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

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!

I have just returned to Oak Bay High after 5 years working at Monterey Middle School with a total of over ten years of counselling experience. I recently opened The Neurodiversity Family Centre here in Victoria and 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 endeavours, feel confident in themselves, and feel good about their unique abilities. I specialize in addictions, ADHD 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.

Hello my name is Kristina and this is my second year working as the Youth and Family Counsellor at OBH. I am born and raised in Victoria and have lived here most of life, except for a few years spent in Vancouver, a year teaching English in Seoul and a year working and travelling throughout Australia. My degree is in Human and Social Development/Child and Youth Care with a specialization in Child Life. I have worked in many different settings, most recently working with young, trauma-impacted women and children in a second-stage housing program. Outside of work, I love travelling, going on adventures, gardening, hiking, fishing. attending music concerts, antiquing and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to a wonderful year at OBH connecting with you all.