Lisa has been working in the school system since 2008, as a Classroom Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, and most recently as a School Psychologist. She also has experience completing psycho-educational testing in both private settings and through Island Health. Lisa works from a strength-based lens and strives to help her clients and their families gain a deeper understanding of the client’s gifts and areas for growth, as well as help develop strategies to support clients in maximizing their potential both at school and in the broader community. Lisa is honoured to be a part of a client’s journey and aims to tailor her assessments to the unique, individual needs of each client, while ensuring a warm, safe, and welcoming environment. She is supervised in her practice by a North Star supervising Registered Psychologist.

Lisa has been working in the school system since 2008, as a Classroom Teacher, Learning Support T... Read More

Natalie completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary, followed by her Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Natalie has experience working as a School Psychologist completing psychoeducational assessments in the school system, as well as working in private practice providing both psychoeducational assessments and therapy. Natalie loves to see her clients gain an improved understanding of self, open up to more compassion for self, and develop strategies to maximize their potential. She believes the power of assessment is understood in these benefits. Natalie also truly appreciates that every person is unique, and focuses her assessment process on understanding each individual in order to best support their strengths, identify areas for growth, and highlight supportive shifts in the environment and systems that surround them.

Natalie completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary, followe... Read More

Ms. Jorden Dormer is a seasoned educator and clinician who is committed to the holistic understanding of exceptional children. With over five years of teaching experience in Canada, Thailand, and China, Jorden brings a wealth of practical knowledge, along with a big heart for supporting students.

Driven by her desire to see children succeed, Jorden obtained a Master of Education in Child Psychology, with a special focus in School Psychology, from the University of Calgary. She has previously worked as a School Psychologist in the British Columbia school system, providing children with the personalized assessments and support they need to thrive. More recently Jorden has enjoyed her private practice work conducting psychoeducational assessments and providing therapy.

Jorden considers it an honour to be part of each family’s assessment journey. She deeply values the opportunity to shed light on any challenges a child may face while also highlighting their strengths, and strives to offer supportive solutions that pave the way for success. Jorden’s friendly demeanor and calm presence create a warm and welcoming experience for her clients, making sure every child feels valued.

Outside of her professional commitments, Jorden is dedicated to giving back to her community through volunteering with animal rescue groups. She finds joy in outdoor pursuits, including hiking and snowboarding, cherishing moments with friends, and embracing the challenge of learning Spanish.

Jorden is supervised in her practice by a North Star supervising Registered Psychologist.

Ms. Jorden Dormer is a seasoned educator and clinician who is committed to the holistic understan... Read More

Rachel Godfrey, MEd, received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Calgary, her Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, and her Master’s degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Keeping the student at the centre of her practice, Rachel provides psychoeducational assessments that focus on an individual’s strengths and strategies to best support them. Taking information gathered from talking with parents and guardians, the student themselves, teachers, and data from assessments, Rachel’s goal is to provide an understanding of the whole student to help empower them in their future. Rachel has experience practicing both in the school system and in private clinical settings. She seeks always to join with parents and students to provide a comprehensive, holistic, and heart-centred assessment experience. With expertise across the developmental span, Rachel is adept at supporting students of all ages, and really learning the unique qualities of each individual. Rachel is supervised in her practice by one of the North Star’s Registered Psychologists.

Rachel Godfrey, MEd, received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Calgar... Read More

Keli Johnston has a long, credentialed history in the study of child development and personal growth. Having completed formal studies as a Registered Professional Counsellor, Keli is deeply committed to supporting parents in the understanding of themselves and their children, and to supporting older adolescents, young adults, and others in understanding themselves. Please note, Keli does not see children under the age of 16 but she’d be more than happy to provide parental support for those parents who are seeking counselling for children under the age of 16. She has been a career student of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Dr. Daniel Seigel, and Dr. Gabor Mate for years, and is also trained in Byron Katie’s inquiry process and Mark Wolynn’s Family Constellations work. Additionally, Keli has been a senior team member for Gila Golub, world-renowned counselor and personal growth specialist, since 2010. Keli’s focus is to have each of her parent clients connect with their own instinctual knowing that, even on their worst day, they are their best bet for their child – an inner knowing that there is something they can give their child that no one else can. Keli believes that when parents can understand their child developmentally, they are beautifully positioned to optimally support their child’s growth. She knows that when parents and caregivers are able to really see the child in front of them, and, can commit to growing themselves in order to grow the child, everyone thrives in living their best life.

Keli Johnston has a long, credentialed history in the study of child development and personal gro... Read More

Dr. Tim Johnston brings with him a wide range of experiences working with young people and their families across hospital, community mental health, early assessment/intervention, and school board settings.

Tim offers counseling/therapy services to children and adolescents experiencing a variety of social, emotional, and behavioural challenges, as well as works with parents to support improved outcomes for children. Tim’s approach to support is informed by current research and is tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences. He cherishes involvement of parents as well as other family/community members (where appropriate) in the process of working with children. Tim is known for his warm, accepting nature and approachable style that has children and parents alike feeling at ease, paving the way to sharing their feelings, concerns, and experiences.

Tim also provides psycho-educational/ psychological assessment services to young people with known or suspected intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and/or behavioural difficulties. His formal training as a secondary school teacher has equipped him with the skills to translate assessment findings into practical and effective recommendations for school-based interventions.

Dr. Tim Johnston brings with him a wide range of experiences working with young people and their ... Read More

Julie brings a decade of experience in supporting the needs of children and youth who have learning and behavioural challenges. She has worked in public school boards in both British Columbia and Alberta in various settings and programs that supported students with learning disabilities and behavioural challenges. Julie understands the challenges that families face when seeking supports for their children’s unique strengths and areas of need. She strives to provide valuable information that will empower families to seek the right path for their children, as well as aid teachers in encouraging their students to thrive. As a registered psychologist, Julie enjoys working directly with clients and supporting them to navigate difficult circumstances and find a path that works best for them.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys cooking, travelling, spending time with her young family, and volunteering in the community.

Julie brings a decade of experience in supporting the needs of children and youth who have learni... Read More

David has been studying and teaching about parenting for over 30 years as a Speech Language Pathologist and Autism Consultant and has been practicing with his own children for more than 20 years. Mr. Loyst noticed that the common behaviourist parenting techniques of consequences and time-outs (that he initially advocated!!) did not work for the children he worked with or for his family. Instead they seemed to cause an increase in anxiety and stress, and a breaking down of relationships, ultimately leading to a shutting down of their social/emotional development. These observations led Mr. Loyst to the study of developmental attachment parenting and the implications for educational environments.

Beyond his professional practice, Mr. Loyst noticed as a parent that he didn’t always implement what he intended. He would catch himself suddenly doing or saying something to his children that he knew was not right. He was inspired by his own challenges to learn about the workings of his mind and how to care for himself so that he could truly lead and care for his children. Over the past 5 years David has continued to do his own inner work. As part of this he is a senior team member of the Work of Gila Golub, where he has supported hundreds of Gila’s clients to transform their personal challenges and create peaceful, loving relationships with their partners and their children.

Mr Loyst is the Co-Director of The Wishing Star alongside Dr Vanessa Lapointe.

David has been studying and teaching about parenting for over 30 years as a Speech Language Patho... Read More

Sarina Moore, MEd, has a long history in the education field. Sarina began her career as a high school teacher. During her tenure as an educator, she became very interested in how to best support her students who presented as “exceptional learners.” This interest lead to a career shift, and Sarina became a learning support teacher. In her role supporting students with diverse learning needs, Sarina became increasingly keen to broaden her skill set, and subsequently completed her Masters of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Currently Sarina shares her time between the North Star clinic and the school system. Sarina’s passion for education and working with students and their families is at the forefront of her practice. She strives to ensure that every student is able to feel successful in the classroom, and that every family knows what it is to be heard, understood, and supported. Her experiences in her work with children, families, and educators have fostered her pedagogy with a core emphasis on relationship building and continuing education. Sarina is supervised in her practice by one of the North Star’s Registered Psychologists.

Sarina Moore, MEd, has a long history in the education field. Sarina began her career as a high s... Read More

Maryam has been supporting students with exceptional learning needs and providing psychoeducational and psychological assessments for children and adults for several years. She has worked in the school system and in private practice. Maryam holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Maryam is committed to understanding and communicating the unique and tailored story of each of her clients using the data collected during assessments and layering in the broader context of a client’s world. Maryam loves being able to support children, individuals, and families in gaining a better understanding of themselves and their unique strengths, and in developing ways to help them thrive. She is supervised in her practice by a North Star supervising Registered Psychologist.

Maryam has been supporting students with exceptional learning needs and providing psychoeducation... Read More