As a registered social worker, I have 27 yrs mental health experience working with age ranges from adolescents to older adults (16-95+ yrs) faced with life situations.

Areas of specialty:

• Conflict with the law
• Homeless
• Substance overuse
• HIV/AIDS positive
• History of trauma
• Mental illness diagnosis and mental health concerns
• Grief
• Cognitive impairment
• Dementia
• Caregiver stress. 

Work environments include: 

• Group home
• Homeless shelter
• Community agencies
• Clinical health care settings

My formal education includes: Honours Bachelor of Social Work (1995), Dementia Studies Certificate (2011), Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate (2013), and Master of Social Work, Specialization in Gerontology (2013).

Certified (not practising):

• Kundalini yoga teacher (200 YTT)
• Reiki I, II, II
• Therapeutic Touch
• BodyTalk Access

Northern Ontario has been my lifetime home. I spent my first 25 years in Wawa, then moved to Thunder Bay where I have remained. 

My interest in hypnotherapy came out my personal need to change. I recognized what I knew wasn’t working, I needed assistance. I reached out to see if hypnosis could help me to quit smoking, it was indeed effective. Within the next year, I reached out again to help process the trauma associated with unexpected loss. I felt immediate and long-lasting results. I was impressed. So, when I had the opportunity to learn more about hypnosis, I jumped at the chance. Initially, I planned to complete Certification solely for personal interest, before the end of the program, I decided it was important for me to offer this to others. I am confident you will gain as much from hypnotherapy as I have. I would be honoured to introduce you to this technique.

Stress management

I moved to Thunder Bay in 1995 to attend Confederation College. I have diplomas in Recreation and Leisure Services and Gerontology. I worked as a Personal Support Worker for several years before moving into a Recreation Therapist role. 

I met my husband in 2009. We both enjoy traveling and the outdoors. We enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking, camping and spending days out on the ATV. We enjoy riding our motorcycles. 

Problem: People can feel stuck at times during their lives. When the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of changing – people change. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or what to do. Talking to a counsellor or having a hypnotherapy session could help tremendously

Solution: I acknowledge that it takes courage to take this first step toward healing. It is very important to me that people feel comfortable and heard when they come in for a session.   I provide client-centered care, in a non-judgmental, respectful, and confidential manner.

Result: I believe there is always potential for change. People can heal and grow as individuals, at any age or stage in their lives. I have witnessed so many success stories through my years as a social worker. To be part of someone’s healing journey is an honour and a privilege. This is what makes my vocation meaningful and fulfilling. 

Areas of specialty:

• Mental Health
• Body, Mind, Spirit Connection
• Couples & Relationships
• Grief & Loss
• Holistic Health & Wellness
• Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management
• Stress Management
• Women’s Empowerment

I am a Registered Social Worker and graduate of Lakehead University. I am currently training as a Hypnotherapist (Certification in December 2023). I am excited about offering this service to clients in the future. I know, firsthand, it is an effective means of treatment.

Much of my social work career involved employment in the Not-for-Profit sector.  I held numerous volunteer positions in Thunder Bay – serving as a Board Member for three organizations, providing direct service for victims, co-creating Breast Health Care Thunder Bay, co-coordinating several health & wellness events and workshops, co-organizing an International Conference for the Canadian Society for Spirituality & Social Work, and more.

Aside from my formal education/training and employment opportunities, I gained valuable knowledge though experiential learning. There have been many challenges and adversities to overcome. And travel has always been a big part of my life, from a young age. I lived in other countries. All my experiences have given me a unique perspective, understanding, empathy, compassion, and resourcefulness. This is what I bring to my work as a counsellor.

Education

• Master of Social Work degree (Specialization in Spirituality/Transpersonal Theory)
• Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies (Minor in Indigenous Learning)
• 1 Year Photography College Certificate – Confederation College
• 1 Year Visual Communications College Certificate – New Zealand

Holistic Therapies Training (Certified – not practicing)

• BodyTalk Access
• Mindscape
• Crystal Healing
• Usui Reiki Level 1 & 2 Degrees & Master Level
• Shamanic Breathwork Facilitator
• Psych-K Basic & Psych-K Advanced
• Quantum-Touch 

One of my favourite quotes:

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  ~ Leo Buscaglia

These bring me a sense of ease:

Being in nature. Listening to music. Seeing my grandsons. Meditation.

Pastimes I enjoy:

Time with family & friends. Camping. Photography. Home renovating.

The idea of going to counselling can feel uncomfortable for some people. Not knowing what to do or where to begin can be difficult.

My aim is to create a welcoming and comfortable environment as we work together in addressing your counselling goals.

I use an individualized approach with the understanding that everybody’s life experiences are different.

Niina is a Registered Social Worker and Lakehead University graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Over the years, she has gained experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and addictions.

Being outdoors brings me a sense of tranquility and peace.