Rachela Buonincontri has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and an Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy from the Campus Alberta Applied Psychology Program and Advanced Diploma from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. Rachela has also completed the Certificate Training Level One in Expressive Arts from the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy. She works in private practice and is the Co-founder of Blackbird Healing Arts Collective. Currently Rachela is happy to be working in the community of Calgary and Airdrie as a Registered Clinical Art Therapist and Certified Canadian Counsellor, a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta and as an instructor at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.

Rachela Buonincontri has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and an Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy f... Read More

Andrea Hunt holds a Masters of Counseling degree from the University of Calgary. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, and a Canadian Certified Counselor with the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. She has specialized training in expressive arts (Level II) through the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts, and certificates in DBT, narrative approaches to counseling, and trauma work. Andrea brings a holistic approach that incorporates mindfulness, expressive arts, nature, and narrative methodology; she meshes science, philosophy, art, and spirituality into an approach that helps clients find new opportunities for healing, growth and meaningful change that fit their unique circumstances. Andrea’s counseling sessions have been described as warm, joyful, gentle, and wise. Andrea works with individuals of all ages who are experiencing life transitions, interpersonal challenges, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, or burnout.

Andrea Hunt holds a Masters of Counseling degree from the University of Calgary. She is a Regist... Read More

Annie Hussain holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University. She is a Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and a Professional Member of the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. Annie has over 10 years of experience working as an Art Therapist with a variety of populations in diverse community settings. Annie lives in Calgary and works in private practice with the Blackbird Healing Arts Collective and facilitates art therapy groups with the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Center. Annie’s approach to art therapy is deeply rooted in a person-centered, strengths-based framework that is grounded in cultural sensitivity, connection and inclusivity.

Annie Hussain holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University. She i... Read More

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Jenne Newman is the Co-founder of Blackbird Healing Arts Collective. She is a Registered Clinical Art Therapist who works with children, adolescents, young adults and families. Jenne is a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, a Registered Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association and is a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta.

Over the past 20 years, Jenne’s passion for using art to make meaning from our personal journeys has led to artful workshops, art therapy groups and individual counseling experiences for all ages. Jenne’s dynamic approach: fosters empowerment; encourages clients to take an active role in their treatment; and instills hope throughout the healing process. Beyond work you can find Jenne recharging in nature and searching for wonder with her family.

Jenne Newman is the Co-founder of Blackbird Healing Arts Collective. She is a Registered Clinical... Read More

Leslie Ortlieb holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Athabasca University and has earned certification through the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy for Expressive Arts Training Level 1 and Level 2 Consultant/Educator Specialization. She is a Certified Canadian Counselor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and a Professional Member with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. She is currently completing the registration requirements to become a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist with IEATA. Leslie has ten years of experience supporting young people, adults, and families in a variety of roles. She lives in Lethbridge and works in private practice with Blackbird Healing Arts Collective. Leslie operates from a curious, non-judgmental, and unconditional positive regard, which results in fostering a therapeutic relationship. Through a culturally sensitive lens and ethic of care, safety and trust is established for growth and healing.

Leslie Ortlieb holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Athabasca University and has... Read More