We currently have three counsellors and an Administrative Assistant. Each counsellor has registered status with a professional association, indicating that they have solid educational qualifications and a high level of competency. All counsellors have specialized training and broad experience counselling individuals and families.
Garth Greatheart, MSW RSW - Executive Director/Counsellor
Garth has been the Executive Director, Senior Counsellor, and Clinical Supervisor for the Upper Island Assessment and Resource Service (UIARS) since August 2007. She holds a Master degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria and has been a practicing clinical Social Woker for 25 years. She has been a registered Social Work with the BC College of Social Workers since 1996. She specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based skills, EMDR, couples counselling, and issues related to alternative families, including LGBT issues and lifestyles. She practices from an anti-oppressive perspective.
Garth provides counselling in our Campbell River and Port McNeill offices.
As the Executive Director, Garth works closely with the UIARS's Board of Directors and member organizations. In this leadership role, all operational aspects of service delivery are maintained to the highest professional standards. Her job is to ensure that UIARS remains RESPONSIVE, EFFECTIVE, and meeting the needs of those seeking our services. For further information on our program, please contact Garth, either by email or phone.
Kelsi Baine, MSc, CCC - Counsellor
Kelsi has been working with the agency since 2007, and has been counselling in various capacities since 2000. She holds a Master of Science degree specializing in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Brandon University. Kelsi is a certified counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Kelsi specializes in couples issues, communication skills, relationship violence and abuse, anxiety and depression, stress management, grief, and wellness. Out of her graduate research she has a keen interest and expertise in working with couples who are transitioning into parenthood, or are having relationship problems since becoming parents. Over the years Kelsi has counselled adults, couples, families, youth, and groups (both therapeutic and psycho-educational). She incorporates mind and body wellness into her practice, helping people to achieve holistic positive changes in their lives.
Kelsi is working 3 days a week in the Campbell River office.
Danielle Lambrecht, MC, CCC - Counsellor
Danielle has been working in the field of mental health and addictions for over ten years, in both hospital and community settings.
Danielle graduated with a Master of Counselling, specializing in Counsellling Psychology from the University of Lethbridge. She enjoys working with all individuals in individual, couples, and group counselling.
Her primary areas of practice are mental health issues (e.g. depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.). She specializes in addictions issues (e.g. alcohol, drug abuse, early recovery, and relapse prevention). Danielle also counsels couples, focusing on enhancement of communication skills, conflict resolution, resolving past issues, and planning for the future. She also works with adolescents struggling with self-identity, self-esteem, and body image issues.
Danielle's counselling approaches embrace a humanistic approach whiles using a variety of therapies, such as dialectical-behavioral therapy DBT, mindfulness-based approaches, emotional regulation skills development, movtivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and a variety of art modalities.
Danielle works three days a week - Tuesday and Wednesday in our Comox Valley site and Thursdays in our Campbell River office.
Joan Bond - Administrative Assistant
Joan is UIARS's Administrative Assistant. She plays an important role in helping our office run smoothly and in making sure that people feel comfortable when phoning or entering our office. She is often the first voice you will hear when you call UIARS. If you have a question about office hours, booking an appointment or just want more information about how the counselling office works, Joan would be most helpful.
Betty Ann Adamo - Administrative Assistant
Betty Ann shares the administrative assistant role with Joan, working one day a week and taking care of the office when Joan is away on holidays.