Our Team
Nicole Ripley, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Clinic Owner, Facilitator & Host
Meet our remarkable businesswoman, a true trailblazer in her field, Nicole Ripley, RCC, who has achieved unparalleled success in her entrepreneurial endeavors in the counselling industry. With a remarkable track record of opening and managing seven thriving locations in British Columbia, Canada, she has demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills and business acumen.
Her unwavering determination and strategic vision have propelled her ventures to unprecedented heights. Now, this inspiring entrepreneur is ready to share her knowledge and expertise by hosting exciting networking events and feature segments with our retreat participants. Through her engaging presence and wealth of experience, Nicole creates an atmosphere of inspiration and empowerment, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded individuals eager to expand their professional networks, explore strategic planning, and take their careers to new heights.
Chantelle Froats, Primary Host
Chantelle is a seasoned professional with a strong background in hospitality and event management. With her expertise in growing businesses of all kinds, and has had leadership roles in nation wide franchise and multi-unit private organizations, she brings a wealth of knowledge to Retreat Season.
Passionate about the field of mental health, Chantelle recognizes the immense dedication of professionals who devote their time, energy, and careers to caring for and helping others. She wholeheartedly believes that these professionals also deserve dedicated time to focus on themselves, recharge, and rejuvenate. It is with this conviction that she takes immense pride in collaborating with amazing professionals to host these retreats.
Nicky Darko, Office Manager & Host
Nicky is an exceptional individual with a deep-rooted passion for self-care, wellness, and rejuvenation. As a devoted mother of three boys, she understands the importance of finding balance in life and consistently advocates for self-care practices.
Nicky’s organizational skills and unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and safe space make her an invaluable asset to the Retreat Season Team. Nicky's warm and compassionate nature shines through in her interactions, leaving a lasting impact on our participants.
In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her children, instilling in them the value of self-reflection and appreciating the beauty of the world around us. Nicky's dedication and enthusiasm make her an exceptional admin representative, guiding others towards self-discovery and personal fulfillment.
Guest Facilitators
Tami O’Meara. Registered Clinical Counsellor, Facilitator
For the past 25 years, Tami has dedicated herself to the field of counselling as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Alongside her extensive experience, she's developed a passion for motivational speaking, providing practical tools applicable to both personal and professional spheres. Drawing from her own life experiences and evidence-based methods, Tami delivers valuable insights tailored to diverse audiences.
As a trailblazing athlete who made headlines as the first female quarterback on a male football team (which was later made into a Hollywood film where Helen Hunt plays the role of Tami) Tami gleaned invaluable insights into confidence-building and navigating gender-related challenges. These experiences continue to inform her work, inspiring others in unexpected ways.
Tami holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling from University of North British Columbia. She is also a registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with the Alberta Association for Clinical Hypnosis. Known for her inspirational and humorous approach, Tami has engaged diverse audiences, including youth, parents, educators, counsellors, and community groups, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.
Lisa Catallo, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor, Facilitator
We are honored to introduce Lisa Catallo, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor and Group Practice Buisness Coach working out of the Vancouver, BC area. Lisa has been in private practice for six years, and has been a group practice owner for the last five years. As she started her first group practice, she recognized the fact that there wasn't a lot of support for Canadian therapists building and growing a group practice, so she started Your Practice Your Way.
Over the past five years Lisa has helped hundreds of Canadian therapists start and grow thriving group practices. Lisa is committed to helping other GPO create a business that has efficient systems that help you be an effective leader and have the time and freedom to be present for your family. She is also passionate about helping you as a business owner find connection and support from other Canadian group practice owners who understand your struggles and celebrate your successes with you.
Lisa is joining us at the upcoming Costa Rica Retreat, specifically designed for Group Practice Owners!
Becky Palmer, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Facilitator
We are delighted to introduce Becky Palmer, RCC, MACP, BSP, as a seasoned Registered Clinical Counsellor, specializing in guiding individuals and groups through a journey of self-discovery, growth, and well-being.
Becky extends a warm welcome to participants of the 2025 Alaska Cruise Retreat seeking a transformative experience. Becky recognizes the importance of creating a safe space where adults can reconnect with themselves and navigate life's complexities. Utilizing her skills, she empowers participants to explore their personal narratives, delve into emotions and sensations, and access self-empowerment.
With a rich background as a Military Pharmacy Officer in the Canadian Forces, Becky brings a trauma informed perspective, a focus on leadership and a medical expertise to her practice.
Becky holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and her commitment to community well-being extends beyond the retreat setting. An engaging speaker, she has presented at various workshops and conferences for professionals and individuals alike. Beyond her role as a clinical counsellor, Becky finds joy in continuous learning, travel, and spending meaningful time with her blended family.
Laura Hartell, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Facilitator
We are delighted to introduce our guest facilitator at the Sparkling Hill Retreat, Laura Hartell who has many years of experience leading groups in North, Central and South America, and a 20 year history of working in the field of trauma. Holding a Masters degree in Counselling, she has provided instruction at the graduate level in: The Neuroscience of Attachment, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy; as well as training and supervising Practicum students and clinical counsellors.
Laura operates from a holistic frame of reference and has a unique perspective. The first healing modality she studied prior to her degree was Massage Therapy, and since that time she added Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, and Quantum Energy practitioner to her tool belt. She observed the reality that "the body keeps the score" (van der Kolk), and pursued therapeutic techniques which support the shift to wellness.
Laura knows firsthand the effects that vicarious trauma has on helping professionals, and how rare it is to find those who provide a big enough container to hold space for us. Laura invites you to release yourself from the role of "practitioner" and immerse yourself into just being, as you are; one who is also in need of safety, care and healing. With group EMDR experiences, you will connect with resources that will support your intention and guide you moving forward.
Mary O’Neil, Post Intern Counsellor, Facilitator
We are excited to introduce our extraordinary yoga instructor turned clinical counsellor, Mary O’Neil, a beacon of holistic well-being and personal growth. With a deep-rooted understanding of the mind-body connection, this gifted individual has seamlessly transitioned from guiding students on the mat to supporting individuals in their emotional and mental well-being. Mary is joining us again at the upcoming Sparkling Hills Counsellor Connect Retreat, we are excited to have her join us again!
Drawing upon her extensive knowledge of yoga, mindfulness, and therapeutic techniques, she brings a unique approach to counselling and mental health awareness that integrates movement, breathwork, and introspective practices. She is excited to offer a transformative wellness session, dedicated to supporting self-care. With her compassionate guidance and expertise, Mary will empower attendees to embrace self-care as an essential practice for nourishing their minds, body, and spirit.