Our Team
Meet the Valley Art Therapy Ltd. Team!
Valley Art Therapy Ltd. is a group practice that includes independent contractors, interns and practicum students working together to support our local communities. Our therapists are dedicated to providing excellent services and evidence-based approaches that facilitate change and develop wellness and growth.
Peggy Colon
Counsellor/Psychotherapist - B.Ed., M.C.
Professional Memberships: Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association
Specialized Training: Children/Youth, Play Therapy Level 1
I offer an integrative approach using play therapy, art and music therapy, conversation, mindfulness, and games. I use different approaches depending on the needs and interests of each individual client. Currently, I provide therapy services to children and youth at Waywayseecappo Jordan's Principle.
I provide a warm, non-judgemental, nurturing, safe space in which the client will feel comfortable and supported. I believe in taking the time to build a trusting relationship and building that connection with clients so that I can meet them where they’re at as I help them heal, grow, and play.
I am a mother, and a grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters. I love watching my children play hockey, and make spending time with my family a priority. I love to travel and make travelling part of my self-care plan. Self-care is very important to me as it allows me to be as healthy as I can be so that I can give my clients the best me.
Dana Corr
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Art Therapist, Director – B.Ed., M.Ed., DWHEAT
Professional Memberships: Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association, Canadian Art Therapy Association, EMDR Canada
Specialized Training: EMDR, Flash Technique, Somatic Experiencing Beginning III, Focusing, Sandplay, Safe and Sound Protocol, Trauma
I work with people across all age groups, currently focusing on young children and adults impacted by trauma. If you are finding that your current day functioning is being impacted by your past trauma, or you are wanting to move through difficult life events, then I may be a right fit for you in your therapeutic healing. In your work with me, you can expect to move at a pace that feels safe, without always having to put words to complicated or traumatic experiences. Our work is grounded in the somatic experience of the body and our nervous system survival responses (Polyvagal Theory). While I am a self-proclaimed non-artist, I know first-hand the crucial role that art can have in therapy. Art, expressive arts, and creativity are integrated in my work to empower clients in achieving deep and powerful healing.
I love supporting therapists in-training and those new to the field through offering practicum placements at Valley Art Therapy, acting as a Faculty Advisor with Brandon University, and providing consultation. This maybe stems from my 25+ years in education, as a teacher, school counsellor, and principal.
When I’m not at work, I can be found at home enjoying time with my family, savouring the views on our black Angus cattle ranch, and reading books!
Availability:
Birtle Office – Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays 9:30-4:00
Russell Office – Fridays 9:00 – 4:00
Terri Lynne Lawrence
Counselling Practicum Student/Intern - Bachelor of Management, Master of Arts Counselling Psychology Candidate
Professional Memberships: Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association Student Member
Hi, my name is Terri Lynne and I am a Graduate student who has the privilege of working with Valley Art Therapy in my counselling practicum.
I am already so excited you are contemplating having someone come alongside to create new momentum – it is a complete honour to be that person and be entrusted to partake in your journey.
I am a born and raised country girl from Virden, MB. At 18 years of age, I moved to Alberta with my high school sweetheart to complete my Bachelor of Finance Degree focusing all my attention and drive to business, the financial sector, real estate and banking. While I gained a lot of invaluable experience and understanding how psychology affects success in business, marketing and sales, it wasn’t until I became a mother of two when I started to look for more depth in life. I treasure the journey we all are on and have a passion for wholeness; mentally, spiritually, financially and physically.
It is an honour to come alongside someone and be entrusted to listen to their lived experiences while drawing out their inner gold for them to truly see their own beauty. I have a passion to help people come to know their irreplaceability, worth and destiny, in a one-to-one setting. I believe we all hold and have access to power within ourselves to heal, grow and flourish. Societal pressures, parental pressures, workplace pressures can all collide and cause us to question our value and worth; take time to find your superpower and rediscover your inner beauty, calling and accomplish your goals that we can find together.
Let's look at creating the momentum you need to achieve high levels of productivity, self-awareness and restructure the life you deserve. Using a person-centred and strengths-based approach, I would love the opportunity to stand alongside you and draw out your inner strengths be it in relationships, mental health, financial behaviour or parenting.
Approaches Used:
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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Client-Centered
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Existential/Humanitist
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Solutions Focused Therapy
Availability:
Birtle Office – Tuesdays
Robyn Nerbas
Art Therapy Student Intern, DWHEAT Candidate
Professional Memberships: Canadian Art Therapy Association Student Member
I am currently completing my Diploma of Art Therapy at WHEAT Institute in Winnipeg. I am also an artist, a certified Level One Yoga Instructor, and Reiki Master. While working as a high school art teacher, I started my art therapy practicum with Valley Art Therapy. I was able to explore my passions within my art therapy practicum, and now I am excited to be working with Valley Art Therapy, both in schools (Waywayseecappo and Major Pratt) and in our Russell office.
I love working with youth and teens, and use a foundation in mindfulness practices. In your work with me, you can a expect a mindful, intention-based exploration of the self through the different mediums of art and art expression.
I truly believe in self-care, and for me that is creating art with friends and alone, reading sci-fi fantasy, and spending time with my family. This allows me to be present on my path to helping others start their own journey to self-discovery and healing through art.
Availability:
Russell Office: Mondays 10:00-4:30
Melanie Wotton
Care Coordinator, B.Ed.
Hi! My name is Melanie and I am the Care Coordinator at Valley Art Therapy.
I have a Bachelor degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan.
I worked as a teacher for 20 years with kids from grades K-8, and I have two children. Both my professional and personal experiences have made me familiar with the benefits of art therapy and counselling. My experiences have also taught me excellent organization and time management skills. I’m looking forward to helping you find the care that is best for you and your unique situation, and supporting you during your time at Valley Art Therapy.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking with my daughter, water skiing and spending time at the lake in the summer.