Empowering Your Wellness

She/Her

I’m Alana, the founder of Valeo Well-Being. I am passionate about both psychological and physical wellness and consider the whole person to ensure I provide the most comprehensive support. I help clients develop insight and strategies to make meaningful changes in their lives through evidence-based practice (therapy that we know works!).

I specialize in working with people managing: eating disorders, obesity, body image concerns, weight stigma, depression, and anxiety. I also have expertise in working with families, as well as helping individuals manage conflict and relationship concerns. The fit with your therapist is important, and it is my belief that therapy should be a collaborative process that is tailored to meet your individual needs. I will work closely with you, ensuring you feel heard and helping you achieve your healthiest, happiest life. I am a strong advocate for mental health as well as for promoting health, confidence, and comfort in our bodies.

I completed my doctoral degree at the University of Calgary, am an Associate Professor of Psychology, a peer-reviewed author, and an active researcher. I have presented my research on weight-related issues such as body image, obesity, eating disorders, and weight stigma both nationally and internationally, and provided consultation regarding best practice for mental health and body image in schools, workplaces, and for other health professionals. I have had the privilege of working in a variety of healthcare, school, non-profit, and post-secondary settings with clients of all ages and a wide range of concerns.

Dr. Alana is able to virtually see clients who reside in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

The focus of my practice is evidence-based and aimed at increasing awareness of the mind-body connection. I strive to help my clients develop effective skills and strategies to improve both their physical and emotional well-being. I have a special interest in health psychology and working with individuals who have concerns related to binge eating, obesity, body image, weight-bias, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. I also have experience with helping individuals going through life transitions, relationship difficulties, career transitions, and work-related stress/burnout. My approach to therapy is collaborative and always tailored to my client’s specific goals and needs. I have undergone training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, CBT-I, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy.

I completed my Master’s Degree at the University of Calgary and have worked extensively in a variety of community settings and in private practice with different populations, such as college/university students, adults with mood and anxiety concerns, adults with chronic pain/chronic disease, elderly patients with cognitive concerns, and individuals from different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities. During the past eight years, I also worked in a healthcare setting as part of a multidisciplinary team.

I am also fluent in Spanish and Italian, and can provide counselling services in these languages if preferred by clients.

Maria is able to virtually see clients who reside in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

I’m Lindsay, a registered psychologist with a Master’s of Counselling Psychology.  My early experience in the field focused on supporting youth and families in diverse settings including specialized mental health classrooms, residential settings and outreach treatment programs. Before entering private practice, I spent five years as a mental health therapist in a primary care setting working largely with youth, adults, and couples. I believe that a strong collaborative and connected therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful therapy. In our work together, I strive to create a safe empathetic space where you truly feel seen and heard, allowing for genuine exploration and growth. I view therapy as a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals and overcome the challenges that stand in the way. My approach is rooted in fostering and compassionate, empowering, and respectful space for clients to grow, heal and thrive in ways that are authentic to them.

As a practitioner of acceptance and commitment therapy, I focus on empowering my clients to build a life that aligns with their core values while learning to accept and manage difficult thoughts and emotions. My approach blends mindfulness practices with evidence-based techniques to help you develop psychological flexibility, enabling you to move towards your goals even in the face of discomfort.

Currently my practice is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and purpose. I have a special interest in working with neurodivergent individuals with or without a diagnosis of ADHD. I offer assessment and coaching in this area as well as expertise in various other presenting concerns common to the human experience. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or life transitions, my goal is to support you in discovering what truly matters to you and in taking steps toward a more fulfilling life. Do you have concerns with self-esteem, body image, or obesity? Health and lifestyle is another special area of interest I have developed specialty and expertise in.

She/Her

I am Nichola Penny, a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the Valeo Well-Being team. My two main areas of specialization are (1) adults who have recently been diagnosed with ADHD or Autism and (2) people who have complicated relationships with food, body image and obesity.

I’m especially passionate about supporting women who suspect or have been recently diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. There is a unique set of challenges that comes along with going through life without an explanation for why we feel so different and gaining clarity as adults. By integrating new and valuable information about the symptoms and impacts that tend to be expressed in women and girls with these conditions, we can reduce feelings of shame, guilt, and imposter syndrome, thereby enhancing our ability to make meaningful changes. While working together, I will help you to uncover and equip existing inner strengths as well as recognize and adjust to your unique set of strengths and limitations. Most often, we do this by defining the stories we tell ourselves that tend to keep us stuck.

By reshaping the stories we tell ourselves, we begin to change the way we experience our lives, which can lead to big changes in our lives. This collaborative approach to therapy helps people get unstuck and reconnected with their purpose without toiling through worksheets, exercises, or the implementation of hard-to-maintain strategies and techniques alone. You’ll often hear me speak to emotional regulation, self-compassion, reframing, and slowing down complex thoughts and feelings so that you can move toward a fulfilled life.

When I am not seeing clients at Valeo Well-Being, I am completing psychoeducational assessments and providing consultation in schools to support student mental health and learning needs. I have 10 years of experience working in specialized school settings for youth aged 5 to 18, and three years of experience in youth addictions.

Nichola is able to virtually see clients who reside in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

She/They

Greetings! I am Erin, and I am a registered social worker with Valeo Well-Being. I come to this work with a lot of passion for health at every size and for challenging dominant ideas of bodies, minds, and health. I help folks to re-author their life stories through narrative, somatic, and artistic approaches to therapy that are backed by research, practice, and lived experience knowledges. I’ve sat in both chairs as a therapist and as a client and I know how important it is to find the right fit with your therapist. Therefore, I practice in collaborative and relational ways that honour your voice and perspectives first and foremost. I also specialized in working with fellow neurodivergent folks, particularly those with ADHD and Autism, and my practice is enthusiastically 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming and accessible for folks with disabilities.

I completed my master’s degree at the University of Calgary in clinical social work with a specialization in infant, child, and youth mental health, and have spent most of my practice experience in the disability field working with young adults and researching neurodivergence, women’s sexual health, disability, and anti-oppressive approaches to mental health.

Erin is able to virtually see clients who reside in Alberta and Ontario.

She/Her

Hi, I’m Tricia. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Counselling in Applied Psychology through the University of Lethbridge and excited to be completing my internship with the Valeo Well-Being team. With a background in health promotion, primarily in tobacco cessation and employee wellness, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the complexities of addiction and in the barriers in one’s desire for wellness. I’ve seen first hand how our experiences, emotions, behaviours, trauma, and stress, interact together in an intricate dance, impacting our ability to make the changes we desire. I wholeheartedly believe that every individual possesses the wisdom needed to heal (add any word that feels right for you here: change, accept, let go, etc.), within them, and I would be honoured to help guide clients, like you, to access and trust that inner wisdom.

Clients often describe me as compassionate, non-judgmental, and easy to talk to. I do my best to create a safe, welcoming space where healing and growth can thrive. I genuinely value client feedback and this feedback helps me ensure that I provide support in a way that resonates and works best for you.

My therapeutic approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative. I draw from a variety of frameworks, including Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I am passionate about supporting adults in areas such as disordered eating, body image, obesity, self-esteem, grief, ADHD, and relationships.

She/Her

I am Chloe, a specialist in exercise and movement. My passion for martial arts sparked my interest in physical activity, leading me to earn my black belt. I am now dedicated to promoting lifelong wellness through personalized programs that focus on functional movement and progression. My goal is to help clients of all ages and fitness levels develop healthy habits that enhance movement, strength, and flexibility, while also improving overall well-being to ensure that physical activity remains a sustainable part of their lives.

With a strong background in fitness and wellness, I have the qualifications to guide you towards optimal health. Holding a personal training certificate with a specialization in active aging, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain, I am committed to creating safe and effective exercise programs tailored to your specific needs. My expertise goes beyond the gym floor, as I have in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, along with ongoing education in massage therapy. I have had the privilege of coaching clients of all ages, helping them achieve their goals with empathy and understanding. Let’s start this movement journey together, prioritizing your health every step of the way.

Chloe is able to virtually see clients who reside in Canada.

She/Her

I’m Gisèle. As a scholar-practitioner, I apply my knowledge in health psychology, health behaviour change, and exercise physiology to improve the quality of life of my clients and assist them in achieving their health and wellness goals through movement and physical activity. My approach to physical activity is functional. I believe in movement that enhances our ability to pursue the activities of daily living at any age.

My approach is deeply rooted in meeting each individual where they are. I am committed to understanding your unique needs and tailoring my services to ensure your journey toward health and wellness is as comfortable and effective as possible. I look forward to working with you and ensuring that you feel like you belong, learn to move efficiently in your own body, and have agency over your own life.

I am a clinical exercise physiologist (sanctioned by the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology [CSEP]) and a CSEP High-Performance Specialist. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology (University of Ottawa), a master’s degree in the science of physical activity (University of Montreal), and a PhD in Health Psychology (Walden University).

I am the President of Fitness Alberta® – powered by the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) an AFLCA Trainer-educator, and a Certified Personal Trainer Examiner.  I have presented at regional, national, and international conferences, published academic peer-reviewed papers, and have been interviewed both for television and print. I am an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Psychology, and a Sessional Instructor in Personal Training and Fitness and Wellness Management. I have developed physical activity curricula and programs for national organizations and post-secondary institutions.

Gisèle is able to virtually see clients who reside in Canada.

She/Her

Hello! I’m Rachel, a Registered Dietitian with the Valeo Well-Being team. Since becoming a dietitian in 2021, I have immersed myself in researching, advocating, learning, and challenging how we traditionally see weight and health.

With my clients, I aim to create a safe space where we can talk about food and eating patterns, nutrition and nourishment, and anything in between. I am passionate about supporting you where you are with food and body, and I understand that food, eating, and body size are all sensitive topics for many people. This is why I approach our sessions with non-judgemental curiosity. You know your body best, making you the expert of you, whereas I’ll bring the nutrition knowledge and expertise, as your nutrition expert. Together, we can co-develop an action plan, and begin to deconstruct heavy topics like diet culture and behaviour change.

Outside of seeing clients with Valeo, I am a Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition candidate at Mount Saint Vincent University, and a Research Coordinator with the University of Victoria. I’ve presented weight-related research at conferences nationally and internationally, guest lectured for University-level courses, and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles. My clinical experiences to date are primarily in acute care, but in community and administrative dietetic roles, range from pediatrics to long-term care.

Rachel is able to virtually see clients who reside in Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Marcella is the Office Administrator with The Valeo Team. She is a dynamic professional with a varied work background. Marcella is a caring and compassionate person who always strives to provide the highest standard of care. Her extensive experience in customer relations paired with her organizational skills ensures clients and therapists receive the support they need with compassion and efficiency.