TREEHOUSE
Child and Youth Counselling
Meet The Therapists
Zach is the owner and a counselling therapist at TCYC. He holds a master’s degree in Counselling and is a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the CCPA as well as a certified Therapeutic Play Practitioner through RMPTI. Zach believes that the most important tool of any mental health worker is the ability to develop and maintain authentic connections with clients founded on the values of empathy, safety and trust. For him, this alliance is most effectively established through the use of collaborative, trauma-informed therapy. With over 15 years of experience working with children and youth at summer camps and local non-profit organizations, Zach has developed a passion for supporting children, teens, and young adults as they navigate the often-tumultuous journeys of adolescence and emerging adulthood.
In his free time, Zach enjoys sports, music, fishing, yard work, and playing with his kids. He considers himself a donut connoisseur and is an avid fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sarah holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Certified Canadian Counsellor through CCPA. She considers it an honour to come alongside clients as they work towards growth and healing. Her goal is to provide a safe and accepting environment to process difficult experiences and relational distress. She sees counselling as a collaborative and sacred process. With empathy and compassion, she supports clients as they invest in self-discovery and emotional awareness.
As a counsellor, Sarah enjoys working with children/youth, adults, couples, and families. Her areas of interest include neurodiversity, trauma, family systems, and grief/loss. She operates from a client-centred and attachment lens, and draws on principles of Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) in her work with couples and families. She also utilizes play and art therapy techniques, allowing clients to express themselves when words aren’t enough. She is a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming counsellor and is mindful of how social factors impact mental health.
Outside of the office, Sarah can be seen with her spouse and children, gardening (as weather permits), thrifting, or at a local coffee shop.
Yulissa is an Ecuadorian-Canadian counsellor, theatre artist, and the founding artistic director of Ay, Caramba Theatre. She holds a BA in Psychology, a BFA in Drama, and a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. Yulissa has worked with children and youth for over 8 years, specifically with Newcomer and Indigenous communities as an educator and arts administrator. Yulissa’s counselling approaches are drama and play therapy-based; incorporating the cognitive behavioural model. She is excited to support children, youth, and families as a partner in their life journey.
MacKenzie is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work, dedicated to supporting children and youth through a compassionate, client-centered approach. She believes in creating a safe, trusting environment where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Building strong, genuine connections is at the heart of her practice. She desires to meet each individual where they are by utilizing their unique interests—whether that’s art, sports, games, or simply what brings them joy and hope. Her approach is strength-based, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that every young person has the ability to grow, heal, and thrive.
MacKenzie incorporates play-based therapy and mindfulness techniques into sessions to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience in a way that feels engaging and natural for children and youth. Her goal is to walk alongside them on their journey, empowering them with the tools and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges.
Abbigayle holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Regina and is a Registered Social Worker with the SASW. She also holds a BA in Sociology through the University of Saskatchewan and is a certified Therapeutic Play Practitioner through RMPTI.
Abbigayle values connection at the forefront of her practice by utilizing therapeutic play, mindfulness and creativity to promote resilience, explore emotions, foster coping skills and create a safe space for clients to be their most authentic and unique self. Her approach is guided by child-centered play therapy, strengths based, and trauma informed practices. Meeting children and families where they are at and providing support according to their needs and play/expressive style are her goals, and she strives to be flexible and adaptable all while having fun along the way.
In her free time, Abbigayle loves spending time with her little family including her pup, among other family and friends. She loves to read, be outside as much as possible, and enjoys being creative through arts based activities.
Elyse received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina and is a Registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. She has several years of experience in the area of child and youth mental health and is passionate in supporting young people explore, learn, and grow.
Connection, relationship building, and self-reflection are at the center of Elyse's approach. Her work is strengths-based and trauma-informed, creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients to feel valued. She understands that each person has unique needs and interests, and uses their goals to guide the sessions with care and compassion. Elyse uses creativity, art, and therapeutic play as a way to process emotions, learn new skills, and practice self-regulation, while also having fun doing it.
Elyse enjoys reading, arts and crafts, exploring new places in the city, and being outside (except in the winter). She loves to learn new things and is always on the lookout for new hobbies.
Daniel is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the CCPA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan and holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Daniel brings many years of experience supporting children, youth, and adults with disabilities in the community. His work in the disability sector has fostered a deep appreciation for client strengths, diverse communication styles, and the importance of accessible, person-centred care.
Daniel’s approach is grounded in a trauma-informed framework, within a humanistic-existential theoretical foundation. He tailors his work to people's lived experience, incorporating art and play-based therapy techniques and emphasizing meaning-making, emotional awareness, and authentic connection. Daniel enjoys working with children/youth, adults, couples, and families, aiming to foster a safe, collaborative environment where trust, empathy, and authentic relationships promote meaningful change.
Daniel has a lifelong love of animals—especially reptiles—and cares for various animal companions. He enjoys being in nature, spending time with his two young daughters, and gaming with his teenage brother.
The Counselling Office
Featuring a comfortable waiting room, dedicated play room, and engaging activities for clients of all ages, TCYC offers a unique counselling experience intentionally designed to reduce client-apprehension while promoting authentic feelings of safety, warmth, and fun.
