Our Counselling Team
Our Counselling department is made up of three teacher counsellors and one youth and family counsellor. Find out a little bit more about your counsellor here.
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Teacher Counsellor
Derek Horton
Last names A-E
Full Tme Monday-Friday
My main goal is to connect and support students here at Oak Bay High. I believe that High School can be many things and making meaningful connections along the way can help build resilience. I have had the pleasure to work with youth for my entire life - I started working summer camps with kids and I have coached numerous sports at many levels since I graduated high school. Witnessing growth is rewarding. Becoming a teacher and getting my masters in Counselling has given me even more opportunities to empower young people and I look forward to connecting with you along your journey. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone, see contact information below.
“Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you.” - Pablo Casals
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Teacher Counsellor
Will Moore
Last Names F-Q
Full Time Monday-Friday (Teaches during block D)
Student wellness is paramount to ensuring the best opportunity to find one’s own successes each school day, unencumbered; however, challenges do arise, be it social-emotional, family, friends, or relationships, and we are available to assist in any way we can. I feel fortunate to have taught at 5 different high schools: Stelly’s, Claremont, The Individual Learning Centre, Lambrick Park, and Oak Bay-getting to witness the brilliance that each school offered. Also, it allowed me to experience and grow from not only the staff in each building, but also, and most importantly, the students. I am a soccer coach at the school having coached both the girls’/boys’ teams at each level (Junior/Senior), which I am passionate about; it is just another way to make and grow connections with students. Finally, I am excited to be in the classroom teaching Sport Psychology 12, a course that I created and am excited to share with the students!
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Teacher Counsellor
Mary Klovance
Last Names R-V
Monday/Friday All Day
Wednesdays Until 12pm
I have worked at Oak Bay High for a total of 3 years now. I am both a school counsellor and a Registered Clinical Counsellor and am the founder of The Neurodiversity Family Centre. I previously worked for Victoria Youth Empowerment Society as a Crisis Intervention counsellor at the youth detox and youth shelter. I work with youth and their parents to help build students’ capacity to find success in their endeavors, feel confident in themselves, and feel good about their unique abilities. I specialize in addictions, neurodiversity affirming ADHD support and parenting support. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing which includes building connections, self-esteem, self-efficacy and family support. Students can drop-in to see me during my work hours or can send me an Email to set up an appointment time. I also welcome guardians to connect with me if they are struggling with ways to support their Oak Bay student through challenges.
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Youth & Family Counsellor
Isabella Karakostas
Tuesday & Thursday Afternoons
Monday, Wednesday & Friday Full Days
I have been working at Oak Bay high since 2023. I’m here to help students navigate the ups and downs of high school life with a smile (and a bit of humor). Whether it’s dealing with school stress, tricky friendships, or you just need someone to vent to, I listen, guide, and offer support along the way.
I started working in child care, supporting young people in their personal growth. From there, I worked at the YMCA Young Moms Program, helping navigate the balance of parenting with personal development, education, and mental health.
I work with students one-on-one and in group settings to build confidence, resilience, and healthy coping strategies, hopefully making tough topics feel a little less… well, tough.
I believe that every student deserves to feel supported, understood, and ready to tackle whatever life throws their way—preferably with a sense of humor along the way. Students are welcome to drop-in anytime during school hours or can email me to set an appointment.