ABOUT
CHRISTIE FRENETTE
Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW
Owner of Riptide Counselling
University of Toronto Adjunct Professor
Christie holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, along with a Masters of Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. She is registered with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW), a registered member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (iCEEFT), and registered member of the Canadian Association of Play Therapy (CAPT).
Christie has experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. She has worked in the mental health field for over a decade and currently devotes her time to pursuing certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy, along with Play Therapy. She has specialized experienced in the areas of at-promise youth and families, international and domestic adoptions, as well as military families. Christie’s overall expertise is grounded in the knowledge of trauma and attachment.
Christie’s passion is to help individuals, couples and families build strong bonds; improving their sense of security and connectedness within their most valued relationships, and ultimately fostering resilience in the next generation.
Seeking support can be daunting.
Bearing your soul to another is the most vulnerable act you can choose to do. My belief is that everyone has inherent value and worth and that we are all human. I will join you in the waves of life, through the current, as you enter a place of healing for yourself, your partnership, and/or your family.
Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW
Owner of Riptide Counselling
NICOLE OUELLETTE
Nicole Ouellette, MSW, RSW
Riptide Counselling Affiliate
Nicole Ouellette holds a Bachelor of Neuroscience from Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia, along with a Masters of Social Work from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She is registered with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW) and a registered member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (iCEEFT).
Nicole has specialized knowledge in family violence, and the impact of trauma and exceptionalities on emotional processing along with experience working with military families. She is passionate about community development and has worked primarily in the non-profit sector. During her MSW Nicole specialized in trauma-informed community development; investigating the impact of community and individual trauma on people and communities.
Nicole has experience working with individuals, couples and groups, along with her community work. She believes that individual and community health is intimately tied to relationship health. She is currently working towards certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, deepening her capacity to support couples and families in an effective and meaningful way.
Nicole provides sessions in English and French. Nicole offre des suivis en français et l’anglais.
We are not our brother's keeper; we are our brother and we are our sister. We must look past complexion and see community. - Maya Angelou
SHANNON MCCREADY
Shannon McCready, MSW, RSW
Riptide Counselling Affiliate
Shannon holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She is registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) as a Private Practitioner. She is also registered with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW) and PEI Social Work Registration Board.
Shannon has over a decade of experience providing therapy to individuals and families. Shannon has particular experience navigating through grief and loss, depression, anxiety, family conflict and coping with overwhelming life transitions.
Shannon works from a Trauma-informed attachment perspective. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT and Play Therapy. She is a registered member of the Canadian Association of Play Therapy (CAPT). She is in the process of completing her Trauma Certificate and her Grief and Bereavement Certificate both from Laurier University.
Shannon is providing virtual services only for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI.
MARQUELLE PIERS
Marquelle Piers, BA, MA
Student Intern at Riptide Counselling
Marquelle has recently joined the team as a practicum student as she works to complete her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. As a practicum student, her position includes witnessing sessions, reviewing reports and offering her own individual sessions at a discounted rate (under the direct supervision of Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW).
Marquelle completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of New Brunswick where she developed a passion to help those who have experienced trauma throughout the lifespan. After volunteering for a non-profit organization abroad that provided services to those impacted by human trafficking, she realized the need within her own community for trauma-informed services. She is pursuing her degree in hopes of providing the children, youth, and families within her community with the best possible care. As she finishes her degree, she hopes to gain further training and certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Play Therapy.
SYDNEY KLASSEN
Sydney Klassen, BA, RECE
Student Intern at Riptide Counselling
Sydney began at Riptide Counselling in the early stages and has volunteered as a marketing manager for the last year. She has recently moved to a new position within Riptide Counselling as a social work student intern. Her position includes administrative duties, witnessing sessions, reviewing reports and offering her own individual sessions at a discounted rate (under the direct supervision of Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW)
Sydney is passionate about youth mental health. With an undergrad in Early Childhood Studies and Psychology, she passionately pursued areas of research relating to trauma and resilience. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and works part-time for a child development centre. Sydney has worked at an overnight summer camp for many years, where she uses her skills in administration and leadership to connect with children, youth and families.
Pursuing a Masters in Social Work is the beginning foundation to a career in the mental health field. She has taken a keen interest in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Play Therapy which aligns with the modalities of Riptide.
ALISHA PETERSON
Alisha Peterson, BA, Bed, MA
Student Intern for Riptide Counselling
Alisha has recently joined the team as a bracticum student as she works to complete her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. As a practicum student, her position includes witnessing sessions, reviewing reports, and offering her own individual sessions at a discounted rate (under the direction supervision of Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW).
Alisha completed her Bachelor of Arts in History (2003) at the University of New Brunswick where she developed a passion for learning as well as watching others learn. She decided to proceed with her Bachelor of Education (2005). She has been an educator for the last 18 years. She witnessed many youths who struggled with their mental health and decided that having someone on the front lines would be beneficial in helping. As she finishes her degree, she hopes to gain further training and certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy, as well as continue to learn about trauma informed services.
Life is full of froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone:
Kindness in another's struggle,
Courage in your own.