Counsellors
At Children's Therapy Collective, we specialize in providing personalized counselling services for children, youth, & families. Our counsellors and psychologists are all licensed to practice in Manitoba and are familiar with Manitoban systems and resources. They specialize in making virtual counselling interactive, engaging, and effective.
SUSAN EILERS, BA (ADV), DVATI, RCAT
Registered Canadian Art Therapist - Mental Health Counselling Intake Coordinator
Susan is a registered Art Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She completed her graduate-level training in Art Therapy in 2004 and, since that time, has worked in private practice settings, schools, community agencies, and client homes, providing individual therapy, child-caregiver dyad sessions, sibling therapy, and group therapy. Her areas of expertise include Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Attachment, Anxiety, Anger Management, and trauma. She also loves working with neurodivergent (ASD, ADHD, etc.) children, youth, and families.
Susan believes in each individual's innate wisdom and desire to succeed, and that competency and resiliency blossom when individuals are witnessed and met with compassion, both in their strengths and challenges. Art Therapy provides individuals with opportunities for physical and emotional regulation, self-exploration, and externalization of challenges through engaging in the creative process. Susan's approach is strengths-based and client-centered and incorporates elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), play therapy, and attachment and trauma-informed therapies, along with the creative process, to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit to enhance self-esteem and self-awareness.
Outside of work, Susan is a mother to a spirited teenager and a lively preteen. She enjoys spending time with her family, being active, and finding new ways to bring creativity to her home and daily life.
LARA COPPOLA MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Counsellor
Lara is a registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. She earned her MSW from York University in 2018. With over a decade of experience in the field of Social Work, Lara has gained extensive expertise in working with children, youth, and families.
Lara has dedicated years of her career to roles within the child welfare system, school settings, and community health. In these positions, she has offered support, advocacy, and counselling services to children, teenagers, and families facing mental health issues, family violence, addiction problems, and trauma.
Lara holds certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is currently on the path to becoming a certified Play Therapist. She has additional training in Trauma-Informed Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Counseling.
Using a systems approach, Lara helps individuals explore the challenges in their lives and discover solutions for positive change. Working from a strength-based lens, Lara supports children and teens in their journey towards healing by discovering new ways to cope, understand and feel more empowered in their lives.
SASHA JUNKIN, BA Psych, BSW, RSW
Social Worker and Counsellor
With over a decade of experience in social work and mental health, Sasha specializes in trauma-informed, neuro-affirming care for individuals at all life stages. Her holistic, inclusive, and strength-based approach focuses on healing trauma and building resilience.
Sasha is certified in Brainspotting (Phases 1 & 2) and integrates evidence-based modalities such as Brainspotting, CBT, DBT, and SFBT. She works in a culturally safe and respectful manner, supporting children, youth, families, and communities through wraparound care.
In addition to her private practice, Sasha has worked as a Clinical Wellness Worker offering intensive, land-based supports to Indigenous families. Her past roles include Executive Director of the Association for Community Living and leadership positions with the Manitoba Department of Families.
She holds a BA in Psychology and a BSW from the University of Manitoba and is affiliated with MCSW, Brainspotting Canada, and the CCPA.
Outside of work, Sasha enjoys time with her son and family, caring for pets, and reconnecting with nature at the lake. She values yoga, reading, and quiet reflection—passions that reflect the grounding, heart-centered philosophy she brings to her practice.
SHANTAL COTTICK BSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Counsellor
Shantal Cottick is a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. She has five years of clinical experience working primarily in community health settings with children, youth and adults providing mental health support.
Shantal strives to create an inclusive and safe space with every individual she works alongside. She believes in the power of forming genuine connections and attachment-based work. Her approach draws from Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, as well as Mindfulness-based practices to address a range of concerns including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and behavioural challenges. She is also passionate about utilizing creative means through art and play. Additionally, Shantal will often work collaboratively with guardians and caregivers to provide the best possible care.
Shantal grew up in rural Manitoba and has an appreciation for the serenity of the country. She enjoys spending time with her three cats- Moose, Lola, and Gigi and exploring new spots around the city with her partner.
HANNAH TYLER BSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Counsellor
Hannah graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2020, hoping to utilize her English and American Sign Language bilingualism within the Social Work realm. However, for the past five years, Hannah has found herself supporting youth navigating addiction and involvement with the criminal justice system. Her empathetic approach focuses on harm reduction, empowerment, and helping young people build the tools they need to thrive.
She is passionate about working with marginalized populations and approaches therapy with a deep commitment to advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and client-centered care. Hannah's therapeutic philosophy emphasizes meeting clients where they are, fostering trust, and promoting self-determination. She draws on her diverse educational and professional background to offer personalized, strengths-based support to youth and their families. Hannah is dedicated to helping youth overcome barriers, build resilience, and envision brighter futures. She believes that every young person has the potential to thrive when given the right support and understanding.
LEAH COLEMAN
Masters in Counselling Psychology, Counsellor
Leah has a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor's Degree in Family Social Science in Child and Youth Developmental Health. She has extensive experience supporting the mental health of children, youth, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Leah uses a holistic approach to counselling that allows the counsellor to walk with the participant through their journey of self-exploration. She enables the participants to feel at ease and comfortable as they embark on this experience together. It may be challenging to reach out for help, but the benefits can be life-changing. It is her hope that the experiences within this journey will be carried with the participant long after their time together is over. Life has many twists and turns; progress is not linear. She believes that through counselling, the roots of current issues and challenges can be explored to allow new growth.
Using a mixture of theoretical perspectives facilitates a comprehensive approach that matches the individual's needs. These approaches include Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Approach, as well as Mindfulness-based practices. While some issues and stressors may be universal, the counselling process is as individual as the participant.
CASSANDRA BUCHAN, HBA, HBSW
Registered Social Worker, Counsellor
Cassandra is a dedicated Registered Social Worker affiliated with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University. Currently, Cassandra is in the final year of her Master's of Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of Winnipeg, with an expected completion date in June 2025.
With over fifteen years of experience in social work, Cassandra has primarily focused on supporting children and families in various roles. She has a wealth of experience in family mediation and conducting court-ordered family assessments.
Cassandra is also trained in Level One Theraplay and is a certified Circle of Security Program facilitator. She employs trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches to guide children and families through challenging times, recognizing the critical importance of the mind-body connection and integrating somatic practices into her work.
Outside of her professional commitments, Cassandra enjoys camping with her husband, son, and their dog, Mango.