Hi. I’m Monica.

I’ve been working alongside parents, families, and children for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with families in many different settings including: schools, medical facilities, private practice, community organizations, and in the homes of individual families. Each experience has deepened my appreciation for the unique stories, strengths, and challenges that every family brings.

My academic journey began in 2000, when I earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Alberta. After several years of gaining valuable real-world experience, I returned to university to complete a second undergraduate degree in Human Ecology, majoring in Family Studies, followed by a Master of Education in Psychological Studies in Education, all from the University of Alberta.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about myself, both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I truly love working with children, parents, and families. One of my earliest hands-on experiences was owning and operating a preschool in the Mill Creek area. It was there that I first saw, in a very real and meaningful way, how vital healthy early childhood development and strong attachment relationships are to a child’s overall wellbeing.

Since then, I’ve continued to deepen my learning through training with the Neufeld Institute, DIR® Floortime, Creative Arts Therapy, and Synergetic Play Therapy. Through this work, I’ve discovered that I especially love:

• Helping parents better understand child development and practical strategies that strengthen their connection with their children
• Being part of collaborative school teams that support children in reaching their true academic and personal potential

I also really enjoy working within a small clinic setting. I find that it keeps the experience personal and relational, allowing me to thoughtfully tailor my work to each unique family. This approach helps create an environment that feels welcoming, safe, and supportive for both children and parents.