Meet Our Team
Meet the compassionate and dedicated team behind The Woods.
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ELISE GIRARDIN
(She/Her)
Executive Director, MA, MCP-AT, RCC
Elise is committed to supporting people’s growth, healing, and self-discovery through engagement with the arts. She has extensive experience in the performing arts, which underscores her approach to wellness. Elise work in visual arts, movement and dance, theatre arts, and poetry and writing.
Please note that Elise is currently not accepting new clients -
MARCIA CLINGMAN
(She/Her)
MCP-AT, RCC
Marcia is a registered clinical counsellor working with adults and youth who have experienced anxiety, depression and grief relating to traumatic experiences. She offers an integrative approach to healing based on somatic (body-based) awareness, breathwork, yoga and art therapy. Learn more…
Book with Marcia -
KEITH THURLOW-BISHOP
(He/Him)
MA, MSc, PhD, RCC-ACS, RCAT, REAT
Keith has been working in the field of mental health since 1990, and as a licensed mental health professional since 2004. As an expressive arts therapist, he works with visual arts, textiles, poetry, movement, drama, and somatic awareness to support healing and growth. He has extensive experience working with people healing from experiences of trauma, abuse, neglect, and the ongoing effects of colonization and marginalization. Learn more…
Book with Keith -
KATIE BURDEN
MCP-AT, RCC
Katie's practice stands out with a genuine passion for teen development, blending empathetic listening with evidence-based techniques. She empowers adolescents through skill-building and tailored interventions, fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and lifelong coping strategies. Learn more…
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SEIA ROOTS
(She/They)
MCP-AT, RCC
Seia’s (pronounced Say-ya) approach is compassionate, curious, and trauma-informed. Seia works with adults and older adults who are working through issues related to relationships, life-transitions, and trauma. Supporting people to live authentically and find their unique path, Seia uses integrative techniques, including art and nature-based therapies, storytelling, and strength-based skill building. Learn more…
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JENNY GILMOUR
(She/Her)
MTA
Jenny is a compassionate and dedicated music therapist with extensive experience in acute palliative and hospice care settings, and has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that music can have on individuals facing challenging circumstances.
Book with Jenny
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EMILY THOMPSON
(She/Her)
Studio Manager, RYT
Emily brings a unique approach to yoga, blending mindfulness with a functional movement framework that accommodates all body types and abilities. Her classes are a reflection of her commitment to making yoga and mindfulness accessible and transformative for everyone.
Book with Emily
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SYDNE SMITH
(She/Her)
Counselling Intern
Sydne is a counselling art therapy intern and plans to register with the BCACC and BCATA when she has completed her training. She is originally from the West Kootenays and has over 20 years of experience working with the visual arts.
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DINITHI FONSEKA
(She/Her)
Counselling Intern
Dinithi is a counselling art therapist in-training. She is dedicated to guiding clients through the therapeutic process with creativity and compassion. Her approach integrates a strengths-based perspective, helping individuals explore and harness their inner resources for growth and healing in a safe space.