Executive Director
Jane Taylor Lee, MA, CCC
Jane has worked with civilian and military individuals and families for over 22 years, assisting them with challenges ranging from separation and divorce, communication, intimacy, parenting, anger management and domestic violence, to coping with and managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Jane has researched, designed and facilitated couples workshops addressing anger management and violence prevention, parenting, intimacy, depression, grief, and loss. As a child specialist for 25+ years and an experienced divorce coach, she understands the complexities of relationships and the stressors that can end them. It is through this unique combination of experience and dedication that Jane helps individuals, couples and their families to manage traumatic and stressful events and create opportunities for transformative healing. Jane coordinated Caught in the Middle at the agency from 2001 until 2003 and then served on our Board of Directors for six years. She has facilitated parent groups and has been on the team of co-facilitators for the Parenting After Separation workshops since 2002. Jane earned a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, Illinois, and provides clinical supervision to Master’s students and mental health professionals. Jane celebrates ethnic, cultural, and spiritual diversity in her work. As well, Jane has over 15 years experience working with EAP providers and strongly believes these services are of paramount importance to individuals and families navigating the emotions and challenges of complex family and work dynamics. In May 2018 Jane took over the position of Executive Director. Jane is looking forward to expanding existing programs and services and support to our clients and the broader community.
Jane has worked with civilian and military individuals and families for over 22 years, assisting them with challenges ranging from separation and divorce, communication, intimacy, parenting, anger management and domestic violence, to coping with and managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Jane has researched, designed and facilitated couples workshops addressing anger management and violence prevention, parenting, intimacy, depression, grief, and loss. As a child specialist for 25+ years and an experienced divorce coach, she understands the complexities of relationships and the stressors that can end them. It is through this unique combination of experience and dedication that Jane helps individuals, couples and their families to manage traumatic and stressful events and create opportunities for transformative healing. Jane coordinated Caught in the Middle at the agency from 2001 until 2003 and then served on our Board of Directors for six years. She has facilitated parent groups and has been on the team of co-facilitators for the Parenting After Separation workshops since 2002. Jane earned a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, Illinois, and provides clinical supervision to Master’s students and mental health professionals. Jane celebrates ethnic, cultural, and spiritual diversity in her work. As well, Jane has over 15 years experience working with EAP providers and strongly believes these services are of paramount importance to individuals and families navigating the emotions and challenges of complex family and work dynamics. In May 2018 Jane took over the position of Executive Director. Jane is looking forward to expanding existing programs and services and support to our clients and the broader community.
First Response Services
Raji Goel, Dip Office Admin
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Sandra Teiffel, BA, Dip ED
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Separation Resource Services
Pam Rudy, BEd
Coordinator, Separation Resource Services & Mediator
Pam has 33 years of experience in assisting family members affected by separation and divorce. She has worked with families throughout our agency’s history from when we began as Divorce Lifeline, to Separation and Divorce Resource Centre, to BC Families in Transition, to our current name as Family Services of Greater Victoria (FSGV). Throughout her employment at FSGV, Pam has attended professional development courses to update her knowledge of family law and to stay current of dispute resolution options available to assist families in settling family law issues. While providing legal support services, Pam has had numerous opportunities to observe and become familiar with proceedings in both Provincial and Supreme Court.
Pam’s educational background includes a B.Ed from University of Victoria and a Certificate in Volunteer Management from Camosun College. In February 2019, she graduated from the Justice Institute of BC with a Certificate in Family Mediation.
Coordinator, Separation Resource Services & Mediator
Pam has 33 years of experience in assisting family members affected by separation and divorce. She has worked with families throughout our agency’s history from when we began as Divorce Lifeline, to Separation and Divorce Resource Centre, to BC Families in Transition, to our current name as Family Services of Greater Victoria (FSGV). Throughout her employment at FSGV, Pam has attended professional development courses to update her knowledge of family law and to stay current of dispute resolution options available to assist families in settling family law issues. While providing legal support services, Pam has had numerous opportunities to observe and become familiar with proceedings in both Provincial and Supreme Court.
Pam’s educational background includes a B.Ed from University of Victoria and a Certificate in Volunteer Management from Camosun College. In February 2019, she graduated from the Justice Institute of BC with a Certificate in Family Mediation.
Counsellors & Facilitators
Alexa Verstraten, MA(in progress)
Alexa is a first-year Master's in Counselling student at the University of Victoria. She is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment for her clients. Prior to joining us, Alexa worked with children and youth for 5 years in the social sector, and taught at a local alternative school. Her approach to counselling is strength-based and child-centered. She believes that through engaging in play and creative activities, children can be supported to express and process their emotional experiences. She is very excited to be a part of the team.
Alexa is a first-year Master's in Counselling student at the University of Victoria. She is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment for her clients. Prior to joining us, Alexa worked with children and youth for 5 years in the social sector, and taught at a local alternative school. Her approach to counselling is strength-based and child-centered. She believes that through engaging in play and creative activities, children can be supported to express and process their emotional experiences. She is very excited to be a part of the team.
Ava Razavi, MA, RCC
Ava joined us as an intern in 2010, working with children and families as well as facilitating the Caught in the Middle program while completing her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria. The multicultural approach to counselling was the focus of her Master of Arts thesis where she examined the relationship between ethnomusicology and modern-day counselling. She also completed a practicum at Bridges for Women Society where she worked on empowering women who have been impacted by trauma and abuse. Upon completion of her degree, Ava joined Family Services of Greater Victoria as a member of the staff. She is passionate about upgrading her counselling skills with the most up-to-date tools and techniques and is currently concentrating on expressive art and play techniques when working with children.
Ava joined us as an intern in 2010, working with children and families as well as facilitating the Caught in the Middle program while completing her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria. The multicultural approach to counselling was the focus of her Master of Arts thesis where she examined the relationship between ethnomusicology and modern-day counselling. She also completed a practicum at Bridges for Women Society where she worked on empowering women who have been impacted by trauma and abuse. Upon completion of her degree, Ava joined Family Services of Greater Victoria as a member of the staff. She is passionate about upgrading her counselling skills with the most up-to-date tools and techniques and is currently concentrating on expressive art and play techniques when working with children.
Daisy Song, MA (in progress)
Daisy has been working as a registered clinical hypnotherapist since 2014. She works with people on a variety of issues including phobias, anxieties, sleep issues, eating disorders and grief and loss etc. through hypnotherapy. Daisy is currently taking her Master degree program of counseling psychology and working as an intern counselor at both Family Services of Greater Victoria and Victoria Immigration and Refugee Centre.
Daisy has been working as a registered clinical hypnotherapist since 2014. She works with people on a variety of issues including phobias, anxieties, sleep issues, eating disorders and grief and loss etc. through hypnotherapy. Daisy is currently taking her Master degree program of counseling psychology and working as an intern counselor at both Family Services of Greater Victoria and Victoria Immigration and Refugee Centre.
Hannah Peterson, BA, PGCEi, GrDip in Youth Work (in progress)
Hannah has worked with children, youth and adults as a teacher for almost ten years in different places around the world. She is currently a graduate student completing a diploma program in Youth Work from Concordia University. Hannah is committed to working in partnership with individuals and families, and establishing an environment of respect, transparency and mutual understanding. She is eager to help clients examine their feelings, explore different reasons for their thinking patterns and behaviours, and find meaning in their pain. Hannah adopts a strengths-based and holistic perspective when assisting clients to develop transformative goals and strategies to achieve them. She believes that people have an innate capacity to navigate difficult situations and overcome challenges, and she is passionate about supporting and empowering others to take important steps towards enhancing their physical, psychological and spiritual health.
Hannah has worked with children, youth and adults as a teacher for almost ten years in different places around the world. She is currently a graduate student completing a diploma program in Youth Work from Concordia University. Hannah is committed to working in partnership with individuals and families, and establishing an environment of respect, transparency and mutual understanding. She is eager to help clients examine their feelings, explore different reasons for their thinking patterns and behaviours, and find meaning in their pain. Hannah adopts a strengths-based and holistic perspective when assisting clients to develop transformative goals and strategies to achieve them. She believes that people have an innate capacity to navigate difficult situations and overcome challenges, and she is passionate about supporting and empowering others to take important steps towards enhancing their physical, psychological and spiritual health.
Ian Mackintosh, MA, CCC, RCC(in progress)
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
John Ricker, MA, RCC
John joined Family Services of Greater Victoria as an intern in September 2007, initially working with adults and couples, later working with children and youth, as well as providing program coordination. He completed his Master's degree in Counselling at Bastyr University in Seattle, focusing on systemic approaches to family therapy. Concurrently, he fulfilled a practicum at Citizen's Counselling Centre in Victoria, and pursued further studies in somatic experiencing and integrated body psychotherapy. He has taught yoga and meditation for many years, and has also lived and worked in diverse parts of the world, including New Zealand, Peru, and both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
John joined Family Services of Greater Victoria as an intern in September 2007, initially working with adults and couples, later working with children and youth, as well as providing program coordination. He completed his Master's degree in Counselling at Bastyr University in Seattle, focusing on systemic approaches to family therapy. Concurrently, he fulfilled a practicum at Citizen's Counselling Centre in Victoria, and pursued further studies in somatic experiencing and integrated body psychotherapy. He has taught yoga and meditation for many years, and has also lived and worked in diverse parts of the world, including New Zealand, Peru, and both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Shelley Fischbach, BEd, SPED, MA CYC (in progress), RCC
Shelley is a certified Special Educator and is currently working on completing her Masters in Child and Youthcare at the University of Victoria with a clinical counselling focus. She has spent the past fifteen years working with teens and preteens in an educational setting supporting them through transitions both at home and school. She believes that each individual has distinct strengths and challenges and therefore take an eclectic approach by integrating solution-focused, person-centred approaches to her work with children and their families. She works to create a warm, non-judgmental and safe environment from where clients and their families can reach their goals and engage in meaningful and healthy relationships. She is here to support her clients to take steps to reach their success, whatever “success” means for each of them.
Shelley is a certified Special Educator and is currently working on completing her Masters in Child and Youthcare at the University of Victoria with a clinical counselling focus. She has spent the past fifteen years working with teens and preteens in an educational setting supporting them through transitions both at home and school. She believes that each individual has distinct strengths and challenges and therefore take an eclectic approach by integrating solution-focused, person-centred approaches to her work with children and their families. She works to create a warm, non-judgmental and safe environment from where clients and their families can reach their goals and engage in meaningful and healthy relationships. She is here to support her clients to take steps to reach their success, whatever “success” means for each of them.
Sydney Boothroyd, MA (in progress)
Sydney is a second-year Master’s in Counselling Psychology student at the University of Victoria. She is currently researching the effects of digital technology on youth mental health, exploring the relationship between screen-time and child and adolescent well-being. Prior to being with us, Sydney interned with Child and Youth Mental Health at the Ministry of Child and Family Development. Sydney has a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique obstacles youth face today. She is passionate about supporting young people through challenging times by providing a safe, trusting, and non-judgemental space to work through big emotions and difficult times. Sydney believes in the innate abilities of all children and youth for positive growth, and that with the proper support, they are able to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Sydney is a second-year Master’s in Counselling Psychology student at the University of Victoria. She is currently researching the effects of digital technology on youth mental health, exploring the relationship between screen-time and child and adolescent well-being. Prior to being with us, Sydney interned with Child and Youth Mental Health at the Ministry of Child and Family Development. Sydney has a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique obstacles youth face today. She is passionate about supporting young people through challenging times by providing a safe, trusting, and non-judgemental space to work through big emotions and difficult times. Sydney believes in the innate abilities of all children and youth for positive growth, and that with the proper support, they are able to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Vahini Govender, MC:AT, BA (Psych.), DVATI, RCC
Vahini is a registered clinical counsellor and art therapist (B.A. in Psychology and Masters of Counselling – Specialization in Art Therapy). She has worked in the social sector for over 15 years, providing helping services for various populations and agencies. Outside of her role as counsellor/art therapist/Caught in the Middle Coordinator with FSGV, Vahini works in her private practice, Bright Insight Therapy, and is a private contractor in the Greater Victoria area (specializing in groups). Vahini aligns with art, narrative, and existential therapy, and has a deep understanding of trauma and mental health. She believes that successful counselling includes a strong therapeutic alliance and authentic counsellor acceptance of multiple realities. Vahini is a published academic writer, and is skilled in developing therapeutic programming. Her arts-based research is used as a teaching tool at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.
Vahini is a registered clinical counsellor and art therapist (B.A. in Psychology and Masters of Counselling – Specialization in Art Therapy). She has worked in the social sector for over 15 years, providing helping services for various populations and agencies. Outside of her role as counsellor/art therapist/Caught in the Middle Coordinator with FSGV, Vahini works in her private practice, Bright Insight Therapy, and is a private contractor in the Greater Victoria area (specializing in groups). Vahini aligns with art, narrative, and existential therapy, and has a deep understanding of trauma and mental health. She believes that successful counselling includes a strong therapeutic alliance and authentic counsellor acceptance of multiple realities. Vahini is a published academic writer, and is skilled in developing therapeutic programming. Her arts-based research is used as a teaching tool at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.
Yuko Kawasumi, MA, RCC
Yuko initially joined Family Services of Greater Victoria as a first response volunteer in the summer of 2013. She started her practicum at FSGV in September 2015. She completed her Master's degree in Counselling at the Victoria campus of the City University of Seattle in 2016. Yuko has worked with adults, children, and youth as a counsellor. Currently, she is a facilitator for the Caught in a Middle program. Yuko also co-facilitates the Parenting After Separation course.
Yuko initially joined Family Services of Greater Victoria as a first response volunteer in the summer of 2013. She started her practicum at FSGV in September 2015. She completed her Master's degree in Counselling at the Victoria campus of the City University of Seattle in 2016. Yuko has worked with adults, children, and youth as a counsellor. Currently, she is a facilitator for the Caught in a Middle program. Yuko also co-facilitates the Parenting After Separation course.
Julia Dillon - On Leave
Bio Coming Soon
Bio Coming Soon
Facilitators
Lionel Zelniker, MA, MSW
Lionel graduated from McGill University in 1970 with a Master of Social Work degree, specializing in group-work practice. Since then he has served in a wide variety of family-service organizations, both in Canada and abroad. His major responsibilities have included individual and family therapy, group therapy, management, and supervision of professional social-work and child-care staff. In the last 16 years he has worked in private practice, specializing in group therapy and providing various types of counselling, as well as training professional staff at various agencies in group-work methods and supervising graduate-level practicum students. He has served as a contractor with Family Services of Greater Victoria for 11 years, facilitating Parenting After Separation, Evolutions, and Caught in the Middle, as well as training new facilitators. Lionel currently co-facilitates the Parenting After Separation program.
Lionel graduated from McGill University in 1970 with a Master of Social Work degree, specializing in group-work practice. Since then he has served in a wide variety of family-service organizations, both in Canada and abroad. His major responsibilities have included individual and family therapy, group therapy, management, and supervision of professional social-work and child-care staff. In the last 16 years he has worked in private practice, specializing in group therapy and providing various types of counselling, as well as training professional staff at various agencies in group-work methods and supervising graduate-level practicum students. He has served as a contractor with Family Services of Greater Victoria for 11 years, facilitating Parenting After Separation, Evolutions, and Caught in the Middle, as well as training new facilitators. Lionel currently co-facilitates the Parenting After Separation program.
Behind The Scenes
Melvin Klassen, BSc
Since 1990, Melvin has been volunteering his time to assist in upgrading our computer and systems and ensure they are in good working order.
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Tiemer & Co
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