Mindy Castillo
Administration/Reception
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Mindy Castillo moved to Taber, Alberta in Grade 9 after her father was transferred with the Royal Bank. She has been a proud resident of Redcliff, Alberta since 2002. Mindy joined Medicine Hat Family Service as their Receptionist/Admin Assistant in October 2023, following six years as a Client Service Representative with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. She enjoys her role and loves being able to help people connect with the support they need on their journeys to wellness.
Mindy holds a diploma in Tourism Management from Medicine Hat College and has completed the Four Seasons of Reconciliation program from the First Nations University of Canada, as well as the Brain Story Certification.
In her spare time, Mindy loves camping with her husband, spending time with all kinds of critters, and volunteering at the Wildlife Festival every year. She also enjoys kayaking, being in nature, and doing fun activities with her adult children.
Jennifer Copeman
Counsellor
BSW/RSW
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Jennifer Copeman continues to reside 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 a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work supporting persons with disabilities, helping families fleeing intimate partner violence, and connecting with children, youth, and their families who face various challenges impacting their daily lives.
Jennifer provides counseling support to a diverse spectrum of individuals, families, and groups using a client-centered, solution-focused, and strength-based approach. As a generalist social worker, she employs a variety of theories and tools to tailor counseling to each client’s unique needs. Jennifer also practices ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), which she uses to help clients quickly process and overcome traumatic memories. She is passionate about empowering her clients to identify their strengths, set goals, and make positive changes to achieve lifelong success.
Nora Bassingthwaighte
Counsellor
MAMFT Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Nora has a deep desire to serve her community. Her diverse job experience spans from working at the library, and in management, and camp work, to teaching piano and gaining brief cross-cultural experience.
Nora is a certified counselor with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counselling. Her eclectic therapeutic style draws from cognitive-behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, solution-focused, emotionally focused therapies, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Passionate about seeing people walk in freedom and health, Nora counsels on topics such as anxiety, depression, grief, family life, and child issues. She is client-driven and creative, empowering each client on their journey.
On a personal note, Nora is analytical and deep, with a love for learning and growth. Her artsy side shines through her music and photography, while a love of nature also holds special meaning for her.
Celina Symmonds
Executive Director
Celina is the Executive Director of Medicine Hat Family Service, where she is dedicated to expanding the organization's capacity to support those with mental health concerns by removing financial and wait time barriers. With extensive experience in change management across the nonprofit and municipal sectors, Celina has a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives.
Her career highlights include serving as Medicine Hat's first Housing First Team Lead, where she played a key role in the city becoming the first in Canada to reach functional zero homelessness. During her tenure as a City Councilor, Celina was one of the few women and the only representative from the social services sector, helping to diversify perspectives on the council. Additionally, she led the transformation of the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, establishing a $2 million Food and Wellness Centre focused on dignity, skill-building, and community engagement.
Celina's dedication to challenging the status quo and creating meaningful systemic change is evident throughout her career. She continues to seek out opportunities to make a lasting impact, both within Medicine Hat Family Service and the broader community.
Ben Feere
Counsellor
BA Psych, MC, CCC
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Ben Feere is now raising his own family within the community he loves. Once a skilled hockey player and musician, Ben still enjoys these activities today, even if he considers himself "only okay" at them now. He is comfortable working with individuals, couples, and families in all their forms, offering a safe and judgment-free environment for exploring their lives.
Ben holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling, with additional training in Psychology, Social Sciences, Theology, and Biblical studies. His greatest asset is his deep care and ability to make clients feel comfortable. Ben uses a conversational style and an integrative approach, drawing on elements of Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief-Solutions Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Systems, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.
Mark Walter
Counsellor
RSW, BSW, MA
Born and raised in Saskatchewan—so if you're a sports fan, please don't hold that against him—Go Riders! Mark has earned his diploma and degree in Social Work, is a Registered Social Worker, and has completed his Master of Arts in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition to his formal education, Mark has extensive experience in various administrative, management, teaching, and facilitation roles.
Mark is currently training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. He is known for his compassionate, understanding nature, good listening skills, and calming demeanor. These qualities help others feel safe, discover new hope, and heal as they work together to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
A true "people person," Mark has a passion for helping others and giving back to the communities in which he lives. He deeply values family and relationships, treasuring his roles as a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend. In his personal time, Mark focuses on having fun—whether it’s with good friends or his wonderful family!
