The Team
Our Team
Here for you. Happy to help.
Let’s get acquainted, shall we? From our six therapists to our incredible client care specialist, we are looking forward to meeting you. Read on for team bios and to learn more about each therapist’s special areas of interest.
Julia Woito, RP
FOUNDER | CLINICAL DIRECTOR | REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
With 15 years experience, Julia comes with a breadth of knowledge in different helping vocations, including youth and adult mental health, student wellness and success, coaching, ministry leadership, and poverty-reduction. Her experience allows her to offer a creative and comprehensive treatment model for mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health.
She is trained in evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, Brainspotting, Emotion-Focused therapy for couples and families, Gottman Couples, and IFS-informed parts work. A lover of movement, she is also the lead instructor for many of our fitness and mindfulness classes at our Wellness Studio.
Julia’s Common Areas of Work:
Perfectionism + Burnout
Disordered Eating + Body Image
Faith-Based Counselling
Couples + Family Therapy
BPD + Trauma Treatment
Anxiety + Depression
“I’m a lover of chocolate, coffee, fun fitness, and playing with my family.”
Jessica Weaver, RP
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Jess has provided counselling services internationally and has training and experience in a multitude of areas, including critical incident debriefing, burnout, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, couples counselling, and can support youth and young adults. She has experience in coaching, ministry leadership, and mental well-being, particularly as it relates to the unique challenges of living in a cross-cultural environment.
Jess is passionate about meeting people where they’re at and cultivating a safe space for them to face and overcome the obstacles in their path. She operates out of a family systems based approach, but utilizes many different therapeutic models depending on the unique needs of the individual. Jess is trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, Emotion-Focused Couples Counselling, and Gottman Couples.
Jess’s Common Areas of Practice:
Trauma + BPD
Anxiety + Depression
Faith-Based Counselling
Burnout
Couples Therapy
Neurodiverse (ADHD and ASD)
“I enjoy passionately pursuing all things in balance,
of course…with a little help from coffee.”
Alyssa McManus, RP(Q)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
Alyssa comes to us with experience in the professional health sector and is dedicated to enhancing her therapy skills at any opportunity. Alyssa is passionate about providing accessible mental health care and offers evening and weekend appointments.
Alyssa has training in the most recent evidence-based therapies, including: CBT, DBT, person-centred, and Solution-Focused.
Alyssa’s Common Areas of Practice:
Anxiety + Depression
Self-Harm + Emotion Regulation
Children + Tweens + Teens
Couples
Stress + Anger Management
Neurodiverse (ADHD)
“I enjoy having light-hearted conversation, going to concerts, and my pets!”
Timna Balik, RP(Q)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
Timna is currently in the last stages of completing her Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and has previously completed a BA from St. Paul University. She is passionate about coming alongside individuals and families to support their growth. With a background in ministry leadership, children’s curriculum development, and preschool teaching, Timna is eager to use her creativity to help people meet their goals.
Timna has studied many modalities including CBT, Gestalt, Person-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Timna also offers faith-based therapy upon request.
Timna’s Common Areas of Practice:
Children + Families
Tweens + Teens
Anxiety + Depression
Stress + Anger Management
Burnout
Faith-Based Counselling
“In my downtime, you can find me hiking, skiing, or on any other outdoor adventure with my family.”
Tim Branscombe, RP(Q)
MASTERS INTERN
Tim brings over a decade of pastoral care and leadership experience to his work as a student practitioner. With a heart for walking alongside people through seasons of challenge and change, Tim offers a grounded, compassionate presence in the therapy space. His background includes youth mentorship, spiritual care, and project management—skills that inform his thoughtful and steady approach to counselling.
He is currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is passionate about supporting clients through growth, healing, and personal insight.
Tim’s Common Areas of Practice:
Anxiety + Depression
Burnout + Over-functioning
Life Transitions + Grief
Tweens + Teens
Anxiety + Depression
Faith-based Counselling
“I enjoy time outdoors, hands-on projects, and meaningful conversations.”
Amy Walker, RP(Q)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
Amy comes to Life + Hope with over 15 years of experience in the social services and education sector, and is a practicing Psychometrist.
Amy's modalities: CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness, Play-Based and Expressive Art therapies.
Amy’s Common Areas of Practice:
Neurodivergent Individuals
Anxiety
Depression
BPD
Employment & school related issues
Social skills & relationships
Taylor Brown, RP(Q)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
Taylor completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology in December of 2024. She has a background in working with children, youth, and families across various settings that includes sports teaching, before and after school programs, in-school program development, and mental health. These experiences have guided her journey as a psychotherapist, and she believes in creating a shared space that prioritizes safety and support while using treatment approaches that meet the individual’s goals.
Taylor is trained in evidence-based practices including, CBT, TF-CBT, Brainspotting, and Narrative Therapy. She has also studied elements of DBT.
Taylor’s Common Areas of Practice:
Teens & Tweens
Children & Families
Anxiety & Depression
Self harm & Emotion Regulation
Stress & Anger Management
Trauma
“I love reading, spending time with people, and a good cup of iced coffee.”
Ready to Book?
We get it. Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. But who knows what kind of healing and transformation is available to you on the other side of your ask? Your situation isn’t hopeless. You are not alone. We’re here to help.
