Our Team
We bring over 20 years experience and training to our counselling practice. Our therapists hold a minimum of a Masters level of education in Psychology and are certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and/or British Columbia College of Social Workers.
Heather Bach MA, CCC
Clinical Director
Language: English
Heather Bach brings 25 years of experience and training to her role as Clinical Director of the Bach Counselling Group. With her Master of Arts in Psychology she is certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Heather works primarily with couples and individuals using evidence-based approaches in dealing with relationship issues, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating and ADHD. Incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through a trauma informed and attachment based lens, Heather is solution focused.
She designed and developed the North Shore Program for Children Affected by Family Violence and the Kelowna Trauma Program for marginalized women. Heather has extensive training and experience in her work with family relationships and therapeutic groups. In her work with couples and families, greater understanding and more fulfilling connections are established. Heather is skillful and solution focused.
Cited as an expert by the media, she has been the subject of numerous interviews in print, radio and television. She routinely presents at events and forums.
Kristofer Scott MA, RCC
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
Kristofer is a registered clinical counsellor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. As an integrative counsellor, Kristofer uses a variety of evidence-based-therapies such as cognitive-behavioural (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), person-centered, and solution-focused therapies to meet the needs of his clients. From an attachment and trauma-informed perspective, Kristofer facilitates an environment of acceptance and trust where clients identify and overcome barriers to their wellness.
With a history of teaching in a high school setting for over seven years, and working as a counsellor within a school setting, Kris brings a practical focused perspective to clients’ work offering goal-oriented skills and tools to foster well-being and authentic living. Kristofer counsels adults and youth dealing with anxiety, ADHD, depression, self-esteem, grief, anger, stress management, and relational and communication issues including family and peers. Kristofer also facilitates cognitive focused educational groups on managing anxiety and attachment patterning.
Diego Ferrero MA, CCC
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English & Spanish
Diego Ferrero brings 20 years of experience and clinical training counselling adults and youth clients dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, family complications, trans-gender in all different phases of their transition, and communication. Having worked in both Mexico and Canada Diego is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association holding a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. Using Solution-Focused, Dialectical Behaviour and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Diego counsels his clients to meet their personal goals. Fluent in Spanish and English, Diego has significant experience working with child and youth and mental health services along with multicultural advocacy.
Kelly Kuppers MA, RCC
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
A registered clinical counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Cilnical Counsellors for over 12 years, Kelly works with youth and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, body image struggles, bipolar, psychosis,neurodiverse conditions (ADHD and autism) and post trauma. Additionally, within the public school system Kelly spent several years working with children formulating adaptive strategies and individualized education plans followed by counseling families through complex parenting challenges.
Understanding complex trauma and core negative patterns that underlie barriers to healthier functioning is fundamental to moving toward a healthier self esteem, relationship with self and others. In her trauma informed practice, Kelly utilizes dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapies to facilitate change. With these evidence based modalities that Kelly incorporates in her counselling, her clients move from struggle and angst to an increased self esteem, better relationships and overall sense of well-being.
Zainab Giwa MA, CCC
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
Zainab Giwa is a Canadian Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association with over seven years of experience supporting her clients to gain insight, change behaviours and improve their relationships. Counselling individuals, youth, couples, and families, Zainab helps clients struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship struggles to utilize solution-focused, emotionally focused and cognitive behavioural therapy. With an inclusive and trauma-informed perspective, Zainab incorporates emotionally focused and Gottman therapy in her work with couples identifying barriers and working toward greater intimacy and joy in their relationships. Zainab is highly committed to the success of her clients in reaching their personal and wellness goals.
Susan Rai
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English & Punjabi
Susan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. Susan has over 15 years of experience providing counselling, parent support, assessment and consultation services to individuals, couples and families experiencing a diverse range of emotional and behavioural challenges.
Susan’s training and research includes graduate-level study in behavioural neuroscience and addiction, with a particular interest in exploring the impact of environment on healthy development. Susan’s approach combines person-centred therapy with an attachment and trauma informed lens.
Cath Blythe MA (Cand.)
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
Cath brings many years of experience in community nursing, prenatal, postpartum and parenting education, and midwifery in Australia. She specializes in education and facilitation for youth and families, and has worked extensively in sexual health education.
With a special interest in healthy relationships, Cath counsels individuals working through transitions, postpartum complications, relationship challenges, anxiety and depression. Cath brings lived experience of parenting three young adults to her work. With authenticity she creates a safe and inclusive space where Cath utilizes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a mindful and solution focused approach with a trauma informed lens in her work.
She is thrilled to join the Bach Counselling Group while completing her graduate internship for her Master’s in Counselling Psychology.
Stephanie Then MA (Cand.)
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
Stephanie facilitates personal growth, insight, and renewed optimism using evidence-based treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Stephanie works primarily with individuals addressing a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, cultural identity and supporting clients with boundaries and assertiveness skills. Stephanie’s approach is inclusive, compassionate and respectful, collaborative and trauma informed. As a culturally-sensitive therapist, Stephanie also understands how culture can influence a person’s life experiences, challenges, self-image, and personal and professional relationships.
Stephanie has 18 years of professional experience working alongside individuals, youth and families affected by crisis, including those impacted by sexual, domestic and personal violence. Through her own lived experiences, Stephanie has a keen understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by parents, first generation immigrants and minority populations, as well as the unique stressors experienced by those in first responder and other helping professions. Stephanie is currently completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and her internship with the Bach Counselling Group.
Olivia Meeres MA (Cand.)
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
Olivia Meeres works primarily with individuals utilizing a variety of modalities including cognitive-behavioural, narrative, and solution-focused therapies to help clients increase self awareness, autonomy, self-confidence, and to evoke positive change in thought, mood and behaviors. These approaches are evidence-based and effective for working through barriers of anxiety, depression and interpersonal challenges. Through collaborative work in counselling clients to improve their quality of life, interpersonal relationships and increased joy and overall sense of wellness.
Further, Olivia is experienced in supporting educators through health and wellness challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic disorder, physical disability, and other unique health concerns. She is experienced with neurodiverse individuals to increase their quality of life and gain a greater sense of autonomy and social skills. Olivia Meeres is pleased to be completing her Masters of Counselling graduate internship with Bach Counselling Group.
Anna Khokhlova MA (Cand.)
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English & Russian
Anna Khokhlova is completing her Masters of Counselling graduate internship with Bach Counselling. Working primarily with youth and young adults, Anna addresses barriers to better functioning including anxiety, depression and grief
Using a variety of therapies including narrative, cognitive-behavioural, and acceptance and commitment therapies, Anna helps clients identify and work through life challenges to gain increased confidence, a stronger and more secure sense of self. Some stressful life events can result in barriers to being present and engaged in life transitions successfully. With counselling, these challenges can be transformative and result in greater confidence and growth. Anna assists clients in navigating life transitions to independence and thriving.
Additionally, Anna counsels clients through the process of immigration establishing a new set of skills, cultural norms, relationships and community. Through a trauma and attachment informed lens, Anna tailors the therapeutic process to suit the client’s unique needs and reach the individual client goals for wellness.
Maja Miljkovic MA (Cand.)
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English, Croatian, Bosnian & Serbian
Maja has a background of social work with families and youth with the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development. From within a restorative justice framework Maja helps clients through conflict resolution to rebuild healthier family and peer relationships.
Practiced in cognitive behavioural therapy, Maja has a particular interest in emotionally focused and narrative therapies. She collaborates with clients through a mindful approach to identify and release struggles related to anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict. This clarity supports clients to make positive solution focused quality change for themselves in their lives.
Maureen Codispodi MA, RCC
Clinical Counsellor
Maureen brings a background in special education and over 20 years working internationally with children and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, brain injury, psychosis, and a variety of learning challenges including executive functioning and behavioural challenges. She counsels individuals and families from an resource focused, inclusive and trauma-informed perspective.
Using multiple evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and solution-focused therapy, Maureen taylors her treatment approach to suit the individual goals of each client with kindness, care and solution focused strategies.
Maureen is completing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University.
Kellie Shamenski MSc, RCC
Clinical Counsellor
Language: English
Kellie brings over 11 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Los Angeles and New York City. She is passionate about helping individuals, families and couples identify and work through their challenges to greater life satisfaction. Kellie works with challenges that include but are not limited to: relationship struggles and impasses, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, and parenting. Kellie does not take kids and teens as clients. Her clinical approach includes: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
Kellie places a strong emphasis on a trauma and attachment informed approach in her counselling work with clients. Understanding the context of behaviour and belief patterns and their impact on the brain and the body and relationships can be essential for successful results in counselling and long lasting change. Kellie provides a skillful and results oriented counselling to improve individual lives, their relationships and fosters greater connection within couples.
Abby Hsiao RD
Registered Dietician
Language: English
A registered dietician and a graduate from the University of British Columbia, Abby specializes in working with individuals and families dealing with disordered eating thoughts and behaviours. She works with the Vancouver Coastal Health Eating Disorder Program with children, youth and adults.
Abby provides nutritional assessments including body image and mood and facilitates her clients to build healthier relationships with food, body and themselves.