Joanne Burns, Registered Psychologist

Joanne Burns is a Registered Psychologist who has her own private practice in Cochrane, Westbrook Counselling Services. Joanne came to the Cochrane area in 2005 from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

In Yellowknife, Joanne practiced in a community counselling centre and then transferred to a school setting. When she arrived in Cochrane, she accepted a position in a school in Airdrie before working for a community counselling centre in Airdrie. In order to better balance home and work, Joanne opened Westbrook Counselling Services in Cochrane. She has worked with children, teens, adults, and families who have a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety, anger, depression, relationship issues, parenting, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and life dissatisfaction. Joanne has also facilitated groups for parents who are separating or divorcing, for children whose parents don’t live together, for people who want to learn anger management skills, and a women’s empowerment group. Joanne has play therapy training from Kingston Play Therapy Institute and has couples counselling training through the Gottman Institute. She has many years experience working with people who have disabilities and special needs.

Joanne also coordinates services and provides psychological support for families who have children with special needs through the FSCD program. Because of her years in the North, Joanne is privileged to work with the Stoney Nakoda in Morley and Eden Valley. She also does home assessments for people interested in fostering or adopting.

Joanne and her family live north of Cochrane on a little acreage. Her leisure time is spent enjoying outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, photography, and skiing. Above all else, Joanne values her time with her husband and children.

Emerson Tanney, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Emerson is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology (Hons) from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia and a Master of Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary. Emerson has training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic interventions and skill-building techniques to help individuals manage and overcome their challenges. Some of these include anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, anger, behavioural issues, abuse, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, relationship issues, life transitions, and mood disorders. Emerson’s goal is to help her clients make sense of their world through meaning. She looks at meaning through an individual’s life experiences, development, upbringing, and relationships. 

When Emerson is not working, you can find her exploring the mountains with her two labradors, road tripping to new destinations, or riding horses.

Sarah McEvoy, Registered Psychologist

Sarah is a Registered Psychologist who obtained a Master’s in Education with a specialization in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. She also received training in Play Therapy at the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute, as well as training in Sand Play Therapy. She is currently pursuing certification in Child and Adolescent trauma. Sarah has 15 years of experience working with children and their families in various capacities. She has developed considerable experience with assessment and treatment of childhood disorders. 

Alongside psychoeducational assessment, Sarah applies play-based therapy in order to support and counsel children between 3 and 12 years old. Play-based techniques and behavioural interventions are mostly drawn from strength-based approaches, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural, and Adlerian theories. Children have a hard time understanding and verbalizing their emotions, therefore play becomes the predominant mode of communication. Play-based activities are used to help foster children’s emotional wellness, increase personal strengths, enhance relationships, facilitate communication, elaborate on their ideas, and reflect feelings. Play also allows children to process difficult or confusing events so that they can have a stronger sense of control over outcomes. Play-based therapy is especially effective in treating trauma, adverse experiences, low self-esteem, anxiety, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), bullying, social skills, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), attachment and adjustment issues, self-regulation, and aggression. 

Sarah came to Canada in 2008 from England, UK. She is a mother of a spirited toddler and an active member of the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the Canadian Association of Play Therapy. Sarah’s desire and passion for making a difference in the lives of children and their families drives her to put everything into her work and exceed expectations.

Chris Schoepp, Registered Psychologist

Christopher Schoepp is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Counselling Psychology and a wealth of experience working with a wide range of clients in a variety of settings. His experience living abroad and travelling extensively as well as his experience working with various First Nation communities in Alberta has led to an awareness and respect for cultural diversity that permeates his professional practice. 

Chris has worked in a variety of settings including behavioural treatment centers, community health centers, schools and private businesses. He managed community-based teams designed to build resilience in children, youth and families in three Alberta communities. Chris has provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, aggression, transitions, abuse and family conflict. He has also worked extensively with children and families involved with the Child Protection system. 

Chris believes that the client/therapist relationship is the foundation of therapeutic success and that the approach taken must work for the client. Chris has experience in a number of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. 

In addition to providing counselling services, Chris is able to provide educational psychology services, including universal and targeted school programming, staff training, behaviour observations and psychoeducational assessments, as well as adult assessments.

Cam Pepperdine, Registered Psychologist

Cam is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. He has had the honour and privilege to work with many diverse families and individuals in a variety of settings such as First Nations’ communities, schoolboards within Calgary, and schools for children with special needs. He has also collaborated with Children’s Services to provide comprehensive assessments for children who have complex needs. 

Cam’s collection of experiences has shaped his worldview and his psychological practice. Therefore, he strives to provide culturally competent services that are carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of every individual and family. Cam provides a strength-based and family centred approach to determine the roots of challenges, and he systematically identifies and implements solutions. He works with children, youths, and adults, and provides psychological and psychoeducational assessment, intervention, consultation, and school/academic support. He has extensive training and experience with assessing, diagnosing, and providing intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, intellectual developmental disorder, learning disorder(s), harmful and maladaptive behaviours, anxiety, and/or depression, as well as those who may be gifted. He has provided assessments for individuals applying for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and for the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program. He also has experience supporting individuals with a history of trauma and/or adverse childhood experiences, and he utilizes a trauma-informed lens in all aspects of his practice. 

Cam lives in Calgary with his partner and son along with their parrot and three cats. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and dirt biking, reading, playing videogames, and digital art.

Emily Carter-Tivendale, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Emily moved to Canada from England in 2008, and currently lives in Cochrane with her husband and dogs. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Calgary and Masters of Counselling at City University of Seattle in Calgary.

Emily has a range of experience working and volunteering with children and adolescents including working in therapeutic campus-based care, out-of-school care, and teaching art classes. Emily also has experience working or volunteering in the mental health field in various capacities, including big sister mentorship, learning support, and crisis response for the Kids Help Phone/Crisis Text Line.

Whilst Emily draws from her strong background in art and enjoys implementing therapeutic art interventions in her work with children and adolescents, Emily has experience working from a number of modalities with children, adolescents, and adults.

Chelsey Hazelton, Registered Social Worker, MSW

Chelsey is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Social Worker who obtained a Master of Social Work with a clinical specialization focused on mental health from the University of Calgary. Chelsey firmly believes in the power of genuine connection and strives to create a warm, safe, and welcoming therapeutic environment.

She understands that each person’s journey is unique and complex, and she is passionate about helping her clients uncover patterns that may no longer be serving them, empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. Chelsey has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults facing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem issues, relational conflicts, and overall life satisfaction.

Chelsey’s therapeutic approach is strengths-based and client-centered, meaning she tailors her approach to align with each individual’s preferences and needs. Her practice emphasizes the importance of understanding the whole person within the context of their relationships with self, others, and their environment. In her work, Chelsey embraces a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches, among others. By combining these approaches, she helps her clients develop practical skills and insights to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and authenticity.

Above all, Chelsey is deeply committed to walking alongside her clients on their journey towards healing and growth, offering support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.

In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, road trips with good tunes, spending time in nature with her dog, and having a good laugh.

Rhylee Redden, Canadian Certified Counsellor

Rhylee is a Canadian Certified Counsellor who obtained an undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy from Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS and Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University.

Her experience in a variety of mental health settings has taught her the importance of building rapport and integrating various approaches based on the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship in order to provide the best possible care. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples with a broad array of challenges. She utilizes a number of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy. Overall, Rhylee is committed to working alongside her clients, providing support, guidance, validation and catering her treatment approach to meet the needs of each unique individual.

Having moved from Nova Scotia in 2014, she now lives in Cochrane with her husband, son and dog and enjoys family time, travelling, camping, and playing hockey in her free time.

Rai Brown, Office Administrator

Rai spent 12 years working as a Health Analyst for the Government of the Northwest Territories in the Department of Health and Social Services. After 6 years of retirement she welcomed the opportunity to join Westbrook Counselling Services as their Office Administrator.  

Rai has a BA in International Development with a Specialization in South Asia and a Masters Degree in Gender Studies.  She is also a meditation instructor studying in the Shambhala Tradition. As a complimentary service, Rai will meet with anyone who is interested in learning to meditate using mindfulness and awareness practices. Please contact her to arrange for your sessions.   

In her spare time, Rai enjoys being yoga, walking her dog, outdoors, attending cultural events, and life in general. 

Margaret Adams, Office Administrator

Born in Scotland, Margaret embarked on a journey that led her to the beautiful town of Cochrane.  With a distinguished career spanning 25 years in government services back in the UK, Margaret brings a wealth of experience in customer service and administration.  Margaret is always willing to help others. Outside of the Office, Margaret finds solace and joy in the companionship of her two dogs, often exploring the many trails around Cochrane.  When winter comes around you can find Margaret enjoying time on the slopes as a keen skier.  

Her top priority is to ensure that your appointment and overall experience at Westbrook Counselling Services is a pleasant one.