Scholarly Interests:

I am a Calgary-based social worker, counsellor, and therapist with extensive experience in mental health and community services. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary and a Master of Science focused on behaviour and the justice system. I work as a counsellor with the Calgary Counselling Centre and I am co-founder of Awakening Change Counselling & Consulting.

My professional background includes roles with the Government of Alberta. I specialize in trauma-informed care, supporting individuals, youth, and families in high conflict situations. I use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, hypnosis, ACT and EMDR.

Overall, my work focuses on practical, client-centered counselling and helping people navigate complex social systems.

Teaching Statement:

I approach teaching as a collaborative and dynamic process where both students and I actively contribute to learning. I value creating an environment in which students feel comfortable engaging in complex, meaningful discussions that challenge their thinking and broaden their perspectives. By sharing relevant personal experiences, I aim to make concepts more relatable and encourage openness and connection in the classroom. I believe learning is reciprocal, and I am equally committed to learning from my students’ insights, perspectives, and lived experiences. To support deeper understanding, I design and implement a variety of assignments that promote critical thinking, reflection, and active engagement. These approaches help students move beyond surface-level knowledge toward higher-level learning. Overall, my teaching philosophy centers on fostering curiosity, dialogue, and mutual respect, while equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to think critically and participate thoughtfully in academic and real-world contexts.

Selected Scholarly Activity:

Manning, A. J., Winterdyk, J. (2020). Adult Corrections within a Canadian Context. In M. Weinrath & J. Winterdyk (Eds.), Adult Corrections in Canada. De Sitter Publications.