Meet our Founders
(Fatima) Natascha Lawrence, M.A., R.C.C., BCRPT
I use she/her/hers pronouns.
My father is of biracial Chinese ancestry, and my mother is of mixed ancestry from Macau. As a BIPOC clinician, I recognize the duality of colonial history in my family and being a person of colour. I am a first-generation Canadian settler and the child of immigrants.
I am an ADHDer, have Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and have a mobility disability.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Registered Play Therapist, Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor, and EMDR practitioner. Over the last 15 years, through FASD Counselling, I have specialized in working with neurodivergent, particularly those with FASD, children, youth, and adults.
My teachers have included western theories of somatics, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma-informed, attachment, EMDR, expressive arts, and Synergetic Play Therapy. These teachings have fueled my passion is to help folx connect to themselves, their cultures, communities, histories, ancestors, and creation.
I am inspired by my Indigenous colleagues and the Elder teachers who have blessed and permitted me to share their wisdom and teachings about working with neurodiversity.
As I learn the ancient traditional Chinese medicine principles of connection to breath and movement to balance and cultivate Chi 的气, this connects me to my family and ancestors. It also grounds the roots of somatic wisdom western theories have claimed.
Meet our Founders
Kyle Lawrence
I use he/him/his pronouns
My mother's mother was born in Eslhá7an, a Squamish village community located on the shores of North Vancouver.
Growing up only knowing a small portion of my Skwxwú7mesh lineage and only recently understanding the impact of my grandmother attending the Residential School system in North Vancouver, feelings of loss and not belonging were always there.
I had thought that the Indian Act had succeeded in eradicating my connection to my ancestors and their wisdom. As I learn more about this Intergenerational Trauma and reconnecting with my traditional teachings, the drive for recovery resonates through me. I do this to honour my ancestors. I am the past, present and future; I am Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw.
FASD Expert
Jocelyn
Hello, my name is Jocelyn and I also have FASD. :) Thank you for wanting to learn more about FASD and how to help people.
Sibling Expert and Helper
Consultant
Courtney Farrow-Lawrence
Gwe'. My name is Courtney-Farrow-Lawrence and my ancestry lies in Nova Scotia, of the Mi'kmaq African Nova Scotian and Acadian French peoples. For the last 8 years, I have lived on the traditional territory of the Sto:lo people in British Columba, where I married into the Fraser family of the Snnuneymuxw Nation. I have two beautiful Indigenous children. Since living in BC, I have worked with the Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of BC, committing to supporting the rights of Indigenous youth and adults in contact with the justice system. I specialize in supporting youth and families in understanding FASD, trauma, impacts of colonization/removal from the land, and the Indigenous spiritual and cultural lens. I focused on connecting with the land and the importance of identity. I also provide community training and create awareness in these areas, which is equally important to creating meaningful change. Please contact me at courtneyfraser84@gmail.com to discuss consultation services.
Meet our Interns
Nicole Chan
Emily Holzman
Emily Holzman
Nicole Chan is currently completing her second year of a master's in counselling psychology program at Adler University. She has previously worked for organizations as a Supported Independent Living worker for adults with developmental disabilities. Through this experience she has gained knowledge and an understanding of how social service organizations work together to best serve clients.
Emily Holzman
Emily Holzman
Emily Holzman
Mariana Gutierrez Sansano
Mariana Gutierrez Sansano
Mariana Gutierrez Sansano
Mariana just graduated from the Master of Counseling Psychology, concentration in School and Youth, at Adler University. Last year, at Alderwood Family Development Centre, she served as a Clinical Intern and used play therapy to work with clients on the FASD spectrum, and sometimes, on other spectrums as well. Her studies and professional experience have made her curious about this disorder, as well as pushed her to want to work with children and clients on the FASD spectrum.
Deepti Saini
Mariana Gutierrez Sansano
Mariana Gutierrez Sansano
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