Who are We?
Whitney Huckstep
I am a Registered Psychologist specializing in Individual Therapy and Assessment. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology and 8 years of counselling and assessment experience. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR therapy to work with individuals, guiding them in creating positive lasting change. Assessment involves an in-depth process to determine any relevant diagnoses and recommendations while looking at each individuals strengths and areas requiring support.
My areas of experience include: Clinical assessment and diagnosis, trauma, parenting strategies, behavioural strategies, anxiety, and depression. I enjoy working with parents and schools to accurately assess and diagnose children so that they are able to receive the supports they require to achieve their full potential.
I believe in a collaborative approach, encouraging co-development of goals, as well as the importance of feedback in order to ensure your needs are being met.
I grew up in a military family, moving around the world until settling in Cold Lake in 1996. I have lived in Cold Lake, Ottawa, The Netherlands, Labrador and cities within Alberta (Camrose, Edmonton, and Calgary) while completing my schooling and registration process.
Whitney Huckstep, BA, MC
Registered Psychologist AB 4973
whitney@sunriseps.ca
Memberships
College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists Association of Alberta
Canadian Psychological Association
Brett Todd, BA, MACP, ACTA 2997
Counselling Therapist
brett@sunriseps.ca
Memberships
The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta
Brett Todd
I am a registered Counselling Therapist in the province of Alberta and have been working in the community for over 20 years. Originally born here to a military family I had the privilege of living in many locations in Canada and abroad.
I hold a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree with over 2 decades of experience in school and psychological settings. I borrow from Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioural techniques but the best modality is the one that works for the client.
I am a trauma informed, client centered therapist who believes that unconditional positive regard is the foundation for improvement. I have supported clients who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Trauma, Substance Abuse, Family Dynamics issues and many other barriers.
The goal of therapy should be improvement and not the persistent need for therapy; I would love to work myself out of a job.
Amanda Dragos
I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists who provides Individual Therapy and Assessment. I have a passion for helping clients re-establish safety, independence, and connection in their lives. I value the importance of the therapeutic relationship by creating a space that feels non-judgmental and comfortable for you to be able to come as you are. My hope is to help empower you to live a more present life, less burdened by the past.
I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and French. My previous experience as a teacher, resource teacher, and school counsellor, has broadened my lens in working with children and adolescents with complex needs.
My areas of experience and interest include psychoeducational assessment and diagnosis, trauma (including childhood trauma), anxiety and panic, suicidal ideation, self-harm, emotional regulation and coping skills, stress management, and complex family and relationship issues/wounds, among others. I support children (5 years and up), adolescents, and adults, both in-person and virtually.
I utilize an integrative approach to counselling, drawing on many different theories and modalities such as Humanistic and Person-Centered Approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Amanda Dragos, BA, B.Ed, MACP
Registered Psychologist AB 7458
amanda@sunriseps.ca
Memberships
College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists Association of Alberta
Jenn Perepelitza
My name is Jenn, and I am a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work, a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work Practice, and I am currently completing a Master of Social Work with a Clinical Specialization in Adult Mental Health and Addictions at the University of Calgary.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of walking alongside children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate some of life's most difficult moments. Whether facing mental health concerns, addiction, grief and loss, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, I am committed to providing compassionate, individualized support that meets you where you are.
I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counselling. My practice is collaborative, trauma-informed, strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, culturally respectful, recovery-oriented, and guided by evidence-informed care. I believe in meeting people where they are, recognizing that change happens at different times and in different ways for everyone. Together, we will develop an approach that reflects your unique needs, strengths, values, and goals. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting change.
Depending on your unique needs and goals, my work may incorporate a variety of evidence-informed approaches, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-informed strategies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-informed principles, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused approaches, Trauma-informed practice, Strengths-based practice, Recovery-oriented practice, Relapse prevention planning, Psychoeducation, Mindfulness-informed practices, and Stages of Change-informed interventions.
When appropriate, I also enjoy incorporating creativity, art, activities, and other experiential approaches into sessions, recognizing that people process, learn, and express themselves in different ways. I believe counselling should feel engaging, collaborative, and tailored to each individual's unique strengths, preferences, and goals.
I was born and raised in Cold Lake and returned to the community in 2021 after spending many years living and working throughout Alberta. As both a social worker and a parent, I understand the realities of balancing work, family, relationships, and personal well-being. I am passionate about providing compassionate, inclusive, and person-centred care where every individual feels welcomed, respected, and empowered.
I offer in-person and virtual counselling, including evening and weekend appointments. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey.
Jenn Perepelitza, BSW, RSW, GradCert ASWP
Registered Social Worker (ACSW #18687)
jenn@sunriseps.ca
Memberships
Alberta College of Social Workers
Ben Palmer
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist, providing individual therapy for adults, children (5+), and adolescents, and couples therapy. I provide services in English and Spanish. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religious Studies. Most importantly, I am a husband and father of three and am passionate about helping others meet the challenges of their daily life.
My professional background includes working with people with cognitive disabilities, those recovering from workplace injuries, and teaching adolescents (among other roles). This background has helped me be adaptable and meet people where they are, as they are. I take a person-centred approach, giving people space to express themselves in a non-judgemental environment, and helping them achieve what they want to achieve; a stronger sense of self, a stronger relationship, strategies for living, or whatever that may be.
I have experience in helping people facing struggles such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, borderline personality disorder, men’s issues, peer/romantic relationships, infidelity, problematic pornography use, and parenting (among other issues). I utilize several approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), Gottman, and Play Therapy.
Ben Palmer, BA, MACP
Registered Provisional Psychologist P8350
ben@sunriseps.ca
Memberships
College of Alberta Psychologists