Our Team
Clinic Manager Kim McCullough (she/her) MA RCC
Clinical Lead John Murray BSc, MA
Clinical Lead, Counsellor and co-creator of mxn Men's Therapy Network, prior to clinical practice, John worked within Disability and Mental Health support services. On completion of a Psychology BSc in 2003 he began his counselling career working in inner city schools and colleges in the UK. Whilst studying a Counselling MA at The University of Nottingham he moved into Addiction and Trauma Counselling and Supervision work. John later completed a Diploma in Clinical Supervision at The University of Bath, in order to support others in their clinical work. After moving to North America he began working with the homeless population in Los Angeles, Hamilton, ON and Victoria. His most recent role has been Clinical Lead at Men’s Therapy Centre in Victoria, where he enjoyed supervising the Clinical Counselling Team, along with counselling provision for men from the local community. John also manages a private practice offering Walk & Talk counselling in and around the southern tip of this beautiful island. In his spare time he enjoys hiking with his dog, meeting up with friends, along with designing and creating things.
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Counsellor Paula Greene PGDip
Paula has over 25 years of working with children and adults who have experienced historic abuse, adult trauma and assault and family violence. She works from a person-centered place which basically means she meets you where you're at. She believes everyone has strengths and skills and is here to support you. Her belief is that childhood and adult experiences can impact the way we manage life. At times it can affect our connection with others, our ability to feel happy and our mental health. Reaching out for help can be a first step in recovering our sense of self, building health coping tools and feeling connected to our lives. Though counselling change is possible.
Paula provides a safe and non-judgmental space for you to be in. Reaching out can feel scary but she is here to listen and you can decide from there what your next steps are. Support is here for you. |
Counsellor Mark Busby MA RPC
Mark is a caring, person-oriented, collaborative counsellor who believes the therapeutic relationship is the most fruitful part of counselling. Mark works with adults of all ages, including those experiencing challenges relating to anxiety, depression, trauma, brain injury, grief, loss, life transitions, self-worth, and finding meaning and fulfilment in life. Earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Worcester, UK, Mark has continued his education in Canada, gaining a Diploma in Professional Counselling and completing seven years of training as an Existential Analyst. Mark has teaching experience and advocates for lifelong learning in community and non-traditional settings. Mark has a long and successful history with non-profit organizations, including leadership experience. Mark spent several years in Indonesia volunteering with an international NGO. Today Mark sits on the board of directors at the Existential Analysis Society of Canada. In his personal life, Mark enjoys spending time with family and experiencing the great outdoors.
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Certified Personal Trainer Miles Harris
Miles is a Certified Personal Trainer with a deep passion for helping others determine their ideal level of fitness and creating a plan to get them there. A lover of being active, pushing the mind and body to its limits, and the great outdoors, you can count on him to help you overcome any challenges you have. With years of exercise knowledge and workout programming under his belt, he is dedicated to helping you get to a better state of physical and mental health. He helps teach the importance of proper nutrition, adopting healthier habits and routines, and keeping you consistent in your efforts to ensure your approach to fitness is sustainable and something you can carry forward for life. The benefits of daily exercise, movement and being outdoors extend far beyond the physical, and Miles is happy to help you realize those benefits.
Please connect with Miles directly by phone: 1-403-875-8475 or email: mhf.fitness@gmail.com |
Counsellor/ Group Worker Mati Davydiuk
Mathew has been working in the area of masculinities for over 15 years. He works with men both 1-on-1 and in groups. He is most passionate about facilitation and developing financially and technologically accessible tools for men to regenerate and create healthy networks of care in their lives. He does this through the development and growth of the Hearts On Our Sleeves community. This is a growing community of men that are learning the healing art of relational transformation.
Mathew has primarily developed his training methods through self-study and community practice. Thus everyone who is a part of Hearts is also a part of its growth. Mathew works in a first nations community helping to develop men’s programming with the Indigenous Men’s Group the Dudes Club. He also acts as a 1-on-1 outreach worker and coach to men struggling with mental health and addictions. He likes to affectionately call what he does coachounselling. Mathew is also passionate about skateboarding, the forest, taichi, qi-gong, and dreaming up community art projects. |
Associate Counsellor Sandy Boon, MA, RCC
Sandy has passionately helped children, families, couples and corporations through her work as an educator, therapist, consultant, and ardent volunteer in the area of Mental Health. Sandy develops a therapeutic relationship with her clients that is respectful, and collaborative, and she will work with you from the perspective of identifying and reinforcing the strengths and resiliency that you possess by exploring the dominant stories of your life. Sandy will invite you to reflect, and consider, constructive possibilities as she works with you in a safe, comfortable and confidential environment.
Whether in an outpatient mental health setting, working in various school districts, or consulting privately, Sandy has brought compassion, warmth and understanding to her work with clients. A graduate of San Diego State University, Sandy completed her Master’s degree and went on to complete Post-Master’s training in Marriage and Family Therapy in Calgary, Alberta. |
Intern Trien Cao
Trien Cao owns a business in Duncan that has been in operation for over 25 years. While starting her business she attended Vancouver Island University, attaining her BA with a Minor in Liberal Studies. More recently Trien returned to academics achieving her Master of arts in Counselling Psychology. The varied life experience encountered both professionally and personally among different cultures, and countries with diverse outlooks and attitudes inspired her to delve into psychology and explore what it had to offer herself and others. Trien has had the opportunity to live and experience what it means to live in both an Eastern and Western Culture growing up in Vietnam, emigrating to Canada, living in the US for a number of years. The myriad of outlooks and attitudes and experience that mold us. She regards her life and others with humility and compassion and acknowledges both hardship and joy as integral to being human.
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Intern Karolien Vandersmissen
Karo looks forward to connecting with individuals who are navigating life’s challenges and want to create meaningful change. She fosters a safe space in which clients are allowed to be, explore and express themselves freely. Karo is genuine and down-to-earth and cultivates emotional safety through her authenticity, humor and directness. At the heart of her practice is an authentic connection and a collaborative and holistic approach, which incorporates the client’s inner strengths and resources, and also considers external factors that can influence our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Before obtaining a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, Karo worked in media and studied Social and Political Studies and Communication Studies. In 2015, she moved from Belgium to Vancouver Island, to step away from the rat race and live with a closer connection to nature. Most of her spare time is spent outdoors with her partner, dogs and friends. |
Qualifying Counsellor - Kristof Lenart
Kristof understands that sometimes this world leaves us feeling helpless and overwhelmed and that reaching out for help can be a difficult step. It is in these moments that Kristof’s caring and approachable nature shines through: When you reach out, you will find a safe and non-judgmental space and Kristof’s kind compassion and empathy. Whether you are moving through depression, anxiety, or other challenges, Kristof will work collaboratively to help you foster growth, resilience, and healing. He draws from a deep-rooted curiosity to see you for who you are while exploring your unique stories. He is inspired to help you navigate life’s struggles and challenges and to build a fulfilling and meaningful life. Drawing from his own challenges, Kristof is deeply passionate about guiding others, especially men, through their unique struggles and hardships.
Kristof uses a person-centred and experiential approach, employing practical tools and somatic techniques that respect and honour the whole of his clients. He is dedicated to helping clients overcome painful thoughts, feelings, memories, shame and guilt. Kristof’s diverse background shapes his approach. He is passionate about the healing power of psychedelics and has a love for trail running that keeps him grounded and connected to nature. Additionally, Kristof’s experience as an ER nurse has deepened his empathy and drive to help others. |