As a first-generation immigrant from former Yugoslavia, my experiences of trauma have profoundly shaped my identity and life choices. In part, through lived experience, I have learned that surviving trauma can open up one's capacity for empathy and a sense of responsibility for others. Values of social justice, connection, and support were instilled in me through my family and our immigration to Canada. Supporting others in actualizing wellness, dignity, and improving their quality of life is my core purpose, which I intend to work toward as your counsellor.

Before my work as a counsellor, I supported community through housing advocacy, harm reduction research and policy, and child/youth education. I’ve always been inspired by the human experience, especially our inner strength and resilience. This has naturally drawn me to helping others discover their own path to healing and authenticity.

What is my belief?
My work is rooted in the belief that each of us has the capacity for inner healing, and by exploring the emotional, somatic, behavioural, and spiritual aspects of our lives, we can uncover your path forward. Highlighting how external oppressive systems affect our inner well-being, I often emphasize the distinction between what is within our control to change and how we can shift towards that change.

How do I practice?
I practice from a trauma-informed place where tapping into the wisdom of the body’s knowledge can be the space where we feel the most alive. Weaving together evidence based practices, and illuminating current research on how trauma is stored in the body, I empower my clients to come back to themselves. As we begin to understand the world around us and the narratives we've been taught, we realize that our perception of reality often shapes, and sometimes limits how we view ourselves, others, and what we hold as sacred.

How might you feel?
I help people find relief from their inner most challenging experiences. I focus on building a comfortable, relaxed environment where you feel at ease. I strive to create this space consistently, always welcoming feedback to better support and tailor your unique therapeutic journey. In our work together, I honour all parts of you—the ones that carry trauma, have felt disconnected, or are in pain—and support you in the process of growth and transformation to create the life you envision. By centring your own wisdom, I will support you in connecting to yourself. Healing through difficult experiences doesn’t mean enduring more suffering, but to be able to experience the more joyful parts of life.