WHO WE ARE
Our Team
We would like to thank Donna Hughes for her many years of leadership and for sharing her wealth of experience and knowledge with us. We wish her the very best in her retirement.
Jessica Heil, MSC
Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor (Registered Psychologist)
Jessica's Bio
Please note that I am not taking on any new clients.
Since joining Inner Solutions™ in 2011, I have found the treatment model that fits my style and values as a clinician. My initial orientation was Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, when I discovered how valuable Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is in addressing a broad range of problems, I became certified in DBT through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC). One of my highest values is to ensure we deliver “high-fidelity DBT.” The science and research behind DBT show that the best outcomes occur when treatments are delivered adherently.
I have a particular passion for treating trauma and PTSD. I am forever in awe of the resilience of humans and their ability to heal from adversity. I use Prolonged Exposure, EMDR, and CBT interventions to treat trauma-related symptoms.
I enjoy working with the families of adolescent and young adult clients. I know that the support of family members can make all the difference when it comes to the ability to recover from mental illness.
I supervise all the clinical work delivered by our team, including providing supervision to our provisional psychologists.
Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my husband, daughters, and our bulldog Mack. I am an avid camper, so I always watch the weekend weather forecast for spring so we know when to head into the mountains (preferably near a lake).
Alicia Lewis
Office Administrator
Alicia's Bio
As the Office Admin for Inner Solutions, I am happy to often be the first person to greet you when you come into our office space.
I joined the Inner Solutions team to provide administrative support for the functioning and development of our programs. To this role, I bring an expertise in administration and a passion for helping others. It is my hope that the combination of my passion and skills will provide clients and therapists with a sense of ease.
In my spare time I enjoy going for long walks with my dog, strength training at the gym, watching movies, and playing video games.
Travis Hauck, MSW, RSW
Associate Director – DBT Services and Clinician (Registered Social Worker)
Travis's Bio
I am the Associate Director – DBT Services at the clinic. DBT and mindfulness interventions have been a passion of mine for years. I strongly believe in the life that can be created when using these methods to make lasting change. I am dedicated to being an advocate in the mental health community and the lives of those who grapple with complicated problems and chronic illness.
My background is in clinical social work. I have been working and volunteering in mental health intervention and treatment in varying capacities since 2006. I have worked with clients of all ages and coming from all walks of life throughout this time, including working with oppressed individuals, homeless populations, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, folks with personality disorders, and other mood disorders. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Prolonged Exposure, and I am certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
My area of interest is working with complex mental health concerns in adolescents, families, emerging adults, and mature adults to help them navigate the challenges they face to create a life worth living.
In my spare time, I love being connected in nature, nurturing positive relationships, staying active, and living mindfully.
Cristofer Chan, MC
Associate Director – Operations and Clinician (Registered Psychologist)
Cristofer's Bio
Cheska Vanderburg, MC
Clinician (Registered Psychologist)
Cheska's Bio
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Masters of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle in Canada.
As a therapist, I believe in working collaboratively with my clients while providing a safe, non-judgemental environment. I come in to sessions with a trauma informed and multicultural perspective and believe in meeting each client where they currently are.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ego States Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and integrate mindfulness based strategies into my practice.
I am passionate about working with clients who have experienced various adverse events in their lives and are looking to heal from them. Together, we will learn and implement skills that you can draw on when challenged with adversity in the future.
On the weekends, you will usually find me exploring in and around the Rocky Mountains and spending time with my family and friends.
I am fluent in Tagalog and can provide bilingual services if needed.
Adriana Fernandez, M.EdCP
Clinician (Registered Provisional Psychologist)
Adriana's Bio
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist, with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Lethbridge.
I believe in people’s ability to live their life in a way that feels meaningful and fulfilling, despite the inevitable struggles that are part of life.
I offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and approaches specific for treating Traumas including Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I use an integrative approach to therapy, also drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based treatments, and Motivational Interviewing. However, most of my experience has been providing comprehensive DBT to older adolescents, and younger to older adults of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds and walks of life.
I believe the best outcomes result from a strong therapeutic relationship. I focus on building a safe, empathetic, warm, supportive, judgement-free space, that allows clients to be authentic and ready for growth.
Outside of work I enjoy mindful time in nature, physical activity, quality time with loved ones, and listening to mental health and personal growth podcasts.
También ofrezco psicoterapia en español.
Donna Brunsdale, MC
Clinician (Registered Provisional Psychologist)
Donna's Bio
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle in Canada. I also have an M.F.A. from York University and have arrived at psychology after a previous career in art, film, and post-secondary education.
I approach each person as a unique individual who can live with greater fulfillment through strategies which can be learned and followed for a lifetime. I also believe in the importance and power of a therapeutic relationship which is supportive but also challenging. I work from a framework of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), as well as Acceptance and Commitment Theory (ACT).
Outside of work I enjoy recreation in the mountains, racquet sports, and movies.
Sharon Ng, MACP
Clinician (Registered Provisional Psychologist)
Sharon's Bio
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
For over 15 years, I have worked at various capacities within the field of mental health, including with individuals challenged with developmental disabilities, psychiatric illness, addictions issues, various mental health conditions, and trauma histories. I deeply understand that people come to therapy with issues that can seem overwhelming at first. However, I am confident that with the appropriate treatment course and therapist fit, people can significantly improve their quality of life, even when faced with the darkest life situations that are sometimes inevitable.
Witnessing the strength people demonstrate through hardship has been a privilege in helping me learn to respond with effective therapy modalities, like Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Being a part of a team of experts at Inner Solutions with a strong commitment to providing high quality DBT treatment is what reinforces my passion to continue my effort to help individuals even more effectively. Further, I have a special interest in working with individuals who have been impacted by life challenges that can be traumatic, especially in forms of childhood and complex/interpersonal trauma.
I primarily use Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and am also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Existential Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
On my time off, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, going to the lakes and mountains, and having my ’try’ at martial arts—or just watching it!
I am also fluent in Cantonese and can provide some bilingual services if needed.
Abby Onwuka, MACP
Clinician (Registered Provisional Psychologist)
Abby's Bio
Change can be both challenging and transformative I understand that each person’s journey is unique, and I am committed to walking alongside you as you navigate yours.
With years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families facing a wide range of mental health challenges, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of relationships in fostering well-being. I am passionate about building genuine, collaborative connections with my clients, grounded in trust and authenticity.
I am trained in a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. My goal is to offer a non-judgmental, compassionate space where we can work together to develop meaningful solutions and lasting change.
When I’m not in the office, you can usually find me with a book in hand, cooking meals for my loved ones, or enjoying music through singing. I believe in the importance of balance and connection, both personally and professionally.
I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey.
Jana Spindler, RD
Dietetics (Registered Dietitian)
Jana's Bio
I am a Registered Dietitian, RD, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor, CCC at Inner Solutions™.
As a dietitian, and now counsellor, I have seen how confusing food can be for many people as it can induce big anxiety and uncertainty. I am passionate about helping my clients simplify their approach to food and working with them individualize their nutrition.
I have a particular interest in working in the areas of mental health and disordered eating/ eating disorders and emotional eating. I have additional training in advanced sport nutrition as well.
After years of working as a nutritionist, I went back to school to get my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology because I saw just how complex the relationship with food and the body can be. Mental health and physical health are so closely intertwined that I believe we must work on each in support of the other. This additional education allows me to better support my clients as they rebuild their relationship with food and their body while also using food in a way to support mood and overall quality of life.
I was a highly competitive athlete for many years, and this is where I discovered my love for food and nutrition. Since moving to Calgary in 2014, I have shifted gears a little bit and spend as much time as I can exploring the mountains, hiking and adventuring.
Ashley Marsh, MA
Assessments (Registered Psychologist)
Ashley's Bio
As a Registered Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology, I have worked in various settings, including public health care, neurodevelopmental clinics, research, and private psychological practice. I am particularly passionate about the benefits of psychological assessment. My goal is to provide a helpful explanation for a client’s experience and to determine the best way to provide support.
My role at Inner Solutions™ is to administer psychological assessments with our adult clients. These include decision-making capacity as well as comprehensive psychological, personality, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychological assessments. I am always learning from the clients I work with, and I am forever grateful for the insights and life experiences shared with me during the assessment process.
*Ashley does not do Individual Therapy.
Thomas Stark, MD MSc FRCPC
Consulting Psychiatrist
(Available only to clients in the DBT Program)
**Not accepting outside referrals
Thomas' Bio
Dr. Thomas Stark is graduate of the University of Calgary, currently practicing as an adult psychiatrist. Throughout his career, Dr. Stark has worked with a wide variety of clients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Areas of interest and specialty include working with individuals with personality disorders, addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychosis, adult ADHD and anxiety. Dr. Stark also has a special interest in borderline personality disorder, having successfully completed the foundational training for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Furthermore, Dr. Stark also has additional training in various mindfulness interventions, addiction based therapies, interventions used to improve sleep, and therapies to address trauma.
Please Note: Inner Solutions cannot receive outside referrals for Dr. Stark.