
Our Team

Sarah Covey
Clinical Director, Registered Psychotherapist
Sarah Joy Covey is a Registered Psychotherapist who is open to working with a wide variety of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, caregiver fatigue, burnout, existential questions, parenting, career and work challenges, life transitions, and interpersonal/relationship concerns, among others. I have an extensive background working with teens but also have a an ongoing passion to work with adults of all ages and couples who are seeking support to restore intimacy and learn healthy conflict resolution. I offer electronic counselling services to provide convenience to those who are seeking help at a distance or for whom in-person appointments are a challenge to schedule and/or keep. While I use CBT and other common therapies regularly, I have a special enthusiasm for narrative and existential work and the incorporation of spirituality in clinical practice. Specifically, I am keen to support those with a Christian-faith background and am able to provide supports for spiritual growth and connection. I am keen to offer psychoeducational courses and psychotherapeutic groups and am open to working in alternate locations to accommodate particular group needs. I am also a competent speaker and workshop leader and welcome such opportunities with enthusiasm.

Cheryl Wood
Registered Psychotherapist
Cheryl is a Registered Psychotherapist with a BA in psychology and a masters in counselling psychology. Along with her education, Cheryl has had a combined experience in the education and therapeutic field for over 25 yrs. She has a passion for working with those who have experienced trauma. Cheryl uses a trauma informed response to help work through the many parts of ourselves that have helped us cope with the effects of trauma including addictions, anger, anxiety, depression, shame, self destructive behaviour, relationship issues, chronic pain and more. The connection that a client feels within the therapeutic relationship can be a powerful element of change and for that reason there is a great deal of emphasis put on an experience of support and understanding. The client is the expert on themselves and Cheryl strives to create an environment of trust and learning what every individual needs to heal and create change. In addition to her work, Cheryl spends time reading, gardening, watching movies and spending time with her children.

Rebekah Wright
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Having completed her internship at Covey Wellness Centre, Rebekah officially joined the CWC Team! She is open to providing therapy for women experiencing grief and loss, depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, adhd and interpersonal issues. She also works with clients who are living with post-concussion struggles. She has her level one certification in theraplay and enjoys working with teens and young women. Rebekah can provide faith-based counselling if requested. Besides work, Rebekah is active and enjoys going on hikes with her dog and being outside.

Karen Wilson
Registered Psychotherapist
Karen utilizes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach through a lens of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), integrating techniques from CBT, narrative, existential, emotion-focused, IFS, and mindfulness therapies. Recognizing the mind-body connection, Karen helps clients attune to stress held within the body, which can manifest in chronic tension, fatigue, pain, depressive symptoms, and physical dysfunction. Hope, positivity, and empowerment are key themes that help clients cope with, and grow through, life’s challenges. For those wishing to incorporate faith-based and/or spiritual components in their treatment program, this is offered, as well. Karen’s focus is mainly on adults, spanning individual, couple’s, and family therapy. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Karen loves connecting and spending time with her family and close friends. She revels in the outdoors, particularly enjoying peaceful forest walks with her husband and their Biewer Terrier. She also finds joy in the extreme beauty of Nature, having a passion for observing birds and other wildlife. Having a lifelong love of learning, Karen thrives on researching and reading non-fiction, and partaking in professional development.

Tom Jantzi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Tom has a passion for walking alongside and supporting people as they navigate the many challenges of life, especially in relation to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and life purpose. He approaches therapy with a focus on the strengths of each person, their resilience, and the value of their story in understanding and navigating the challenges they face. Tom’s goal in a therapy session is to provide a safe space for his clients to explore their story free of shame and judgement and to provide them with the tools to deepen authentic connections in their lives. Tom is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with previous experience in management and pastoral ministry as well as a BA in Church Ministry and a MA in Counselling Psychology. His therapy approach is informed by an integration of Solution Focused, Narrative, Cognitive-Behavioural and Existential therapies. He also provides Christian faith-based support if requested. When he is not working, Tom loves long walks with his wife, Bethany, and their quirky rescue dog, Zoey. He also enjoys soccer, hockey, camping and backpacking and would hike every day if he could!

Nadera Zinbarakji
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Nadera has a special interest in providing therapy for clients experiencing anxiety, grief, depression and trauma. Her background includes supporting youth with special needs and/or a trauma related background as well as adults experiencing anxiety and depression. Nadera is available for providing counselling for ages 10 and up either online or in-person based on the client’s needs. She utilizes approaches from the lenses of CBT, narrative, holistic, and mindfulness-based practices with the hope of supporting clients through challenging journeys. Utilizing primarily a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach, she works with clients to identify the influences in their lives, challenges or barriers and determine actionable goals. Together, developing coping strategies and check in points to ensure you are progressing in a way that feels right to you. Nadera strives to provide a compassionate and empathetic approach where clients feel safe and heard. When she is not working, Nadera enjoys being out in nature, spending time with family and learning new things. Over the last few years, she has been periodically learning American Sign Language.

Paul Turner
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Paul offers a safe space for both teenagers and adults who may be experiencing loss, anxiety, negative thoughts and behavioral patterns, or relational challenges. Paul’s strength-based, client-centred approach focuses on the individual’s abilities, capacities and skills to affect positive change and well-being. While Paul’s training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and other common interventions, he also offers faith-based counselling. Paul is married with three children, two cats and a dog. His hobbies include writing and performing music, strength training, running and listening to vinyl records. Paul is currently available in the Elmvale office three days a week and also available for online therapy.

Jennifer English
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Jennifer joins Covey Wellness Centre as a practicum student within the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program with Yorkville University. She has an extensive education and work history within the mental health and addictions field. For nearly a decade, the scope of Jennifer’s clinical practice was centered around supporting those living with, and those affected by mental health and addiction issues within Simcoe County. She aims to foster a safe and non-judgemental space where one can begin to make meaning of their lived experiences while drawing from their innate capacity to learn, heal, and grow. She is passionate about working collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families. The therapeutic modalities that Jennifer utilizes are grounded in a holistic, culturally sensitive, and person-centered approach. The evidence-based practices include but are not limited to Adlerian therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion focused therapy, strength-based therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Outside of the therapeutic context, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters. She has made a point of carving out time for herself which to date has included training for half marathons and triathlons, working with a trainer to master the art of powerlifting, and within the past five years working with a nutritionist which has enabled her to set and attain goals as it relates to weight training.

Rebecca Knowles
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Rebecca Knowles is completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is currently doing her practicum placement with CWC. Rebecca has an interest in helping individuals find their way in the world. Whether anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma, Rebecca wants to support people on their life’s journey. She hopes her clients will feel comfortable and open to growth by providing a safe and open space. Rebecca provides counselling for ages 13 and up, both in-person or online. Rebecca delivers therapy to her clients through a person-centred lens with aspects of CBT and mindfulness-based practices. Rebecca does her best to help her clients find the answers they already have within themselves. At home, Rebecca has two energetic dogs with her fiancé. They love to go hiking and explore the outdoors no matter what the season. When they are not exploring locally, they visit with their family in the Muskoka region.

Steph Nesbit
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Steph has a long history of listening to people share the stories of their lives during more than twenty years in Christian ministry, both in pastoral counselling and women’s ministry, as well as twelve years as a journalist. She has a Master of Counselling degree from Briercrest Seminary and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Steph believes the best relationships are ones where people feel heard, valued, and understood. This is especially true in the counselling relationship. Steph’s warm, empathetic presence helps her clients find a safe place to grow in personal understanding and gain perspective in their lives and relationships. Her strengths-based approach is on the whole person, and considers how clients are affected physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually in the face of problems. She enjoys providing Christian counselling and pursues ongoing training in offering faith-based interventions. Several modalities that help to inform Steph’s approach include narrative, cognitive-behavioural and family systems therapy. She has a special interest in working with women who have experienced loss, trauma, relational difficulties, and spiritual crisis. As a life-long learner, she likes to help clients consider options for ongoing growth through books, podcasts, groups and other avenues of psychoeducation and community. Steph also has experience in teaching, public speaking, and leading groups and enjoys opportunities to help others develop. Steph has been married for almost 25 years and has two adult sons and a teenage daughter. She is an avid reader who enjoys sitting by a fire, coffee with friends, or long walks at the lake in Barrie.
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Allison Belcourt
Registered Psychotherapist
Allison is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field, with children, youth, families and adults. Allison has been a strong advocate for youth and their families, in breaking down stigma that is sometimes unfortunately attached to mental health. Allison believes that every person has their own unique strengths, and she welcomes the opportunity to explore with you how to build upon those strengths, believe in yourself, and create change where desired. Allison incorporates a trauma-informed, person centred, approach in her work, offering compassion, genuineness and warmth as she strives to meet clients where they are at. Allison enjoys using an integrative approach that draws upon different therapy modalities to best suit your needs; CBT, DBT, Mindfulness and Self-compassion are some of Allison’s favourite tools to use, and teach, to help you meet your goals. When Allison is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three adult children, camping, kayaking, or thrift shopping. Allison loves reading for pleasure, as well as to expand her knowledge and skill of therapy; she enjoys yoga and painting.
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Nancy Porteous
Certified Yoga Instructor and Flexibility Coach
Nancy loves living life well. Her experience, research and training over 15 years has led Nancy to become a certified yoga instructor and flexibility coach. Her yoga classes focus on developing your awareness of your body. When you know you well, you can choose what care helps you support yourself to feeling healthy. Nancy is thrilled to bring Yoga to you as an integrated practice that supports the wellness products and services already offered at Covey Wellness Centre. During Nancy’s class, wonder what growth and change would you like this yoga class to support for you today? After Nancy’s class, appreciate that you gave yourself the time and presence to honour how you are showing up in the world today and to make the changes that help you move towards living your life well.


Tanya Mullings
Executive Assistant
Before joining the amazing team at Covey Wellness Centre, Tanya worked with municipal government for five years until life as we know it changed in 2020. She became a solopreneur and now offers administrative support to local businesses. Tanya is the administrative hub for our therapy side and oversees the retail therapy side, our Wellness Bookshop. She enjoys the variety and is excited for the opportunity to welcome you into our space! In the colder months, she prefers the indoors and warm fires but when the days are long and the temperatures warm, Tanya loves camping and kayaking with her husband and family.
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Wesley Covey
Media and Facilities Manager
Besides working with Covey Wellness Centre, Wesley owns and runs G and the FEW Records music production company and has been since 2021. Wesley now oversees all media and facilities needs for Covey Wellness Centre including social media, podcast, website, and facility managment.
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