JACQUELINE LINDER, Ph.D, R. Psych, C.C.T.; CEO, Clinical Director, & Principal Researcher
Jacqui is our founder and oversees the work we do at Spiral Phoenix. She is an experienced facilitator who has trained over 12,000 professionals in the effects of psychological trauma. She has also treated a wide range of trauma populations including survivors of sexual abuse/exploitation, domestic battery, war rape, first responders, and military personnel. Jacqui is internationally recognized as an expert in the psychological profiling of survivors of human trafficking and consults for a number of NGO’s and law enforcement agencies. She has lectured on the impact of psychological trauma across Canada, as well as in France, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Hungary, the UK, and Guyana.
A registered psychologist and certified Clinical Traumatologist, Jacqui completed her doctoral dissertation on soul loss in survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). She has extensive training in cognitive, psychodynamic, attachment, exposure, transpersonal, and expressive arts therapy, as well as EMDR, and ritual healing. Jacqui is the founder and Executive Director of the Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network, as well as the Clinical Director of Canada's first residential treatment facility for sexually abused children. She is a professor of psychology and Program Director at City University in Edmonton, AB. In 2014, Jacqui became a founding co-chair of EUROTAS' international trauma and disaster relief task force. In 2015, she helped co-found the ITPA researcher's alliance.
Jacqui's current research focuses on exploring the mental health impact of human trafficking. Her professional affiliations include the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychological Association of Alberta, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Jacqui is our founder and oversees the work we do at Spiral Phoenix. She is an experienced facilitator who has trained over 12,000 professionals in the effects of psychological trauma. She has also treated a wide range of trauma populations including survivors of sexual abuse/exploitation, domestic battery, war rape, first responders, and military personnel. Jacqui is internationally recognized as an expert in the psychological profiling of survivors of human trafficking and consults for a number of NGO’s and law enforcement agencies. She has lectured on the impact of psychological trauma across Canada, as well as in France, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Hungary, the UK, and Guyana.
A registered psychologist and certified Clinical Traumatologist, Jacqui completed her doctoral dissertation on soul loss in survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). She has extensive training in cognitive, psychodynamic, attachment, exposure, transpersonal, and expressive arts therapy, as well as EMDR, and ritual healing. Jacqui is the founder and Executive Director of the Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network, as well as the Clinical Director of Canada's first residential treatment facility for sexually abused children. She is a professor of psychology and Program Director at City University in Edmonton, AB. In 2014, Jacqui became a founding co-chair of EUROTAS' international trauma and disaster relief task force. In 2015, she helped co-found the ITPA researcher's alliance.
Jacqui's current research focuses on exploring the mental health impact of human trafficking. Her professional affiliations include the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychological Association of Alberta, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
MICHAEL LINDER, B.J.; Managing Director
Mike manages all of Spiral Phoenix’s business affairs, client relations, and operations. He brings more than a decade of experience as a senior executive in a multimillion dollar corporation, as well as a background in crisis management and strategic communications. As a reporter and television producer, Mike worked extensively on First Nations and social justice issues. He brings a professional and informed perspective to the team.
Contact: Spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Mike manages all of Spiral Phoenix’s business affairs, client relations, and operations. He brings more than a decade of experience as a senior executive in a multimillion dollar corporation, as well as a background in crisis management and strategic communications. As a reporter and television producer, Mike worked extensively on First Nations and social justice issues. He brings a professional and informed perspective to the team.
Contact: Spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
JAMES VENNEEAR, B.A., B.SW, RSW; Volunteer Coordinator
James is a social worker who has been giving to the community in many ways for more than forty years. He has worked as a medical social worker, with Veterans Affairs and as a volunteer with EPS. James has provided counselling and support to victims of human trafficking and sexual assault, suicide survivors, veterans and many others. He is an integral part of our work , managing the volunteers who provide the much-needed crisis counselling we do as part of our social justice mission.
Contact: jwvenneear@shaw.ca
James is a social worker who has been giving to the community in many ways for more than forty years. He has worked as a medical social worker, with Veterans Affairs and as a volunteer with EPS. James has provided counselling and support to victims of human trafficking and sexual assault, suicide survivors, veterans and many others. He is an integral part of our work , managing the volunteers who provide the much-needed crisis counselling we do as part of our social justice mission.
Contact: jwvenneear@shaw.ca
FERN ASHTON, M.A., R. Psych; Registered Psychologist
Fern is a Registered Psychologist with many years of counselling experience in childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. Fern works from a client centered perspective and has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse cultures. She has worked in mental health and education for over 20 years, liaising with community systems and various professionals for continuity of client care.
Fern's passion lies in building hope and helping individuals develop healthy wellness strategies of their own. Her academic research focused on the middle aged stage of development and one's sense of belonging. Her professional affiliations include the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychologists Association of Alberta and the Canadian Psychological Association.
Contact: fmga.4140@gmail.com
Fern is a Registered Psychologist with many years of counselling experience in childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. Fern works from a client centered perspective and has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse cultures. She has worked in mental health and education for over 20 years, liaising with community systems and various professionals for continuity of client care.
Fern's passion lies in building hope and helping individuals develop healthy wellness strategies of their own. Her academic research focused on the middle aged stage of development and one's sense of belonging. Her professional affiliations include the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychologists Association of Alberta and the Canadian Psychological Association.
Contact: fmga.4140@gmail.com
SHAIMA AHAMMED, Ph.D, C.C.C.; Provisional Psychologist
Shaima sees therapy as a sacred journey of trust, compassion and healing. She brings her full ‘self’ to the work of being completely present and holding a safe and non-judgmental space for clients.
She believes each individual is unique and that no one approach can fit all. She uses narrative, cognitive and client centered approaches, but also seeks to find the path that best suits the person, their worldview and cultural identity. She has more than ten years professional experience and has worked with clients from many cultures .
Contact: Spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Shaima sees therapy as a sacred journey of trust, compassion and healing. She brings her full ‘self’ to the work of being completely present and holding a safe and non-judgmental space for clients.
She believes each individual is unique and that no one approach can fit all. She uses narrative, cognitive and client centered approaches, but also seeks to find the path that best suits the person, their worldview and cultural identity. She has more than ten years professional experience and has worked with clients from many cultures .
Contact: Spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
ISAAC CHERIAN, M.C.P.; Provisional Psychologist
Isaac believes that to reach the state of well being, we need to know our self, the purpose and meaning of our lives and how deeply interconnected we are with nature. He started his counseling practice in 2003 and has come to believe that self-awareness can be a powerful agent of change. He considers his relationship with as sacred and based on trust, integrity and a deep empathetic relationship. At the core of his practice are dialogue, narration and insight. Isaac is a licensed member of the Canadian Counseling & Psychotherapy Association and has received advanced training in mindfulness and individual therapy, and meditation and yoga instruction.
Contact: Spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Isaac believes that to reach the state of well being, we need to know our self, the purpose and meaning of our lives and how deeply interconnected we are with nature. He started his counseling practice in 2003 and has come to believe that self-awareness can be a powerful agent of change. He considers his relationship with as sacred and based on trust, integrity and a deep empathetic relationship. At the core of his practice are dialogue, narration and insight. Isaac is a licensed member of the Canadian Counseling & Psychotherapy Association and has received advanced training in mindfulness and individual therapy, and meditation and yoga instruction.
Contact: Spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
JAE JUEN-YUNG, B.A.; Trauma Counsellor & Mindfulness Therapist
Jae has extensive experience working with clients facing mental health, addictions, and socioeconomic challenges. He works with individuals to raise awareness on how problems interfere with their lives and how personal strengths, truths, and wisdom can be drawn upon to create change.
Jae appreciates how the mind, body, and soul interact and influence a person’s sense of balance and well-being. He has a life-long interest in Eastern philosophies and meditative practices and uses mindfulness principles and practices in his therapeutic work. Jae's professional affiliations include the Psychological Association of Alberta and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Contact: jae.carlton@gmail.com or 780-691-4763
Jae has extensive experience working with clients facing mental health, addictions, and socioeconomic challenges. He works with individuals to raise awareness on how problems interfere with their lives and how personal strengths, truths, and wisdom can be drawn upon to create change.
Jae appreciates how the mind, body, and soul interact and influence a person’s sense of balance and well-being. He has a life-long interest in Eastern philosophies and meditative practices and uses mindfulness principles and practices in his therapeutic work. Jae's professional affiliations include the Psychological Association of Alberta and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Contact: jae.carlton@gmail.com or 780-691-4763
YONA McGINNIS, M.A.; Art Therapist
Yona’s work with trauma and eating disorders focuses on the use of creative solutions and exploration to support and heal fractured lives. She is passionate about strengthening individuals’ resilience in the face of trauma and recovery by weaving the mindfulness and body- centered learning of yoga with the fluid exploration of the arts.
Yona is a Yoga instructor, and a Professional Art Therapist in accordance with the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She also holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality degree with a specialization in Art Therapy.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Yona’s work with trauma and eating disorders focuses on the use of creative solutions and exploration to support and heal fractured lives. She is passionate about strengthening individuals’ resilience in the face of trauma and recovery by weaving the mindfulness and body- centered learning of yoga with the fluid exploration of the arts.
Yona is a Yoga instructor, and a Professional Art Therapist in accordance with the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She also holds a Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality degree with a specialization in Art Therapy.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
JANINE GROENEVELD, B.Sc., B.SW, RSW; Trauma Counsellor
Janine is currently working with children who have experienced multiple forms of abuse and their families. She has counselled sexual assault and human trafficking survivors and worked with marginalized families in a number of roles. Janine is passionate in terms of supporting her clients by getting their voices heard and their needs met. Janine believes no matter the personal circumstance, people have a right to love, belonging, and meaningful connection with others.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Janine is currently working with children who have experienced multiple forms of abuse and their families. She has counselled sexual assault and human trafficking survivors and worked with marginalized families in a number of roles. Janine is passionate in terms of supporting her clients by getting their voices heard and their needs met. Janine believes no matter the personal circumstance, people have a right to love, belonging, and meaningful connection with others.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
ROBYNN STRIKWERDA, B.Ed.; Trauma Counsellor
Robynn’s passion lies in working with marginalized populations and helping individuals create changes that allow them to experience the quality of life they desire and deserve. Robynn has managed programs for adults with complex needs, including mental health issues, behavioral challenges, and cognitive disabilities. She also teaches Positive Behavior Supports to professionals and has 14 years experience as a professional educator.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
Robynn’s passion lies in working with marginalized populations and helping individuals create changes that allow them to experience the quality of life they desire and deserve. Robynn has managed programs for adults with complex needs, including mental health issues, behavioral challenges, and cognitive disabilities. She also teaches Positive Behavior Supports to professionals and has 14 years experience as a professional educator.
Contact: spiralphoenix1@gmail.com
OPUS (POPUS); Feline Counsellor, Joy Sage, and Therapy Animal
Opus is our therapy cat. Having recently attained her first birthday she is a certified therapeutic animal and has already gained vast experience in comforting the afflicted and bringing calm to troubled souls. Opus works through the intuitive method, and uses the techniques of purring and unmindfulness to communicate her healing message. Her hobbies include cuddling, napping, and eating.
Opus is our therapy cat. Having recently attained her first birthday she is a certified therapeutic animal and has already gained vast experience in comforting the afflicted and bringing calm to troubled souls. Opus works through the intuitive method, and uses the techniques of purring and unmindfulness to communicate her healing message. Her hobbies include cuddling, napping, and eating.
