Jennifer McCormick

Chair of Student Counselling Services.

(she/her/hers)

When I was a university student, I came to realize that my education was not limited to textbooks and the classroom. It felt like being in school was challenging me to explore who I thought I was and what I valued.

As a psychologist, I have come to appreciate the multitude of experiences that post-secondary  students have including coming from a range of locations, having a range of school and life experiences, and dealing with a large array of passions and stressors. For me, counselling involves creating opportunities to explore what these experiences mean to you along with finding resources and skills (internal or external) to get the most out of your MRU years.

In addition to my work, I also enjoy painting/crocheting, listening to audiobooks/podcasts, and spending time with my spouse and children.

Claire Grant

Administrative Assistant to the Chair of Student Counselling Services.

(she/her/hers)

I am honoured to have been a part of MRU for 6 years. I worked previously with Access and Inclusion Services where I was able to work directly with students to understand their needs and the resources available to them at MRU. In my position with Student Counselling Services, I enjoy both the opportunity to work with the Chair of the department and again work directly with students to provide them with the best possible care and service.

Originally from England, I have lived in both Ontario and Alberta and have travelled extensively across Canada. I have a BA from Trinity College at the University of Toronto and a varied work experience including Global Toxicology, RIM, The Local Health Integration Network, SAIT and the University of Calgary.

Maria Vaandering

Administrative Assistant.

(she/her/hers)

As an Administrative Assistant at Student Counselling Services, I’m here to help ensure students have a seamless and supportive experience when accessing care. I manage everything from scheduling appointments to assisting with intake paperwork, allowing students to focus on their well-being.

I’m committed to creating a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking help, especially considering the pressures that come with university life.

I work closely with our counselling team to make sure students receive the support they need with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality. My goal is to be a friendly and approachable resource, ensuring students feel heard and supported.

I’ve had the privilege of working at Mount Royal University for 11 years, which has given me a deep understanding of the needs and challenges students face.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, travelling to new destinations, and training at the gym. As a certified personal trainer, I prioritize staying active and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

Ricardo Avelar

Counsellor.

(he/him/his/they/them)

Hey everyone!  I’m Ricardo Avelar; I’m a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology.  I strive to facilitate safe and collaborative conversations with folks.  In other words, I intentionally ask unassuming questions, acknowledge your strengths, listen non-judgmentally, suggest alternative perspectives, and offer evidence-based strategies.  While I have specialized knowledge in identity development, sexuality and relationships, and sexual violence/trauma, I also support individuals struggling with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, career uncertainty, communication or assertiveness skills, neurodiversity, stress management.

Outside of work, I enjoy activities like boxing, gymnastics, singing, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with friends/family.

Sonya Flessati

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I was born and raised in Calgary, and I am a Psychologist and Associate Professor working at MRU since 2002. I have a Master's Degree (Clinical Psychology) from Lakehead University and a Ph.D. (Counselling Psychology) from the University of Alberta.

I love my work with students – the diversity of their issues, their uniqueness, and the resilience that they bring to counselling, during a time of life transition and movement towards establishing one's identity, values, and a sense of meaning and purpose. It is fulfilling to be able to help students identify their best strengths and how they can be used to work with life's challenges.

When I am not at work, spending time with loved ones, walking my dog Casey, and being out in nature and in my garden provide me with a sense of contentment and wellness. When I am doing these things, I know that I am living well.

Michael Huston

Counsellor.

(he/him/his)

I am Registered Psychologist, and a counsellor at Mount Royal since 2001. I completed a BSc in psychology at the University of Alberta and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Calgary. I have experience working with a broad range of personal, career, and educational concerns.

I tend to think of counselling being about change – that it's a learning environment where we work together to think of goals, changes or outcomes, and to determine what needs to be learned to move in a preferred direction. Most concerns can be approached this way – as a learning opportunity. I tend to think of problems as being part of a normal human experience and that we can all learn how to cope better with the problems life presents.

I very much enjoy my work and appreciate the opportunity to assist students in addressing their concerns and creating desired changes. I like the idea of being tidy and organized.

Mirjam Knapik

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I am a Registered Psychologist and came to Mount Royal in 2009. I have a BA from the University of Victoria and a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary.

Early in life, I was struck by family stories that spoke of resiliency, perseverance and healing in the face of painful experiences. I wanted to facilitate this growth and healing with others and initially did so as a youth worker. Then I completed my degrees so that I am now able to do this work intensively as a counsellor.

When I meet with students I am curious about their strengths and what they've done to manage their challenges, as well as explore with them new perspectives and possibilities. For me, it's about helping others determine what they want their life to be like and, together, figuring out how they'll get there. 

In my life I love to make music with others and enjoy being outside to garden and hike.

Danni Lei

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I am a registered psychologist and am excited to have joined the MRU Student Counselling Team. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa and a Master's of Science degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. I have previously worked in a variety of contexts and have immensely enjoyed working with post-secondary students at the University of Calgary Wellness Centre, as well as with the Cumming School of Medicine, working with medical residents.  

I am passionate about supporting students through the demanding pressures of life by working collaboratively to identify hopes and preferences that align with people's unique histories and backgrounds, and to find ways of moving towards those goals. Working from a client-centred and strength-based perspective, I hope to help people discover their own wisdom, knowledge and skills that might assist them with their challenges and difficulties. As a 1.5 generation immigrant to Canada, I am also curious to explore the cultural, familial and societal nuances that influence identity and health/wellness. 

Janet Miller

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I'm a psychologist at Mount Royal who provides counselling support to students on a variety of topics including career uncertainty, self-discovery, growth, relationships, trauma, crisis, depression, resiliency, anxiety and grief. I also absolutely love working with student leaders and volunteers. My approach to counselling has been influenced by existential psychology, positive psychology and client-centered therapy. I like conversations about meaning and purpose, and I love talking about the "big stuff" in life.

Outside of my office you'll find me on campus welcoming students into Residence, coordinating the Student Leadership Conference, or doing research about student success. In addition to my Mount Royal identity, I'm a mom, an amateur potter, and a coffee enthusiast. I love learning new things and appreciate the opportunity to be of support to our campus community.

Angela Lambert

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I’m a Registered Psychologist with over five years of clinical experience, and I feel lucky to work in a field I love. I first became involved with Mount Royal University's Mental Health Services during my counselling practicum, where I discovered how much I enjoy supporting university students and the unique challenges of this stage of life. I’m excited to return to the MRU counselling team!

I believe that an authentic, trusting relationship between therapist and client is the foundation for meaningful change and a positive counselling experience. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative, and I’m deeply committed to helping clients explore their inner worlds in a safe and compassionate space. I specialize in anxiety, body image, and chronic illness or pain, and I also support clients with trauma, ADHD, depression, couples' counselling, relationship concerns, and exploring gender identity and sexuality.

In my free time, I volunteer at my community garden, listen to podcasts, make pottery, play pickleball, enjoy board games, and spend time with friends and family.

Zen Sajan-Ladhani

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I believe it takes courage to be vulnerable which is why I think accessing counselling is about already being strong and becoming stronger. This is achieved by reflecting, enquiring, processing and engaging in change. As a counsellor, it's an honour to be included in this journey. I encourage you to think about reaching out to the caring team at MRU Student Counselling Services because counselling is for everyone and so beneficial for all of us! Professionally, I am a registered Social Worker (RSW, MSW) with a clinical specialization with many years of experience working with children, youth, young adults, adults, couples and families in various settings. In all aspects of my life, I strive to have and offer others hope, joy and of course some zen!!! 

Kelly Waters-Radcliffe

Counsellor.

(he/him/his)

Here’s who I am: Kelly, A middle-aged fellow, husband and father of two. I’ve travelled a bit. I love art and sometimes paint. I love music but know only three chords on my guitar. I should probably go to the gym. And I’ve been a practicing therapist for about 18 years – it does take practice. The more people I meet, though, the more fully I’ve come to understand one basic thing: problems are problems because they interfere with what’s meaningful. When our needs aren’t met, when we fall out of line with our values, when our strengths go unused, and when we’re trapped in routines that don’t match our hopes, then life is drained of meaning. We disconnect. Disconnection can be felt in many ways, including but not limited to confusion, helplessness, anxiety, depression, and anger. Disconnected people are in pain, and people in pain respond in many ways, including but not limited to: avoiding, withdrawing, risk-taking, engaging in addiction, locking into conflict, acting violently, self-harming, and attempting suicide.

My practice is to help people find words for what's meaningful to them. When we find words our troubles become more understandable and 'visible'. And when things are understandable, new options emerge where once there seemed few or none. It becomes possible to reconnect with life in meaningful ways. This, I believe, is therapy.

Shellyza Murji (On leave)

Counsellor.

(she/her/hers)

I was born and raised in Calgary and am a Registered Social Worker. I started my education journey at Mount Royal University and completed my Master’s Degree at the University of Calgary in Clinical International Social Work.

I approach my work with a holistic perspective and practice from a place of openness, respect, compassion and strive to create a safe and non-judgemental environment. I value clients sharing their stories and appreciate having a glimpse into their world as I support them to reach their goals and create desired change. Each person’s journey is unique, and I admire their strength and courage to take that first step and reach out for support. Life presents us with many unexpected moments and having experienced struggles along my path, I have empathy for the strength and resiliency that clients present and their determination to work through these moments. In addition to my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the world through my daughter’s eyes, and dancing!