Counselling Services

Administrative Assistant | Nicole Philpot

Intake Coordinator | Joanna Watson

Joanna is passionate about students and their mental health and strives to provide a safe and welcoming space in Counselling Services. She believes that with support, a positive environment, and an eagerness to learn, students can be successful in their individual academic journeys. Joanna has worked at Red Deer Polytechnic in various roles since 2006. 

Spending time at the lake with family and friends provides Joanna with the much needed down time to reset and relax. Joanna's other interests include painting, drawing, and gardening.

Intake Coordinator | Tanis Ihme

Counsellor | Heather MacLean, MEd, CCC
Heather has a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the CCPA. Her approach is client-centered, supportive, and strength-based. She works collaboratively with students to help them find skills to overcome challenges at their own pace, using both a Trauma and DBT informed approach. Heather has worked in post-secondary and non-profit organizations for over 10 years.

Heather works with each student in an individualized style that allows them to engage comfortably in the counselling process and to meet their unique needs and goals. Heather has experience working with a diverse range of challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Originally from the East Coast, Heather loves good food, music, and spending time with friends, family, and nature.

Counsellor | Heather Agnew, MC, Provisional Psychologist

Heather has a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology from University of the West of Scotland and a Master of Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University. 

Heather cares deeply about understanding her students and views them as valuable people with unique life stories. She provides a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive environment that empowers students to make positive changes needed to live happy and fulfilled lives. She believes the key to successful therapy is developing strong therapeutic relationships rooted in empathy, trust, mutual respect, and understanding.

Heather loves travelling with her husband and kids, camping, discovering new places, and scuba diving.

Counsellor | Brenda Desjarlais, MACP

Brenda is a proud Indigenous woman from Treaty Six territory and a member of Paul First Nation. Her cultural practices are important to her. She has been working in mental health for more than 30 years and practicing as a therapist since 2017.

Brenda is motivated by seeing positive changes in individuals. She believes in using a wholistic approach to healing, utilizing models of psychotherapy, mindfulness, and spirituality to help with the healing journey. She loves being a passenger in your vehicle, taking the journey to help you find the best part of your authentic self. Her cultural values have taught her to respect all people and their walk in life. Your journey is your journey, and she enjoys learning about your story and the path you want to take. It is always an honour to be a part of your process.

She has a background in developing mental health strategies for Indigenous people at a national and provincial level. She has specialized in addictions, instructed courses, and provided Indigenous awareness workshops. Brenda has worked in and with many First Nations Communities in different capacities and has served on many boards. Brenda has also participated in many research committees, including one which resulted in a published peer-reviewed article: Nitsikason: The Brain Science Behind Cree Teachings of Early Childhood Attachment.

Mental Health Education Coordinator | Sam Cooley-Morrison 

Sam graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Addiction Counselling and Mental Health.  She has experience as a Counsellor doing Animal Assisted Therapy and facilitating psychoeducation groups to a variety of populations from children, youth, parents, first responders & helping professionals, people experiencing mental illness and individuals looking to improve their overall wellness.  Sam has a passion for teaching and supporting people on their unique journey to wellbeing and is excited to use her education and experience to support the students and staff at RDP!

When Sam isn't working, she can be found spending time walking her dogs on a new trail or connecting with friends and family.

Manager of Student Supports | Tanya Lyons-Belt, MEd, RPsych

Tanya is a Registered Psychologist in the areas of Education, Counselling, and Developmental Psychology.  Previously working with two school divisions and three post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan as a Psychologist, Counsellor, and Sessional Lecturer, Tanya is the current Manager, Student Supports at Red Deer Polytechnic.

Leading RDP in their alignment with the National Standards and the Student Mental Health Strategy, Tanya works with her team to ensure that space is made and student voices are elevated regarding accessibility, inclusion, equity, and justice, especially for those with diverse needs and barriers in higher education.

Counsellor | Stephen Roberts, MACP, MPCC- S

Stephen has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.  He is a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling - Provisional Supervisor with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association and a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta. He is a Clinical Traumatologist with Traumatology Institute, and a Certified Brainspotting Therapist and Consultant with Brainspotting International. Stephen has experience with diverse populations including students, vulnerable populations (homeless, addicts, etc.) and athletes. He was competitive college player and coach and loves working with athletes to become the best they can be in their sport and in life.

Stephen is passionate about the brain and body and their impact on our lives.  His specialties include trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, and sports performance. Stephen is an empathetic, non-judgmental counsellor who works collaboratively with students to help them navigate through life. He believes in self-awareness through attachment, relationships, and the brain/body system. Stephen strives to develop a mutually respectful relationship with students built on trust, respect, and safety.

When he is not helping people, Stephen enjoys spending time with his three boys participating in healthy activities, talking, parenting, reading (specifically about the brain and body), watching soccer (Manchester United), watching hockey (Toronto Maple Leafs) and being a lifelong learner.