Raelene Marion
Treasurer

I'm a Registered Psychologist who works with clients across the age-span. My experience includes public sector, non-profit, as well as private practice. I would describe my overall philosophy and approach to therapy as strength-based, curious, and client-centered. I believe in using a compassionate and empathetic stance. Building a positive, trusting relationship together should be at the heart of the work in therapy. Over and above my clinical interests in working with clients, I also have interest and experience in leadership positions and continue to pursue ongoing leadership training and PD opportunities. I am comfortable working with a variety of presenting concerns including stress, anxiety, low mood or depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, divorce, transitions, grief and loss, autism, parent-child relationship issues, attachment wounds, and domestic violence. I have knowledge and training in a variety of therapeutic models and strategies including EMDR Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Grief Recovery Method, Clinical Hypnosis, Circle of Security, CBT, mindfulness, narrative, solution-focused, sandtray approaches.

Alisha Sabourin
Secretary

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, from kids to older adults, across Alberta. My training includes trauma-informed therapy (EMDR), couples therapy (Gottman and EFCT), and grief recovery (Grief Recovery Method®). I’m also proud to mentor up-and-coming psychologists through clinical supervision, helping shape the future of the profession.

Therapy with me is about connection. It’s about having a real conversation in a space where you can be yourself—whether we’re tackling life’s big challenges or navigating everyday stresses. No formal clinical jargon, no intimidating processes—just a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where we work together.

Standing Committee Chairs

Dr. Natasha Iyer
Conference Chair

She trained in South Africa, obtaining her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1995. She began caring for patients in both hospitals and medical clinics. She has extensive experience in both Emergency and Surgical Medicine. In addition, Dr. Iyer obtained post graduate training in Women’s Health, Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Alberta as a resident. Dr.Iyer has also been a teacher of medical students, as well as being involved with the instructive mentoring of International Medical Graduates, in order to integrate more doctors into the Canadian medical system. She has taught procedural skills to Family Medicine residents at the University of Calgary. Today, she is dedicated to helping patients Live Younger, through voracious research and study in the field of Functional and Longevity Medicine. 

Dr. Iyer trained in Cosmetic Medicine in 2004. She spent 2 years creating a technique that leaves patients looking completely natural. Over the years, she has studied extensively with leaders in the field, like Prof. Sebastian Cotofana, Dr. Benjamin Asher, Julie Horne, and did advanced ultrasound training with Dr. John Arlette. She is certified in advanced management of complications in cosmetic medicine. Her continuous education in the field of cosmetic medicine combined with Functional medicine and the study of cellular aging allows her to bring patients full circle: to truly Live Younger.

Dr. Sidney Nesbitt
Education Chair

Dr. Sidney James Nesbitt is a pediatrician at Panda Pediatrics in Calgary, Alberta. He received his medical in Ireland and completed his pediatric residency training in the United Kingdom. After his studies, he worked as a community pediatrician in Kenya for over 20 years.

Dr. Nesbitt established pediatric training and treatment initiatives in HIV/AIDS, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric resuscitation, and child injury prevention while he was in Kenya through collaborative efforts. His interests include working with children with learning, developmental, and behavioral challenges. He works well with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Debbie Jabbour
Membership Chair

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, she worked as a mental health specialist for 10 years with Almasana Creative Wellness as well as with Alberta Health Services in the year prior to her election. During this same time period she also worked as an analyst with Alberta Health, financial accountability and as a Hansard input editor with the Alberta Legislative Assembly. Prior to that, she worked in administrative roles, as a freelance writer and as a professional musician.

Born in Edmonton, Ms. Jabbour currently resides in High Level. Her grandparents on both sides came to Canada in the early 1900s. With the exception of two years in Central America Ms. Jabbour has called Alberta home her entire life.

She received her master of counselling in 2010 from the University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge and Athabasca University. In 2003 she received her bachelor of arts with a major in psychology and communications. She also holds a certificate in career counselling and is a provisional psychologist.

Leah Thompson
Nominations Chair

I have been a therapist for over 14 years, and I love my work. I am passionate about helping people achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and reach their full potential in life.​

My work with clients is flexible, person-centered, and trauma-informed. With humor and compassion, I strive to create a positive and collaborative relationship with my clients in order to create a safe space for self-exploration that inspires positive change.

Most of my practice has been dedicated to working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, relationship challenges, and chronic health issues. My approach to therapy is intuitive and tailored to the unique needs and goals of each of my clients. I help my clients acquire new insight into how their problems have evolved in their lives and provide guidance that will help them find solutions. Using EMDR and hypnosis, I am able to bring symptom and stress relief to clients within a limited number of sessions.

Gayatri Kainth
Research Chair

Gayatri is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and is a member of the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta and a member and Secretary of the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis – Alberta Society.

She has over 22 years of experience providing counselling in various settings. She invests in continuous growth and learning and engages in ongoing professional development and training. She enjoys working with culturally diverse populations including, but not limited to, children, teens, adults, couples, elderly, families, and blended families. Areas of Specialization include, but are not limited to Clinical Hypnosis, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Difficulties, Trauma, Stress Management, Emotional Regulation, Marriage Preparation, Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRB), Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD),Step Family / Blended Family Work.

Members at Large

Chantal Rose
Member-at-Large

I am passionate about using my skills to help people heal and build resilience after going through traumatic or stressful life events. I’ve been doing this for over two decades now, and I’ve worked with adults and families from all sorts of backgrounds. I’m all about creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where people can feel comfortable talking about what they’re going through. I help people manage conditions like bipolar disorder, addiction, depression, anxiety, and grief. I have additional training in early trauma and dissociation. I’m currently seeing clients between the ages of 18 and 80.

Completed a Masters of Art in Counselling Psychology in August the 2018. Trained in EMDR therapy and in Clinical Hypnosis. More than 20 years experience as a Child and Family Counselor in BC and Alberta using a unique blend of counseling approaches to aid designated clients. Facilitates and coordinates psycho-educational groups for children, teens and adults; liaise with community partners and other stakeholders; and works directly with clients. Most experience with a client base that is often “at-risk” from a variety of ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds which required the development of excellent communication skills, conflict resolution skills and a proficiency in stress (and case) management. Self directed and goal driven.

Monica Wong
Member-at-Large

Although I utilize various therapy modalities, my specialty is in clinical hypnosis and hypnosis for fertility and childbirth. Clinical hypnosis is using hypnosis in conjunction with therapy, it is not clinical unless counselling is involved. My clinical hypnosis training has been conducted with either therapists or medical professionals. I have hundreds of hours of training in clinical hypnosis (100 of which included training with world-renowned clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist, Dr. Yapko) and am passionate about teaching it because of the deep change I see in my clients. Hypnosis allows one to experience change, not just talk about it and to make shifts that can sometimes be harder to do outside of hypnosis.

I'm a certified HypnoBirthing® instructor and absolutely love working with my couples! I went into my first birth with hope, a good book and optimism, I soon learned I needed more! I became a HypnoBirthing instructor six months after giving birth to my firstborn and used it with my last two births, which completely transformed my birthing experiences! I continually hear feedback from my couples about how the course was helpful for pregnancy and birth, and that they'll miss the weekly relaxation and fun! : )

Administration