Ricardo Avelar (He/They) is a Registered Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Mount Royal University. He holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology and has worked as a counsellor, supervisor, or sessional lecturer at non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and post-secondary settings. While primarily working as a generalist, Ricardo has specialized knowledge in identity development, sexuality and relationships, and sexual violence/trauma. Ricardo is excited to be part of CCPA’s Post-Secondary Counsellors Chapter and is looking forward to collaborating with other practitioners in supporting the unique experiences of students at university counselling centers.

Danni (she/her) is a registered psychologist, with a Master of Science degree in Counselling Psychology. Danni has been working at post-secondary counselling centres for the majority of her career and is currently working as a counsellor at Mount Royal University. Danni is passionate about providing counselling to undergraduate students navigating various life stressors and concerns, as well as sitting on several institutional committees and providing graduate student supervision.

Danni has previously been part of  the CCPA’s Career Counsellors Chapter and is now excited to join the Post-Secondary Counsellor’s Chapter in the summer of 2023

Jeananne (she/they) is a seasoned counsellor and student affairs professional, with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Higher Education (UBC) and a Master of Education in Higher Education, Student Development and Student Services (OISE).  In her current role Jeananne works collaboratively with graduate students to support students’ success through developing strategies to mitigate challenges and minimize disruptions to personal well-being and academic success.  She recognizes that students and institutions are partners in post-secondary education and endeavors to advocate for systemic solutions to complement her more individualized student-centred approach to addressing barriers to success.
Jeananne has been a member of the Post-Secondary Counsellors Chapter since 2017, and joined the executive as a member at large in 2020 to participate in the community of practice and contribute to advocacy efforts on behalf of post-secondary counsellors across Canada.

Stanley (he/him) is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCPA) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC) with a Master of Counselling from Gonzaga University. He currently works as an International Student Counsellor at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, where he collaborates with the Global Engagement Office and other campus partners to support international students through mental health, academic, and career counselling. With over eight years of experience across post-secondary and community mental health settings, he provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed care to diverse student populations.

Stanley is passionate about advancing equitable, accessible mental health supports within post-secondary institutions, with a particular focus on international student wellbeing and belonging. His work includes developing and facilitating group-based cultural identity and mental health programming, collaborating on research examining professional counsellor identity in Canada, and partnering with campus and community organizations to strengthen culturally responsive supports. He also provides counselling, clinical supervision, consultation, and education through an Okanagan non-profit supporting 2SGLBTQIAA+ and IBPOC youth. As Director at Large for the CCPA BC Chapter, he has supported student engagement initiatives and advocacy related to the regulation of psychotherapy in British Columbia. Stanley looks forward to collaborating with colleagues across Canada to support and advocate for the unique role of post-secondary counsellors and the students they serve.

Jessica is a career counsellor and student services professional, with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology. Having worked at five Canadian universities as a counsellor and counsellor educator. She currently works at the Nova Scotia Community College as a Manager in their Central Student & Career Services Office, working to deliver equitable, accessible, and meaningful career development opportunities for students and new graduates.
Jessica has been president of the CCPA’s Career Counsellors Chapter and now sits on the Post-Secondary Counsellor’s Chapter as their Treasurer since the Summer of 2021 to continue supporting our counselling community in their ongoing development and building of professional connections.

Cathy is a Registered Psychologist (Alberta) and Canadian Certified Counsellor with over a decade of experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, and postsecondary counselling. She currently supports students at MacEwan University. Her clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches with advanced training in somatic and mindfulness-based therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, and Mindful Self-Compassion. Cathy has co-developed and facilitated support groups such as Mindfulness and Empowering Women in Relationships.
Cathy’s professional interests include trauma recovery, somatic approaches to mental health, and the integration of mindfulness in postsecondary counselling. She has presented on Mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion at the 2018 and 2019 CCPA national conferences, taught Cognition courses at the university level, and contributed to research publications during her time with Statistics Canada.
She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick, an M.Ed. in Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa, and a Certificate in Addiction Studies from Mount Royal University. Cathy is passionate about fostering resilience, self-awareness, and compassion in students navigating academic and personal challenges. She is an active member of the Psychology Association of Alberta, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Cathy is excited to be part of the Postsecondary Counsellors Chapter and values the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across Canada to enhance student support and professional practice.