Counselling, Outreach and Education Staff
Lisa Lewis, MSc, RPC
Director, Counselling, Outreach and Education
Lisa began her role as the Director of COE in October 2016 after enjoying 10 years as a Counsellor at Lethbridge Family Services. Lisa enjoys this role as allows her to share her passion for community work while maintaining a counselling caseload.
Lisa recognizes the complexities and individuality of the healing process and takes an eclectic approach to her counselling work including humanistic, existential, and transpersonal psychology to encourage people to realize their truth. Her experience working in addictions, mental health and trauma with teens, adults, couples and families also enhances her appreciation of individual’s struggles and their ability to trust in their own process.
Since joining the LFS team, she has completed training in the areas of Expressive Art Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.), Hakomi, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Gestalt as well as the Integral approach along with other complimentary therapies.
Her hobbies include spending time with nature.
Malou Abarquez
Administrative Assistant, Counselling, Outreach and Education
Malou received her Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of the City of Manila, Philippines in 2009. She also completed her ABPsych (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology minor in Education) in 1994 at the Philippine Normal University, Philippines and passed the board exam for Professional Teacher the same year. Malou was a Guidance Counsellor for 20 ½ years at Tagaytay City Science National High School and worked as Psychologist at the City College of Tagaytay in 2015. She had been a registered Psychologist and Psychometrician since 2015. Moreover, her family immigrated to Canada in 2016 and she served as an Intake Coordinator at the Lethbridge Food Bank from August 2016 to January 2022. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Lethbridge Family Services – Counselling, Outreach and Education Department. In her free time, Malou enjoys singing (videoke), cross stitching, cooking, gardening and spending time with her husband and two children.
Taneil Kolsza, BSW, RSW
Intake Coordinator
Taneil holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary, Lethbridge Division and is a Registered Social Worker. She has enjoyed working at Lethbridge Family Services in DaCapo Disabilities Services for several years, and is excited to now join the Counselling, Outreach and Education team as the Intake Coordinator. In her free time Taneil enjoys camping, gardening, and spending time with family.
COUNSELLING TEAM
Cyndi Starzyk-Frey, M.Ed., RSW
Clinical Supervisor
Cyndi has come full circle! After 18 years in Private Practice and teaching at Lethbridge College (Psychology and Sociology classes), Cyndi has returned to Lethbridge Family Services where it all started. As Clinical Supervisor, she will be able to combine her love of teaching and mentorship with therapeutic practice and administration.
As an Eclectic Therapist, Cyndi works with clients using theory and interventions from mainly Client-Centered, Humanistic, and Cognitive-Behavioural theoretical backgrounds. Her experience has included: working with children, teens and adults as well as couples and families. She has a strong belief in the ability of people – of any age – to enhance their own strengths, to learn new skills and coping strategies and to process their issues and struggles with the support of an experienced, trained therapist.
She has a specialization in Play and other Expressive Arts therapies and has worked in the areas of: Trauma, Grief and Loss, Transition and Change and Abuse. She has Advanced EMDR training and is constantly upgrading her skills and training through professional development opportunities. Cyndi sits on various Boards and Organizations including the University of Lethbridge Senate, the Alberta Play Therapy Association.
Self-care is important to Cyndi and she encourages her clients to ensure that they participate in activities that enhance their own care. She can be found in nature (hiking and biking), indulging in pop culture (Netflix), reading the latest novel, spending time with family and friends and practicing mindfulness and yoga.
For Master's Level practicum placements, please contact Cyndi at 403-327-5724.
Ariel Burke, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Counsellor
Ariel received her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2020. During her Master’s practicum she gained experience in person-centered, internal family systems, DBT, and solution-focused modalities. Ariel enjoys utilizing a strengths based approach in her counselling as a way to support and uplift her clients. Ariel loves her cat, enjoys sports, competing at trivia games, kayaking, and going for brunch in her downtime.
Courtney Seefeldt, B.Sc., M.Ed., C.C.C.
Counsellor
Courtney received her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Lethbridge in 2022. During her Master’s practicum she gained experience working with young adults, adults, and groups with a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, and trauma. Courtney takes a strength-based approach to counselling and utilizes several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, solution-focused, and mindfulness. In her free time Courtney enjoys watching movies, reading, and spending time with her dog.
Devin Ahlgren, B.Ed., MACP, C.C.C.
Counsellor
Devin received his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2021. He also completed his Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary in 2010. Working with clients from a client-centered approach, he has a strong belief in being able to help the clients discover and recognize their personal strengths through the utilization of Cognitive behavioral, Solution-focused, Humanistic and Positive psychology therapies. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, travelling, cheering on his beloved hockey team, and catching up on what is new in pop culture.
Elaine Davie, MSW, RSW
Counsellor
Elaine received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Calgary in 2010. She also received her BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) in 2002, and has worked in the field since that time. Some of her work experience includes working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families with concerns such as trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual violence, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, stress management, divorce and separation etc. Elaine utilizes a variety of therapeutic methods to meet each client needs best; solution focused, client centered, strength based, narrative, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, somatic therapy, play and art therapy. She is also had her advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. When Elaine isn’t working she can be found day tripping discovering and exploring new places, walking, photography (taking pictures not professionally), lsitening to music, spending time with family and friends.
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Kelsey Ronne, MCP, CCC
Counsellor
Kelsey received her Masters of Cunselling Psychology from Athabasca University in 2021. She also received her BHsc (Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Addictions Counselling) in 2013, and has worked in the field since that time. She has substantial experience working with marginalized populations with those experiencing trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, addiction, homelessness, grief and loss, divorce and separation, etc. Kelsey completed her Master's practicum by providing individual counselling to youth with presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, self-harm, transitions, and stress management. Kelsey practices from a client-centered approach that utilizes mindfulness, somatic (mind-body) approaches, and narrative therapy. Kelsey enjoys spending time reading a good book, watching reality tv, and spending time with her dog.
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Rana Kamel, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist (currently on a Leave of Absence)
Counsellor
Rana received her Master’s of Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2019. She completed her Master’s practicum with children, youth and families by providing individual counseling to those presenting with issues such as anxiety, depression, sexual assault, gender identity issues, self-harm/suicide and high conflict divorce. She enjoyed working with this population because of the many challenges and rewards simultaneously. Rana practices from a client-centered perspective and utilizes strength-based approaches to empower and support clients to reach their goals. In her free time, Rana enjoys watching movies with her family and getting together with friends.
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION TEAM
John Thompson, BA, RSW
Outreach & Education Supervisor
John holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Lethbridge in Anthropology, as well as the designation of Registered Social Worker. John has worked in Suicide Prevention since 1989, first as a crisis line volunteer and board member, and later, as Rural Liaison. John has been with the Outreach and Education Program since 2001 with a primary focus on Suicide Prevention and Family Violence Prevention. John is an engaging public speaker and enjoys providing presentations and workshops on a wide variety of topics to individuals, groups and organizations. John has had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Suicide Intervention Training, co-author the Corrections 1154 Course- Suicide Prevention in Correctional Settings, support the development of the Accountability for Change- Family Violence Treatment group as well as coordinate the Community Helpers Program. He has also represented Lethbridge Family Services at local, provincial, and national conferences on Suicide and Family Violence. John is grateful for the opportunity to be a member of such an eclectic and exciting team. John has been married since 1998 and enjoys his role as step-father and grandpa.
Tico Ironshirt, B.Kin.
Outreach Facilitator and Intake Coordinator
Tico holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Lethbridge. He brings valuable experience in assisting youth and adults with social supports, cultural connections, addictions, homelessness and navigating community resources. In his free time Tico enjoys playing guitar, listing to music, Basketball, spending time with family and playing/training his dog.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACTION TEAM
Tracy Rocca, B.A
Community Domestic Violence Response Lead
Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a focus in Law and Justice from Laurentian University. She has worked in Ontario and Alberta in a variety of positions focused on community support and crisis response. Tracy spent the last 20 years working in Lethbridge Schools and is excited to join the Counselling, Outreach and Education Department and the Domestic Violence Action Team. In her free time, Tracy enjoys reading, relaxing outdoors, and spending time with family.
