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
Secretary
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, RCC. is an elementary school counsellor in Victoria (SD61) and RCC. He also teaches guest lectures on the Person-Centred Approach and Trauma-Informed Practice. Since 2022, he has steadfastly advocated for Guaranteed Access to Mental Health Care for Every Child.
Conference
Shannon Confortin B.Ed., M.C. is a high school counsellor in Parksville (SD69) who has served in various roles with the BCSCA. She loves connecting with other counsellors around BC and how the collaboration, dedication, and passion of our executive invigorates her work with students.
VP Wellness
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.
Local Liason
Rebecca Britten s 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.
VP Professional Development
Katherine Brach B.Ed., M.C., CCC is a high school counsellor in Comox (SD71) where she settled after years teaching in Northern Canada. She is passionate about creative art therapy but also enjoys crafting a perfectly balanced timetable in MYED. She loves connecting with colleagues across BC and sharing learning together.
Membership
Trish Maas (BEd, MEd, 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.
Treasurer
Nicole Thompson (BEd, MA, 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.
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.
