OUR TEAM
Meet The Team
Please check with your insurance provider to verify your coverage for psychology and/or social work.
Our Team
At Simply Counselling, our experienced and compassionate team is here to support your well-being. With specialists from diverse backgrounds, we now offer free 20-minute consultations to help you find the right match. Whether you need individual therapy, family counselling, or specialized support, our team is dedicated to guiding you through life’s challenges with empathy and care.
Jenna Fortinski
Owner / Registered Psychologist
Jenna Fortinski is the Owner of Simply Counselling Services and a Registered Psychologist who believes that counselling doesn’t need to feel complicated or intimidating. She knows that taking the first step toward support can be tough, so she set out to build a practice where the process feels welcoming, approachable, and—true to its name—simple.
At Simply Counselling Services, everything is rooted in three core values: simplicity, a person-centered approach, and innovation. To Jenna, these aren’t just words on a wall, they guide the way her team connects with clients, creates fresh approaches, and makes sure every client truly feels cared for.
Her vision? To make counselling a space where people feel comfortable being themselves, supported in their journey, and maybe even a little surprised at how easy it can be to find the right fit.
Availability: Weekdays.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Adolescents and adults What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, Substance use disorders, couples therapy, relationship difficulties, work-related stress, family dynamics, parenting concerns, self-harm, self-image concerns, grief and loss. Specific certification/training: Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy Training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Gottman Couples Therapy Training
Approach
Client centered Solution-Focused Collaborative and directive
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions ✓ Indigenous Populations ✓ Simply Corporate Psychology
Jessica Ling
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Jessica is a passionate, client-centered registered provisional psychologist who believes therapy doesn’t have to feel like a chore. She works collaboratively with adolescents and adults to help make sense of life’s messier moments—whether that’s anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, work stress, or just feeling a bit stuck.
Jessica’s approach is strengths-based, meaning you’ll focus on what’s already working and explore strategies to tap into your inner resources (some of which you may not even realise you have yet). She is also not afraid to challenge you when it’s helpful—offering a fresh perspective or a new way of doing things. For her, balancing support and challenge is key to creating meaningful progress.
In your sessions with Jessica, you can expect a safe, relaxed space to explore, reflect, and even laugh now and then (yes, humour is therapeutic!). She believes real change happens when you feel seen, supported, and safe enough to stretch into something new.
Availability: weekdays, evenings, weekends.
Areas of Specialty
Areas of Specialty: anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, life-transitions, and relationship concerns. Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): adolescents, young adults, and adults What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, life-transitions, and relationship concerns Specific certification/training: Trauma-Informed Practice
Approach
Approach: Client-centered Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Collaborative
Services Available to Book
Services available to book: ✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions ✓ Indigenous Populations ✓ Simply Corporate Psychology ✓ Occupational Therapy
Wanda Piwek
Practicum Student
Seeking support takes courage and Wanda understands the bravery it takes in taking that first step. Wanda is committed to providing a compassionate, collaborative and empathic therapeutic approach. She works alongside her clients to identify and successfully reach their specific goals. Through a safe and supportive environment, along with mutual respect and meaningful connection, Wanda strives to help her clients develop coping skills, build resiliency and move towards emotional and personal growth.
Wanda is not eligible under extended health benefits.
Availability: weekdays, evenings, weekends.
Areas of Specialty
What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, relationship challenges, life changes/transitions, work related stress, type 1 diabetes, perimenopause/menopause approach; person/client centered, solution focused, cbt, collaborative, narrative Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): children (10+ years old), adolescence/ young adults / adults Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts, English Literature Graduate: in progress, MACP
Approach
Approach: Person/client centred Solution focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Collaborative
Services Available to Book
Services available to book: ✓ Individual ✓ Simply Support Sessions ✓ Indigenous Populations ✓ Simply Corporate Psychology ✓ Occupational Therapy
Rachel Maja
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Rachel is a kind and passionate therapist that focuses on building the relationship between herself and the client. Her approach is client-centred, emotion focused, and attachment based. She is passionate about providing a safe and trusting space for others, while also being able to lighten the mood with a silly sense of humour. During your time with her, she will help you identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, kindly challenge existing narratives that may not be helpful, and support you in improving your quality of life.
Availability: Virtual Only
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Children, youth, young adults and adults. What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): Learning Disorders, Intellectual Disability, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Specific certification/training: Psycho-educational assessments from kindergarten to university.
Approach
Client-centred Emotion Focused Therapy Attachment/Developmental
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family
Nicki Kirlin
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Nicki is your therapist, teammate, and occasional comedic relief.
She brings problem-solving, deep listening, and humor into the therapy room—creating a safe space where connection drives healing. With experience in the criminal justice and healthcare system, Nicki’s heard a lot of human stories, and never stops being honored by the trust people place in her.
She firmly believes everyone holds the potential for growth, healing and greatness. If you’re ready to find yours, she’s all in—especially if it’s a challenge.
Availability: Evenings and weekends.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Individuals of all ages. What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): Stress, various life transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, mood and behaviour concerns, addictions, trauma, and self-exploration. Specific certification/training: Experience with individuals at risk of, or involved with, the criminal justice system, supporting clients identifying as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit)
Approach
Client centered Solution-Focused Collaborative Directive
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions ✓ Indigenous Populations ✓ Simply Corporate Psychology
Dr. Amanda Stoner
Registered Psychologist
With a heart that cares deeply for others, Amanda is drawn to help people face life experiences in healthy, positive ways. Her approachable, calm demeanor helps clients feel at ease in sharing their unique memories and stories. Amanda tailors her approach to fit the particular needs of the client, which change as the client grows
Availability: Weekdays and evenings.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): children, youth, young adults and adults What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): Trauma, depression, anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, OCD, Self-harm, eating disorders Specific certification/training: Psychological assessments from preschool to university Emotion-Focused Therapy Level 1 Training, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training, ADOS -2 Clinical Training, and specialization in developmental psychology
Approach
Client centered Collaboration and consultation with a multi-disciplinary focus Collaborative goal-setting
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions
MC Couture
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Reaching out for counselling takes courage, kind of like emotional skydiving (but with a much softer landing). MC knows that therapy isn’t about being “broken” or “fixed”; it’s about being human and learning to meet life’s ups and downs with compassion. She brings warmth, humour, and a steady presence to help clients feel safe exploring their emotions, relationships, and personal growth.
Whether you’re facing life’s big questions or just trying to figure out why you cried at that cat video, MC is committed to walking beside you ,one authentic, steady step at a time, and helping you uncover your strengths, even the ones you forgot you had!
MC works with individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, stress, grief, and life transitions, helping people reconnect with their resilience and feel more at home in themselves. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has completed BRIA’s Menopause Mental Health Provider Training, offering informed support through the emotional and hormonal shifts of midlife.
Availability: Weekdays and evenings.
Additional Languages: French.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Adults, and young adults/adolescents. What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): anxiety, depression, stress, self-image concerns, couples/relationships, work-related stress, parenting concerns, grief and loss, as well as support for menopause-related emotional and hormonal changes.
Approach
Client-centred Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Collaborative Directive
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions
Tara Arkes
Registered Psychologist
Tara is passionate about improving the well being and quality of life of those she is supporting. She will compassionately and wholeheartedly listen to the challenges that are preventing you from living your preferred life.
Availability: Evenings and weekends.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Adults What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): Depression, anxiety, stress, interpersonal relationships, Unhealthy thinking and behaviours, addictions to substances, and regulating emotions Specific certification/training: Addictions Studies, Brain Story, Suicide Prevention, Solution-focused brief therapy, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural therapy
Approach
Client centered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Solution-Focused
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions
Bruce Murray
Registered Psychologist
Bruce has been dedicated to improving the lives of others for many years in several different roles, including as a teacher in multiple hospital and mental health settings, Assistant Director at a mental health camp, and in leadership roles with the Calgary Board of Education.
Availability: Evenings and weekdays.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Individuals, couples and families What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): School engagement, chronic pain, and education Specific certification/training: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Approach
Cognitive Behavioural Emotion-Focused Psychodynamic
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions
Najwa Zahr
Clinical Social Worker / Group Therapy Lead
Najwa Zahr is a compassionate family counsellor and registered social worker with 25 years of experience, offering therapy in English and Arabic to children, teens, adults, and families. She supports clients facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, anger, loneliness, trauma, and life transitions. Najwa uses evidence-based, personalized approaches such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Circle of Security Parenting, and specialized support for selective mutism and phobias. She understands that every person’s journey is unique and is committed to providing a safe, supportive space with effective, results-driven therapy. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or seeking growth, Najwa is here to guide you toward healing and a more balanced, empowered future.
Availability: Evenings and weekdays.
Areas of Specialty
Who (which populations – adults/children, etc.): Assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families What (specific mental health concerns or diagnosis): ADHD, ODD, anxiety, substance abuse, depression, suicide attempts, and attachment issues in adolescents and youth Trauma and personality disorders Specific certification/training: Dialectical Behaviour Skills Training, Circle of Security Caregivers Group
Approach
Client centered
Services Available to Book
✓ Individual ✓ Couples ✓ Family ✓ Group ✓ Simply Support Sessions
Our Support Staff
Amber’s knowledge and experience providing exceptional service ensures that your experience at Simply Counselling Services will be what it was intended to be; simple.
With her top-notch organizational skills and attention to detail, Amber provides clients with a sense of ease knowing that their access to services and information is readily available.
Amber is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology, as well as minoring in Sociology at the University of Calgary.
Heather has a varied work background that lends her a unique professional perspective. Personable and hardworking, she strives to maintain a high standard of care at Simply Counselling Services. She is also attending the University of Calgary to obtain an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
Namra is a dynamic professional with a diverse background that enriches her approach to her role at Simply Counseling Services. Known for her warmth and dedication, Namra is committed to upholding the highest standards of care in all her interactions. Currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing, she brings a fresh perspective to her work, ensuring that clients receive the support they need with compassion and efficiency.
Simply Counselling Newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest news and updates from Simply Counselling.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of respect and truth, Simply Counselling Services acknowledges the traditional territories of the
people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the
Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda
(including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.