Meet the Stepping Stones Team
Counselling with Heart, Skill, and Respect
At Stepping Stones Counselling Group, our team is made up of experienced, compassionate professionals who are here to support you through life’s challenges. We believe that therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your counsellor, which is why we offer a range of clinicians with diverse backgrounds, specializations, and approaches.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, we’ll help match you with a counsellor who fits your needs and preferences.
Not Sure Who to Choose?
Finding the right fit matters.
If you’re not sure who to book with, our intake process can help you find the right therapist based on what you're looking for. We’ll ask a few questions about your goals and preferences and then match you with someone whose training and personality are a good fit.
You can also browse the team below to learn more about each clinician and the areas in which they specialize.
Our Registered Clinical Counsellors
Kaila Pidwerbeski
Intern Therapist, BA, BEd, RYT 500, MACP Pending
*Currently Offering Reduced Rate!*
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Kaila Pidwerbeski BA, BEd, RYT 500, is a graduate student at Yorkville University, currently completing her internship with Stepping Stones as the final stage of her training before certification as a counsellor. To give back to the community, Kaila is offering a reduced rate throughout the duration of her internship. If you or someone you know would benefit from counselling services at an affordable rate, please contact us to book an appointment with Kaila.
Kaila is completing her internship under the supervision of Clinic Coordinator Deanne Leung, M.Ed, RCC-ACS. Kaila brings six years of experience as a classroom teacher and five years as a yoga instructor, which have shaped her natural integration of breathing, movement, and mindfulness as regulation strategies in her work with clients.Her practice draws from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), psychodynamic therapy, and attachment theory. She also works from a social-constructivist perspective, considering how culture and society influence each person’s unique lived experience. Grounded in both trauma-informed and Indigenous-informed approaches, Kaila honours the resilience and wisdom within each individual and community.
Kaila is especially passionate about supporting youth, parents, and families. She helps clients explore maladaptive coping strategies and relational patterns—not as signs of something “wrong,” but as adaptive responses that once served an important purpose. By reframing these patterns, she supports clients in discovering new, healthier ways of being in their current life context.
Kaila looks forward to meeting clients where they are, walking alongside them, and supporting their journey of growth and transformation.
Zoë Betzelt
Therapist, BA, MACP, CCC, RCC
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Zoë Betzelt
Therapist
BA, MACP, CCC, RCC
Zoë received a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Victoria.
Zoë has over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults in community, school, and residential settings. Zoë takes a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach with an emphasis on the mind-body connection, client strengths, resilience, and wellness. Zoë creates a safe space through compassion, warmth, and a non-judgmental, calm, and genuine presence. Zoë is also a holistic health and wellness facilitator, with a diverse set of training, including being a certified yoga teacher.
Life can be very challenging, but you don’t have to go through this alone, Zoë is here to support you. She is currently accepting clients 7 years and up, teens, adults, and couples. Service options include in-person, online, and walk and talk (nature-based therapy – seasonal offering).
Areas of practice:
anxiety
depression
social-emotional skills, coping skills & self-care
emotional regulation & stress management
attachment injuries
healthy relationship skills (communication, conflict resolution, repair)
self-esteem & shame
grief & loss
existential (life) crisis and transitions
Tasha Ryder
Registered Clinical Counsellor, BA, M.Ed, RCC, ACS
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Tasha Ryder is a highly skilled Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC-ACS) based in Kelowna, British Columbia, with nearly three decades of experience supporting the mental health and well-being of children, youth, adults, and families. She holds a Master of Education in Counselling from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Okanagan University College.
Tasha’s clinical work is rooted in a deep commitment to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and client-centred care. She brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise gained from working across public, private, and hospital-based settings. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), and Motivational Interviewing.
Throughout her career, Tasha has held diverse roles including:
Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, offering specialized assessment and treatment for complex mental health needs
Mental Health Crisis Clinician with Interior Health Authority, providing urgent response care to youth in crisis
Therapist and Consultant at Stepping Stones Counselling Group, where she currently provides individual, family, and group therapy, as well as clinical supervision for master’s-level colleagues.
In 2025, Tasha received the Approved Clinical Supervisor designation, reflecting her advanced training and commitment to fostering professional growth among fellow clinicians.
Tasha’s areas of specialization include:
Child, adolescent and adult mental health and substance use
Family therapy and parenting support
Neurodiversity including ASD and ADHD including executive functioning challenges
Complex trauma and emotional regulation
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
High-conflict family dynamics, separation and divorce
Hear the Child Reports
She is passionate about collaborative and interdisciplinary practice and has completed extensive training in working with Indigenous populations, immigrant and refugee mental health, eating disorders, and neurodiversity. Tasha is also a member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group, where she contributes her expertise in child-focused approaches to separation and divorce.
Tasha is committed to ongoing professional development and continues to expand her knowledge through advanced trainings in supervision, legal and ethical issues in counselling, family mediation, and reflective practice.
Whether supporting clients through complex emotional challenges or mentoring new clinicians, Tasha brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep respect for each individual’s unique story and strengths.
Alicia Bush
Registered Clinical Counsellor/Therapist, BA, MACP, RCC
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Alicia specializes in working with children, adolescents and their caregivers. Alicia works from a strength-based framework by respecting client stories and values. Alicia has a passion for balancing the unique needs of each individual client, through the lens of their family system. Alicia strives to provide a compassionate and non judgmental counselling environment. She uses a variety of therapies into her practice with youth and families.
Alicia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology with a specialization in school and youth. Alicia is also actively working towards becoming a registered play therapist through the British Columbia Play Therapy Association.
Areas of Practice:
Individual Counselling for Children, Youth and their Parents
Play & Expressive Therapies
Parent coaching and support
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Emotional Regulation
Anxiety/Stress & Depression/Low mood
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions/School Difficulties
Deanne Leung
Clinical Coordinator/Therapist, B.A., M.Ed., RCC-ACS
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B.A., M.Ed., RCC-ACS
Deanne is the creative vision and energy behind Stepping Stones Counselling Group. Deanne is a strong supporter of the use of creativity, nature and active self-care in the healing & wellness process.
Deanne’s education and training include a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Deanne is NMT Level 2 Certified and EMDR Level 2 Certified.
Areas of Practice:
Individual & Family Therapy
Play & Expressive Therapies
Trauma, Attachment, Grief & Loss
ADHD, Anxiety, Depression
Workshops & Presentations
Animal Assisted Therapy
Clinical Supervision and Professional Consultation
Sam Gallo
Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC
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Sam is now accepting new clients; children ages 6 and up, teens and adults! Sam’s counselling practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, person-centered, and relational approach, emphasizing the importance of connection and safety within the therapeutic relationship. She integrates Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based somatic techniques to bring an attachment-focused perspective to her work. Her goal is to create a safe, playful and empathetic space where clients can explore their inner world, gain knowledge, and build resilience through curiosity, compassion, and connection.
Theresa Bates
Therapist, BA Psyc., MACP, RCC
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Theresa offers counselling to children, adolescents, and adults. She approaches counselling from a collaborative and strengths-based lens, integrating a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet the specific needs of each individual client. Theresa’s eclectic approach to counselling includes Somatic Experiencing, CBT and TF-CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and EMDR. She is also trained in Non-Violent Crisis intervention and ASIST suicide protocol.
Theresa has nearly 20 years of experience providing individual counselling to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has extensive experience working in crisis intervention, outreach and community based counselling, as well as school-based mental health. Theresa has facilitated therapeutic and psycho-educational group counselling for children, youth and caregivers since 2008, and is a certified Circle of Security Facilitator. Counselling sessions are available in-person or online.
Areas of Practice:
ADHD
Autism
Anxiety
Anger
Substance use
Self-harm
Depression
Trauma
Grief and Loss
Life transitions
Parent-child attachment,
Family systems challenges.
Our Registered Social Workers
Rebecca Soil
Registered Social Worker, BAH, MSW, RSW
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Rebecca has a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia and a postgraduate Art Therapy Diploma from the Canadian Institute of Art Therapy. Rebecca has experience working with a variety of ages and mental health challenges. Rebecca’s education and experience have primarily focused on working with children, adolescents and parents. Rebecca is trained as a dialectic behavioural therapist through the Behavioural Tech Institute and is working toward her AutPlay neurodiversity affirming framework certification. Rebecca is passionate about working with children, adolescents and their families to work with and empower individuals to overcome challenges in their lives. Rebecca works collaboratively with individuals using several therapeutic modalities to meet the needs of the individual.
Areas of Practice:
Individual Counselling
Parent Counselling
Children and Adolescents
Anxiety-related disorders
Depression
Emotion regulation and stress management
Adolescent relationships support
Individuals with neurodiversities.
Rebecca uses techniques from the following modalities to guide her practice:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dialectic Behavioural Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Play Therapy
Expressive Art Therapies
Motivational Interviewing
Attachment-Focused Therapy
AutPlay Therapy
Allison McClure
Therapist, RSW, RCC, MACP
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Allison began practicing Social Work in 2000, she has since completed a Master of Counselling Psychology. Allison’s experience includes working with families, neurodivergent children and adults, Indigenous people, and supporting families through adoption.
Allison is person-centered and believes unconditional positive regard is essential in building a solid therapeutic relationship. Allison provides a non-judgmental and empathetic space to gain perspective and achieve personal growth.
Working from a biopsychosocial approach including solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, Adlerian therapy, and Bowen’s family systems theory Allison is adaptive and focused on the best fit for you.
Areas of practice:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Relationship
Coping & self-care
Self-esteem
ADHD & Autism
Case management support
Social skills & Skill development
Emotional Regulation
Diverseabilities
Transitioning youth with special needs
PEERS program for individuals with autism
Diane Power-Jeans
Therapist & Coach, MSW, RSW
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As a master therapist and transformation coach, Diane Power-Jeans brings all the heart, humour, and richness of her native Newfoundland into her 30 plus years of professional practice. She is committed to helping clients live their best lives, placing the highest value on health, happiness and relationships, with a particular focus on mindfulness. Diane has successfully completed Levels One and Two of the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Diane is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor. She lives and works in the fabulous Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards. Diane enjoys many mindful activities, including hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snow shoeing, colouring and yoga.
Areas of Practice:
Adolescents, adults & families
Certified DBT & CBT therapist
Addiction specialization
Mindfulness
Parenting Workshops & Psychoeducational Groups
Couples Therapy
Our Behaviour Specialist:
Cheryl Scaife
Behaviour Consultant, B.A., M.Ed , RASP
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Cheryl Scaife holds a bachelors degree in child and youth care from University of Victoria and a master of Inclusive Education from McGill University. She has worked for the past seven years as an autism consultant with the Lester B. Pearson school board in Montreal. She specialized in running social skills groups based on the Social Thinking curriculum developed by Michelle Garcia Winner. Cheryl also enjoys working with clients to help them understand their diagnosis and discover their individual strengths and needs. Cheryl is an experienced presenter on topics related to autism and has delivered workshops to parents, paraprofessionals, and professionals. She appreciates and values the perspective of others when creating a plan for a person with autism and works collaboratively to reach goals and increase social understanding and communication for individuals and in group settings.
Areas of Practice:
Workshops for parents, teachers, support persons.
Social skills groups
One on one support
Behavioural intervention planning based on best practice standards
School and parent support
Our Office Administrators
Courtney Davies
Client Care Coordinator
If you are new to our clinic, please contact Courtney at the front desk for assistance with our intake process. We offer flexible appointment times. No referrals necessary. Please note that some of our team members have waitlists or limited availability. We will provide you with timeframes and help you determine the best option for you and/or your family.
Contact:
Eric Leung
Administrative Coordinator
Eric is the Agency Coordinator at SSCG. An important part of Eric’s role is to build relationships with the community, the team and the families we serve. The team fondly calls Eric “the glue” as he holds all the pieces together. Eric supports all areas of the SSCG team and agency, he is also involved in supporting community projects such as the Foundry and the Child Advocacy Centre. When not at SSCG, Eric is known for his love of dogs, food and motorcycles!
Contact:
Booking and Availability
You can use our online contact form to reach out directly or request a booking. If you already know which therapist you’d like to work with, let us know. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.