MEET OUR Team
Tanissa Martindale
Registered Art Therapist & Owner
My dream was to create an environment that would be a safe place for individuals to embark on a journey of creative self discovery. I am not the expert here; my role is to support and inspire you to get clarity on your own truth, by encouraging self expression verbally, emotionally, creatively, abstractly and compassionately, in order to be able to use that information in empowering ways.
In addition to one-on-one art therapy I am also available for arts based supervision, consulting, and community/workplace programming. Please contact me for more information about workshops to suite your needs.
Availability: Limited weekday daytime availability
info@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Lara Coppola
Child/Adolescent Therapist - Registered Social Worker
Over the past 10 years, I have worked in various settings in Manitoba and Ontario-the child welfare system, school settings and community health where I provided support to children, teens and their families. I am here to provide a safe space, non-judgmental and calm approach to support teens in their journeys towards healing.
Through a trauma informed and attachment based lens, I help individuals explore their life difficulties and rebuild themselves. I utilize a strength based approach and support individuals to explore the relationships they have with their various environments in their lives and how it is impacting their overall well-being. Using play, art, laughter, games, and talk, I support youth and teens to discover new ways to cope, understand and feel more empowered in their lives.
Availability: Wednesday 5:30-9pm
lara@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Lynnea Thorkelson
Counsellor/Therapist - Registered Art Therapist
My therapeutic offerings are rooted in the belief that every individual intuitively initiates a process of self-exploration and self-expression from birth. Sometimes this wisdom gets thwarted or stuck due to familial, social, situational and/or societal conditions and experiences.
Humans are filled with experiences, stories and potentials that are looking to be processed and expressed. Creativity and creative tools can provide a path to improved quality of life by allowing us to be in our senses, in the moment and by providing a valuable container for our inner emotions and realities.
My intention in each session is to hold a brave, compassionate, mindful space that allows individuals to use the tools of creativity, metaphor, and/or the body. Sessions may include: non-directive and/or directive invitations into art making and/or play, and/or talk therapy, grounding, mindfulness, guided visualization, movement and/or body sensation exploration.
Availability: not currently accepting new clients
lynnea@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Arielle Sayuno
Counsellor/Therapist - Canadian Certified Counsellor
I have a passion for therapy and working with young people. I strive to create an inclusive and affirming space to support individuals on their journey of healing and growth where they can feel safe, heard, and appreciated as their authentic selves. My goal is to empower others to make choices that align with them as they discover who they are and can become.
I believe in providing personalized support grounded in collaboration by meeting you wherever you are in your journey, with your voice at the centre of our work. I utilize a strengths-based integrative approach tailored to your unique needs, drawing from various humanistic and cognitive modalities that complement and build upon your strengths and resources.
Availability: Tuesdays/Thursdays 4-9pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm
arielle@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Kendra Fast
Counsellor/Therapist - Canadian Certified Counsellor
I am passionate about providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapy space for children and teens to explore life’s challenges, process heavy emotions, and heal. I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and tailor therapy to each client I work with utilizing an integrative approach, pulling from the therapeutic approaches of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic/attachment, and solution-focused therapies.
It is my goal for my clients to leave every session feeling supported, understood, and with insight into their life experiences and concerns. I look forward to meeting you.
Availability: Mondays 1-7pm and Fridays 1-5pm
kendra@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Dana Sigurdson
Counsellor/Therapist - Canadian Certified Counsellor (Qualifying)
I use a multi-modal treatment approach that is person-centered, and I have experience and training using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Psychodynamic Theory. I have extensive experience working with children, youth and families, and I strive to empower others to solve their problems and live their best lives.
I have over fifteen years working as a counsellor in the school system and experience working with youth and adults to manage mood disorders including anxiety and depression, trauma, addictions and mental health concerns. I am an empathetic, accepting and compassionate therapist who will work with you to explore identity, develop healthy relationships, and positive mental health. My practice is body-positive and inclusive in supporting the continuum of identity and sexual orientation and awareness of intersectionality and BIPOC concerns. I will work with you in a relationship of safety, trust, acceptance and genuine positive regard to help you find solutions to life’s challenges.
Availability: Tuesdays 12:30-5pm
dana@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
David Sanwo
Adolescent & Youth Counsellor - Certified Canadian Counsellor (student)
I am highly energetic and love building strong relationships with teens. From my background in trauma and crisis counselling, I have found that the level of positive client change is only as strong as the therapeutic relationship. Hence, I approach my sessions from a humanistic, strengths based, and trauma-informed perspective. This means I acknowledge you as the expert of your own life experience, and aim to be a guide on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and navigating life's challenges.
I have supported people with anxiety, depression, PTSD/ trauma, anger, suicide/ self harming behaviours, and relationship difficulties, using an integrative approach of different therapeutic modalities and interventions such as Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness-Based CBT.
Availability: Saturdays 10am-3pm
david@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Cassandra Valmestad
Adolescent Therapist - Certified Canadian Counsellor (student)
I am a big believer that healing the heart is the place to start.
My therapy style can vary depending on the clients needs, however I mainly work with teens and young adults from a foundation of Emotion Focused therapy, Person centered, Harm reduction and a Trauma-informed practice. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential when finding the right fit for therapy.
Connection, empathy and an open mind is important to me. I believe that healing comes in many forms. I offer nothing but a supportive, secure and a nonjudgmental environment. You are the expert of your journey, my role is to walk along side you.
Availability: Mondays 2-5pm (Virtual only)
cassandra@bravecanvasarttherapy.com
Victor Maldonado
Child Therapist - Speech Language Specialist
I am a passionate therapist with a background as a Speech Language Pathologist in Chile. I have training in Literacy, Writing and Orality in school-age children, and Communication Disorders.
My journey in the world of therapy has led me to embrace the power of creativity as a therapeutic tool. I have a deep understanding of communication and cognitive processes, and a profound love for using play, art, games, and meaningful conversations to facilitate healing and personal growth.
My mission as a therapist is to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and enhance their communication skills. Through the medium of art, we can transcend language barriers.
Availability: Saturdays 9am-2pm
victor@bravecanvasarttherapy.com