Staff

Celina Symmonds

Executive Director

Mindy Castillo

Reception/Administration

Nora Bassingthwaighte

Nora was born and raised in Medicine Hat, and she has a desire to serve the community. Her job experience is varied ranging from the library, management, and camp work to piano teaching and some brief cross-cultural experience.

Nora is a certified counselor with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counselling. Her eclectic style uses elements from the following therapies: cognitive-behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, solution-focused, and emotionally focused therapies. She has a passion to see people walk in freedom and health. Some of the topics that Nora counsels include anxiety, depression, grief, family life, and child issues. She seeks to be client-driven and creative in how each of these is approached, empowering each client on their journey.

On a more personal side, Nora is analytical and deep. She has a love of learning and growth. Music and photography exhibit her artsy side. A love of nature is also meaningful to her.

Ben Feere

Ben Feere was born and raised in Medicine Hat and is in the process of raising his own family within the community. Ben was once a good hockey player and musician and enjoys those activities to this day despite now being “only okay” at them. Ben is comfortable working with individuals, couples, and families in all of their forms.

Ben currently holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling and has additional training in Psychology, Social Sciences, Theology, and Biblical studies but his greatest asset is his deep care and ability to make clients feel safe and comfortable to explore their lives in a judgement free environment. Ben uses a conversational style and integrative approach with elements of Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief-Solutions Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Family Systems among others.

Jennifer Copeman

Jennifer Copeman was born and raised in Medicine Hat and resides within the community with her family. She is a registered social worker with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a diploma in Addictions counselling. Jennifer brings knowledge and experience from her previous work in Medicine Hat supporting persons with disabilities, helping families fleeing intimate partner violence and connecting with children, youth and their families who struggle with other various obstacles that are negatively impacting their daily lives.

Jennifer provides counselling supports to a diverse spectrum of individuals, families and groups utilizing a client centered, solution focused and strength-based approach. As a generalist social worker, Jennifer utilizes a variety of different theories and tools to individualize counselling to fit the needs of each client. Jennifer is excited to work with her clients to empower them to identify their own personal strengths, set goals and make positive changes to achieve lifelong success.

Mark Walter

Mark was born and raised in Saskatchewan, so if you are a sports fan, please do not hold that against him. Go Riders!
Since moving to Medicine Hat in 2012 to work and enter postsecondary education, he has achieved his diploma and degree in Social Work, is a Registered Social Worker and soon will be completing his Master of Arts in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, Mark has extensive education and experiences in various administrative, management, teaching and facilitation roles throughout his life.
Foundational characteristics of Mark are that he is compassionate, understanding, a good listener and has a calming demeanor. Mark believes that these characteristics allow others to feel safe, discover new hope and heal while working together to achieve their goals and overcome the many challenges they may face.
He is a “people person” who has a passion for helping others while also giving back to the communities in which he lives. He values family and relationships while treasuring his roles as a son, brother uncle, husband, father and friend.
Mark’s personal time consists of having fun, having fun and having fun with good friends and a wonderful family!