About Us
" Family Enrichment reaffirms its mission to enrich individuals, families, and communities through counselling, education, and advocacy. In particular, we turn our attention to the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq and Passamaquoddy peoples, the original caretakers of the unceded land on which we reside. We recognize our role in the work of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and commit ourselves to ongoing education, advocacy, and solidarity."
Family Enrichment and Counselling Service Inc is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director.
Office Manager - Paula Poirier
Paula has worked with Family Enrichment since September 2005.
Receptionist - Jennifer Paull Meet Jenn, a warm and friendly receptionist with over 15 years of experience in administrative and customer service roles. Jenn strives to make every person who walks through the door feel welcome and valued. Her upbeat attitude and attention to detail help her create a welcoming and efficient atmosphere, making her an integral part of Family Enrichment’s team. Jenn is always professional, courteous, and dedicated to providing the best possible service. To reach reception dial 506-458-8211 ext. 220 |
Executive Director and Counsellor - Sara Vikse-Brenton, MSc (Psych), CCC, LCT Sara started as a casual counsellor with Family Enrichment and Counselling Service in 2012 and joined the staff full time in 2017. She has facilitated the Changing Tides program for women who live or have lived in aggressive relationships. Since December 2022, she has been serving in the role of Executive Director. Sara believes in harnessing the strengths of everyone with whom she comes in contact to help each individual learn to live their best life. |
Counsellor - Tracy Houlding, L.Lb., M.Ed., CCC Tracy provides counselling to individuals and couples. She has completed advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples, as well as training in Gottman Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, working with survivors of sexual violence, the treatment of depression and anxiety, stress management and cognitive behavioural interventions for emotional eating. She particularly enjoys helping people work through major life transitions by helping them access their own strengths and resources. |
Clinical Psychologist - Tom McAvity, Lic. psychologist Tom is a psychologist who offers mental health counselling to people dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, hypertension, PTSD, and addictions. Before coming to Family Enrichment in 2005, Tom worked on the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Team with New Brunswick Community Mental Health and Addiction Services from 1989 to 2010. He has been practicing meditation and mindfulness since beginning with Transcendental Meditation in 1972, and has been practicing and teaching various forms of mindfulness and meditation based therapies since 1993. |
Counsellor - Alexander (Sandy) Gordon, MSW, RSW Sandy has worked part time at Family Enrichment since 2002. Before 2002, Sandy worked for 26 years with the provincial government in child welfare programs, primarily child protection. Sandy provides individual, couple, and family counselling. He specializes in men’s anger management and domestic violence issues. Sandy is committed to helping clients make sense of their lives and find positive solutions to situations of personal conflict and discouragement. Sandy facilitates the Changing Ways Program for men. |
Counsellor - Marilia Paulon, MSW, RSW Marilia is a Brazilian-born therapist who has a passion for helping individuals overcome the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health concerns. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in a relational model, which emphasizes building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. She has a special interest in youth-related issues and has worked extensively with young people and their families to promote mental health and wellbeing. Marilia offers services in both English and Portuguese. |
Counsellor - Shaunacey Murray, M.Ed., LCT-C, CCC Shaunacey takes a person-centered approach to counselling adolescents and adults with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, stress, anger, and relationship issues. Shaunacey practices with principles and techniques of both Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to support her clients. |
Counsellor - Julie MacCallum, MEd., LCT-C, Certified Hypnotherapist Julie works with clients 16+ to empower them on their unique paths to personal growth, emotional well-being, and lasting positive change. She utilizes the principals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution focused and Strength Base Therapies, and mindfulness techniques to help her clients create changes, heal, and grow. As a Certified Hypnotherapist, Julie can also help clients deal with anxiety, fears and phobias, sleep concerns, chronic pain, and smoking cessation. |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
More information about our board members will be available soon!
- Chris Gallop - President
- Ian Kitchen - Treasurer
- Kathleen MacPhee - Secretary
- Catherine McLatchie - Director
More information about our board members will be available soon!