With a combined total of over 80 years of experience, our clinical team at Pathways to Prevention are experts in mental health. In addition, our clinicians are well-versed in the Neurosequential Model (NM), with unique training directly from Dr. Bruce Perry and his team. Now specializing in prevention, our team is excited about the future of Pathways to Prevention: A Centre for Childhood Trauma.
Dr. Wang has worked in mental health for over 30 years, starting as a front-line worker at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Wang holds a Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology, a Master’s of Art, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology. She is trained as an NMT Mentor in Mentor-Led NMT Training Certification, NM Reflective Practice and Supervision and the Brazelton Touchpoints approach. Dr. Wang has been an invited speaker both internationally and nationally, speaking most frequently about the impact of trauma on development to professional groups like educators, clinicians, Indigenous populations, ministries in Alberta and British Columbia, and caregivers. She was responsible for the provincial training of the Neurosequential Model (NM) concepts and implementation in Alberta from April 2017-October 2018. She currently works as a Senior Director of Clinical Advancement and trauma-informed practice at Hull Services. Dr. Wang is an appointed Fellow of the Neurosequential Model Network and a specialist in Infant-Parent Mental Health. She is an Adjunct Lecturer at Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and an Associate Member at Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education at the University of Calgary. She is involved in several research projects related to child maltreatment and mental health. Dr. Wang is the 2020 recipient of the University of California, Davis Continuing and Professional Education- Parent-Infant and Child Institute “Bruce D. Perry, Spirit of the Child Award”. Her training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and the Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship has significantly impacted both her professional life and her personal life as a mother of two. Recently, Emily was awarded the 2023 Psychologist’s Association of Alberta (PAA) Psychologist of the Year Award for her exceptional dedication in advancing trauma-informed care and infant mental health.
Program Director
Tania has had a fulfilling 25-year career at Hull Services. She has worked in community-based programs, and therapeutic campus-based programs in both frontline and leadership roles. Tania’s professional background includes providing counselling, facilitating psycho-educational groups, parent education, and providing in-home parenting support. Her expertise includes: Infant Mental Health, Nurturing Parent Program, and training and implementation experience in the Neurosequential Model. Tania is a trainer of the Brazelton Touchpoints approach. She holds a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and has a passion for supporting children and families building resiliency and achieve success in their lives, however that looks for them. As Pathways’ Program Director, Tania provides leadership to Hull programs including Recreation and Push to Heal, as well as facilitating training. During her free time, Tania enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In the winter, she loves cheering on her children at sports tournaments. In the summer, she enjoys camping and paddle boarding.
Director, Research
David has been researching the brain and mental health for 15 years. He began his career as a frontline care worker in mental health, but later discovered that his true passion was enhancing brain health through research. He began studying drug treatments for Parkinson’s disease and obtained a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience. Next, he did his postdoctoral research in Psychiatry exploring brain stimulation as a treatment for depression. In 2018, David shifted towards collaborating with non-profits to improve support for youth facing adversity, including trauma and maltreatment.
He joined Pathways to Prevention at Hull Services in 2023. David advocates for transdisciplinary research, merging biological, psychological and social perspectives to solve complex problems related to brain health. Beyond work, he cherishes outdoor activities with his wife, Caitlin, their daughter, Carly, and their dog, Fiona.
As the Program Lead for Pathways to Prevention, Marilyn is a key member of the senior team and plays a pivotal role in optimizing program processes, ensuring the efficient execution of key initiatives, and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the program. She is also a certified trainer in the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach to family engagement.
Marilyn has been with Hull Services for over 25 years, beginning as a volunteer in 1998 and becoming an employee in 1999. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in front-line work with children, youth, and families in a specialized school setting, as well as in fundraising, volunteer recruitment, facilitating parent groups, and managing programs and projects. Marilyn also provides leadership for Hull’s Recreation Department and oversees the annual Happy Hullidays Adopt-a-Family/Young Adult program.
Born and raised in Calgary as a second-generation Canadian, Marilyn is the proud mother of two young adults. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
Training and Education Facilitator, Push to Heal Project Lead
Joel has been employed with Hull Services since 2010. Since then, he has gained a solid foundation of skills for working with children and youth with complex needs and families through involvement with Therapeutic Campus Based Care, Hull School and the Push To Heal project. He is an agency trainer, a fully certified member of the Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta since 2013 and holds Neurosequential Model in Sports certification. Joel holds two important roles within the Pathways to Prevention program. As a Training & Education Facilitator, Joel is helping to support the implementation of Neurosequential Model (NM) concepts into programs and projects across Hull’s continuum, as well as train community members. As the project lead for Push To Heal, Joel’s focus is on integrating NM concepts into skateboarding in ways that support folks engaged in Hull’s continuum of services, the wider community and international partnerships in the social skate sector. During his free time, you’ll find Joel skateboarding as much as time will allow and spending time with his wife and four young children.
Psychologist
Jocelyn Vincelli is a seasoned psychologist with over 15 years of experience in a variety of roles at Hull Services, including frontline child and youth care counselor, senior program manager, and clinician. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Psychology, specializing in School and Applied Child Psychology, from the University of Calgary and is a registered psychologist.
Throughout her career, Jocelyn has developed extensive expertise in working with children, youth, and families with complex needs. She has delivered care across a range of settings, including therapeutic campus-based programs, group care environments, and independent living services.
Jocelyn specializes in individual counseling and psychological assessments, with a particular passion for supporting youth and emerging adults. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic and adaptable, incorporating strengths-based methods, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, developmental psychology, and systems theory.
Outside of her professional life, Jocelyn has strong ties to farming and is an avid gardener and animal lover, activities that reflect her personal commitment to nurturing and growth.
Psychologist
With 15 years of experience working with complex youth in schools, shelters, group care settings, and within the community, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of the challenges these young people face. Her expertise in trauma-informed care informs her approach, allowing her to provide the support and advocacy that young people need as they navigate difficult circumstances. Passionate about empowering complex kids, Sarah is dedicated to creating safe, nurturing environments where they can heal, grow, and ultimately thrive.
Sarah utilizes expressive and creative approaches to therapy, offering alternative pathways to healing when words alone aren’t enough. With specialized training in play therapy, narrative therapy, and additional certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and polyvagal theory, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. By integrating these methods, Sarah fosters a safe and supportive space for growth, helping clients process emotions, build resilience, and discover meaningful pathways to healing.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys playing video games with her two kids and exploring the mountains on new adventures!
Clinician
Phil brings over 25 years of experience in the helping profession to his work. He currently serves in the Pathways to Prevention program at Hull Services, where he applies Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) as a Level II trainer. Phil also trains others in the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach to Family Engagement. He plays a key role in supporting Hull’s various programs that assist traumatized youth and families—both community-based and therapeutic campus programs—helping them better understand and integrate trauma-informed practices.
Throughout his career, Phil has held roles as a Caseworker and Investigator within Children’s Services, giving him a deep understanding of systems involvement.
Phil holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Dalhousie, where an anti-oppressive focus deeply influenced both his professional and personal life. Additionally, he is trained as a Family Therapist, which allows him to connect meaningfully with individuals and families, learning as much from them as they do from him.
As a father of two young boys, Phil is committed to raising his children with emotional awareness and a strong sense of privilege and responsibility in the world. He finds joy in both teaching and learning and draws energy from his connections with others and time spent in nature.
Clinician
Joy Clark brings over 15 years of experience working with families and youth, supporting a diverse spectrum of needs, including disability, grief and trauma. Since joining Hull in 2017, she has worked primarily with families. She holds a Master of Counselling degree and is a Registered Provisional Psychologist. She is deeply committed to enhancing capacity and opportunities for her clients. She views her role as a platform to creatively unlock doors and create transformative change in the lives she touches.
Joy believes in the power of connection and agency as catalysts for change. Her approach centers around providing warm, heartfelt, individualized support. Both personally and professionally, Joy believes in the power of storytelling as a potent tool for fostering connection. In her downtime, Joy enjoys knitting, reading and cherishing moments of laughter with friends and family.
Andrea holds a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation (BCR) degree from the University of Calgary, as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work with a specialization in community-informed practice for health and well-being. She is a Certified ATTACH™ Facilitator with the Attachment & Child Health (ATTACH™) Program. Andrea specializes in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Therapeutic Play Therapy.
With 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, caregivers, and professionals, Andrea applies a trauma-informed, solution-focused, and strength-based approach in her practice. She is deeply passionate about supporting children and families through collaborative therapeutic processes that help individuals lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys running, camping, and spending time at the lake with her family.
Helen has nearly a decade of experience in research, nursing practice and education at both diploma and university levels. Originally from Ogidi, Nigeria, she began her education as a registered nurse and midwife. After studying at the University of Nigeria, Helen earned her PhD in Nursing from the University of British Columbia. Through her PhD work, which focused on the health and well-being of young people, Helen developed strong research skills. She has published reputable journals and presented her research at international conferences. At Pathways, her research focuses on evaluating the use of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) within campus-based care at Hull Services. Helen strives to make a positive impact on young people’s mental health. She collaborates with young people, research teams, and community partners to develop evidence-based solutions that drive change. When she’s not working, Helen loves taking walks, shopping, spending time with her family, and exploring new places around the world!
Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Carisa stayed close to home to complete her undergraduate studies. During this time, Carisa developed an interest in research, which continued into her graduate studies, where she was actively involved in several research labs. In the later stages of her doctoral work at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, an opportunity arose to work as a Research Assistant at a child and youth care agency. She took on various roles within that agency while continuing her love for research. This experience later led Carisa to discover Pathways to Prevention, and she knew it was the perfect fit! Carisa values research that creates a real-world impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families. She is committed to giving a voice to those with lived experiences in a meaningful and impactful way. In her free time, Carisa loves to read, go to the gym and spend time outdoors. A former competitive cheerleader, Carisa traded her pom-poms for a 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo. She also coaches all-stars elite athletes.