President's Welcome
Norberta Heinrichs B.Ed., M.A. RCC, SEP. is a high school counsellor in Parksville (SD69) and RCC in private practice. She also volunteers for the BCTF Internal Mediation Services. Her passion is advocating for members through bargaining and mentorship.
Dear BC School Counsellors’ Association (BCSCA) membership,
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It is a pleasure and an honour to introduce myself to you as the new President of the BCSCA. My name is Norberta Heinrichs and I am writing to you from the Coast Salish unceded territory of the Qualicum First Nations. My privilege started when my father followed a group of Portuguese settlers from an island in the Atlantic to another island in the Pacific, later sending for my mother and their unborn child.
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I have been an educator since 1990 and have taught grades 3 to 12 at various schools. In 2011, I began a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology while serving in leadership roles for my local union. Today, I work as a high school counsellor in SD69 and as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in private practice.
I am thrilled to continue to serve this great organization as president, having previously taken on the Membership Chair and Secretary roles. Dave Mackenzie, our former president, has been a mentor to me over the years. At the 2023 BCSCA Conference, Dave spoke about our responsibility to “Gather the voices of counsellors in advocacy.” My goal is to continue that work: to amplify the voices of school counsellors through purposeful work that unites and guides us through the blessings and challenges ahead.
The BCSCA is working to (1) enhance the awareness of school counsellors as qualified mental health professionals, (2) support school counsellors’ wellbeing, and (3) improve students’ access to school counsellors. These goals, which were shared at the Annual General Meeting, guide the initiatives established by our team.
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It is with absolute admiration that I introduce you to your BCSCA Executive team. These volunteers, through their gifts and talents, will communicate and engage with membership, facilitate and advocate for professional development, liaise with organizations, and address concerns in order to strengthen and support this professional body.
Norberta Heinrichs
Meet Our Team
VP Professional Development
Katie DeReus B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. RCC is an elementary school counsellor in Coquitlam (SD43) who also works in private practice supporting children and families in the Lower Mainland. She is passionate about the transformational powers of play and relationship for kids and their grownups.
VP Advocacy
William Nicholls-Allison B.Sc., B.Ed., M.A., CCC is an elementary school counsellor in Victoria (SD61) and Vice President - Advocacy of the BC School Counsellors Association (BCSCA). While serving as Publications Chair (2022-2024) and editor of BC Counsellor Magazine, he also advocated for Mental Health for Every Child. He continues to promote children’s rights and the profession of school counselling in collaboration with colleagues and allies across BC.
Conference
Pamuela Rushton
VP Wellbeing
Shirley Giroux is the school counsellor in Valemount (SD57). She is an experienced teacher and RCC who holds a PhD in Health Sciences, for which her award-winning research investigated ways female teachers in BC enact resilience when caring for students all day while also having care responsibilities at home.
Membership
Trish Maas B.Ed., M.Ed., RCC is an elementary school counsellor with the Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD73). As an RCC with the BCACC, Trish brings a deep commitment to supporting students' well-being. She is excited to take on the role of Membership Chair and to connect and collaborate with school counsellors across the province to strengthen our shared work in supporting students and their mental health.
Local Liason
Rebecca Britten is a high school counsellor in West Vancouver (SD45) and also works as a private practitioner in Vancouver. She is passionate about effective supervision for school counsellors, reducing mental health stigma, and supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Treasurer
Nicole Thompson B.Ed., M.A., RCC has been a certified teacher since 2007. She has taught in several schools throughout BC and Alberta. She is currently employed in the Nicola-Similkameen (SD58). Nicole is a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and has held several roles throughout her professional career including senior math teacher/department head, vice-principal, and school counsellor. Nicole is excited to offer her services to the membership as Treasurer for the BCSCA.
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Secretary
Chris Walton B.A., B.Ed., G.D.E., M.Ed. is an Elementary School Counsellor in the Surrey School District (SD36). Chris has served in various roles over the years specializing in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies. Chris is passionate about supporting student mental health and advocating for School Counselors. His mission: Build Capacity – Inspire Vision – Support Growth.
Publications
Lexa Villette B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., RCC is an elementary school counsellor in Surrey (SD36). As a teacher, she supported students with disabilities and diverse needs, and now brings her experience working with neurodiverse folks into her counselling practice. She is passionate about equity and ample access to counselling for all students in the education system.
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Technology
Duane Morelli B.Ed., M.Ed. RCC is an elementary school counsellor in Chilliwack (SD33) and also is a private practitioner for children and their families in the Eastern Fraser Valley. He is passionate about the neurosequential development of children and adolescents, healthy attachments between children and their caregivers, and the power of play in making meaning out of our experiences
