Dr. Jennie Johnson, PhD, Registered Psychologist
Dr. Jennie has always had a love of people, but it was not until she started babysitting at the age of 13 that she discovered her passion for working with children. In her high school yearbook, she strongly declared that she wanted to be a psychologist, without actually knowing what a psychologist really did! Thankfully, after her first child psychology class at the University of Calgary, she was hooked, and it was then that she decided to become a clinical child psychologist. And, well, the rest is history!
Dr. Jennie completed her PhD and internship in Ohio, where she mostly worked with inner-city youth. After 6 years in the US, Dr. Jennie decided she was ready to move back to Canada. After the birth of her two boys, Dr. Jennie began seeing child psychology in a whole new light. The focus on learning, behaviour, and CBT that was the foundation of her schooling did not fit her experience of parenting. Thus, she sought an approach that was more developmental and relational in nature, rooted in attachment and emotion. She is excited to one day pursue a faculty position with the Neufeld Institute, which is the paradigm she adheres to.
She and her husband, along with their two young boys, are proud to once again call Red Deer their home, and the couple is passionate about helping people in Central Alberta.
Brooklyn Moe, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Brooklyn was born and raised on a farm outside of Red Deer, Alberta. After graduating high school, she moved to Australia for a year, where she worked and travelled. For as long as she can remember, Brooklyn has enjoyed working with people and has known that she one day wanted to pursue a profession in a field that supports the growth and development of individuals. Brooklyn’s own health journey and passion for nutrition led her to complete a diploma in natural nutrition, but she felt like her learning was not complete, and there were too many missing pieces. Valuing a bio-psycho-social approach to wellbeing, Brooklyn decided to pursue a degree in psychology, where her focus shifted more towards mental wellbeing.
Graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Brooklyn worked closely with a professor and various community partners during her last year to complete a research thesis focusing on evaluating, promoting, and building awareness of developmental assets and resiliency in Red Deer’s youth. This is what initially sparked Brooklyn’s interest in emotional health and the power of connection and attachment.
Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Brooklyn went on to work in schools as a Community Liaison Worker (CLW/family school wellness), which only furthered her desire to focus on attachment and connection. After working in the school system for a couple of years, Brooklyn decided to complete her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree through Yorkville University. During her practicum Brooklyn primarily worked with teens and adults experiencing crisis and trauma, allowing her to further immerse herself in a topic she is passionate about, but also diversify the age range in which she is experienced working with; However, her work with clients during her practicum remained rooted in an emotion-focused and attachment-based approach.
Shortly after graduating with her master’s, Brooklyn and her husband welcomed their second son. Being a mom to two young boys, Brooklyn finds joy and purpose in seeing and exploring the world through their eyes. With little opportunity for R and R, when afforded the time, Brooklyn can be found, reading and adapting recipes to nourish her young family, sipping a hot coffee and soaking up the warmth of the sun’s rays- no matter the season.
Mindy Alton, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Mindy is passionate about enriching the lives of children, teens, and families, and she’s been doing just that for over 15 years. With a rich background working in diverse settings, Mindy has helped countless individuals achieve their academic, family, and personal goals, all while fostering growth and healing.
At the heart of her practice is a deep belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship. Mindy creates a warm, nonjudgmental space where authenticity and empathy shine, meeting clients exactly where they are. Specializing in trauma-informed care for individuals of all ages, she’s committed to offering a safe environment for exploration and transformation. She works with kids 4 to 18 years old.
Mindy’s integrative approach combines various modalities—such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and creative play and art therapy—to ensure every session is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. Her ability to think outside the box and collaborate with clients to overcome challenges makes her an empowering guide on the journey to wellness.
A lifelong learner, Mindy continually seeks professional growth and practical ways to support those she works with. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her three rescue dogs, cooking up something delicious, diving into a good book, or tuning into an interesting podcast.
Shanelle Westlund, MCAP, Registered Psychologist
Shanelle’s passion for understanding people began early—so early, in fact, that by Grade 7, she had already decided she wanted to be a child psychologist. Raised on a remote farm, she spent much of her time exploring, creating, and developing a deep appreciation for mindfulness and nature. She started practicing meditation at a young age, which only fueled her curiosity about mental health, emotions, and the ways people connect with themselves and others.
Her journey led her to the University of Calgary, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating with distinction. But rather than heading straight back to school, Shanelle spent several years working on the front lines, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of areas—from teaching music and studying art to suicide intervention, school-based mental health programs, and supporting individuals with complex mental health diagnoses. She also worked in domestic violence prevention, deepening her understanding of trauma, attachment, and resilience.
Eager to expand her skills, Shanelle later pursued a Master of Counselling from Athabasca University. Now a registered psychologist, she brings a compassionate, creative, and client-centred approach to her work. Passionate about trauma, attachment, and emotions, she integrates creative arts therapy into her practice. She works with children, youth, adolescents, and adults to help them navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with themselves.
Shanelle lives in Red Deer with her husband, two dogs, and one very silly kitten. When she’s not supporting clients, she can be found painting, exploring outside, crafting, playing music, or diving into a new creative adventure.