Meet the Team

Stepping Stones Counselling Group

Office Administration

client care Coordinator

Courtney Davies

If you are new to our clinic, please contact Courtney at the front desk for assistance with our intake process. We offer flexible appointment times. No referrals necessary. Please note that some of our team members have waitlists or limited availability. We will provide you with timeframes and help you determine the best option for you and/or your family.

Administrative Coordinator

Eric Leung

Eric is the Agency Coordinator at SSCG. An important part of Eric’s role is to build relationship with the community, the team and the families we serve. The team fondly calls Eric “the glue” as he holds all the pieces together. Eric supports all areas of the SSCG team and agency, he is also involved in supporting community projects such as the Foundry and the Child Advocacy Centre. When not at SSCG, Eric is known for his love of dogs, food and motorcycles!

Registered Clinical Counsellors

Clinical Coordinator / Therapist

Deanne Leung

B.A., M.Ed., RCC-ACS

Deanne is the creative vision and energy behind Stepping Stones Counselling Group. Deanne is a strong supporter of the use of creativity, nature and active self-care in the healing & wellness process.

Deanne’s education and training include a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Deanne is NMT Level 2 Certified and EMDR Level 2 Certified.

Areas of Practice:

  • Individual & Family Therapy
  • Play & Expressive Therapies
  • Trauma, Attachment, Grief & Loss
  • ADHD, Anxiety, Depression
  • Workshops & Presentations
  • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Clinical Supervision and Professional Consultation
Registered Clinical Counsellor/therapist

Alicia Bush

BA, MACP, RCC

Alicia specializes in working with children, adolescents and their caregivers. Alicia works from a strength-based framework by respecting client stories and values. Alicia has a passion for balancing the unique needs of each individual client, through the lens of their family system. Alicia strives to provide a compassionate and non judgmental counselling environment. She uses a variety of therapies into her practice with youth and families.

Alicia holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology with a specialization in school and youth. Alicia is also actively working towards becoming a registered play therapist through the British Columbia Play Therapy Association.

Areas of Practice:

  • Individual Counselling for Children, Youth and their Parents
  • Play & Expressive Therapies
  • Parent coaching and support
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Anxiety/Stress & Depression/Low mood
  • Grief & Loss
  • Life Transitions/School Difficulties
Therapist

Theresa Bates

BA, MACP, RCC

Theresa offers counselling to children, adolescents, and adults. Theresa approaches counselling from a collaborative, person-centred and strengths-based lens, using a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet the specific needs of the individual client. Theresa’s eclectic approach to counselling includes Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Expressive Art and Mindfulness.  

Theresa has over 15 years of experience working with clients and has provided individual counselling to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her experience includes working with ADHD, anxiety, anger, substance use, self-harm, depression, trauma, grief, parent-child attachment, and family systems. She has extensive experience working as an outreach and community service counsellor, as well as a school-based mental health clinician. Theresa has facilitated group counselling for youth and families since 2008 and is a certified Circle of Security Facilitator.

 Counselling sessions are available in-person or online.

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Tasha Ryder

BA, M.Ed, RCC

Tasha received her Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2002. Tasha has over 20 years of clinical experience providing mental health assessment and treatment, including crisis intervention, in community, hospital and residential treatment settings. Tasha utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment theory as well as Collaborative and Proactive Solutions in her work. Tasha also obtained facilitator training In Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk (RRSR) by the American Association of Suicidology and Tasha has trained Child and Youth Mental Health clinicians as well as other health care providers throughout the province in RRSR. Tasha has a genuine, warm, collaborative, supportive and encouraging style that, when combined with her experience and expertise, assists clients to obtain the knowledge, insight and skills to achieve their goals.

Areas of Practice:

  • Individual, group, and family interventions with adults, children, high-risk youth and families
  • Suicidality
  • Self-harm
  • Impulsivity
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Substance use
  • Psychosis
  • Neurodiversity
  • Borderline Personality Disorder 
Clinical Counselor

Ana Gauthier-Ricciuti

B.Sc., M.A.C.P. R.C.C.

Ana is a highly skilled therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families.

A key aspect of Ana’s work with children is incorporating play therapy, which allows children to express their emotions and experiences in a safe and non-threatening way.

Ana’s expertise extends to collaborative law, where she assists families in navigating the complexities of legal matters while prioritizing the best interests of the children involved.

Ana’s expertise extends to collaborative law, where she assists families in navigating the complexities of legal matters while prioritizing the best interests of the children involved. Her dedication to ensuring that children’s voices are heard and their needs are met led her to excel in preparing highly regarded ‘Hear of the Child’ reports.

 Ana also provides invaluable parenting support. She offers evidence-based interventions that help parents develop effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors, establish routines, and create nurturing and supportive environments.

  • Non-Evaluative Hear the Child Report 
  • Neurodiversity
  • Individual Counselling for Children, Youth and their Parents
  • Family counselling
  • Play & Expressive Therapies
  • Parent coaching and support
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Anxiety/Stress & Depression/Low mood
  • Divorce support for children and families 
  • Life Transitions/School Difficulties
Intern Therapist

Zoë Betzelt

BA, MACP Candidate

Zoë is completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Victoria.  Zoë is under the direct supervision of a Deanne Leung B.A., M-Ed., RCC-ACS and is offering counselling services at a reduced rate.

Zoë has over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults in community, school, and residential settings. Zoë takes a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach with an emphasis on the mind-body connection, client strengths, resilience, and wellness. Zoë creates a safe space through compassion, warmth, and a non-judgmental, calm, and genuine presence. Zoë is also a holistic health and wellness facilitator, with a diverse set of training, including being a certified yoga teacher.

Life can be very challenging, but you don’t have to go through this alone, Zoë is here to support you. She is currently accepting clients 7 years and up, teens, adults, and couples. Service options include in-person, online, and walk and talk (nature-based therapy – seasonal offering).

Areas of practice:

  •  anxiety
  • depression
  •  social-emotional skills, coping skills & self-care
  • emotional regulation & stress management
  • attachment injuries
  • healthy relationship skills (communication, conflict resolution, repair)
  • self-esteem & shame
  • grief & loss
  • existential (life) crisis and transitions
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Gretchen Netzlaw

BS, MACP, RCC

In Gretchen’s practice, she aims to provide a safe and nurturing space where clients can embark on their healing journeys. She is dedicated to helping individuals lead their most productive and healthy lives. Her therapeutic approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring that the path to healing is both effective and empowering. She has had the privilege of working with diverse populations, specializing in helping clients process past trauma and grief. However, her expertise extends far beyond these areas, and she
is equipped to assist individuals with a wide range of concerns. One area that holds a special place in her heart is her experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Both personally and professionally, she has cultivated a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and families living with ASD. This has enabled her to provide specialized support and guidance to those who need it most. She also enjoys working with clients who have been diagnosed with personality disorders.

Registered Social Workers

Therapist

Rhiannan Van Horne

MSW, RSW

Rhiannan specializes in working with children, adolescents, and parents/caregivers. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from UBC Okanagan and has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field spanning over a variety of supportive and therapeutic roles. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and most recently has completed training in Synergetic Play Therapy. She is committed to providing kids and teens a warm, accepting, attuned, and supportive ‘landing spot’ to process and grow from the challenges they are experiencing. Rhiannan is passionate about helping caregivers navigate the complexities of parenting, better understand their child’s behaviour, and parent from a compassionate place that supports the child’s emotional wellness. She uses a variety of different therapies in her practice and will collaboratively work with you to determine what will be the best approach for your family to address your concerns and achieve your goals for therapy. 

 

Areas of practice: 

  • Children and adolescents 
  • Parent/caregiver support and coaching  
  • Behaviour issues and emotion regulation 
  • Grief and loss 
  • Trauma 
  • Anxiety, stress, low mood, and depression 
  • Strengthening the parent/child relationship 
Therapist & Coach

Diane Power-Jeans

MSW, RSW

As a master therapist and transformation coach, Diane Power-Jeans brings all the heart, humour, and richness of her native Newfoundland into her 30 plus years of professional practice. She is committed to helping clients live their best lives, placing the highest value on health, happiness and relationships, with a particular focus on mindfulness. Diane has successfully completed Levels One and Two of the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Diane is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor. She lives and works in the fabulous Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards. Diane enjoys many mindful activities, including hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snow shoeing, colouring and yoga.

Areas of Practice:

  • Adolescents, adults & families
  • Certified DBT & CBT therapist
  • Addiction specialization
  • Mindfulness
  • Parenting Workshops & Psychoeducational Groups
  • Couples Therapy
Therapist

Carley Wells

B.A., MSW, RSW

Carley has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Masters of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. Carley’s education and experience spans across a variety of mental health issues occurring in children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, Carley has recently completed the Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy training, and so uses these principles in her work with couples. Carley is passionate about mental wellness and providing her clients with a safe place to learn, heal and grow. Working within a holistic and generalist social work framework, Carley works to develop treatment plans unique to each individual in order to best support them and the change they want to see.

Areas of Practice:

  • Individual counselling
  • Couples counselling
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Stress management
  • Life transitions
Therapist

Rebecca Soil

BAH, MSW, RSW
Rebecca has an undergraduate degree in sociology from Queen’s University and a Masters of Social Work from the University of British Columbia. Rebecca has experience working with a variety of ages and mental health challenges. Rebecca’s education and experience have primarily focused on working with children, adolescents and parents. Rebecca is actively working towards becoming a registered Dialectic Behavioural Therapist through The DBT-Linehan Board of Certification and a Registered Art Therapist at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. Rebecca is passionate about working with children, adolescents and their families to work with and empower individuals to overcome challenges in their lives. Rebecca works collaboratively with individuals using several therapeutic modalities to meet the needs of the individual. 
 
Rebecca’s areas of practice include 
  • Individual Counselling 
  • Parent Counselling 
  • Children and Adolescents 
  • Group Counselling 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Emotion regulation and stress management 
  • Adolescent relationships support 
 
Rebecca uses techniques from the following modalities to guide her practice
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
  • Dialectic Behavioural Therapy 
  • Narrative Therapy 
  • Play Therapy 
  • Expressive Art Therapies 
  • Emotion-Focused Therapy 
  • Attachment-Focused Therapy 
Therapist

Allison McClure

RSW, MACP

Allison began practicing Social Work in 2000, she has since completed a Master of Counselling Psychology.  Allison’s experience includes working with families, neurodivergent children and adults, Indigenous people, and supporting families through adoption. 

Allison is person-centered and believes unconditional positive regard is essential in building a solid therapeutic relationship.   Allison provides a non-judgmental and empathetic space to gain perspective and achieve personal growth.  As Brene Brown said, “connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

Working from a biopsychosocial approach including solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, Adlerian therapy, and Bowen’s family systems theory Allison is adaptive and focused on the best fit for you. 

 
Areas of practice: 
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Relationship
  • Coping & self-care
  • Self-esteem
  • ADHD & Autism
  • Case management support
  • Social skills & Skill development
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Diverseabilities
  • Transitioning youth with special needs
  • PEERS program for individuals with autism

Behaviour Specialists

Behaviour Consultant

Cheryl Scaife

Cheryl Scaife holds a bachelors degree in child and youth care from university of Victoria and a master of Inclusive Education from McGill University. She has worked for the past seven years as an autism consultant with the Lester B. Pearson school board in Montreal. She had specialized in running social skills groups based on Social Thinking curriculum developed by Michelle Garcia Winner. Cheryl also enjoys working with clients to help them understand their diagnosis and discover their individual strengths and needs. Cheryl is an experienced presenter on topics related to autism and has delivered workshops to parents, paraprofessionals, and professionals. She appreciates and values the perspective of others when creating a plan for a person with autism and works collaboratively to reach goals and increase social understanding and communication for individuals and in group settings.

Cheryl enjoys the outdoors including hiking, sailing and gardening.

shoeing, colouring and yoga.

Areas of Practice:

  • Workshops for parents, teachers, support persons.
  • Social skills groups
  • One on one support
  • Behavioural intervention planning based on best practice standards
  • School and parent support