The experience showed me that the words of a childhood hero were true, “Turn every stumbling block into a stepping stone!” (Bruce Lee). While my counselling experience as a teen was powerful, I did not think that I would end up choosing it as a profession myself!

My first degree was a Bachelor’s degree with a Joint Major in Business Administration (marketing focus) and Communication from Simon Fraser University. I chose it as I did not know what else to study! The reality was that I just wanted to get a degree, get out of university, and start working!

I worked in sales and marketing and greatly enjoyed the interpersonal skills involved in the field. However, I knew it was not going to be my life’s work. I just did not know what was! The light bulb turned on while I was working full-time in a sales job and volunteering on the weekends at a local food bank. It made me realize that I had a deep passion for making a difference in people’s lives and being part of their healing journey.

I decided to go back to school and take a year of psychology courses before applying to a Masters Degree (MA) in Counselling Psychology. I completed my MA degree in 2004 from University of British Columbia (UBC). My research focused on multicultural aspects of trauma, especially war experiences of Iraqi children from the 2003 war in Iraq. I went to Iraq at that time to conduct my research. After I completed my MA, I worked in various settings as a counsellor. This exposed me to a wide range of client issues. Over the years, I have worked full-time in a counselling role with:

• Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Richmond
• Social Services – Surrey
• Simon Fraser University Health and Counselling Services – Burnaby and Vancouver

My ongoing desire for learning and growing led me back to UBC in 2007 to challenge myself further! I completed a Doctoral Degree (Counselling Psychology) in 2011. My research focused on the refugee experience of adapting to and coping with war trauma. It provided me with another window through which I could observe the power of the human spirit!

My love for learning and personal growth also led to a meditation journey. This love was fuelled by my search for well-being, satisfaction, and happiness. I had (and still have) an ongoing curiosity about the nature of the mind, emotions, and suffering we all experience. I was first introduced to meditation in my teenage years, in the early 1990s, through my martial arts training. My meditation path was then revitalized in 2004 after experiencing various life challenges. I developed a deep sense of curiosity about how I can effectively incorporate mindfulness into my personal and professional life.

This curiosity propelled me to become a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher through the Center for Mindfulness – University of Massachusetts (UMass) Medical School. I completed all the required professional training, courses, and supervision. One of the training courses that I completed was with Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the MBSR program. I then became a trainer for UMass and Brown University Center For Mindfulness, offering professional training in mindfulness. My Centre then became recognized a Global Mindfulness Collaborative in partnership with the Mindfulness Centre at Brown University. I became authorized to teach the Professional Training programs that are recognized by Brown University for anyone interest in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher Training Pathway.

In 2013, I decided to challenge myself and go to Southeast Asia for an extended meditation retreat. I completed a six-month meditation retreat (in silence) at a forest monastery. The insights from 13 hours (minimum) of daily practice for that length of time deepened my understanding of mind and solidified my passion for meditation. It also led me to present a TEDx talk entitled “How mindfulness meditation redefines pain, happiness & satisfaction”.

The culmination of my life’s work and vision then led to the creation of the Centre For Mindfulness Canada, in North Vancouver. It was a long journey with persistent hard work, a deeply fulfilling process even with all the challenges that we had to overcome. A vision that started with a dream…an idea for creating a positive space in the community for healing, transformation, learning, and growth. A space dedicated to fostering positive change, nurturing joy, enhancing well-being and mindful living.
​In addition to being a Registered Psychologist with the BC College of Psychologists, I also hold the following designations and memberships:

• Certified Solution Focused Therapist
  (Canadian Council of Professional Certification)
• Canadian Certified Counsellor
  (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association)
• Member of the British Columbia Psychological Association
• Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher
  (University of Massachusetts Medical School)
• Authorized MBSR Teacher Trainer by the Mindfulness Centre at Brown University

My interest in wellness also led me to pursue certifications outside my field, such as:

• Canadian Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher (CYA-RYT 200)
  (Vancouver School of Yoga)
• Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) and Teacher (CLYT)
  (Dr. Kataria School of Laughter Yoga – India)

I look forward to possibly working together and being part of your journey.

Supporting positive change, well-being, and mindful living

Since I was a teenager, I had this insatiable yearning for positive change and personal growth. It originally took form in reading inspiring books, listening to talks that challenged my mind, and training in Martial Arts.

My first encounter with counselling happened around the same time, as a client. An unexpected life event occurred and provided me with various challenges. It felt insurmountable at the time. While I had a positive attitude about life, I was still skeptical that going to a stranger and sharing painful personal life challenges could be helpful!