Meet the Team

Manitoba College of Social Workers: Certificate #4068

Canadian Association of Play Therapy: Play Therapist Intern Member #PTI-MB-1622

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Member #837541

EMDR Canada, EMDRIA Certified Therapist   Member #841

Kathleen McDonald MSW RSW

Pronouns: She/Her

Kathleen has worked with children and youth in various roles since 2004. Kathleen is currently a student with the Doctor of Counselling & Psychotherapy program (DCP) with Yorkville University. Kathleen has a Master’s of Social Work (MSW), and is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and a Play Therapy Intern (PTI) with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy. Kathleen also has a background in criminology, early childhood education and youth work. Kathleen has advanced training in attachment, relationship-based practice and trauma-informed practices and treatments.

Kathleen is EMDRIA Certified Therapist. Kathleen is Internal Family Systems (IFS) trained (Level One), Theraplay informed (Level One trained) and Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) informed (Level Two Trained). Kathleen is a Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator (COS-P).

Kathleen works with children, youth, young adults and families, working from an attachment perspective, focusing on the healing nature of connection and relationships.

Kathleen is the owner and Clinical Director of Courageous Connections

Contact Kathleen: kathleen@courageousconnections.ca

Manitoba College of Social Workers: Certificate #5628

Canadian Association of Play Therapy: Certified Play Therapist Supervisor (CPT-S) Member #CPTS-MB-2336

EMDR Canada  Member #1125

Christina Chan MSW, RSW, MSocSc, CPT-S

Pronouns: She/Her

Christina has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in Hong Kong. She has a Master’s of Behavioral Health from the University of Hong Kong. In addition, she has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Manitoba. Christina became a registered play therapist (RPT) from the Association for Play Therapy (APT) in 2014 and registered as a supervisor (RPT-S) in 2018. Christina is a Certified Play Therapist Supervisor (CPT-S) with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy.

Christina is EMDR trained. Christina is Theraplay informed (Level One trained) and Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) informed (Level One Trained). Christina is a Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator (COS-P).

She specialized in using play therapy to help children enhance emotional regulation and self-esteem and help parents understand children’s needs and explore their potential.

Christina provides services in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Contact Christina: christina@courageousconnections.ca

Member Canadian Association of Marriage & Family Therapy: Certificate #2017633/2017

Member RAFT-MB

Ron Sigurdson MMFT

Pronouns: He/Him

Ron has over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families in Manitoba. Ron has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg. In addition, he is an Approved Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor. Ron uses an integrative approach drawing heavily from Experiential, Narrative, Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies.  Ron specializes with individuals and couples who are resistant to counselling, he has had success with a wide range of client issues. Ron has a lot of experience working with highly conflictual couples. Throughout his career he has a lot of experience helping people cope with a variety of traumas and abuses.  

Contact Ron: ron@courageousconnections.ca

College of Occupational Therapists: Certificate #1715

Rebecca Howgate OT Reg (MB)

Pronouns: She/Her

Rebecca has worked and volunteered with children and youth for over a decade. Rebecca has a bilingual Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ottawa, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg.

Rebecca has experience as an occupational therapist in various areas such as sensory, fine and gross motor skills, and mental health counselling for children, youth and adults.

Rebecca is EMDR trained and Theraplay Informed (Level One Trained).

As an occupational therapist at Courageous Connections, Rebecca works with clients and their families to identify meaningful goals and explore approaches to help clients reach those goals with a unique, client-centered perspective.

Rebecca currently works with youth between the ages of 11 and 19 years old.

Rebecca provides services in English and French.

Contact Rebecca: rebecca@courageousconnections.ca

Roxanne Lapointe – Admin

Pronouns: She/Her

Roxanne has 20 plus years of office and Customer Service experience. She has successfully completed the Computerized Accounting Assistant (Honours) program at the Academy of Learning, Winnipeg South.
Roxanne is a friendly individual with a positive attitude who takes pride in a job well done.
Roxanne enjoys camping, reading, and crafting as well as spending time with family and friends.

Contact Roxanne: admin@courageousconnections.ca