Anna Jongeleen MPS AT CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist

Anna started at JFSE in 2017. Anna’s approach as a therapist is not only informed by her extensive education, training and professional experience; it is first rooted in her own life experiences and a deep love and care for human beings.

Anna has a Masters in Psychotherapy, Spirituality and Art Therapy, and is certified in Counseling and Children Counseling. Anna is trained in Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Integrated Relationships & Sex Therapy (CSTIP), Couples & Marriage Therapy, Complex Trauma Therapy, Art Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, Grief Counseling Play, and Sandtray Therapy.

She has over 25 years of experience as a multicultural therapist in Europe, Israel, and Canada and works with adults, families, couples, youth, and children and is a strong advocate for marginalized populations and people. Her thesis specialized in Eating Issues, and she developed a new treatment model based on attachment theory, somatic experiencing theory and art psychotherapy models.

Her areas of focus are relationship & intimacy issues, spiritual quests, neurodivergent (ASD, ADHD), 2SLGBTQ+, family, child and couple therapy, grief and loss (health, career, job, community, faith), bereavement, trauma, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, spiritual dilemmas, attachment wounding, and emotional regulation issues (e.g. anxiety/depression/mood disorders, dissociation, borderline personality, alexithymia, eating issues and disorders, etc.).

Anna speaks English, Hebrew, Dutch and some conversational French.

Anna Jongeleen MPS AT CCC Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist and Art Ther... Read More

Sarah Karesa

M.Ed., R.Psych

Program Manager

Sarah, in addition to being the program manager for the Edmonton Healing Centre, is a Registered Psychologist specializing in grief and loss (for all kinds of losses), palliative and life-limiting illness, dementia, and caregiving. She has spent her career building a deep understanding of these issues and is dedicated to supporting children, teens, and adults (individually and in group settings) as they navigate their unique journeys through grief. In doing so, Sarah aims to help all of her clients to discover how they can regain control in situations that are out of their control, how they can find healing in situations where healing is hard to find, and how they can develop the tools they need to face the difficult challenges that they may come across on their healing journeys.

Sarah earned her Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2015 and has completed specialized training/professional development in the areas of grief, loss, and trauma. She has over 10 years of experience working in diverse counselling settings including universities and hospice-palliative care settings as well as over 5 years of experience working as an Associate Professor at City University of Seattle’s Edmonton Campus. She has published and presented original research on the role of psychologists in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).

Sarah’s approach to therapy is integrative and client-centered, drawing from diverse modalities such as Person-Centered/Humanistic Therapy, Existentialism, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies. Sarah believes that therapy is a shared journey where clients are empowered to explore their emotions, build resilience, and navigate challenges in a way that feels best to them. Her clients can expect a supportive, affirming environment, particularly for diverse individuals who may have experienced systemic barriers to care.

Sarah specializes in working with people experiencing:

• Grief and bereavement

• Palliative and life-limiting conditions (including end of life)

• Aging-related transitions

• Caregiver stress and burnout

• Heightened anxiety and fear

• Social isolation and rebuilding meaningful connections

Outside of her professional work, Sarah enjoys going for walks, playing with her dog, and listening to improv comedy podcasts. She values lifelong learning, believing deeply in the human capacity for adaptation, healing, and hope — no matter their circumstances or stage of life.

Sarah Karesa M.Ed., R.Psych Program Manager Sarah, in addition to being the program manager fo... Read More

Daniella Kersey

Group Facilitator

As a Registered Social Worker, Daniella brings professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to her role as a Group Facilitator at Jewish Family Services Edmonton. Her practice creates safe, supportive spaces where individuals can process grief and connect with others on similar journeys. Daniella is committed to accompanying community members through their unique grief experiences, offering evidence-based support while honoring each person’s individual path. Through meaningful group discussions and therapeutic guidance, she helps participants develop coping strategies and discover hope even amid loss. Her approach combines professional training with genuine empathy, meeting clients where they are on their grief journey. Outside of her professional life, Daniella finds balance through winter camping adventures and regular meditation practice. She believes in the healing power of community and witnesses daily the resilience that emerges when people are given space to share and support one another.

Daniella Kersey Group Facilitator As a Registered Social Worker, Daniella brings professional e... Read More

Read More

Ashley Ploof-Montano

Transition Coordinator

Ashley holds a Master of Counselling degree from City University and a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano University. She has experience working in various settings supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, trauma, and domestic violence. She has also worked with newcomers to Canada and individuals living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Her approach is rooted in the understanding that each person’s story is unique. She values warmth, curiosity, and authentic human connection, aiming to create environments where individuals feel respected, heard, and supported. Her work is guided by principles of compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for the resilience of those she serves.

Outside of her professional role, Ashley enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging with nature, and exploring creativity through music. She also enjoys outdoor activities with her dog, who is always eager to join her on adventures.

Ashley Ploof-Montano Transition Coordinator Ashley holds a Master of Counselling degree from Ci... Read More

Heather Ruhl

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Heather is currently completing her Master of Counselling, reconnecting with her passion for mental health after over a decade of working in financial services. Before joining JFS, Heather completed her internship at Pilgrims Hospice Society, working with individuals experiencing loss and grief and facilitating group program delivery. Her hope is to help clients find ways to heal and discover their own strengths along their journeys and believes her role as a therapist is to shine a light into the darkness so you can choose your path forward. Heather is an advocate for mental health awareness and inclusion, and she works to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and inclusivity in a variety of settings. Heather is a Certified Trauma Professional and uses trauma-informed and narrative therapy approaches in her work.

Heather values spending time with her friends and family, reading, playing with her cat Sam, sewing, crochet, knitting, kayaking, and baking, and appreciates a good cup of coffee.

Heather Ruhl Registered Provisional Psychologist Heather is currently completing her Master of ... Read More