Our mission is to enhance and support the quality of life for Cowichan Lake area residents. We will strive to do this through education, prevention, recreation, counselling and support groups. It is also our aim to work together with other service agencies in an integrated approach.

The Cowichan Lake Area is committed to being the best place to raise a child!

Our Counsellors

AMANDA SAWATZKY - B.A., M.Ed., S.E.P., C.C.C.

Amanda SawatzkyAmanda Sawatzky has worked as a counsellor for Cowichan Lake Community Services for the past 16 years, starting in early 1994. Amanda holds a Masters degree in Counselling from the University of Victoria, a BA in psychology from McMaster University, as well as a certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

She is a certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and also has certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Child and Youth Anxiety through the Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia. Amanda is also a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling Association.

Amanda was born in England, raised in Oakville Ontario, and is now a true converted west coast island girl who likes to migrate south in the winter. Along with trauma work, Amanda has extensive experience working with adults, children, groups and families using a variety of approaches. Amanda brings enthusiasm and a passion for healing to her work and uses a playful approach to learning.

Email Amanda directly - amanda@comserv.org

 

DARLENE TULLY - B.A., M.Ed., A.T.R.

Darlene TullyDarlene has a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her training also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. She is a Registered Art Therapist. Darlene began her counselling career in 1995 and has been a counsellor at Cowichan Lake Community Services since 2004. She worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor at an open custody youth facility in Ontario in 1995 and went on to work as a Clinical Coordinator at Bayfield Children’s Residential Treatment Centre in Ontario from 1997 until 2003. Darlene moved to BC in 2003; she worked in Victoria at the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, and at Victoria’s Specialized Youth Detox Program before moving to the Cowichan Lake area.

Darlene’s approach to life and her approach to counselling employs genuineness, creativity, and simplicity. She invites the sharing of stories and seeks to encourage individuals to explore and access their strengths as they strive for personal goals and a sense of well being and connectedness.

Email Darlene directly - darlene@comserv.org

BRANDON RIOPKA - SSW

Brandon Riopka Brandon is a Family Development Therapist with Cowichan Lake Community Services. He recently moved to the community, and began working with Community Services in May. He holds a Social Service Worker Diploma from Sir Sanford Fleming College, and is currently completing his final year of the Bachelor Of Social Work program at Carleton University.

He most recently worked in Adult Mental Health in Ontario, where he was employed with the Canadian Mental Health Association. During his five years working with that agency, he provided support and services to adults suffering from various mental health and addiction related issues. He has also worked with children and families through his role as a Clinical Support Worker with Phoenix Residential Treatment Services. He uses a client centered; strengths based approach, with the goal of assisting and empowering individuals and families to utilize and recognize the resources available to them.

Brandon is originally from Victoria, but has been living and working in Ontario since 2000. He recently returned to Vancouver Island and moved to Lake Cowichan. He provides counselling to families, individuals and youth, and also co- facilitates a number of our local programs.

Email Brandon directly - brandon@comserv.org

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The Cowichan Lake Area is committed to being the best place to raise a child!

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