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Kathryn Priest-Peries

Kathryn Priest-Peries is an Indigenous woman of Anishinaabe and French Canadian descent. She’s also the proud mother of two young adult children, one of whom is a college student.

Kathryn has decades of experience working with Indigenous clients both on and off-reserve and has been a therapist for over 30 years. Her specializations include working with neurodivergence and assessing and treating PTSD, complex grief and loss. Kathryn is also a registered clinical counsellor and registered social worker in BC. She’s also working on her PhD in cognitive neuro-psychology.

Tel: 250-923-9708
Email: Kathryn.Priest-Peries@nic.bc.ca

Amy Rowes

Hi, my name is Amy. I was raised in Alberta and came to Vancouver Island in 1997 to attend university in Victoria.

I have both an education degree and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I completed a one-year Compassionate Inquiry (trauma theory) training program with Dr. Gabor Mate, which heavily informs my therapeutic practice. I work from a “brain-body” perspective, helping students understand how their nervous system shapes the way they experience their lives. I’m certified as a clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

I have an interest in many things: neurodivergence, identity development, 2SLGBTQ+, anxiety, emotional regulation, relationships, communication and trauma. I believe each person has the capacity to heal themselves and that change is possible with awareness and connection to our authentic selves. When I’m not working, you would probably find me at the gym, running in the forest or reading young adult fiction. I look forward to meeting you.

Tel: 250-334-5000 Ext. 4277
Email: amy.rowes@nic.bc.ca

Catherine O’Toole

Hello, my name is Catherine. I am a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and I have been supporting students at NIC since 2019. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and I am also a NIC alumna. I started my education journey at NIC, completing an Associate of Arts degree at the Comox Valley campus in 2012. I value a person-centered, collaborative and solution-focused approach to counselling, as well as a strong emphasis on self-care and compassion. I believe in supporting students to recognize and grow their strengths, as well as tailoring counselling to each student’s individual needs and goals. Your journey at NIC will challenge you, but you are not alone. I am here to support you in finding and paving your path forward.

Tel: 250-923-9700
Email: catherine.o'toole@nic.bc.ca

Janet Beggs

Hi, I’m Janet. I was born in England, moved as a child to Australia, and made Courtenay home in 2006. I like to explore—in the mountains, within myself, and in connecting with people. This exploration led me to study a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (SFU). I am a certified clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

My aim is to assist students to acknowledge whatever is happening, investigate feelings and thinking and what the body knows, recognize capabilities, and gently find ways forward. If you are unhappy or struggling with something, are facing a tough decision or a life transition, want to understand yourself better, or to simply talk through what’s going on in your life, please consider making a time to meet.

My other main passions are music and animals.

Tel: 250-334-5000 Ext. 4048
Email: janet.beggs@nic.bc.ca

Vickie Ackerman

My name is Vickie Ackerman (she/her), and I am deeply rooted on Vancouver Island, where I've been living and learning my whole life. I hold a strong belief that each of us carries within us the wisdom and answers to our own concerns and challenges. It's an honour for me to create a safe and supportive space where individuals can reconnect with their values, motivations, and aspirations.

With a trauma-informed, strength-based, and person-centered approach, I draw upon the innate wisdom of the body as a valuable resource in the therapeutic journey. Guided by principles of experiential awareness, mindfulness, movement, and breathwork, I facilitate a journey of self-discovery and wellbeing. I hold a BA in Child and Youth Work and am currently in the process of completing my MA in Counselling Psychology practicum at NIC.

My work is deeply meaningful to me, and I find renewal and inspiration through connections with family, friends, nature, and mindful practices. You might find me walking my chocolate lab, Doug, along our local trails and beaches.

Tel: 250-334-5000 ext. 4022
Email: vickie.ackerman@nic.bc.ca

Samantha Banton-Smith

Hi, I am Sam. I have a Master of Arts in Counselling, as well as certification in Coaching and Harmony Integration practices. I am a certified clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have worked at NIC since 2005 as a counsellor, academic success coach and an instructor in the Human Services department.

I enjoy supporting students towards their academic and life goals through a collaborative and strength-based approach. Together we break down obstacles and explore solutions to support your journey at NIC.

Tel: 250-724-8734
Email: samantha.banton-smith@nic.bc.ca

Jennifer Barth

Twenty years ago I moved to Vancouver Island from the Fraser Valley with my husband and young children, I grew up in a blended household with indigenous and white settler family members, I carry with me a profound sense of duty towards truth and reconciliation. This commitment informs my personal and professional endeavors as I navigate the complexities of cultural identity and healing. Currently, I'm pursuing my Masters of Counselling at City University's Victoria campus. As a practicum student at North Island College, I'm dedicated to providing support to individuals grappling with various life challenges such navigating grief and loss, regulating emotions, anxiety, living with chronic illness, as well as religious trauma and religious deconstruction. Upon completion of my MA, I will specialize in trauma therapy, particularly through the lenses of compassionate inquiry and somatic experiencing. Central to my approach is the belief that living with congruence and authenticity is key to unlocking our fullest potential. I'm deeply passionate about guiding individuals on their journey of self-discovery, helping them embrace their true selves and find balance and fulfillment in life. Outside of my professional pursuits, you can find me powerlifting, running, tending to my garden, walking the dogs, or curled up with a book.

Email: jennifer.barth@nic.bc.ca

Sierra Gale

Hi! My name is Sierra. I grew up on the prairies before eventually making my way to BC in 2009. Since coming to this beautiful coast I have had the privilege of pursuing a diverse array of experiences through annual travel, a stint in the film and television world, and several seasons working as a wildfire fighter in the summers and a high school teacher in the winters. I feel a deep respect and gratitude for the many lands I have been able to live, work and explore within, and toward those who have cared for these places and continue to do so each day.

I am currently completing my counselling practicum at NIC as the final stage of my Master of Counselling degree. You may also recognize me through my work with NIC’s Student Life team supporting our Trades students via NIC’s Healthy Trades initiative. My main goal in both of these roles is to promote the mental health and holistic wellness of our community. As a counsellor, I am here to create a safe, non-judgmental space for students to explore elements of themselves and their lives in a way that fosters growth, self-awareness, and internal balance amidst the fast-paced nature of school, work, and the world.

These days, when not with students in one of our campus Trades buildings or a counselling office, you’ll likely find me out for a jog or mountain bike ride in the Cumberland Community forest, playing music, baking a fresh loaf of sourdough bread, or camping with my partner.

Email: sierra.gale@nic.bc.ca