About Us
Dr. Kate Peplinskie
C. Psych.
Katherine Hollerer
C. Psych. Assoc.
Our Story
We’re mental wellness experts, who understand the act of balancing business ownership, children, aging parents, athletic and social pursuits, and the myriad of challenges that arise each day.
Though life can feel overwhelming, we aim to embody Jon Kabat Zinn’s sage advice: you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. Thriving happens in spite of the obstacles, not in the absence of adversity.
We are passionate about helping Lightwell’s clients to find their power, whatever issues they may be facing.
Our careers began in finance and journalism, but through our growth and experiences in these industries, it became apparent that Psychology is our calling. We are helpers at heart. Combined, we have close to 30 years of clinical experience in the mental health sphere, in hospital settings and private practice.
Our time on the front lines has given us a firm understanding of what’s working in the field, but has also highlighted the gaps and inadequacies in how psychotherapy and assessments are typically carried out. As the pace of modern life continues to increase, individuals are feeling more and more overwhelmed by the number of demands placed upon them. These factors have made it hard for people to access mental health services in a traditional setting.
Our overarching vision is to give our clients an effective, accessible, and inspiring experience. Despite being a digital offering, we aim to provide our services with warmth and compassion so that our clients feel safe and well-supported throughout the process. The skilled work of our passionate team provides proof that transformation is possible.
Our Team
Chrissy Court
RSW
Chrissy Court
(She/Her/Hers) RSW
Chrissy Court, a Registered Social Worker, has more than 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She provides support and hope to those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, grief, life transitions, and relationships. Using a client-driven approach, she guides her clients to uncover their strengths and abilities, no matter what life has thrown at them. Chrissy combines experience, education, creativity, and a sense of humour with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to therapy.
Chrissy is skilled at applying various evidence-based modalities, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). She also has specialized training in trauma therapy, addictions, and expressive arts therapy. Rather than using a “one size fits all” approach, she draws from a variety of methods to create an individualized plan for each person and their unique situation.
Gina Wareing
RSW
Gina Wareing
(She/Her/Hers) RSW
Gina Wareing, RSW, is a holistic therapist, who brings a thoughtful presence, and an honest style of communication to each session. Many of her clients are unsure how to break their unhealthy patterns, but are eager for change. Gina employs strengths-based, clinically proven methods to help them face difficult truths, tap into their innate resilience, and craft a sustainable plan for the future.
She has more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, working with adults, children, and families. She is a warm, compassionate therapist, who is skilled at addressing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and substance use concerns.
Dr. Gagandeep Shergill
C.Psych
Dr. Gagandeep Shergill
C.Psych
Dr. Gagandeep Shergill, C.Psych., is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). She specializes in individual therapy and couples counselling. Her therapeutic style is warm, active, and collaborative. Though lasting change takes time and patience, Dr. Shergill provides her clients with tools they can apply, throughout the therapy process, to help them enjoy emotional relief.
Dr. Shergill sees clients for a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, relationship difficulties, work stress, conflict resolution, and substance use issues. She welcomes clients of all sexual orientations, genders, and religious and racial identities, and invites conversations about how they experience their identities both inside and outside of therapy.
She employs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Gottman Method. She has trained in a variety of clinical and community agency settings.
Katherine Hollerer
C. Psych. Assoc.
Ms. Katherine Hollerer
(She/Her/Hers) C. Psych. Assoc.
Katherine Hollerer, C. Psych. Assoc., is passionate about providing inclusive, evidence-based, trauma-informed care. For the last 15 years, she has helped individuals to achieve fulfilling lives, which are aligned with their core values. Her therapeutic style is active, collaborative, and goal oriented. She helps her clients to examine their behaviours, better understand their motivations, and forge a path toward real change. She is skilled at treating an array of clinical concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Ms. Hollerer has trained in various settings, including hospital, community agency, and private practice, both within Canada and the United States. She has experience with numerous treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She has also completed several trauma-focused programs. She is registered as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is Lightwell’s co-founder.
Dr. Kate Peplinskie
C. Psych.
Dr. Kate Peplinskie
(She/Her/Hers) C.Psych.
Dr. Kate Peplinskie, C. Psych., is a clinical and rehabilitation psychologist, with close to 15 years of experience. She aims to create a space where each client feels safe, valued, and truly heard. She is skilled at treating a range of concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Dr. Peplinskie is particularly adept at helping her clients to process their trauma, so they can once again feel at ease in their bodies and in their lives. She gently explores traumatic memories, emotions, and embodied sensations, at her clients’ pace. She understands that contextualizing her clients’ reactions, as well as their unhealthy relationship patterns, is a crucial component of trauma work.
Dr. Peplinskie is dedicated to helping her clients to learn, grow, heal, and achieve their full potential. She employs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, somatic-based therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Toronto, and is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is Lightwell’s co-founder.
Heidi Mills
RSW
Ms. Heidi Mills
(She/Her/Hers) RSW
Heidi is a clinical social worker, registered in both Alberta and Ontario. She offers a supportive counselling environment utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), as well as many other evidence-based approaches. She provides counselling to those experiencing anxiety, depression, guilt/shame, stress, grief, eating disorders or trauma. She has experience in a variety of areas including both hospital and community settings.
Heidi has a unique ability to connect with people and a deep love of helping people live healthy and rewarding lives. When she’s not meeting with clients, you will find her outdoors with her family and pup adventuring around their farmyard or at the nearest beach.
Shannon Pendleton
RSW
Ms. Shannon Pendleton
(She/Her/Hers) RSW
Shannon is a social worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. With a background in community mental health, social services, and healthcare, her practice uses skills from a variety of modalities to help clients draw on their own strengths, learn more effective coping strategies, and view their lives from a new perspective, to bring about personal growth. With five years of experience in topics ranging from anxiety and depression, grief and loss, chronic illness, and major life changes, her work centers the client as the expert in their own life.
She has experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), coupled with an attachment focus, that she uses to encourage clients to better understand their “why” behind their current skills, to make a better way forward. When not working at Lightwell, Shannon can be found spending time with her cat, knitting, or on long hikes with friends.
Pamela Plain
RSW
Ms. Pamela Plain
(She/Her/Hers) RSW
Pamela Plain is a Registered Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years experience in the field. She has worked in a variety of settings, including on community mental health teams and inpatient psychiatric units. More recently, Pamela is focused on providing virtual short and long term therapy to clients in British Columbia and Ontario.
Pamela has specialized training and experience in CBT, DBT, and Existential Psychoanalysis. Her clients describe her style as highly relational, knowledgeable, and empathetic. She is very client-centred and has a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend appointments.
Graeme Richardson
RSW
Mr. Graeme Richardson
(He/Him/His) RSW
Graeme Richardson is a Registered Social Worker who completed his Master’s of Social Work at the University of Waterloo. Graeme has 10 years of experience working in a variety of settings including hospitals, community mental health clinics, residential treatment centres and harm reduction agencies.
Graeme uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people live the lives they want to live. Graeme works primarily with people who are seeking support and treatment for depression, anxiety, and/or substance use. When Graeme is not working he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, walking his dog Lou, and staying active in sports.
Giselle Young
Counsellor
Ms. Giselle Young
(She/Her/Hers) Counsellor
Giselle Young is a lighthearted person, who infuses the therapeutic journey with humour and compassion. She helps her clients to uncover their heartfelt goals, identify their unspoken desires, and move toward more meaningful ways of living. She has a special interest in holistic healing practices, and guides her clients to make the connection between mind, body and spirit.
Giselle is a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology candidate at Yorkville University. She holds a graduate certificate in mental health and substance use from Conestoga College. She provides evidence-based, person-centred affordable counselling.
