Stephanie Johnston, MA
Registered Psychologist
Amy O’Neill, PhD
Dr. Amy O’Neill is a registered clinical psychologist who provides assessment, consultation, and therapy services for children and adolescents. She takes an empathic and collaborative approach with clients and caregivers, integrating strategies from evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She provides treatment for challenges related to anxiety, OCD, low mood, and emotion regulation. She also conducts diagnostic assessment for neurodevelopmental disorders/differences including ADHD, learning disabilities, and autism.
Dr. O’Neill received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) in 2021, and completed her residency at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, Ontario). Throughout her graduate training and career Dr. O’Neill has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, community agencies, private practice, and a university clinic, providing both inpatient and outpatient services for children and their families.
Annemarie Stigter, (Candidate Register)
Annemarie Stigter holds a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Mount St. Vincent University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with Honours) from Acadia University. Annemarie primarily focuses on conducting psychoeducational assessments to investigate learning challenges and ADHD in youth, adolescents, and young adults. As part of the assessment process, she considers it important to build a comprehensive profile of the client by gathering information on development, medical history, social and emotional functioning, environmental and cultural experiences, and school history. Assessment outcomes serve as a tool to understand the learning or emotional-behavioral challenges and to provide specific recommendations to support functioning at home, and school.
Annemarie’s services also include working with child and adolescent populations on emotional-behavioral challenges by using a cognitive behavioral therapy approach in intervention for social skills, anxiety, and self-esteem.
In the past year, Annemarie spent some time abroad to explore different programs to support students with a learning disability in reading and writing.
David Clinton, PhD
Dr. David A. Clinton was awarded his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2009 from the Palo Alto University in Northern California, his studies centering on the elements of therapy that promote positive outcomes in treatment. Since then, he has worked within a number of public and private health systems in Wales, the United States, and Canada, including roles as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in Adult Mental Health with the NHS and as a Clinical Team Lead for a Community Mental Health Team with the IWK Health Centre. More recently, he has joined the team at Bower Jacquard Psychological Services Ltd. providing evidence-based treatments for individuals and families either virtually or in-person at our Windsor office.
Since beginning his career, Dr. Clinton has gained experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to support the positive mental health and wellbeing of those he works with. Focusing on the development of mental health across a person’s lifespan has allowed Dr. Clinton to better understand how chronic and acute mental health can affect an individual’s needs at different stages of their lives. Consequently, he has gained specific training in working with common problems such as mood, anxiety, and behavioural problems, relationships and family struggles, as well as more specialized treatments for Eating Disorders, Complex Trauma, and Personality Disorders, allowing him to tailor the treatments provided to his clients to best improve their daily lives.
His overall goal in working with clients is to ensure that they have lives worth living and to achieve the goals they set for themselves. Through this positive collaboration, the clients he meets with are empowered to make those changes and improve their lives.
Gregory MacLean, MSc
Greg MacLean is a School Psychologist registered with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. He received a BA (Hons) in Psychology from St. Francis Xavier University, a Masters degree in Science (MSc) studying attention at Dalhousie University, and a Masters of School Psychologist (MASP) at Mount St. Vincent University.
Greg conducts Psychological Educational assessments in order to characterize and plan supports for different learner profiles, and to make diagnostic evaluations for a variety of disorders and disabilities. He believes that for an assessment to be useful, it has to prompt reflection and growth in self-understanding in the client and their loved ones, as well as offering perspective that is of use to the schools and workplaces the client may wish to share the results with. Greg also has experience working with students both as individuals and in groups with stress and anger management, and in building social skills. He has experience in developing safety plans for students and conducting risk assessments. He is a certified Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor, and has experience responding to support a variety of community-level crises.
Monique Simonse, MA
After completing a teaching degree Monique continued studying Clinical Psychology at the University of Nijmegen (now Radboud University) in the Netherlands.
She graduated with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Developmental Psychology. She finished a post university training to obtain the registration Health Care Psychology, which includes assessment, diagnosing and treatment of children and adolescents.
She also obtained a registration in the Netherlands as a system and family therapist, this registration included 75 hours of supervision and 200 education hours in regards to family and system therapy.
In Canada she has been EDMR trained and attended workshops to specialize in Emotion Focused Therapy for couples and Family Based Treatment for eating disorders.
Monique has worked more than 20 years as a child and youth psychologist in various organizations. She has worked within the public mental health system, residential group homes and in a medical daycare.
She specializes in assessment, diagnosing and treatment of children and youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Her experience involves supporting families and caregivers to parent children and youth through various approaches: CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, DBT, Behavior Therapy and Family Based Treatment.
Nicole Tibbetts, MSc
Robb Tupper, MSc (Candidate Register)
Robb is a Candidate Register Psychologist who is a recent graduate from the Acadia University M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology program. He provides individual counseling services to adolescents, young adults, and adults which take elements from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other approaches. Robb has used this approach to help clients with anxiety, depression, grief, and support his clients through life transitions. Robb also aims to take a trauma-informed approach to his work. In addition to individual counseling, Robb provides attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychoeducational / learning disorder assessments for adolescents, young adults, and adults.
Robb believes in taking a humanistic, whole-person approach to his therapy and assessment work which emphasizes individual strengths, worldviews, and perspectives. He also believes in using an approach which is open and accepting of the natural variation of human nature. Robb believes such variation is reflected in neurodiversity, diverse cultures, differences in ability, gender presentations, and sexualities. Robb strives to support his clients while they explore and master their own unique strengths and talents.
Sheila Bower-Jacquard, MSc
Sheila Bower-Jacquard is a registered clinical psychologist who received her M.Sc. from Acadia University. She has worked in private practice in Nova Scotia since 2000. Prior to working in private practice she worked at Windsor Mental Health in Windsor, NS and taught part time for Acadia University in the Psychology Department and Continuing Education from 1994 to 2010. Sheila has extensive experience providing therapy, assessments and interventions for children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. Through the assessment process Sheila helps individuals to better understand the cause of their challenges, identify their strengths and develop a plan to work toward their goal of improving their quality of life. Sheila also enjoys working with therapy groups, helping to develop skills in a relaxed, social setting.
Stephanie Johnston, MA
Stephanie has a particular interest in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, attentional, and behavioural disorders. Working in both hospital and school settings, as well as in her private practice experience, Stephanie has provided consultation to residential group homes; assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with mental health problems; school consultation; parent support and education; community presentations on mental health issues impacting children and adolescents; and psychoeducational assessments to identify underlying difficulties impacting an individual’s learning ability.
Stephanie Johnston is a Registered Psychologist who provides assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with mental health problems.
Stephanie has a Masters Degree in Psychology and has practiced in Nova Scotia for 16 years.
Zoe Thompson, MA (Joining Soon)
Zoe is a registered psychologist who is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients and providing a comfortable, safe and non judgemental environment. She believes in building a strong relationship with her clients and tailoring her approach to their unique needs and goals.
She utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialect and Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She provides individual therapy and assessments to youth and adults.
Zoe obtained her Bachelor of Science at Acadia University and her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She was previously registered as a Psychologist in Alberta with the College of Alberta Psychologists before transferring to the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. She has experience working in both the public and private sectors of mental health.
Registered Occupational Therapist
Amanda Fitzpatrick, MSc (On Leave)
Amanda Fitzpatrick graduated from Queen’s University in 2017 with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Prior to that, she received her B.Sc. in Biomedical Science from the University of Ottawa. She practiced occupational therapy in Ontario before moving to Nova Scotia, working both in home care with an adult population and in schools with children.
She joined the Bower-Jacquard team in 2020, bringing with her a passion for enabling clients to complete their valued daily activities. Amanda takes a strengths-focused approach in her practice, aiming to capitalize on clients’ skills to help them overcome their challenges. She enjoys the unique challenge of working as a generalist, employing a variety of strategies such as environmental adaptation, compensation, and individual skill-building to meet the needs of her clients.
She has experience working with clients with a wide array of challenges including, but not limited to, those struggling with self-regulation, motor skills, sensory processing, impulse-control, executive functioning, and independent living skills.
Lisa Doner, MSc
Lisa Doner is a registered occupational therapist who received her M.Sc. from Dalhousie University.
Prior to occupational therapy school, Lisa completed a social work diploma at Sheridan College. After college, Lisa discovered her passion for pediatrics occupational therapy as she worked as a senior special needs educator from 2004 to 2007 at Yaldei Developmental Centre in Montreal, QC. Upon completion of her M.Sc. OT in 2013, Lisa worked at Integrated Chronic Care Services in Fall River, NS from July to October 2013.
Lisa has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Through assessments and a client centered, evidence based interventions, Lisa will work in collaboration with you as an individual or family to improve your ability to engage and participate in meaningful occupations in all facets of life. Common techniques include sensory integration, use of handwriting without tears and Alert program, relaxation and pacing education.
Registered Counselling Therapists
Ian Smith, MA
Ian Smith is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). Ian has a MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a BA with a major in Psychology from the University of Manitoba.
Previously Ian had a lengthy career in the Royal Canadian Air Force, part of which was facilitating aftercare groups for military personnel returning from treatment for addictions and concurrent disorders. In addition, he facilitated numerous Health Promotion seminars on topics ranging from basic Addictions Awareness to training for supervisors and management. Prior to receiving his MA in Counselling Psychology, Ian had over twenty-five years of experience working with clients diagnosed with substance use disorders and associated mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Ian believes in a biopsychosocial and spiritual approach to counselling, considering all aspects of the client’s well-being. Ian’s preferred therapeutic approach is eclectic as he believes it is critical the treatment fits the client not vice-versa. He views counselling as a partnership with the client where his main goal is to enable clients to make positive changes leading to an improved quality of life.
Jimmy Rose, MA
Jimmy believes in a biopsychosocial approach to counselling, with focus on how the interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors impact people. He utilizes a Person-centered approach coupled with DBT, CBT and solution focused models to try to help clients find a path in life that creates purpose and meaning for them. His view is that counselling is a partnership with the client where the main goal is to enable each individual to make positive changes leading to an improved quality of life by learning to take ownership and control of ones decisions.
With 22 years in the Canadian Airforce as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Jimmy brings a vast experience to the Mental Health field and hopes that his attained knowledge and skills can aid others with their struggles in life.
Jimmy Rose is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). After graduating from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, he went on to complete a MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Kim Pumphrey-Bishop, MA
Kim is a registered counselling therapist candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists after completing my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
She believes that therapy is a shared approach between the client and herself, with the foundation being a strong therapeutic relationship within a safe environment. Kim also believes that it takes strength and courage to reach out for counselling help, and you have shown that you have both by taking this step.
Kim’s caring and empathic personality is embedded within both her personal and professional life. She has worked with clients from different ages, from children to seniors, and with diverse challenges, both physically and mentally. The intervention techniques and therapeutic modalities she uses with clients depends on the client’s needs, goals, and personality. Relying on techniques stemming from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), biopsychosocial model, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Kim’s ultimate gaol is to help you reach your goals! She will work with you to meet these goals and to help you live the life that you crave.
Kiran Awrey, MA
Kiran (They/Them) is a Registered Counselling Therapist- Candidate who has provided mental health services to diverse populations experiencing complex mental health concerns with additional experience in working with Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress-Disorder, Queer and Trans populations, and more. They practice from a person-centred approach that focuses on empowering clients to use their own skills and power to make change in their life. They use and have training in a combination of modalities including but not limited to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Kiran is local to the Annapolis Valley and has previously worked at Peer Support Nova scotia on Inpatient Psychiatry at Valley Regional Hospital, Ledgehill Treatment and Recovery, and for Lifemark. When not working Kiran is the co-coordinator of Valley Pride and loves spending time at home with their partner and dog Fred.
Maeghan Hill, MEd, RCT, CCC
Maeghan Hill is a Register Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Maeghan received her Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University, and holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from Acadia University. Maeghan has experience in working in both private settings as well as the public health care system.
Maeghan uses a client-centered approach to her work with clients. Her work is informed by evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Maeghan is also trained to provide PTSD treatment in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Her focus is on creating a safe, non-judgmental environment in which her clients can explore the issues that bring them to therapy.
Maggie Gunn, BFA, BEd, MA, RCT-C, CCC
Maggie is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). Maggie has an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Education, Visual Arts Specialist degree from Mount Saint Vincent and Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, along with a BFA from Mount Allison University.
Working as a teacher for 16 years with AVRCE and covering an array of subjects with a concentration in Fine Arts and Behavioral Intervention Resource, Maggie has a diverse skill set working with youth and teens. She also enjoys working with adults of all ages using an ACT, CBT and DBT theoretical-based practice that adapts to the client’s needs. Maggie enjoys building therapeutic relationships and connecting with her clients by incorporating interventions like Art in Therapy, Walk and Talk, Play therapy and mindfulness into her sessions.
Sally Tucker, MA
Sally Tucker (she/her) is Registered Counselling Therapist (candidate). Sally grew up in the Annapolis Valley, NS before moving to New Brunswick to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Psychology. Sally recently completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University.
Sally is an avid sports fan having participated in basketball at the university level and now enjoys coaching young athletes.
Sally is a highly empathetic person and counselor with a passion for working with individuals to assist in empowering them in their own lives. Sally has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in a variety of positions. Sally approaches therapy from a client-centered, trauma-informed, emotions focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy, strengths-based individual approach to work with clients in a manner that best suits their individual needs.
Sally’s areas of interest are working with children/youth/adults who are living with a variety of mental health related issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem, adjustment, and anger issues.
Clinical Social Worker
Alanna Blanchard, BSW, MSW, RSW
Alanna’s career has mainly consisted of working with youth experiencing a multitude of mental health and psychosocial concerns. More recently she has transitioned into working with adults and youth focusing on risk assessments, crisis management and therapeutic interventions. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families across their lifespan, but has a special place for youth experiencing significant stressors, depression and anxiety. All her therapeutic interventions are derived from a cognitive behavioural therapy lens, with a focus on supportive practices, goal attainment and client-centered care.
Alanna’s primary professional objective is to help support clients in the direction that best suits their needs, goals, and life.
Alanna Blanchard is a Clinical Social Worker (Candidate) with her master’s in social work from Waterloo University. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University, and a diploma in Addictions Counselling.
Amber Newton, MSW, RSW
Amber Newton is a registered social worker, that has been working with individuals and families in a therapeutic capacity since 2012. Amber’s educational background includes a Master’s in Social Work from York University, a Bachelors of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a diploma in Social Service Work and a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.
Amber has experience working in both public and private health care settings, as well as various non-profit agencies including hospitals, mental health clinics, in-patient treatment settings, shelters and community health organizations. She has supported individuals and families facing challenges with depression, anxiety, various addictions, grief, PTSD and trauma through the use of evidence-based treatments.
Over the years Amber has taken intensive training in various therapeutic models including: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT – skills), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Good Psychiatric Management of BPD (GPM). She has taken some introductory courses from the World Professsional Association for Transgender Health, and is dedicated to fostering a space that is safe, anti-racist and trauma-informed.
Cheryl Thompson, BSN, MSW
Cheryl is a Registered Social Worker. Prior to her MSW degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2010, she received her BSN from University of Victoria in 1998. She has worked as a Community Mental Health Nurse ,Social Worker and Manager in the field of Mental Health, both in B.C and in N.S. She has worked with all ages over the years, and in her private practice since 2015, she has worked with older youth, adults, couples, seniors, and families.
Cheryl works primarily from a Cognitive Behavioural and Solution-Focussed approach, although listening closely and being caring, empathic and collaborative guides her practice. Cheryl works to expand awareness, learn coping skills to navigate challenges, and connect and reshape thoughts, emotions and experiences, both past and present. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is the newest addition to her tool box.
Ian Ford, MSW, RSW
Ian Ford is a registered social work and received an MSW from Carleton University. Ian’s practice modality is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally focused therapy. Using mindfulness, Ian takes a client centered approach to practice. Ian has worked in education for many years and focuses on disability support, mental health, stress management and learning strategies.
John Moore, MSW, MSc, RSW
John Moore is a Registered Social Worker and has a MSW from Carleton University and a MSc from Oxford University. John has enjoyed counseling folks of all ages over the past 20 years in the public health care system and in his private practice.
His work is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other evidence based interventions. John’s approach is one of careful listening, interpersonal connection, emotional understanding, clarity of goals and individually tailored interventions. John creates a warm and safe therapeutic experience.
Natalie Steele Quinn, BA, MSW, RSW
Natalie’s approach is an eclectic one that tries to pull from various therapy models and what is known about behaviour patterns to try and best support the desires of those she works with. Validation, empathy, and compassion for life’s challenges is her style of work, to authentically connect with those she works with to support them in finding ways to recover from some of life’s biggest challenges.
She has a real passion for community and how we as people thrive through interconnection.
Natalie is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, brief family therapy, DBT Skills and Motivational Interviewing. She can also provide WPATH certified Hormone Readiness Assessments. Natalie enjoys working with people of all ages, but has a lot of experience working with children, youth, and their families.
Natalie Steele Quinn, she/her, Bachelors of Psychology, Masters in Social Work ( MSW, RSW).
Shelley Cameron, BSW, MSW, RSW
Shelley Cameron is a Clinical Social Worker who received her BA from Acadia University in 2002, her BSW from the University of Manitoba in 2010, and her MSW from the University of Waterloo’s Renison University College in October, 2017.
Shelley began her Social Work Career working front line within the province of Nova Scotia’s Child Welfare Department. Shelley has experience working with and caring for children experiencing trauma. These positions have provided her with a unique perspective and experience in terms of the barriers presented for caregivers of children living with the effects of trauma when trying to seek out community and professional supports. Shelley is trained in Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural Therapies and Exposure therapies aimed at addressing past trauma, identifying triggers of anxiety and subsequently supporting clients in alleviating triggers and anxious responses. She also helps caregivers who struggle to parent children who are living with the effects of such anxiety disorders with parenting techniques.
Shelley is also trained in Sexual Health Therapies specifically related to supporting cancer survivors as well as their partners. She obtained this training specifically after recognizing the lack of resources and services available for such a large and specific population within the western region of Nova Scotia.
Support Team
Darrell Doucette
Office Support & Financial Assistant
Emma Tupper, BScH
Psychology Support
Megan Smith
Psychology Support
Ray Helyar
Financial Manager
Sherry Crowell
Office Manager
Tanya Doucette
Intake Coordinator