving, and friction fire and enjoys sharing these practices with her clients. Daniella is committed to fostering reciprocal and healing relationships with nature and building just and sustainable communities.
Brad Rudner (he/him) – MA, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Westshore
Brad has over three decades of experience at the intersection of education, recreation, physical and mental health. He is a registered clinical counsellor with the BCACC, an instructor at UVic’s School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education as well as Camosun’s Centre for Sports & Exercise Education where he teaches teachers and counsellors in the post-diploma Adventure Education Program. Brad also does research for the Behavioural Medicine Lab at UVic where his work is primarily focused on health behaviour change techniques for improving mental health and well-being. He has designed and managed studies to support the specific struggles of young men through his uniquely crafted program that combines the dual interventions of nature connection and resistance training.
Brad has an MA in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, a BEd in the Urban Diversity Program from York University, and BA in Philosophy. He has training in Nature-based Therapy (NBT) and couples counselling. He specializes in anxiety, depression, addiction, life transitions and more. He employs person-centered, solution-focused, strength-based, and existential therapy in his practice.
Brad is also a subject matter expert presenter on the topic of Screen Time: Misuse and Overuse, affiliated with the UVic Speaker’s Bureau. He has shared his expertise at professional conferences, schools, PTAs, and post-secondary institutions. Brad has contributed to the Children and Nature Network’s International Conference and Summit, advocating for a balance between the digital world and the therapeutic potential of the natural environment for families and children.
Prior to becoming a counselor, Brad guided wilderness trips with diverse demographics of special needs groups, taught wilderness first aid, and instructed students with behavioural concerns in an outdoor education centre. Even in his personal life, Brad stays committed to being in nature making sure his two teenage daughters and a large Goldendoodle, Blue, get out there with him as much as possible.
Blue
Blue is a large bodied but even larger hearted Goldendoodle whose primary motivation in life is love. He is a calm four and a half year old but still has a puppy’s joy of life. Fun and food are also deep motivators but always take a backseat to caring connection. He loves humans and spending time in nature with them is his soul mission.
Leanne Shafir (she/they) – BSc, MSW, RSW – Registered Social Worker
Greater Victoria
Leanne grew up in the territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, also known as Toronto, Ontario. Growing up in a large city made it hard for her to access nature, so she found the natural world to feel uncomfortable, and even scary at times. But through sports, music and family camping trips, she discovered her unique connection with the natural world. This helped her learn how to navigate uncertainties, build confidence, and develop practical skills that she could apply to other areas of her life.
Leanne moved west in 2020, and there she finally discovered mountains! She began exploring nature in a whole new way and picked up activities like rock climbing, snowboarding and hiking. These activities helped Leanne realize that she could work through challenges and fear with authenticity, showing her she was more resilient than she thought. Now, Leanne wants to share her learning and is keen to facilitate similar growth opportunities for individuals, families and couples, using nature, movement and mindfulness.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, Leanne is dedicated to providing inclusive and gender affirming care, welcoming the exploration and development of all gender and sexual identities within her practice.
Leanne has been in the field of Social Work for over 10 years, and holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. She is certified in Emotions Focused Family Therapy and Somatic & Trauma Informed practices and is a certified Top Rope Climbing Instructor. She is bilingual in French and English and loves playing her guitar, cooking and growing her own vegetables.
Trudi Smith (she/her) – MC, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Trudi’s relational and kind-hearted approach is grounded in building trust and trusting that we can hold space for transformation, reclaiming pleasure, joy, satisfaction, and meaning making. Her approach is grounded in the belief that sensing our interconnectedness within more than human worlds (aka nature) is central to our sense of wholeness and wellbeing as humans.
In addition to a Masters in Counselling, she is trained in nature-based therapy, somatic approaches (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1) and expressive arts therapy. Trudi’s counselling approach is collaborative, where we work together, where a person is empowered as an expert in their own reality, and where experience is considered within the context of broader social worlds and how they shape us. Working with creativity, curiosity, and reflection we often make things: A session may include co-creating temporary eco-sculptures, or working with materials like clay, felt, stone, nature inks, paper.
Trudi previously completed a BFA in Photography at Emily Carr University, an MA in Environmental Studies, and a PhD in Art and Anthropology at the University of Victoria. She is of Scottish and mixed European descent and over the course of her life has experienced healing, growth and connection by wandering and making things within boreal forests, alpine meadows, and shoreline ecologies: The territories of the Mi’kmaꞌki, the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation, and the lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEC peoples.
Sylvia Storry (she/her) – MA CYC, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Westshore
Hello, I am Sylvia Storry (she/her). I grew up with the lands and waterways of the Tla’amin people. My ancestors are from Iceland and Scotland. I am deeply rooted with respect and gratitude for my relationship with Coast Salish lands and waterways and people.
I believe that connection and belonging are essential to wellbeing and healthy ecosystems. I have been supporting youth and families for more than 20 years and have much reverence for the wisdom and expertise that individuals have of their own lived experiences. I offer intentional nature-based counselling that aims to support nervous system regulation, resilience and making connections. My areas of interest and experience are in navigating healthy communication strategies within families; life promotion and suicide prevention in youth; nurturing safer spaces for neurodivergent and queer youth.
Formally, my education background includes an MA in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. I am a registered clinical counsellor and have training in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Nature-Based Therapies. You may also know me from Power To Be where I am currently the Head of Practice and Programs and have been leading nature-based youth and family programs for more than a decade! When I am not supporting youth and families, you will most likely find me outside either with the trees or near the ocean. I look forward to meeting you!
Katy Winship (she/her) – MA, RCC – Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Katy is a settler of English and French ancestry who grew up on the shared lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples in Kingston, Ontario and now lives as an uninvited guest on the traditional and unceded lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən People of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
Katy offers counselling to children, youth, families, and adults. Katy provides neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed counselling using a relational strengths-based approach to centre her clients as experts of self. She bases her counselling in a foundation of nervous system regulation (polyvagal theory) and based on individual clients’ needs and experiences will often integrates parts work (internal family systems), narrative, and somatic practices.
Katy seeks adventure in the wilderness wherever she can find it and values the rich narrative metaphors these experiences bring to add meaning to our lives. As an outdoors-person who values Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural humility, and decolonized practices, Katy understands the importance of unique personal contexts and ongoing learning to better support her clients and community. With movement and play in mind, she also helps clients create space for reflection, expansion, and exploration of self.
Katy brings many years of experience in youth work, wilderness therapy, and experiential education as a nature-based practitioner. Through this experience she provides engaging experiences to her clients to promote growth and learning. Katy also works as a Senior Policy Analyst for the BC Public Service and appreciates how her roles as a counsellor and policy analyst provide balance in her work. Katy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) approved provider who holds a Masters of Counselling from City University.
Teresa Winter (she/her) – RTC – Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Westshore
Teresa (she/her) grew up in wild rose and coyote country, on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Anishinaabe, and Métis peoples. Raised in a large family that fostered nature connection through love of birds, tending land, and caring for animals, she cultivated her belonging while spending time in the forest exploring and discovering the wonders around her.
For the past 20 years Teresa has been providing a blend of land-based and mental health support programming. She is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with studies in relational somatic therapy, expressive play therapy, suicide intervention, and nature-based counselling. Teresa believes that everyone has the capacity to feel a sense of connection and aliveness, to heal, and feel a sense of wholeness. She loves supporting others to find their passion and connection to authenticity while pushing edges and discovering places and spaces of resiliency.
Over the past 4 years she has been consciously cultivating nature connection through mentoring children and youth in the ways of bird language, storytelling, and ancestral skills such as fire making, carving, basket weaving and plant medicine making. Teresa’s ancestry is of English, Scottish, French, and Germanic origins and she is known for her deep listening, compassionate nature, love of music, dance and playful spirit.
Osa
Osa, a 9-year-old Maremma sheep dog, loves to accompany Teresa during sessions and is famous for her skills as a regulating force.
Kostas Zolotas (he/they) – MA, RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
As a teenager, Kostas was first exposed to a variety of outdoor adventures through the magic of summer camps in the Rocky Mountains. While having wonderful and positive experiences, he also found that he was growing as a person. He noticed that while learning the technical skills of which strokes to use in rough waters, he was also learning the soft skills of how to manage fear and anxiety. As Ko learned to track animals, he was learning self-regulation. With mastery in knots, came patience. Since this realization, Ko has focused on gaining skills, both hard and soft, to add to his toolbox to walk with others on their healing journeys. This has led him to work with children and youth over the last 15 years through a variety of approaches, from teaching fire by friction on the west coast, to trapeze in Montreal, and everything in between! This passion for growth and supporting others has also led him to join Search and Rescue, where he applies these skills in high-pressure, real-world situations, further refining his ability to manage stress and guide others through challenging experiences.
Ko is an enthusiastic, empathic, and playful member of the HNCS team, with a Masters in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. His approach is grounded in the principles of Emotionally-Focused Therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy, and is deeply rooted in a strengths-based perspective. While Ko works with a great variety of people, he is actively developing a specialization in supporting individuals with anxiety, grief, ADHD, and Autism. Ko focuses on providing compassionate care, and tailored strategies to help each person navigate their challenges and build resilience. He believes in empowering clients by building on their inherent strengths and fostering meaningful connections with nature to support emotional well-being and personal growth.
Mental Health and Wellness Mentors
Jennaka Clow (she/they) Youth Worker
Greater Victoria
Jennaka Clow is honoured to join the team as Intake Coordinator and Youth Worker. As a grateful visitor on the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, she strives to deepen her understanding and responsibility to local Indigenous Communities and their land. A strong connection with nature has guided her through her personal and professional life. Jennaka has dedicated her endeavours to organizations that help strengthen community connections and that support youth and families in accessing our natural environment. With over 20 years of professional experience leading nature-based programs, facilitating wilderness expeditions, and as a certified kayak instructor and guide, Jennaka understands the incredible power of nature to help us overcome challenges, heal, and access our truest selves.
Taking that first step toward healing can be daunting, even at the best of times, and Jennaka is committed to meeting clients as they are. Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and advocating for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities are fundamental in her approach. She holds a caring space and has endless respect for those with the courage to grow and make necessary changes in their lives. She looks forward to being your first contact in our organization and to assisting you with any path you choose. When not working tirelessly to support your goals, you may spot Jennaka in the wild: camping, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, or basking in the sun on a beach with her daughter.
Robin Fagnan (he/him) Mental Health and Wellness Mentor
Greater Victoria
Robin’s ancestral kin hail from mostly French, Swedish and Scottish lands. Having lived-on Vancouver Island for three decades, he has created a strong sense of connection to place, including the recognition of the countless and ongoing sacrifices of our Indigenous hosts.
Robin has a breadth of experience in the helping professions spanning over the last 30 years. Robin completed both individual and couples counselling training programs through Citizens Counselling Centre, and has been immersed in nature based therapeutic approaches for the past decade. Robin has worked in a wide range of settings as a youth worker and group facilitator within: Adventure-Based Learning programs, professional outdoor guiding, Power To Be adaptive recreation programs, and 10 years within the youth justice sector. More recently, Robin has immersed in the path of deep Nature connection mentoring for children and adults with the Thriving Roots Wilderness School – working as a group facilitator for the past 5 years. Robin has been a key part of the HNCS team for 7 years providing mental health and wellness support to youth, parents and adults in both individual settings and group therapy programs.
Within the many stressors of modern times, Robin sees connection to the “real” living natural world as key for the well-being of both ourselves and the planet. Robin finds that spending time within Nature can be a clear antidote to the flattening of our experiences and perspectives as a result of excessive screen time. Collaborating with parents to re-aliven and re-engage their youth is a focus of Robin’s scope of practice, especially regarding navigating the many complexities of screen use.
Robin strives to walk alongside others in compassion and solidarity when they are navigating the complexities of modern life. Approaches Robin draws from include: nervous system regulation, expanding sensory awareness, developing awareness of limiting patterns, amplifying client’s gifts and strengths, building life skills and practical tools for positive momentum, survival skills to enhance self confidence, and awakening positive energy through games/play. Humour is a fundamental component of Robin’s tool box, along with drawing on somatic and emotion-focused processing. As a person with Type 1 diabetes, Robin is also passionate about providing support to youth and adults living with the challenges of a chronic illness. His mentorship approach fosters a sense of acceptance, belonging, and cultivating Hope when clients and their families may be struggling to do so.
Heather Quaite (she/her) – Program Facilitator
Greater Victoria
Heather is Lekwungen, known today as Songhees Nation. Most recognize this area as the City of Victoria, where Heather has lived her entire life, the land where the people have hunted and gathered for thousands of years. She values the importance of learning about the land, rich in resources, traditional practices, and the careful management involved. Heather has enjoyed employment and learning experiences in daycare, summer camp and youth programs as a youth worker, and program coordinator. She also brings insight from her role as the Songhees Education Facilitator and Liaison, working in classrooms and sitting on various committees.
Heather has a diploma in First Nations Community Studies, and wishes to express gratitude from the knowledge gained working with children and families, educators, community members, and elders. Heather greatly appreciates her community and continues to lives on reserve with her family, which includes her partner and their daughter. She loves being outdoors with her family and the activities they take part in together, such as exploring, outdoor cooking, and camping. She especially loves being on or near the water.
Heather is a lead facilitator with the Guam Guam Specums program within SD61 schools.
Consultants and Supervisors
We offer advisement for counsellors in the modality of nature-based therapy. Our consulting associates are leaders in this growing field.
Jordie Allen-Newman (he/him) – MA, RCC – Clinical Counsellor
Sooke & Westshore
Jordie has practiced counselling with children, youth adults and families in health care and social services for 30 years. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and member of Human Nature’s Clinical Supervision Team. For over 20 years Jordie has worked with children who have witnessed violence using adventure therapy and he has extensive experience as a mental health and substance use counsellor with VIHA, and a sand tray therapist with children struggling with grief, loss, anxiety and depression.
Jordie cares deeply about nature and people. He combines his knowledge of experiential, narrative and mindfulness therapies and teams up with nature to support innovative and personalized ways of healing and growing. As part of his practice he writes nature based narrative therapy letters to all of his clients and includes therapeutic photographs from the session — oriented to assist people to remember and further reflect on the important and challenging work they do in therapy.
In addition his clients have the opportunity to do K9 therapy as a nature based method through Indianna Jones the Labradoodle therapy dog.
Jordie enjoys his own connection with nature and has been a wilderness guide and instructor for the past 25 years, a long distance adventure kayaker and a rock climber/mountaineer. He lives with his life partner, Alysha Jones, in the traditional territory of the T’Sou-Ke First Nations.
Sarah Frizelle (she/her) – MA, RCC – Clinical Counsellor
Greater Victoria
Sarah is a registered clinical counsellor who offers holistic counselling to individuals, couples & families. She supports change and growth through therapeutic processes that attend to mind, body, emotions and spirit. She specializes in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, family conflict and relationship issues.
In addition to office based sessions, Sarah offers nature-based counselling which blends her experience as a therapist with her 20 year experience as a wilderness guide and her practice of meditation and training in mindfulness-based stress reduction with her work as an educator. As a counsellor, Sarah guides with sensitivity and compassion, with the knowledge that a good therapeutic relationship can be like a compass in hand when feeling lost or disoriented – and can be one that supports a process of exploration and discovery. Sarah holds masters degrees in education and psychology and is in private practice in Victoria, BC.
Nevin Harper (he/him) – PhD, RCC – Clinical Counsellor
Nevin draws on more than two decades of experience as an outdoor skills instructor, wilderness guide, youth and family support worker, and counsellor. Nevin is also a researcher, author and professor at the University of Victoria. He presents internationally on topics of outdoor and activity-based approaches to therapy and human development. While born and raised in northern Canada, and having travelled and lived abroad, he has lived in the Coast Salish territory since 1995.
Nevin’s approach to counselling is diverse but centers on client’s stories of self and supporting their desires for change through building supportive, authentic and trusting relationships. Being outdoors and active are key ingredients in Nevin’s practice along with strengths-based, narrative and somatic approaches.
Angela Scott (she/her) – M.A., RCC – Clinical Counsellor
Angela Scott is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), and currently practices in the public field in Concurrent Disorders (Mental Health and Substance Use), and privately works contract-based individual therapy, group facilitation, research project support, as well as provides clinical supervision for MA students and counselling colleagues. Angela has worked with children, youth, and families for 15 years, in the areas of child welfare, trauma, family violence, justice, mental health, and substance use. As a clinical counsellor she focuses her practice in the areas of: trauma; abuse; anxiety and depression; impacts of residential schools and colonization; mood disorders; grief and loss; and substance use. With a specialized focus on Trauma-Informed Practice, Angela’s educational background includes an MA in Child and Youth Care and a BA in Social Sciences, from the University of Victoria.
As an Indigenous and European, mixed-racial woman (Ojibwe, Métis, Danish, English) she approaches her practice in a way that is best described as: response–based, person-centered, strengths-based, and feminist. She approaches her counselling and therapeutic practices with the intention to be in a good way, upholding dignity and respect for all people with whom she works alongside. She acknowledges with great humility and respect that the land on which she lives and works are the traditional unceded territories and ancestral homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations; the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples represented by the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) Nations; the SC’IA⁄NEW (Beecher Bay) Nation; and the T’Sou-ke Nation.
Practicum Students
Our dedicated and passionate practicum students are in the process of completing their Master’s degrees in either Counselling Psychology or Child and Youth Care. Their client work is closely supervised and supported by our directors, Dave and Katy, in addition to the ongoing learning and support from their educational institutions. Because of this learning process, we are able to offer sessions with students at a reduced rate of $30–60/hr.
Kallie Laycock (she/her) – M.C. Candidate – Practicum Student
Westshore & Highlands
Kallie brings a playful yet calming energy into her counselling practice. She works from a relational, trauma informed, and client-centered approach. She wants this experience to work for your unique needs, and will walk alongside you to navigate your therapeutic journey together. Kallie weaves in elements of narrative, somatic, and emotion-focused therapy, and can draw on CBT strategies based on client preferences. She loves to incorporate both movement and presence into her sessions, and believes that the opportunity to slow down and deepen our connection with nature brings great meaning and perspective. She can also bring elements of plant identification, outdoor activities, and art into her practice. She works with children, teens, and adults to navigate stress and anxiety, grief, social dynamics, as well as life transitions.
Kallie has been working in the helping field for almost 10 years supporting children, teens, and adults. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is in her final year of her Master of Counselling (MC). Through this time she has grounded her practice in increasing accessibility and belonging in nature. She has worked as a support worker, an outdoor guide, an eco arts facilitator at a therapeutic farm, and behaviour therapist. She currently supports youth in a landscaping and restoration program to promote restoration of both the land and self. She specializes in supporting disability, and has worked with children, youth, and adults who have ADHD, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and physical impairment. She also has training in MANDT Relational Skills.
Kallie loves to spend time outdoors, whether that be hiking, kayaking, climbing, painting, or finding a mindful sit spot, and delights in sharing this passion with others. She grew up in the prairies and lakes of Manitoba on Treaty 1 territory that is home of the Ojibwe, Cree, Dakota and Métis peoples. She now lives with gratitude on the the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. She knows that starting counselling can feel intimidating, and will be there with you every step of the way.
Clark Lyster (he/him) – M.E. Candidate – Practicum Student
Greater Victoria
Clark (he/him) is thrilled to join the Human Nature Counselling Team as a Practicum Student completing his final year of a Masters of Education in School Counseling. He was raised in the rolling foothills of Treaty 7 territory where the prairies meet the mountains, and moved to Victoria four years ago where he continues to delight in exploring the magic of the West Coast.
With a background in outdoor education and wilderness therapy, Clark has honed his skills in addressing addictions and mental health challenges through immersive outdoor experiences. Clark’s formal and experiential teaching experiences and dedication to outdoor education underscore his belief that nature is a profound catalyst for personal growth and community connection. This value system is supported by the Right Use of Power and Non-Violent Communication models of ethical care.
Clark is known for his quiet exuberance, playful nature, warm demeanour, and sense of calm. He approaches his work through a culturally informed and inclusive lens, committed to supporting individuals in finding joy and reconnection with themselves, their communities, and the natural world. His love for adventure, along with his enjoyment of harvesting from the natural world, further enriches his practice.
Outside of his professional life Clark spends much of his time with his long time partner, spirited 2-year-old daughter, and their family dog Finn. He is grateful every day to live and work on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) people, now known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, as well as the W̱SÁNEĆ nations.
Finn
Finn is an 11 year old lab-shepherd mix with a wonderfully calm demeanour. He adores swimming, rolling in the sand, running through the forest and long afternoon naps.
Hannah Souter – MC Candidate – Practicum Student
Greater Victoria
Hannah has 6+ years of experience working with children and teens and adults of all backgrounds, abilities and comfort levels with the outdoors. She balances a grounding, compassionate and warm presence with a playful and creative energy. Hannah combines strength-based, and emotionally focused approaches with the use of the physical body and breathwork to regulate the nervous systems. Hannah works to provide a safe and accepting space to grow, develop trust, and to discover your authentic self.
Hannah has worked in various mental health fields, such as a mental health worker to aid Victoria’s unhoused population, with clients in in-patient care at hospitals as well as recreationally in outdoor group settings. This diverse background lends to her inclusive, non-judgemental and trauma-informed approach to counselling. Hannahs areas of interest are somatic therapy, narrative therapy, nature-informed psychoeducation, and providing neurodiversity affirming support.
Hannah is originally from Semiahmoo First Nations Territory located in the Fraser Valley and is thankful to have spent the last 10 years living and practicing her therapeutic work on the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. Hannah graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Neurobiology and Psychology, and is now completing her Masters of Counselling through Yorkville University. She spends her free time hiking, running and exploring the natural spaces in her community.
Operations Team
Zahura Ahmed
Program Manager (she/her)
Zahura is a first-generation Bangladeshi-Canadian currently living on Lekwungen Territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Having grown up on Treaty 7 Territory, she is grateful to have communed with the mountains, prairies, rivers, and now the ancient forests and ocean. Zahura has worked in community and international development for the past decade, and brings a trauma-informed lens and ethic of care rooted in a heart-centered approach to her work and life. She believes in the healing power of nature, and hopes to contribute to inclusive and meaningful group programming for youth in her role as Program Manager. Zahura loves hiking, cooking, and yoga, and her favourite role in life is being an auntie to 5 nieces and nephews.
Jennaka Clow
Intake Coordinator (she/they)
Greater Victoria
Jennaka Clow is honoured to join the team as Intake Coordinator and Youth Worker. As a grateful visitor on the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, she strives to deepen her understanding and responsibility to local Indigenous Communities and their land. A strong connection with nature has guided her through her personal and professional life. Jennaka has dedicated her endeavours to organizations that help strengthen community connections and that support youth and families in accessing our natural environment. With over 20 years of professional experience leading nature-based programs, facilitating wilderness expeditions, and as a certified kayak instructor and guide, Jennaka understands the incredible power of nature to help us overcome challenges, heal, and access our truest selves.
Taking that first step toward healing can be daunting, even at the best of times, and Jennaka is committed to meeting clients as they are. Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and advocating for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities are fundamental in her approach. She holds a caring space and has endless respect for those with the courage to grow and make necessary changes in their lives. She looks forward to being your first contact in our organization and to assisting you with any path you choose. When not working tirelessly to support your goals, you may spot Jennaka in the wild: camping, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, or basking in the sun on a beach with her daughter.
Alison McLeod
Operations Manager (she/her/they)
Alison is passionate about community and the nonprofit sector’s role in bringing us together. She has a background in nonprofit management and business administration with a Diploma in Business Administration and is pursuing further studies in Nonprofit Management. She is a lifelong volunteer and currently sits on two boards as Treasurer, where she spends her time working on spreadsheets, governance, and community and mental health advocacy.
Alison grew up on the unceded territory of the Qualicum, Sna’naw’as, and Ko’moks First Nations (Qualicum Beach and Parksville) and has been an uninvited guest on the unceded territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations (Victoria) for 17 years. When she isn’t organizing community events, she spends her time practicing yoga, hiking, and swing dancing.
Emlyn Sheeley
Operations Assistant (she/her)
Emlyn is a musician and artist living in beautiful Victoria, BC. Over the last 10 years Emlyn has been teaching music (voice and piano) to children and youthful souls. Her music has provided incredible opportunities for her to work with artists from all over the world through Pacific Opera Victoria.
When she’s not singing she can be found doing all kinds of fibre arts, painting, and photography. As a lover of fall and winter, Emlyn embraces the moments when she can be outside in the cold (wearing a lot of knitwear!) and feel the crisp air work its magic!
Emlyn is so happy to be a part of Human-Nature!
Merry
Meriadoc Brandybuck, Merry for short, is Emlyn’s little Shihtzu companion. Named after a Hobbit in the Shire from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Merry lives up to his name as a little troublemaker, but makes up for it with the most sweet and gentle snuggles you could ever ask for.
Morgan Sheeley-Jennings
Administrative Assistant (he/him)
Greater Victoria
Morgan is a music teacher and performer who has lived his whole life in Victoria, B.C. As a music teacher, Morgan is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. He believes in fostering not only musical skills but also nurturing creativity and individuality in each student. He graduated from University of Victoria with a Music Performance degree, specializing in Classical Guitar. Outside the realm of music performance, Morgan is deeply engaged in the field of philosophy and mental health. Recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and music,
Morgan explores the profound impact of music on mental well-being.
In his free time, Morgan also enjoys reading, his favourite genres include Russian Literature, Philosophy, and Modern Classics. You can always imagine on a rainy day, he’s curled up with a good book.
Morgan is very excited to be a part of Human-Nature and is eternally grateful to everyone who has supported him in joining the team!
Melissa Taylor
Communications and Development Lead (she/her)
Melissa has a background in theatre and creative writing, and she has worked professionally as an actor and playwright across Canada. She has a passion for mental health awareness, education, and increasing accessibility to services. Since childhood, she has felt a deep connection to nature and the outdoors, which she credits to growing up on the West Coast in beautiful Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory.
She holds a B.F.A. in Theatre and an M.F.A. in Playwriting from the University of Victoria.
Board of Directors
Iain Duncan
Chair (he/him)
Greater Victoria
As a newcomer to the Island and the lands of the Lekwungen speaking people, Iain brings a lifetime of experience in the social impact space. His experience ranges widely, from starting an off-grid environmental education centre in India to developing a region-wide community development program in the Amazon. He has been the chair of the board for a social entrepreneur incubator, a consultant on provincial public health policy, and a community organizer for anti-poverty initiatives for the urban poor in Toronto. Iain invests much of his time into public speaking, building and delivering service-learning programs, and serving as a professional facilitator.
He has worked with diverse organizations such as WE, CIDA, The United Way, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, as well as his own initiatives. Iain’s driver is finding ways to help our human and natural world to thrive, and through this work, helping others along their journey toward making their finest contribution. He is thrilled to have found a great match for that drive in the work of Human Nature Counselling Society.
Mark Halpert
Treasurer (he/him)
Mark and his family live in Victoria, BC and Los Angeles, California, where Mark leads Halpert CPAs, an accounting firm dedicated to serving non-profit organizations. He appreciates that his work allows him to support the efforts of many inspiring people and organizations.
Mark is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), registered in California and Alberta, and has worked with non-profits and small businesses since graduating from the University of Western Ontario’s Honours Business Administration (HBA) program. He volunteers in his children’s activities and is an amateur musician on a set of Indian drums called tabla. Mark is also the author of a memoir titled Saturn Return. He’s proud to support the mission of Human-Nature Counselling Society in the role of Treasurer.
*Mark will be officially commencing his Treasurer role as of May 2022
Kate Mitchell
Member-at-Large (she/her)
Greater Victoria
Kate Mitchell is of settler ancestry, was born on Treaty No. 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota, and the Métis Nation, however, moved to the Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen Speaking Peoples at a young age and grew up here. She is currently working as the Human Resources Manager at the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society. Kate completed her Bachelor’s Degree of Business Majoring in Human Resources Management and Leadership with a minor in Public Administration in June of 2018. Over the last 12 years she has worked in the health care sector in various HR capacities. When Kate is not busy working she can be found wrangling her husband, their dog and two cats, she enjoys spending time outside with loved ones, connecting with nature, and relaxing by the ocean collecting rocks. She is excited to begin her role as Board Member with Human Nature Counselling Services with her HR lens and is committed to promoting a psychologically and culturally safe environment in her work.
Michael Pardy
Emeritus Chair (he/him)
Michael hails from Victoria, British Columbia, where he can be found poking around the forests, islands, and beaches of Vancouver Island. With over 35 years of experience guiding and coaching paddlesports enthusiasts across Canada, he’s still attracted to a life lived in and on the water. Over the years, he’s participated in the leadership of the Canadian outdoor field through a number of roles.
Since selling his training business in 2009, he has applied his skills and knowledge to post secondary education. In addition to integrating the principles of adventurous learning to business education at Royal Roads, he has also helped establish and run the new Adventure Education graduate program at Camosun College.
Pam Russ
Member-at-Large (she/her)
Greater Victoria
My name is Pam Russ, I am Nisga’a. My late father Luuya’as, Jacob Russ, was from Laxgalts’ap.
I respectively acknowledge that I live on Lekwungan lands.
I grew up in Coquitlam and still have family in Maple Ridge. We spent most weekends camping throughout the lower mainland and spent my summers at Cultus Lake. I moved to Victoria in 1994 to attend Camosun College and then UVIC. Like most others, I decided that it is too beautiful here to move back and have called Victoria home ever since. In 1997, I worked with the Indigenous Games in the volunteer department, we worked with thousands of volunteers. This experience started my education and career within the Indigenous community.
In 2000, I started working for the Victoria School district as an Indigenous District Counsellor. I have worked in more than a dozen schools with students from kindergarten to grade 12. I have had the opportunity to work with Human Nature Counselling through the Guam Guam Specums Program at three different schools. Over the last few years, we have taken many students out of the traditional school setting to help them connect with nature, each other and their community. I passionately believe in the power that this model of counselling brings to people.
In my “spare time” I like to sew, spend time with friends, get to the cabin as much as possible and occasionally I like to throw darts.
I am honoured to be a part of Human Nature Counselling Board and look forward to contributing to the good work that is being done.