As a registered social worker, I have 27 yrs mental health experience working with age ranges from adolescents to older adults (16-95+ yrs) faced with life situations.

Areas of specialty:

• Conflict with the law
• Homeless
• Substance overuse
• HIV/AIDS positive
• History of trauma
• Mental illness diagnosis and mental health concerns
• Grief
• Cognitive impairment
• Dementia
• Caregiver stress. 

Work environments include: 

• Group home
• Homeless shelter
• Community agencies
• Clinical health care settings

My formal education includes: Honours Bachelor of Social Work (1995), Dementia Studies Certificate (2011), Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate (2013), and Master of Social Work, Specialization in Gerontology (2013).

Certified (not practising):

• Kundalini yoga teacher (200 YTT)
• Reiki I, II, II
• Therapeutic Touch
• BodyTalk Access

Northern Ontario has been my lifetime home. I spent my first 25 years in Wawa, then moved to Thunder Bay where I have remained. 

My interest in hypnotherapy came out my personal need to change. I recognized what I knew wasn’t working, I needed assistance. I reached out to see if hypnosis could help me to quit smoking, it was indeed effective. Within the next year, I reached out again to help process the trauma associated with unexpected loss. I felt immediate and long-lasting results. I was impressed. So, when I had the opportunity to learn more about hypnosis, I jumped at the chance. Initially, I planned to complete Certification solely for personal interest, before the end of the program, I decided it was important for me to offer this to others. I am confident you will gain as much from hypnotherapy as I have. I would be honoured to introduce you to this technique.

Stress management

I moved to Thunder Bay in 1995 to attend Confederation College. I have diplomas in Recreation and Leisure Services and Gerontology. I worked as a Personal Support Worker for several years before moving into a Recreation Therapist role. 

I met my husband in 2009. We both enjoy traveling and the outdoors. We enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking, camping and spending days out on the ATV. We enjoy riding our motorcycles. 

The idea of going to counselling can feel uncomfortable for some people. Not knowing what to do or where to begin can be difficult.

My aim is to create a welcoming and comfortable environment as we work together in addressing your counselling goals.

I use an individualized approach with the understanding that everybody’s life experiences are different.

Niina is a Registered Social Worker and Lakehead University graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Over the years, she has gained experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and addictions.

Being outdoors brings me a sense of tranquility and peace.