Meet our team.
Anita Sablone (she/her)
Founder, Principal Psychologist
M.A. (School Psychology)
M.Ed. (Counselling)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
RCT (NSCCT), CCC (CCPA)
From an early age, Anita observed how life’s challenges were navigated differently by people. This fostered a curiosity about how one’s inner strengths could be developed into individualized psychological resilience.
Before opening Spirit Psychological in 2016, Anita spent almost 25 years supporting school-aged children and teens as a Registered Psychologist with the Chignecto-Central and Halifax Regional Centres for Education, providing counselling, consultation and assessment services before resigning in 2021. Previous to her employment in the school system, Anita studied school psychology, neuropsychology and counselling at Saint Mary’s, Mount Saint Vincent University and Acadia University. She also worked for government agencies, other private practices and as a research assistant at Dalhousie University.
Spirit Psychological was founded on Anita’s desire to provide client-centred, authentic and effective interventions to children, teens, young adults and families as a Registered Psychologist. Anita then expanded her counselling skill set by pursuing education and licensure as a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) to provide services to people across the lifespan, accompanying them in movement toward wellness, authenticity and a values-driven life.
Anita provides various assessment services in addition to consultation/advocacy for her clients. Her licensure as a Registered Psychologist allows her to work with school-aged children, teens and young adults up to age 25 years (inclusive) using her assessment, consultation and counselling skills. For older clients (25 years+), couples and families, Anita is pleased to provide support within a counselling-specific framework under her RCT and CCC licensure.
Counselling is Anita’s central passion. Her experience within the school system and supporting adult clients has led to a specialized interest in the area of attachment and trauma. She has pursued specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety/panic and depression. Anita is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR Therapist for both adults and children/teens and is currently seeking advanced certification in EFT.
Believing in the power of animal-assisted therapy, Anita offers her Therapy Dog, Maggie, 6 year old Yellow Labrador Retriever, in any session at a client’s request.
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION, THERAPY
AUTISM & PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION, COUNSELLING
Heather Boucher (she/her), Associate
M.A. (School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
Heather is a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience supporting children, youth, young adults, families, and school personnel. Heather is a military wife, and proud mother to their “neuro-spectacular” kiddo. Heather worked in Nova Scotia schools for more than 10 years before coming on full time with Spirit Psychological in 2021.
Through a strengths-based, neurodiversity affirming approach, Heather provides comprehensive assessments for learning disorders, ADHD, autism, and intellectual disabilities. Known for her exceptional warmth and humour, Heather is dedicated to working collaboratively, compassionately, and practically to support children and their families with a variety of learning, behavioural, and emotional regulation challenges.
Heather is passionate about helping children, and their families, understand their uniquely wired brains and supporting the development of positive neurodivergent identities. Heather believes that we are our best selves when we understand our own neurodivergence through an authentic, affirming perspective.
Nadine has over 15 years of experience as a Registered Psychologist working with children, parents, and families in educational and clinical settings. After graduating with a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University, she spent 10 years working for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE), engaging in private practice and extensive post-graduate clinical supervision to further hone her clinical assessment and intervention skills. Nadine has recently returned to join the Spirit team after 5 years in a therapeutic school setting in the Cayman Islands.
Nadine specializes in the assessment of children, youth, and young adults experiencing a variety of mental health and neuro-developmental challenges, specifically anxiety, depression, trauma, attention issues, learning disorders, autism and intellectual disabilities. Nadine uses her experiences and training to conduct comprehensive assessments that are beneficial to clients, as well as direct, meaningful evidence-based and time-sensitive interventions.
Nadine offers both individual and group therapy, as well as parent training support. The foundation of her treatment approach is highly interpersonal and based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while also drawing on an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework. She has specific training, experience, and a special interest in anxiety-resiliency work and social thinking training with children, youth, and young adults. Nadine prides herself on using a collaborative and team-oriented approach to promote the mental health and wellness of her clients and their families.
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION, COUNSELLING
Nadine Maxner (she/her), Associate
M.A.(School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
Pamela Blotnicky (she/her), Associate
M.A. (School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION
Pamela’s career in school psychology began in 2010 and has encompassed a variety of professional settings, including public schools, private practices, and research institutions. In addition to extensive experience in assessment, consultation, behavioural support, and counselling, Pamela has also served as a research coordinator and supervised student research at Dalhousie University in the area of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Since 2016, Pamela has worked full-time as a school psychologist for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) and with Spirit Psychological since its inception. At Spirit, Pamela’s role includes assessment and diagnosis of specific learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and ADHD, as well as providing counselling to children and youth facing difficult times in their lives. She works closely with parents and guardians, guiding them on how to address their children’s challenging moods and behaviours with compassion and practical solutions that they can realistically fit into their busy lives.
Pamela’s counselling approach is warm, empathetic, and client-centred, and she is particularly interested in mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT.) She strives to create an inclusive and culturally responsive environment for all of her clients and relies on evidence-based practices in all areas of her work.
Beyond her professional life, Pamela is raising a blended family which informs her counselling. This life experience leads her to be passionate about empowering children, teens and young adults, along with their parents and educators to achieve self-understanding, validation, and success in all aspects of their lives.
Maxine believes that each person’s whole story matters and considers it a privilege to get to know each client, inviting them to share their life stories. Reaching out for support and saying “I need help” is not always easy - it takes courage and strength to let another person into one’s life, sharing struggles and concerns that may be getting in the way. Maxine’s commitment is to journey with each client, providing a supportive, caring atmosphere where they are listened to, valued, and heard.
Maxine provides counselling therapy services to adult clients (including late teens and young adults), offering sensitivity and compassion for difficult and complex life experiences. With 20+ years experience as an educator (children to adult levels), including ten years as an English Additional Language (EAL) instructor/program coordinator (newcomers and refugees), Maxine considers herself a lifelong learner in both her personal and professional life.
Using a strengths-based, solutions-focused approach, Maxine aims to incorporate resources from training and certifications in trauma integration/processing, Emotionally Focused Individual training (EFIT, Levels 1 & 2), immigrant and refugee mental health, ADHD and others, depending on client need.
Some of Maxine’s areas of focus include:
o Relationship support (individual/couples/families)
o ADHD support
o Anxiety/stress coping
o Immigrant/refugee young adults, women and family support
o Trauma-focused and integration work
o Support for women (personal, professional, work/life balance, family, life stages)
Maxine is committed to helping individuals to grow and move towards ‘better’ in their lives. She considers it a privilege to have you share your life story and to accompany you on your journey, compassionately and authentically.
COUNSELLING, CONSULTATION, NEWCOMERS TO CANADA, TRAUMA INTEGRATION
Maxine Roberts (she/her), Associate
7bytheOcean Counselling Services
B.Ed, M.Ed. (Counselling)
RCT (NSCCT), CCC (CCPA)
A Fine Arts Specialist with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, Melanie has been nurturing students and helping them gain the strength to tell their own stories for over 25 years. Melanie maintains a keen interest in working innovatively with students, in particular those who have special needs. Her creative approaches to teaching have resulted in her receiving both the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the first ever Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Education. In addition to her two Bachelors of Arts, Melanie holds a Bachelor of Education as well as Master of Education degrees in both Special Education and Counselling.
When counselling, Melanie’s therapeutic approach is narrative within a client-centred framework for both individuals and groups. Although interested in everyone’s story, Melanie has a special interest in working with adolescents.
Along with Anita, Melanie is also active in the application of animal-assisted therapy in Nova Scotia and clients are most welcome to request Melanie’s hypoallergenic Therapy Dog, Karma, attend their counselling sessions.
Melanie was very excited to learn in recent years of her Métis heritage and feels a natural connection to many Indigenous teachings.
Melanie Kennedy (she/her), Associate
M.Ed. (Special Education)
M.Ed. (Counselling)
RCT-C (NSCCT), CCC (CCPA)
COUNSELLING, CONSULTATION
ASSESSMENT, TUTORING, INDIVIDUALIZED LITERACY PROGRAM & MATH
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACHING
Sherene Kirincich (she/her), Associate
M.Ed. (TESOL-Teaching English as a Second or Other Language)
M.Ed. (Literacy)
B.Ed. (Elementary), B.A. (Psychology)
Sherene is a Severe Learning Disability (SLD) Specialist with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education and has been a teacher within the board for the past 15 years. She is trained in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LIPS) Program and the Wilson Reading System and Foundations, both programs that focus on multi-sensory phonological and phonemic awareness to improve reading, spelling, and writing skills.
Sherene believes a person’s learning experience is multi-layered and when developing an intervention, she takes many factors into consideration. Learning styles, personality, cultural background, as well as academic strengths and challenges all provide valuable information aiding in the creation of a comprehensive, individualized program. Sherene teaches persons with learning disabilities in a dynamic way, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding in a personal, individual way.
Sherene has traveled and taught in Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Bolivia, and in northern Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities. This, along with her experience growing up in a Croatian immigrant family, has expanded her understanding and respect as to how cultural differences are central to our life experience.
Sherene is currently working towards her Diploma in Education (Curriculum) through Cape Breton University.
AUTISM & PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION, COUNSELLING
Brittany Morrison (she/her), Associate
M.A. (School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist
Brittany is a Registered Psychologist with over a decade of experience specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She began her career with the Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) Program, where she designed and supported the implementation of individualized programs to help young autistic children develop essential life skills. Brittany then transitioned to working with the Provincial Preschool Autism Service in 2024 and presently works full-time at the IWK Health Centre conducting diagnostic assessments for children aged 4-6 years.
Spirit is fortunate to have Brittany as a part-time Associate to support children, teens and their families in the area of preschool ASD assessment as well as school-aged consultation, counselling and psychoeducational assessments for suspected learning or attentional challenges.
Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Brittany is committed to guiding children and their families through the diagnostic journey with a compassionate and comprehensive approach. She provides valuable insights into a child’s strengths and challenges while equipping parents and caregivers with practical, evidence-based strategies to support skill development. In addition to helping families navigate the early intervention process, Brittany also aims to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to embrace neurodiversity and create a supportive environment that will honor each child’s authentic self and promote emotional well-being.
Amy MacGillivray(she/her), Associate
M.A. (School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION
Amy is a Registered Psychologist with almost 20 years of experience conducting assessments and consultations within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education as well as private practice. At Spirit, Amy offers comprehensive psycho-educational assessments to children, adolescents and young adults. Amy believes that parent education is central to her clients’ wellness by enhancing understanding of how neurodevelopmental differences impact individuals and their families, as well as how to advocate to improve access to resources and interventions.
Amy’s primary areas of expertise include assessment of learning disorders, intellectual disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in addition to consultation focused on educational planning for diverse learners. In addition, Amy offers practical behavioural strategies for managing ADHD and coexisting neurodevelopmental challenges in school and at home. Informed by a strong knowledge of evidence-based practices, Amy strives to help clients answer questions, gain skills and advocate for themselves in order to experience success within academic and personal situations.
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION
Jennifer Martin-Wells (she/her), Associate
B.Ed., M.A. (School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
Jennifer has always enjoyed spending time with and helping children. Her full-time employment began as an elementary school teacher. Through this work, Jennifer was most drawn to the students who were experiencing challenges, whether these were academic, social-emotional or behavioural. This realization led to completing a Master of Arts in School Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University. Jennifer has established a nearly 25-year career working as a Psychologist with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) in addition to joining the Spirit team.
Jennifer enjoys collaboratively supporting children and youth with a wide range of academic, behavioural, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Jennifer conducts assessments and communicates results in a sensitive and clear manner, helping children/teens, their parents and schools to better understand their strengths and challenges. This greater understanding, alongside the provision of a variety of practical recommendations, allows families to advocate for needed supports, enabling their child/teen to succeed to the best of their ability.
Erin is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with many years of experience in both therapeutic and recreational roles. As a teenager, Erin worked with neuro-diverse individuals and saw firsthand the importance of ensuring that those persons who engage in challenging behaviours are safe and understood.
After completing a Behavioural Interventions Advanced Diploma (NSCC), Erin completed a Master’s Degree in Behavioural Psychology (University of the Pacific, California), where she gained experience working with neuro-typical and neuro-diverse children and adolescents who engaged in a wide range of challenging behaviours.
Erin believes that challenging behaviours are often used to communicate needs. Through an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) lens, Erin teaches her clients how to communicate needs in a safe and easily understood way. She believes that working collaboratively with all relevant caregivers helps to develop effective treatment plans that provide utmost safety in her clients' everyday environments.
Erin MacKelvie (she/her), Associate
M.A. (Behavioural Psychology)
Behaviour Therapist (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, BCBA)
CONSULTATION, BEHAVIOUR INTERVENTION
COUNSELLING, COUPLES THERAPY/RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING, CONSULTATION
TRAUMA INTEGRATION, REFUGEES & NEWCOMERS TO CANADA
Sukanya Mukherjee (she/her), Remote Associate - Virtual Sessions Only
MSc. (Clinical Psychology)
BSc. (Psychology Hons.)
RCT (NSCCT), CCC (CCPA), CCTP, CGCS
Sukanya is a Certified Canadian Counsellor (C.C.C) and a Registered professional member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapist (NSCCT). Sukanya is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTP) from Arizona Trauma Institute and a Certified Grief Counsellor (US).
Sukanya’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science with honours in Psychology, and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience. She received certifications in Couples and Relationship Treatment from Harvard Medical School and attended several clinical trainings in Psychological Interventions (Johns Hopkins University), Psychiatry (University of Sydney). Sukanya attended courses and workshops in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Advanced Mindfulness Interventions, Trauma informed Couples Therapy (Gottman), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Sukanya ‘s approach to treatment is eclectic in nature and incorporates holistic, trauma informed, client centred and humanistic framework. As a polyglot (English, Bengali, Spanish, Hindi), she strives to provide culturally sensitive and racially informed therapy to individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. She provides a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, grounded in compassion and empathy, using evidence-based treatment.
Sukanya’s area of focus includes Trauma (chronic, complex, PTSD, relational, attachment, childhood trauma), anxiety disorder (GAD, OCD, Social Anxiety etc.), Mood disorders (Depression and Bipolar), Couples/ Relationship Counselling, LGBTQ+, Anger management, Grief, stress management, body image, eating disorder and self-esteem.
In addition to her clinical work, Sukanya is also a professional artist and an Ambassador with United Nations of Canada, representing the National Capital Region, working on SDG global goals, policies on mental health and community well-being.
Nicole Robichaud (she/her), Associate
M.A. (Counselling Psychology)
Psychologist (Candidate Register)
Nicole completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at McGill University. She works with adults of various ages, backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, cherishing the opportunity to bear witness to the diversity of life experiences. She believes that a felt sense of safety and warmth promotes a meaningful and effective therapeutic relationship and she aims to empower her clients through empathy and care.
Grounded in trauma and attachment-informed principles, Nicole’s approach to therapy is compassionate and goal-oriented, emphasizing clients' strengths, generating reflection, and catalyzing change. Nicole works from an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approach, focusing on healing through self-compassion and an understanding of your internal world. She also integrates elements of talk therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive strategies and skills.
Nicole offers support for individuals with various concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, stress, low self-esteem, perfectionism, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, life transitions, and interpersonal concerns. Additionally, Nicole promotes a sex-positive environment and works with individual clients in relationship constellations of all types including consensual non-monogamy.
Under a Psychologist Candidate Licence, Nicole works with adult individuals providing support within a counselling-specific framework.
COUNSELLING
ASSESSMENT, COUNSELLING, BEHAVIOUR INTERVENTION
Becky Carter(she/her), MA (School Psychology)
Behaviour Analyst (Boa d Certified Behaviour Analyst, BCBA)
Becky Carter is a registered psychologist with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) registered with the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) with over 17 years of experience working with children and youth.
Becky has worked in both the public education system and in private practice in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Her areas of specialty include working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Learning Disability(ies), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Becky is credentialed (Level 5) in Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) of severe problem behaviour with FTF Behavioural Consulting. Her professional goal is to help produce meaningful changes in the lives of children and their families using positive, compassionate, and evidence-based interventions.
Becky conducts comprehensive psycho-educational assessments in English for school-aged children and youth to understand the cognitive, adaptive, attention, academic, social, and emotional functioning of children and youth. She specializes in the assessment of learning disabilities and ADHD. Once the assessment is complete, Becky will write a report and is available to meet with your child’s school team to review the results.
Becky offers consultation and coaching to parents/guardians of children experiencing mild to severe externalized behaviour challenges, such as self-injurious behaviour, aggression, property destruction, etc. Becky conducts Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) of your child’s behaviour. An FBA helps to determine the target behaviour(s) of concern and why those behaviours might be occurring. Once this information is obtained, Becky will work with the child and family to identify their goals and build a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) that is meaningful and socially significant for the child and their family. Suggestions can also be made to your child’s school team.
Becky also offers coaching to children and parents/guardians on building functional skills, including life skills, social skills, daily living skills, self-regulation, communication, and leisure skills.
Donna Benigno (she/her), Associate
M.A. (School Psychology)
Registered Psychologist (NS)
Donna approaches all clients through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive and client-centered lens. A proud mother of three, Donna’s experienced, empathetic and non-judgemental approach helps clients feel valued, heard and understood.
Donna specializes in assessment services for individuals aged five through twenty-five years of age. Donna prides herself on completing comprehensive assessments for learning disabilities/disorders, ADHD and Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability). Donna also screens for comorbid disorders requiring additional support (i.e., anxiety and mood challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder) and enjoys helping individuals and families navigate avenues for further assessment and/or support.
Through consultation and counselling, Donna assists individuals and families to better understand strengths and challenges in the situations they are facing in areas like learning, parenting, social-emotional skills and challenging behaviour. She accompanies them in developing a personalized, evidence-based action plan that points them toward reaching their full potential. Donna’s warm and collaborative approach makes her clients feel ‘wrapped around’, a quality central to Spirit Psychological’s philosophy of care.
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION, COUNSELLING
ASSESSMENT, TUTORING, INDIVIDUALIZED LITERACY PROGRAMMING
Gillian Macnab (she/her), Associate
Certified Orton Gillingham Tutor (Scottish Rite)Dip HSW (Health and Social Welfare)
Since moving to Canada from the United Kingdom in 2007, Gillian has supported the teaching and learning of neurodiverse, school-aged children and teens in the classroom as an Educational Program Assistant (EPA) with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE, Retired) for the last 17 years. Prior to moving to Canada, Gillian supported persons accessing much-needed medical care and support through specialized health programs in the United Kingdom – work that inspired her to commit her life to the empowerment and education of others.
Born out of her passion to assist students, Gillian completed Orton Gillingham (OG) training with The Scottish Rite Learning Centre (2018) and built a thriving, home-based tutoring practice offering in-person and virtual options in addition to her work at HRCE. Through her work both as an EPA and OG tutor, she has been a proud witness of children and teens gaining not only literacy skills but improved self-confidence.
Committed to working collaboratively with clients and their families to deliver multisensory, individual literacy programming, Gillian is passionate about working with children experiencing literacy difficulties. She believes wholeheartedly in a child-centered, flexible, multisensory atmosphere for optimal learning. Through her fun-loving, warm approach, she creates a relaxed, fun, safe and stimulating learning environment leading to a rewarding learning experience.
Despite her busy work and tutoring schedules over the last eight years, Gillian continues to maintain volunteer work with the Scottish Rite Learning Centre. In her personal time, Gillian enjoys spending time with her husband and two grown boys. Recently retired from HRCE, Gillian is thrilled to bring her expertise and practice of OG to the Spirit team.
COUNSELLING, CONSULTATION, EMDR (KIDS AND TEENS)
Kathy Walters (she/her), Associate
B. Applied Arts (Child & Youth Studies)
M.Ed. (Special Education)
M.Ed. (Counselling)
RCT-C (NSCCT), CCC (CCPA)
Kathy is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT-C) with a life-long mission – helping school-aged children, teens and their families thrive. After almost 16 years as a classroom and specialized teacher (Reading Recovery, Early Literacy, Resource and Learning Centre) with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, Kathy completed her M.Ed. in Counselling (Acadia University). She has spent the last 7 years as a School Counsellor in elementary schools.
Kathy’s goal is to create a supportive therapeutic alliance with children, teens and their families, working collaboratively to unlock their full potential and thrive in all aspects of life. An integrative counsellor, Kathy blends cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, somatic and mindfulness techniques to meet her clients where they are. Her working knowledge of the school system from both a classroom and counselling perspective directly benefit her clients, helping them navigate and support themselves with their school environment.
Passionate about helping clients, Kathy has completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for children and teens for the treatment of trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and anxiety/panic. Kathy is also a Certified Yoga Instructor and incorporates yoga into her counselling lens as a way for clients to connect with their somatic (feeling) self.
Outside of her Spirit(ed) work, Kathy loves living by the ocean with her dog, Ryely, exploring nature, practicing yoga and learning new ways to increase her own well-being and that of her clients.
Margo MacLeod(she/her), Associate
B.Ed. (Elementary), B.Sc. (Biology/Psychology)
M.Ed. (Technology Integration in the Classroom)
Margo has worked as an elementary teacher in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) for over 23 years. Her recent studies and training have been focused on Elementary Mathematics Pedagogy, including courses in trauma-informed and culturally responsive instruction. In addition to this, Margo has completed virtual training modules through Novak Educational Consulting, “Meeting the Needs of All with ULD (Universal Design for Learning)”, supporting her belief that all learners can access learning through firm goals and flexible means when barriers to learning are removed. Margo has been involved in pilot programs within HRCE trialing Fact Fluency instruction and assessment, as well as a co-teaching model (students switching teachers and classrooms) where she was able to teach to and build on her strength in Mathematics.
Margo believes that meaningful academic growth begins with understanding each learner as a whole person. She is committed to recognizing and valuing learners’ individual strengths, challenges, and personal interests as a foundation for academic growth. Margo views relationship-building as an essential part of the learning process, creating a safe and supportive environment where learners feel empowered to take risks and engage deeply with their learning. She also values the importance of explicitly teaching executive functioning skills—such as organization, time management, and self-regulation—so that learners can better understand the importance of these skills and use them to develop strategies that contribute to their success. This approach aligns with heR belief that when learners are equipped with the tools to manage their learning, they are more confident, independent, and successful.
Outside of the classroom, Margo enjoys spending quality time with her husband, grown daughter, puppy – Dezi, and extended family. She is an avid fan of live sports and loves attending Halifax Mooseheads hockey and Halifax Thunderbirds lacrosse games. She finds joy in baking and in helping with her family’s small maple bush operation, where she takes part in tapping maple trees and making maple syrup, cream and butter. Margo also enjoys exploring off-road trails on her ATV. Her creative side shines through in her hobbies, which include woodworking, crafting, and using technology to design teaching resources. These personal interests not only bring her fulfillment but also inspire her work as an educator, allowing her to bring creativity, innovation, collaboration, and a sense of community into her instructional practice.
Margo works as a learning strategist and tutor of Mathematics and Executive Functioning with elementary level learners.
ASSESSMENT, CONSULTATION, TUTORING
COUNSELLING, CONSULTATION
Meghan welcomes clients with the understanding that task of finding a therapist is a difficult but necessary step along the path to wellness. Meghan’s first experience with therapy was seeking help for anxiety while she was at university. Throughout the process, she realized the importance of working with the right person. Later in life, while pursuing her education to become a therapist, she worked as a crisis responder for Kids Help Phone during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience solidified her purpose to work with others to build awareness and skills to achieve overall well-being. Meghan recently graduated from Yorkville University with a Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Meghan is passionate about supporting my clients on their journey toward personal growth, healing, and fulfillment.
Meghan’s approach is client-centered, and she creates a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard and understood without judgement. She pulls from various therapeutic methods including person-centered therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and solutions-focused brief therapy. She is constantly searching for new ways to work with her clients and continues learning to build her skills as a therapist.
Meghan’s areas of expertise inlcude:
Perinatal Mental Health
Infertility
Birth Trauma
Parenting Stress
Anxiety & Stress Management
Burnout
Trauma & PTSD
Issues in Relationships
Depression
Suicide & Self-Harm
Meghan works with individuals from all walks of life, including adults and couples over 19, using a trauma-informed 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming lens. Whether you’re dealing with day-to-day stress, navigating a life transition, or healing from past trauma, Meghan offers support and practical tools to help you thrive. Whatever you are facing, you’re not alone. Meghan will work collaboratively with you to set goals and build strategies to achieve the change you’re seeking. Meghan’s focus is to empower you to gain the insights and tools you need to live a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Meghan Lawlor Rodgers (she/her), Associate
MA (Counselling Psychology)
RCT-C (NSCCT)
Daphne Burden (she/her), Associate
MSc. (Speech-Language Pathology)
Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (NS)
S-LP (C)
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Daphne Burden is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who is passionate about supporting children in discovering and using their unique voices. With a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practice, Daphne provides inclusive, strengths-based speech-language therapy that celebrates the full spectrum of how children communicate, learn, and connect with others.
Drawing on years of experience in both clinical and school-based settings, Daphne specializes in a wide range of services : speech sound development, receptive and expressive language support, autism-affirming communication supports, stuttering therapy, social communication and self-advocacy, literacy, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and parent and caregiver coaching. Daphne holds a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She is nationally certified with Speech-Language & Audiology Canada, and registered with the Nova Scotia College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists.
Daphne recognizes that communication is about connection, autonomy, and authenticity. Therapy sessions are child-centered, play-based, and shaped around each learner’s unique interests, strengths, and goals.
Hannah MacKaracher (she/her)
Administrative Assistant
Hannah is our Administrative Assistant and is often the first friendly face clients meet when reaching out for support. She studied at Queen’s University, where she served as President of Queen’s Capes for Kids, a hospital-based initiative that advocates for children with disabilities.
With a strong passion for supporting children and advancing mental health advocacy, Hannah brings both compassion and organization to her role. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for clients and their families, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
ADMINISTRATION
Therapy Dogs Maggie & Karma
CUDDLING & SNUGGLING
Maggie, Therapy Dog
CUDDLING & SNUGGLING
Karma, Therapy Dog
Spirit is pleased to offer Animal-Assisted Therapy at client request.
Psychologist Anita Sablone and Registered Counselling Therapist Melanie Kennedy are active members of the Animal-Assisted Therapy Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. They believe animals can bring therapeutic value to clients who are willing to experience it.
Maggie is Anita’s 6 year old yellow Labrador Retriever (not hypo-allergenic) who loves to cuddle and has an intuitive emotional sense for her human companions.
Maggie can be available for any sessions with Anita to provide additional support and comfort to clients.
Melanie Kennedy (RCT, CCC) is also active in the animal-assisted therapy in Nova Scotia. Clients are most welcome to request Melanie’s hypoallergenic and spirited Therapy Dog, Karma, to attend their counselling sessions.
Karma is a loveable, intuitive Bichon Frisé who despite her dainty size, provides larger than life comfort and unconditional love.
