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Kathryn Priest-Peries

Kathryn Priest-Peries is an Indigenous woman of Anishinaabe and French Canadian descent. She’s also the proud mother of two young adult children, one of whom is a college student.

Kathryn has decades of experience working with Indigenous clients both on and off-reserve and has been a therapist for over 30 years. Her specializations include working with neurodivergence and assessing and treating PTSD, complex grief and loss. Kathryn is also a registered clinical counsellor and registered social worker in BC. She’s also working on her PhD in cognitive neuro-psychology.

Tel: 250-923-9708
Email: Kathryn.Priest-Peries@nic.bc.ca

Amy Rowes

Hi, my name is Amy. I was raised in Alberta and came to Vancouver Island in 1997 to attend university in Victoria.

I have both an education degree and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I completed a one-year Compassionate Inquiry (trauma theory) training program with Dr. Gabor Mate, which heavily informs my therapeutic practice. I work from a “brain-body” perspective, helping students understand how their nervous system shapes the way they experience their lives. I’m certified as a clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

I have an interest in many things: neurodivergence, identity development, 2SLGBTQ+, anxiety, emotional regulation, relationships, communication and trauma. I believe each person has the capacity to heal themselves and that change is possible with awareness and connection to our authentic selves. When I’m not working, you would probably find me at the gym, running in the forest or reading young adult fiction. I look forward to meeting you.

Tel: 250-334-5000 Ext. 4277
Email: amy.rowes@nic.bc.ca

Catherine O’Toole

Hello, my name is Catherine. I am a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and I have been supporting students at NIC since 2019. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and I am also a NIC alumna. I started my education journey at NIC, completing an Associate of Arts degree at the Comox Valley campus in 2012. I value a person-centered, collaborative and solution-focused approach to counselling, as well as a strong emphasis on self-care and compassion. I believe in supporting students to recognize and grow their strengths, as well as tailoring counselling to each student’s individual needs and goals. Your journey at NIC will challenge you, but you are not alone. I am here to support you in finding and paving your path forward.

Tel: 250-923-9700
Email: catherine.o'toole@nic.bc.ca

Kelly Van Diest

Hi, I am Kelly (she/her). I was born and raised in the Netherlands where I lived until I immigrated to Canada at the end of 2019 after falling in love with the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. I hold a Master's degree in special education, and I am currently completing my practicum at NIC for my Masters of Counselling program. Having worked in education for over a decade in a variety of roles, I have come to believe that connection lies at the heart of our personal and collective wellbeing. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore the challenges you are facing and support you in finding and using your strengths to overcome them.
I have a special interest in working with anxiety, life transitions, grief, relationships and communication, and the impacts of climate change on mental health. In my free time you will most likely find me immersing myself in nature through gardening, hiking, backpacking, skiing, sailing, or swimming in a cold body of water. I am looking forward to connecting with you.

Tel: 250-334-5000 ext. 7905
Email: kelly.vandiest@nic.bc.ca

Megan Cunningham

My name is Megan Cunningham (she/her). I grew up in the Comox Valley and spent summers commercial fishing out of Prince Rupert. My career as a Registered Nurse has found me working for the past 17 years in Mental Health and Substance Use. Through nursing, I have been privileged to learn much about the human spirit by walking alongside those who are often at the most vulnerable times in their lives.

Due to Dr. Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry approach's profound impact on my life, I completed a mentorship, internship, and certification. I am presently completing my Master of Counselling practicum here at NIC.

My practice is informed by personal and professional experiences that have helped me understand and appreciate the gifts and challenges of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world. I am particularly interested in working with ADHD, trauma, gender diversity, anxiety, and addiction.

I love hiking, biking, skiing, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends in my free time. 

Tel: 250-334-5000 Ext. 4366
Email: megan.cunningham@nic.bc.ca

Janet Beggs

Hi, I’m Janet. I was born in England, moved as a child to Australia, and made Courtenay home in 2006. I like to explore—in the mountains, within myself, and in connecting with people. This exploration led me to study a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (SFU). I am a certified clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

My aim is to assist students to acknowledge whatever is happening, investigate feelings and thinking and what the body knows, recognize capabilities, and gently find ways forward. If you are unhappy or struggling with something, are facing a tough decision or a life transition, want to understand yourself better, or to simply talk through what’s going on in your life, please consider making a time to meet.

My other main passions are music and animals.

Tel: 250-334-5000 Ext. 4048
Email: janet.beggs@nic.bc.ca

Samantha Banton-Smith

Hi, I am Sam. I have a Master of Arts in Counselling, as well as certification in Coaching and Harmony Integration practices. I am a certified clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have worked at NIC since 2005 as a counsellor, academic success coach and an instructor in the Human Services department.

I enjoy supporting students towards their academic and life goals through a collaborative and strength-based approach. Together we break down obstacles and explore solutions to support your journey at NIC.

Tel: 250-724-8734
Email: samantha.banton-smith@nic.bc.ca

Patricia Curtiss

Hello, my name is Patricia Curtiss. I am the Student Life and Outreach Liaison and I manage the Early Assist program. At Early Assist, we know that life as a student in post-secondary education can be challenging. In my role, I listen to your story and connect you to the supports and resources that can help you in your learning journey. If you or someone you know is struggling and you are not sure what your options are, please send me an email at earlyassist@nic.bc.ca.

Email: earlyassist@nic.bc.ca

**Please note that our Student Life and Outreach Liaison is not able to offer counselling services. If you need to see a counsellor, please select one of the counsellors indicated above.

Sierra Gale

Hello! I'm Sierra, the Healthy Students Liaison at North Island College. I'm here to provide dedicated support to students in the NIC Trades, Apprenticeship, and Technical programs. My main goal in this role is to promote mental health and wellness within the trades community by connecting you to the right resources and developing tools that align with the fast-paced nature of school, work, and life. I approach this work with a strong commitment to fostering respect, diversity, inclusion, and equity within the trades community.

Email: healthytrades@nic.bc.ca

**Please note that our Healthy Students Liaison is not able to offer counselling services. If you need to see a counsellor, please select one of the counsellors indicated above.