The Rising Sun Psychological Team
AARON TAMAYOSE, M.C., R.PSYCH.
Aaron Tamayose is a Registered Psychologist (#5141) based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 9 years of experience in clinical and forensic settings. Aaron has developed expertise in working with individuals facing complex mental health and disability-related concerns. Aaron is the operator of Rising Sun Psychological Services Inc. in Bridgeland Calgary and is a Consulting Psychologist at AHS-Forensic Assessment and Outpatient Services. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Counselling Psychology, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Disability Learning.
Aaron currently maintains three portfolios of practice, including: general psychological treatment, forensic psychological treatment and first-responder psychological treatment. Aaron's general psychology treatment includes extensive clinical work in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship skills and complex mental health issues.
Aaron's Forensic portfolio includes specific training and experience in correctional settings for close to a decade working with individuals who have offended, been charged, and/or convicted. Aaron's expertise includes risk identification, rehabilitation and behavior prevention. Aaron is a Consulting Psychologist at AHS-Forensic Assessment and Outpatient Services where he works with complex needs sexual offenders. Aaron is a qualified Alberta Courts Expert Witness in the area of psychological treatment of complex mental health and risk.
Aaron's robust First-Responder portfolio includes a strong understanding of the mental health needs specific to public safety personnel including police service members, firefighters, correctional service staff and Armed Forces members. Aaron is proud to offer dynamic treatment for PTSD, burnout, moral injury, organizational issues, performance difficulties as well as planning for and navigating disciplinary process including PSR proceedings. Aaron is a verified provider of MMPI assessment services to RCMP E Division. Some of Aaron's First Responder mental health training includes: critical incident debrief, officer involved shooting protocols, fit-for-duty evaluation and understanding operational stress.
Known for his person-centered therapy approach, Aaron focuses on empowering his clients to tap into their strengths and achieve personal success and mental well-being. Aaron's extensive training includes specialized techniques such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. He integrates various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing.
Aaron is recognized for his easy-going nature and ability to create a comfortable and open space for clients. He uses humor, kindness, and a straightforward approach, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Aaron has worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges and is dedicated to finding practical and effective solutions to improve their lives.
Notably, Aaron's contributions and commitment to excellence have been recognized by the University of Lethbridge, where he has been inducted into the Hall of Honour twice. In 2016, he received the Presidents Award for Service Excellence, and in 2019, he was named Young Alumnus of the Year.
When working with Aaron Tamayose, you can expect a therapist who combines expertise, compassion, and a down-to-earth approach to help you navigate life's challenges and find practical solutions for your well-being.
Jenifer Gardener, M.Sc, R.Psych
Jenifer Gardener is a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta (#3527). She has been practicing psychology since 2007 and working in the mental health field for over twenty years. Jenifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Calgary and a Master’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. During graduate training, Jenifer focused on forensic psychology and providing therapy for first responders and those involved with the justice system.
Jenifer utilizes multiple modalities to treat individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. She has received post-graduate training in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Jenifer has extensive experience in the field of trauma and crisis management for individuals and groups and has consulted with several organizations in Calgary to provide training and counselling for employees. Her current private practice focuses on providing therapy for military personnel, veterans, first responders and their families, and individuals who have experienced trauma.
Jenifer engages clients in therapy with empathy, compassion and a respect for their inherent strengths and resiliencies. Using a client-centered approach collaborative goals are developed in a welcoming, relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Progress is regularly reviewed to ensure that clients are obtaining maximum benefit from therapy.
.jpg/:/cr=t:6.2%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:66.72%25/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true)
Whitney Glaseman, M.C., Provisional Psychologist.
Whitney Glaseman is a Registered Provisional Psychologist (P7234) holds a Master of Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Whitney provides counselling to adults, children ages 5-12 years and families. Whitney supports people with complex-trauma, post-traumatic stress, grief/loss, anxiety, depression and addictions. Whitney has extensive experience working with law enforcement members and their families.
Whitney brings first-hand experience and an advanced understanding of the clinical mental health needs, and the legal complexities of forensic mental health. Whitney recognizes the innate ability for individuals and families to grow and experience advancements towards their goals. She understands her role as a clinician is to create a space of safety, understanding, and provide collaborative guidance to foster health and wellbeing.
Whitney has advanced training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples, and Motivational Interviewing. In addition, Whitney is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a rapid-eye-movement-therapy as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. She will use a variety of evidence-based practices flexibly, dependent on your needs.
Whitney is known for her empathy and commitment to empowering individuals and families. She is intentional, insightful, and creates collaborative, considerate and productive therapeutic spaces. Whitney also practices yoga and breath work, and recognizes the holistic benefit of mindfulness, mind-body connection and meditation in mental health and wellbeing.
Melina Byers, MSW., RSW.
Melina is a Masters level Registered Social Worker (ACSW #17026) with valuable clinical experience working with high needs clients from all walks of life. Melina is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.
Melina is a person-centered therapist who believes in a collaborative practice to support clients through whatever life throws their way. She believes we have all experienced the discomforts that come with being human, however we do not need to navigate this alone.
Melina's background includes treating anxiety, depression, and stressors such as relationship difficulties, family conflict, emotional dysregulation, communication challenges, low self-esteem, anger management and intimate partner violence. Melina also works extensively with WCB and CPS referred clients. Melina is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD as well as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Together you will explore evidence-based practices to help you enhance your life and cultivate behaviors that align with your goals and values. You are the expert in your own life, and Melina is here to offer guidance, support, and interventions tailored to your unique needs.
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:16.62%25,w:66.76%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true)
Michelle Kang, M.Sc, Provisional Psychologist.
Michelle Kang is a Registered Provisional Psychologist (P7149) with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University. Michelle comes from the non-profit world with a background in supporting vulnerable and marginalized populations in navigating complex mental health, trauma, and addictions. With a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, Michelle aims to support clients to reconnect with their sense of purpose, passion, and joy. She holds the firm belief that everyone has the capacity for healing and growth, and her role is to support people in recognizing and building the resiliency they have within them.
Michelle’s guiding values are authenticity, humility, and connection. She approaches therapy with the belief that clients are experts in their own lives and strives to create a safe and therapeutic space to explore some of life’s most challenging moments. Michelle brings an integrative approach to her practice and believes that good therapy is a thoughtful balance between exploring and understanding past experiences while developing skills and cultivating hope for the future. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based approaches including Humanistic, Neurosequential, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Attachment frameworks. Additionally, Michelle is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.
Michelle offers individual counselling and enjoys working with adolescents (12+) and adults. She is excited to work with you in areas of trauma, stress management, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief and loss, self-esteem, relationship challenges, parenting, and personal development. Michelle offers a free 15-minute phone consultation, to support you in finding the most suitable fit as finding the right therapist for you is the key to your therapeutic success.
Sarah Paniak, M.C., Provisional Psychologist.
Sarah Paniak is a Registered Provisional Psychologist (P7787) with a Master of Counselling Psychology degree, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. For over 5 years, Sarah has worked in the field of mental health and addictions, supporting marginalized youth, adults, and their families struggling with complex trauma, often involved within the legal, or other social systems.
Sarah believes that when the client is ready, addressing their problems from a strengths-based approach can illuminate their identity, values, and encourage motivation towards a personally meaningful life. She believes that the client is the expert of their own journey, and that her role is to broaden their perspective and encourage small, tangible steps towards their desired future.
Sarah will provide counselling to teenagers ages 12 and up, adults, and their families. Her area of interest is complex-trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and addictions. Sarah is performing psychoeducational assessments for children ages 6-16, specifically testing areas such as attention deficit disorder, giftedness, and general learning disabilities.
Sarah works from an integrative, trauma-informed, evidence-based approach, gearing her practice to the needs of her clients. Currently, Sarah primarily utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy (NT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) within her practice. Sarah also has specific training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD.
Sarah is known for her warm presence, innate curiosity, her openness, and ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. As a personal proponent of movement and mindfulness, Sarah intentionally integrates these elements within her practice. Values and their meanings are explored on an ongoing basis, allowing appropriate goals to be set and evaluated. Sarah will also offers 15-minute free consultations to encourage therapeutic success.
Alexis Vatcher, Student Counsellor
Alexis (Lex) Vatcher holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Sociology. Currently, she is completing her senior year as a practicum student in the Master of Counseling Program at City University. While Lex has always appreciated the analytical and problem-solving aspects of mathematics, her true passion lies in connecting with people. With an inquisitive and open-minded approach, she is dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience.
A “deep, old-soul” personality, Lex is committed to helping individuals unlock their innate potential and empower them to take charge of their healing journey. She aims to specialize in working with First Responders, such as Police Services and Fire Departments and is interested in pursuing a career in forensic psychological treatment.
With over 12 years of experience in customer service, including time spent on the Crisis Hotlines at the Calgary Distress Centre, Lex brings a compassionate and trauma-informed perspective to her work with diverse clients. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the field of counseling is evident in everything she undertakes, and she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to support her future clients in their personal growth and resilience.
Alexis is now accepting clients within our Low Cost Counseling Program, focusing on depression, anxiety and general mental health challenges.
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:16.62%25,w:66.76%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true)
Pam Ramdial, Client Experience Assistant
Pam holds over 30 years of mental health administrative experience in highly technical, forensic and clinical settings. Pam has worked with some of Canada's most renowned Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Social Workers. We are proud to have Pam on our team assisting with Client Experience.
Brenden Lindgren, Office Manager
Brenden comes to Rising Sun Psychological Services with a wealth of customer service management experience. Brenden runs daily business operations for the group including, customer experience, billing systems and program development. Concurrently Brenden is working on his Master of Counselling Psychology and will join the group as a Therapist upon completion. We are fortunate to have Brenden on our team.