About
Therapy Style & Philosophy
I nurture children, young adults, older adults and parents to learn mindfulness methods to move through the challenges that life presents them with at any given age and stage. As a Holistic Psychologist I believe that optimal health can best be achieved by a “whole body” approach that focuses on mental health, lifestyle changes and nutrition.
Nurtured Learning is the philosophical approach reflected in my work and the work of my Associates. I believe, regardless of the kind of help you are seeking or the challenges you are facing, a nurturing, mindful approach is usually the best one to take.
Mindfulness practice allows for self-exploration critical to short-term and long-lasting change you seek. Using a deeper awareness of our mind/body connection, mindfulness leads to easier emotional and mental growth. I teach my clients mindfulness practices in therapy. I also offer free Mindfulness audios.
If you want to know about my passion for the dragonfly, a symbol for change, and more about my work, pop over to this article.
Background & Credentials
I have been a practicing Psychologist in the province of Alberta since 1999. Over that time, I have worked in a variety of settings including: the non-profit sector; Calgary Board of Education; Specialized School settings; Alberta Health Services; and the University of Calgary.
I have had the privilege of teaching graduate level courses to students completing their Masters degrees in Educational Psychology and I accept Provisional Psychologists looking for supervision. I have also previously worked with Alberta Health Services in a program that helps train Family Physicians in how to better identify, assess, and treat mental health concerns in children and adolescents. I am certified in Integrative Medicine focusing on the impacts of nutrition on mental health and I also have certification in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
Over the years, I have been an invited speaker at professional conferences and have been interviewed as an expert in Psychology for both print and broadcast media. I am a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) and I am fully registered as a Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).
Tina’s Story
I moved to Calgary in 1997 from my home province of Newfoundland to pursue an internship as part of my graduate studies in Psychology and have lived here ever since. I consider Calgary to be my “official” home now and I am married with two incredible children.
As a hobby, I enjoy challenging myself physically and have run many races to raise money for various local charities. I became fully certified in group fitness, yoga and Integrative Medicine and have been previously asked to present a course on the effects of exercise on mental illness to group fitness instructors and personal trainers in Calgary. I believe strongly in the importance of a healthy mind/body connection and this is reflected in how I approach therapy with clients.
Michelle Liam
B.Sc., M.C.
Therapy Style & Philosophy
As a therapist, it is both an honour and a privilege to be a part of a fellow person’s journey as they move through life and its complexities. I believe that therapeutic success begins with trust, connection and understanding. My practice draws from Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), emphasizing a holistic and collaborative approach.
I enjoy working with goals in mind, understanding that our journey together will come to an end, and celebrating the successes you have made along the way. I am always grateful to be invited back to journey with you again. I work with individuals to nurture self-awareness, setting the foundation for skills, and building resilience to create sustainable change. It is possible to live life with ease and meaning.
Background & Credentials
I have been working in the field of mental health and counselling since 2016. I began working with Persons with Developmental Disabilities, both individually and in groups, focusing on the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, sexuality, sexual assault, relationship difficulties, aging, grief, and anger. Many of the individuals I’ve worked with also had a diagnosis of ADHD, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy.
In 2017, I transitioned to facilitating group therapy with adults and children who have experienced domestic violence and in 2018, I began working as a psychometrist with a Neuropsychologist conducting and scoring comprehensive neurological assessments.
I took a leap of faith and left a secure corporate job in 2020, which led me to being a part of Nurtured Learning. Tina’s training and supervision has not only shaped my practice, but has led me to becoming the best version of myself, as I hope to do with each client that walks into our space. The better we become at being ourselves, the better we are for the world around us.
Michelle’s Story
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Michelle completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2012. She went on to become an esthetician and worked in the spa industry while earning her graduate degree in Counselling in 2016 from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
She enjoys group fitness, hiking, meditation, reading, and food. Working from a holistic perspective to health and wellness, she believes that healing involves nurturing mind, body and soul. To borrow the words of Vincent van Gogh, “what is done in love, is done well”.
Vanessa Kearley
BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Therapy Style & Philosophy
Having practiced in the field of social work since 2001, it is never lost on me the courage it takes to present for counselling and to share your life story. Because therapy can be an intimidating process, I make every effort to put people at ease, and approach our time together as a conversation. Meeting people with respect, kindness, understanding and compassion is of utmost importance to me, and paramount to my practice. My belief is that you are the expert in your life and my role is to use my knowledge and skills to aid and support you in meeting your therapeutic goals.
My approach is to prepare you for and to discover the deeper level of understanding you are looking for from an evidence-based approach that includes building skills to take care of mind, body, and spirit while working toward sustained growth. I draw upon a variety of theoretical frameworks to meet a client’s needs including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Brief Solutions Focused and Strength Based Therapy.
Background & Credentials
Hailing from the east coast of Canada I completed my university degrees in Atlantic Canada. I graduated from St. Thomas University with a double major in Gerontology and Psychology, and then whet on to complete a Bachelor of Social Work at Memorial University of Newfoundland Labrador followed by a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University.
For the past 20 years, I have worked in a variety of settings and have been privileged and honored to work in the mental health field supporting people of all ages through life stages, changes, and challenges. In addition to Community Mental Health experience in both urban and rural areas, I have worked as a counsellor in a Family Medicine Practice as well as in an Employee and Family Assistance Program. My experience also includes educator roles in Adolescent Mental Health, Continuing Care, Employee Assistance Programs and Primary Care.
Vanessa’s Story
Born and raised in a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, I was raised with an appreciation for and a value on connections with family, friends, our community, and the environment. I grew up hunting, fishing, gardening, and berry picking, creating a strong connection with the land and sea. The move to Alberta was supposed to be a 3-to-5-year adventure but here I am 18 years later enjoying life with my husband and two children. I enjoy spending time outside walking, hiking, snowshoeing, biking, anything really! When I am not outside, I thoroughly enjoy supporting my children in their chosen sports and activities as well as travelling and making new connections.
Leona Doig
B.A., M.A. Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant
Therapy Style & Philosophy
I assist Tina Parsons in conducting psycho-educational assessments. As a psychometrist/psychological assistant, I conduct developmental history interviews and cognitive and academic achievement testing.
While I no longer offer therapy, my approach has always been to work collaboratively with folks in identifying their strengths, and practicing compassionate and practical ways to work with challenges that are inherent to every life. I appreciate the wisdom of the proverb “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” as it reminds me that in every struggle in life, we have the option to choose our approach and mindset, helping us to respond and adapt the best we can to realities that we may not be able to control.
Background & Credentials
I completed my Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology and sociology at the University of Lethbridge in 1995. I began working as a counsellor in 1994. After several years of working in the field of counselling/mental health in residential treatment services (Hull Services), specialized school placements, and community services (Salvation Army Children’s Village), I completed my Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology with City University of Seattle in 2007. I practiced as a registered psychologist from August 2007 – March 2025, both in private practice and with Alberta Health Services, providing psychosocial assessments, psychotherapy, psycho-educational assessments, and presentations to community groups on topics including teen depression, behaviour management in the classroom, and mindfulness.
In 2024, I celebrated 30 years working in the counselling and mental health field, and began to sow seeds toward new challenges in the “next chapter” of my journey. As such, I officially retired from the profession of psychology in March 2025, and have limited the parameters of my role with Nurtured Learning to psychometrist/psychological assistant.
Leona’s Story
Growing up in a small town in East-Central Alberta, I was raised in a community of extended family and multi-generational life-long friends, instilling in me a deep appreciation of connection and community, which I continue to nurture in my life. I enjoy getting together with family and friends, and travelling long distances in order to do so, as my husband has family all over the world. I also enjoy reading, spending time outside (walking, biking, paddle-boarding), volunteering in an ESL classroom at the YMCA, practicing yoga, and cuddling our cat.
