Registered Psychologists
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.
Andrew Daoust, PhD (Candidate Register)
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 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, 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 on emotional-behavioral challenges through interventions for building executive functioning skills, strategies to help with problem solving, time management, planning and organization to relieve anxiety and to increase self-esteem.
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 Kingston and Coldbrook offices.
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.
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
Nicole Tibbetts offers a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. She tailors her work to each individual and is committed to using evidence-based practices. Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support clients in building insight, strengthening coping skills, and working toward meaningful change.
Nicole has experience supporting concerns such as anxiety, phobias, depression, stress, life transitions, and grief. She has a particular focus on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and gender-based violence, including domestic and interpersonal violence.
At the clinic, Nicole provides individual and group therapy and conducts psychological assessments for youth and adults. She is also committed to community-based work, providing therapeutic services at a local domestic violence shelter, and has previously taught at both the college and undergraduate levels.
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 over 25 years.
Zoe Thompson, MA
Registered Occupational Therapists
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, 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.
Sarah Bell, RCT
Sarah (she/her) is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT), and Music Therapist. Sarah achieved her Masters in Music Therapy at Concordia University in Montréal in 2016. Sarah has been working as a therapist in the field of mental health since 2016.
Sarah is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and most recently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition to these techniques Sarah is trained in Focusing, a somatic oriented therapy and is finishing her training in Focusing Oriented Therapy (FOT) early next year.
Sarah’s approach is informed by curiosity and person centered care. She enjoys using creativity within sessions and is passionate about people learning how to set boundaries.
Sarah engages creatively with clients in group and individual settings through the use of song writing, song sharing and lyric analysis to facilitate connection and engage in deeper conversations. She has also used somatic (body focused) work to help clients develop self awareness, and re-establish a sense of inner safety.
Sarah has worked with veterans and first responders with PTSD and substance use issues. She has worked with men specifically addressing issues of childhood trauma, sexual abuse, anger, self-worth, and relationship issues. She has experience working with women handling issues of postpartum depression, divorce, childhood and sexual trauma, parenting issues, generalized anxiety and substance use. She’s worked with children and youth with autism, anxiety and interpersonal issues.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys playing music, baking and spending time with her dog, Hagrid.
Clinical Social Workers
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 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.
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.
Kim Ecker, MSW
Kim Ecker is a Registered Social Worker and has an MSW from Windsor University, BA in Sociology from Dalhousie University and a BSCR in Therapeutic Recreation from Dalhousie University. Kim has been working in the field of mental health since 2005, first as a Recreation Therapist and then as a Clinical Social Worker.
Kim enjoys working with all individuals and families. Kim is particularly passionate about working with children, youth and young adults experiencing mental health challenges such as significant life stressors, anxiety, OCD, panic, and depression. Kim’s work is primarily informed by Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness. Kim has comprehensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Gender Affirming Care.
Kim’s approach is focused on careful listening and building interpersonal connections in an environment where individuals feel safe, heard and validated. Kim is committed to assisting clients to identify and attain their goals through a supportive client centered approach.
Natalie Steele Quinn, BA, MSW, RSW
Alli Copp, CSW
Alli holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria. She brings several years of experience working across diverse settings including the public mental health and addictions system, department of community services, housing, and youth services. This varied background has shaped her inclusive and trauma-informed approach to care.
Alli works from a foundation of compassion, flexibility, and collaboration, offering a nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore what wellness means to them. She draws from a range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She believes in working with clients to identify goals and build on strengths, tailoring support to meet each person where they are.
With a down-to-earth and authentic style, Alli is passionate about creating strong therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, respect, and meaningful connection.
Carole Richard, CSW
Originally from Toronto and now rooted in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, I am a Clinical Therapist (MSW) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. My move to the Maritimes was motivated by a desire to reconnect with my Acadian heritage and to embrace a pace of life that supports meaningful connection—with community, culture, and for my spirited dog, who often reminds me of the value of presence and play.
I support children, youth, and adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma (with individuals up to age 18), sexually inappropriate behaviour, borderline personality disorder, and the everyday stressors that can affect well-being. My approach is grounded in warmth, non-judgment, and collaboration, with an emphasis on helping clients build skills, understand their experiences, and work toward sustainable change.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills. I also offer Hormone Readiness Assessments as part of gender-affirming care. Across all services, I aim to create a safe, respectful, and empowering space where clients feel heard, supported, and understood.
Support Team
Megan Smith, B.A
Clinical & Administrative Manager
Ray Helyar
Financial Manager
Sherry Crowell
Senior Office Administrator
Tanya Doucette
Office Administrator Assistant
Jessica Meister
Psych Assistant
Britt Helyar
Intake Coordinator