Biography

Annette began her career as a high school counselor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she worked with teens and their families who found themselves distanced from each other, often due to unhealthy communication patterns and lack of understanding.  She later continued similar work as a social service counselor with the Board of Education in Ottawa, Ontario.  In this role she provided facilitative liaison with students, families, teachers and administrative personnel to promote willingness and commitment to resolving conflicts and finding concrete solutions.

Annette began private practice after moving to Kelowna, B.C. in the late 1980’s.  At the same time she worked with the Kelowna Family Service Centre, providing individual, couple and family therapy.  Five years later in Abbotsford, B.C. Annette again established a successful private practice, and frequently worked with the Abbotsford Community Services and Mental Health, providing individual therapy, and creating and conducting workshops and therapy groups.

Some of the therapy and support groups she has conducted have focused on:

-         building effective interpersonal communication skills,

-         building effective parenting skills

-         building healthy relationships

-         recovering from grief and loss,

-         managing depression and anxiety,

-         recovering from childhood abuse issues,

-         premarital counseling,

-         self-discovery and building self-esteem.

Annette has also had extensive experience as an educator.   Early in her career, after receiving her undergraduate degree, she taught English in Tokyo, Japan  both privately and in classroom settings at various language schools and colleges.

In Kelowna and Abbotsford she was an instructor at the University Colleges there, teaching Counseling and Interpersonal Communication.

Annette has served as a facilitator in the closing of companies (e.g., Brenda Mines) and community agencies, assisting employees and management to express feelings of grief and loss, and to continue to maintain confidence and trust in their ability to pursue other fulfilling career opportunities.

Presently Annette continues her private practice in White Rock/South Surrey, B.C.  Clients from Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Victoria, and the Sunshine Coast also seek her services.  In addition she works with long-distance clients from Toronto, Calgary, Kelowna, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

Annette also conducts telephone sessions at her clients’ convenience.