Hello! My name is Melanie, and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies, and a Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology. Alongside my academic background, I have extensive experience supporting high-risk youth with complex needs within the child welfare system.
My current focus is on conducting psychoeducational assessments with children and youth to explore learning, cognitive, and social-emotional challenges. I strive to develop a comprehensive understanding of each child’s learning profile while also recognizing their individual strengths. I prioritize contextualizing assessment results in a practical way and aim to offer meaningful recommendations to help support your child’s growth.
I also provide intervention for children experiencing difficulties with anxiety, emotional regulation, and attention, using a fun and engaging Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach.
Outside of my work, I enjoy embracing my nerdy side through video games, anime, and fantasy
novels. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your child!
Hello! My name is Melanie, and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I hold a Bachelor of A...
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Shawna Cunha is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who brings nearly two decades of experience
supporting adolescents, families, and educators. After spending 19 years as a middle school teacher,
Shawna transitioned into mental health work and began practicing full-time in December 2024. Her
extensive background in education—including several years supporting schools in part-time mental
health roles—offers her a unique and insightful perspective when working with youth, parents, and
adults navigating life’s challenges.
Shawna holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Master of
Education from the University of Calgary. She practices from a client-centered, trauma-informed, and
strengths-based lens, integrating evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic approaches. Shawna has completed
EMDR Training and is now offering EMDR therapy within her clinical work.
She supports adolescents and adults experiencing a range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Emotional dysregulation
- ADHD and executive functioning difficulties
- Stress and burnout
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and communication challenges
- Life transitions and identity development
Given her extensive history in schools, Shawna is particularly skilled in supporting teens and young
adults with academic stress, peer conflict, self-worth challenges, and the pressures of high achievement.
She has significant experience with ADHD and helps both youth and adults build strategies for healthier
routines, motivation, organization, and relationships.
Shawna also offers psychoeducational and mental health assessments for adolescents, providing clarity
on learning needs, ADHD, anxiety, mood concerns, and emotional functioning. Her assessment work
includes practical, individualized recommendations to support school success, well-being, and daily life.
Her therapeutic approach emphasizes connection, emotional safety, and collaboration. Shawna
integrates mindfulness, breathwork, and holistic wellness practices to support mind–body balance and
long-term resilience. She is also working toward certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy, inspired by her
belief in the healing role of nature and animals.
Outside the office, Shawna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She can usually be
found outdoors—walking dogs, exploring nature, or volunteering with local animal rescues—which
brings grounding and balance to her personal and professional life.
Shawna Cunha is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who brings nearly two decades of experience...
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Jorden is thrilled to join Launch Psychology! With over five years of teaching experience across Canada, Thailand, and China, she brings a blend of global perspective and hands-on expertise, along with a heartfelt commitment to student well-being.
Her passion for helping children succeed led her to earn a Master of Education in Child Psychology, with a specialization in School Psychology, from the University of Calgary. Jorden has worked as a School Psychologist in British Columbia, where she provided personalized, compassionate support to help children thrive. She also brings valuable experience from private practice, where she conducted psychoeducational assessments and offered therapeutic services.
Jorden is honoured to be a part of your family’s assessment journey! She deeply values the opportunity to provide strength-based assessments, while also shedding light on any challenges a child may face. She strives to offer supportive solutions that pave the way for success. Jorden’s friendly demeanour and calm presence create a warm and welcoming environment for assessment sessions, making sure every child feels valued.
Outside of her professional commitments, Jorden is dedicated to giving back to her community through volunteering with animal rescue groups. She finds joy in outdoor pursuits, including hiking and snowboarding, cherishing moments with friends, and embracing the challenge of learning Spanish.
Jorden is thrilled to join Launch Psychology! With over five years of teaching experience across ...
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My name is Stephanie Laborge, and I am a Registered Psychologist working with youth and their families in the Calgary area. I love working with children, and am honoured when asked to partner with families to uncover solutions and answer questions about mental health, learning and development.
I have experience in private settings, as well as working directly within the school system, providing counselling and conducting psycho-educational assessments with children and adolescents, along with their families. Some of the areas that have I helped families with include:
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anxiety
Depression
School refusal
Stress
Social skills
Anger management
Learning disabilities (reading, writing, math)
Intellectual disabilities
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Giftedness
And so on…
I received my Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary, and am registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists, as well as a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. I have received a certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from Wilfrid Laurier University, and have additional training in OCD, anxiety, trauma, non-violent crisis intervention, risk assessment and suicide intervention.
The methodology that I primarily draw from is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which has a strong evidence base for children and adults alike. This is a structured and goal oriented type of therapy, which is based on the belief that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact, and that by making small changes in any one of these areas, we are able to influence the entire system. Through the counselling process, the aim is to teach clients to eventually be their own therapist, including how to identify and respond to dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs, how to manage emotions in positive and healthy ways, and how to overcome anxious, worried, or low thoughts. I also utilize exposure and response prevention (ERP), which includes identifying and helping clients to face their triggers while encouraging them to not engage in maladaptive responses. This is especially helpful for clients with anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
I believe that play is incredibly important in the therapeutic process, and aids in learning, engagement and retention. ‘Play’ can take many forms, and can look different at every age - from playing with figurines and puppets, to drawing and modelling with clay, and role playing various scenarios.
In addition to being a registered child psychologist, I am also a mother of three beautiful children who constantly keep me on my toes, and often serve as my motivation to continue to learn and grow, and better myself as a person and as a professional.
I am passionate about working with individuals and families to better understand their cognitive and learning profiles through the assessment process, and look forward to helping your child launch to their full potential.
My name is Stephanie Laborge, and I am a Registered Psychologist working with youth and their fam...
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