OUR CLINICAL TEAM
Our clinical team welcomes you. They work hard to create a safe space and to ensure total privacy during your treatment. They are the best mental health practitioners because they have diverse backgrounds, volunteering at distress centres, working at social services facilities or at Calgary hospitals and surrournding areas. Our clinicans volunteer and intern at The Centre because they care about their clients and want to be a part of your journey. You are in good hands with our team. They will help you through your treatment and guide you on your journey to recovery. Thank you for choosing us.
Taryn Neva, R. Psych
Site Supervisor
Meet Taryn, a seasoned professional at the Centre, where she serves as the supervisor for Yorkville University Master of Counselling Practicum students. With over 20 years of experience as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta, Taryn has dedicated her career to supporting the personal growth and transformation of teens and adults.
Taryn's educational journey began in 2008 when she earned her Masters of Science in Couples and Family Therapy. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, she returned to university in 2015 to complete a postgraduate certificate in Health Psychology, further expanding her expertise in the field. As a result of her dedication and hard work, Taryn received her practice permit as a Registered Psychologist in Alberta in 2019.
Believing in the power of a holistic approach to health and healing, Taryn centers her therapeutic process on understanding the whole person. She applies a humanistic, trauma-informed lens to her practice, fostering a compassionate and empathetic environment for her clients.
Taryn's commitment to professional growth is evident in her pursuit of specialized training. She has honed her skills in various therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Solution-Focused Therapy.
With a passion for teaching and nurturing the next generation of counselors, Taryn has been supervising Practicum students since 2020. She ensures that these budding professionals receive valuable guidance and support during their learning journey. Taryn's dedication to her role is evident in her completion of the recommended training for supervisors from the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Taryn's profound expertise, caring nature, and commitment to ongoing development make her an invaluable asset to the Centre's team. As she continues to support the growth and well-being of her clients and students alike, Taryn remains a driving force in the field of counseling and psychology.
Rita St Gelais, MSW, RSW
Site Supervisor
Master of Social Work with Clinical Specialization in Trauma-Informed Practice
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Calgary
Through evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred practice, Rita provides compassion and understanding while supporting clients to work through whatever life throws their way. Whether you want to build self-confidence, learn to work through difficult situations and emotions, improve your relationships, or just need someone to listen, Rita is there to help. She strives to create a respectful and welcoming environment as she tailors her treatment to each client’s unique situation and needs. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process that requires a safe, trusting, and supportive space to create sustainable change.
Rita strives to be approachable, personable, and down-to-earth. Her collaborative approach means that she values ongoing client feedback and open communication to ensure that she is giving you the care that you deserve.
With over 5 years working as a registered social worker, Rita has experience in the areas of trauma, sexual and domestic violence, child and family conflict, peacemaking/dispute resolution, and human trafficking. While she has worked with clients struggling with a wide variety of concerns and disorders, Rita truly believes that each person is the expert in their own life and her job is to help you explore strategies and build your own unique mental health toolbox. Rita works with youth, adults, seniors, Individuals, couples, natural supports for youths, and is 2SLGBTQA+ allied.
“Each journey is unique; it would be an honour to support you on yours.” ~ Rita St Gelais
Rene Ramirez, BA, MA
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Master of Psychosocial Intervention, University of Barcelona
Master of Sex Therapy and Relationship Therapy, University of Barcelona
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, St. Mary’s University
Rene Ramirez is a registered provisional psychologist who specializes in helping people reach their potential through systemic and narrative therapy. He holds a Master's degree in Psychosocial Intervention from the University of Barcelona, as well as a Master's in Sex Therapy and Relationship Therapy. Rene also has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Mary's University. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and he has worked with clients from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.
His therapy sessions are tailored to each individual client's needs, using a variety of modalities. Rene has a strengths-based, solution-focused approach to therapy and he believes that everyone has the inner resources they need to overcome challenges and improve their relationships. When he's not working, Rene enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and exploring different cultures.
Rene is passionate about mental health and promoting well-being in society. He feels that everyone has the potential to reach their goals with the help of psychology.
Ashley Cavers, BA
Counselling - Intern
Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology, Yorkville University
(In Progress)
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Calgary
Ashley Cavers is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for the field of counseling. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology at Yorkville University, building on her extensive experience in the mental health sector. Ashley's journey into counseling began with her invaluable volunteer work at Free Your Mind, where she mentored high school students, particularly focusing on self-care during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic.
This initial experience ignited Ashley's commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. It naturally led her to the Distress Centre Calgary, where she has spent two years actively helping those in crisis through empathetic phone conversations, active listening, and validation. Ashley's dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals in need shines through in her counseling approach.
Her practice is characterized by a client-centered philosophy, emphasizing the importance of tailoring techniques to each individual's unique needs. Ashley incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness when appropriate. Her genuine passion for the counseling field is palpable, and she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to guide and support clients on their personal journeys to improved well-being.
Ashley Cavers' commitment to the mental health and counseling field, coupled with her extensive experience and empathetic approach, make her a valuable asset to any team or individual seeking professional support. Her dedication to fostering growth and well-being in others continues to drive her forward in her career and her mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.
Andrew Kucy, B Eng.
Counselling - Intern
Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology, Yorkville University
(In Progress)
Bachelor of Engineering, University of Alberta
Andrew Kucy is a counselling intern at The Centre, currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. Andrew practices from a trauma-informed perspective and has a special focus/interest in anxiety, depression, burnout, and relationship/couples’ issues.
Andrew previously worked for over ten years as a professional engineer in the Alberta oil and gas industry; this experience provides Andrew insight into some of the challenges associated with job and career development, striving to achieve a work-life ‘balance’, and potential career/industry transitions. Andrew has personal experience with the often-cyclical nature of employment within Alberta, gaining and losing work during a pandemic (or other downturn), and the challenges associated with transitioning from one industry/career to another.
Andrew utilizes a non-judgmental and person-centered approach to be present and hold space for the emotions and stories clients are willing to share, to encourage and guide deeper reflections and self-awareness within clients, and to develop and implement a unique combination of therapeutic techniques and psychoeducation to help clients navigate personal challenges and pursue growth opportunities in their lives.
In his spare time Andrew enjoys walking with his dog Apollo, remaining active through organized sports, gardening, paddleboarding, snowboarding, and playing modern and retro video games.
Angela McGrath, BA
Counselling - Intern
Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology, Yorkville University
(In Progress)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mount Royal Univeristy
Angela McGrath is a passionate counselling intern, currently completing her Master of
Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is dedicated to supporting
individuals on their journeys towards well-being and aiding them in navigating life’s challenges.
Her strong desire to assist others led her to volunteer as a youth mentor at Hull Services. The
rewarding experience of mentoring children at Hull prompted her to join the agency as a child
and youth care counsellor five years ago, and she remains a dedicated and compassionate
counsellor to Hull’s clients.
Angela aspires to create a safe and collaborative environment for clients to explore and
address life’s challenges. She is committed to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust,
empathy, and understanding. Her approach is integrative, drawing from various therapeutic
techniques, and tailored to each client’s unique needs, with a person-centered
foundation rooted in compassion, non-judgment, and respect. She can provide empathic support
for a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life
transitions.
Angela’s experience in the counselling field has given her the opportunity to develop and
practice from a trauma-informed approach and she has seen first-hand the incredible resiliency
that people demonstrate in the face of difficult challenges. She believes that everybody has the
potential to make positive changes in their lives and is eager to help guide and support them on
their journeys towards growth and healing.
OUR CLINICAL SUPPORT TEAM
Here at The Centre, we pride ourselves on having the best clinical support team in the mental health industry. Our team is composed of individuals who are passionate about psychology and care deeply for your well-being. They work diligently to provide you with the best customer service and care possible. When you contact our office, you will be greeted by a friendly team member who can guide you through our intake process. They will also be there to answer any questions you may have about our organization or processes. We understand that seeking help can be a difficult decision, which is why we strive to make it as easy and comfortable for you as possible. If you need more information or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you in any way we can.
