Ellie in 2024
Ellie is a deeply empathetic counsellor with lived experience overcoming a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in 2011.
Her goal is to help bridge the gap of understanding between people with brain injuries and their loved ones, offer grief counselling to those experiencing difficult losses, and to help individuals navigate their lives more effectively.
She is passionate about inspiring and uplifting audiences through engaging and heartfelt presentations. She is patient with a collaborative approach, building strong connections and understanding among diverse groups. Adept at using persuasive language and empathetic listening to motivate individuals towards achieving personal goals.
Ellie brings a wealth of experience in facilitating impactful sessions that resonate deeply, promoting lasting positive change.
My Story
My story begins when I was 18 years old. I was nearly eight months pregnant and just newly married. I went into early labour, so my husband was taking me to the doctor when we were in a devastating car accident with a dump truck. We lost our baby girl Emily Olivia in April of 2011.
My body and brain had sustained such trauma I was in a coma for a month. Upon awakening, I couldn't walk, talk, or function in nearly any capacity. The next six months were a blur - as my brain healed I became more aware of myself and surroundings. I learned the basic tasks of eating solid food, sitting, and speaking (though my voice was very slow and feint). Extensive physio, speech, and occupational therapy continued as I transitioned to Connect Lake Country - an assisted living facility for people with brain injuries.
Through therapy administered there, in addition to being taught basic living skills in a small community environment with other people with brain injuries: I regained the functions needed to return home.
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The next years were full of struggles as I stepped away from intense rehab and back into the role of a wife. I loved this role - I loved my husband and family immensely, but I needed to find purpose apart from them.
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I went back to finish high school through many years of Okanagan College Adult Upgrading classes. Trying to retain all this information required intense dedication; the coursework taught me about society and how the world works - but in completing it - I learned about myself and the way I work - broken brain and all!
In 2022, I separated amicably from my husband - and spent the next year learning true independence, and finding meaning in my life.
In 2023 I started the diploma program of applied Psychology and Counselling at the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling and completed it in 2024.
I acquired my CPCA RPC-candidacy certification
My ultimate goal is to counsel people with brain injuries and their families,
and be the person I wish was there for me in my recovery.
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Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890