My name is Alysha Angus (she/her), and I am a mom of four, with three living sons and a daughter in the sky. My life was turned upside down after experiencing a full-term pregnancy loss in March of 2021. Following the death of my daughter Ellie, I was desperate to connect with other bereaved parents, learn more about grief and loss, and find ways to integrate Ellie in my life moving forward.
The lens through which I saw the world of pregnancy and parenthood had shifted so
drastically. I found comfort and belonging in attending grief support groups, webinars, events- you name it, I was there. As shocked and heartbroken as I was to have joined this community of bereaved parents, I felt a strong pull to dive deeper into this unfamiliar territory. I felt called to support others on their grief journeys, which led me to become certified as a Pregnancy + Infant Loss Coach, through the Seeds of Growth Academy,
Grief Education. I have found deep meaning and purpose in facilitating support groups for bereaved parents.
However your path has led you here, I want you to know that you are seen and
supported. I am here with you and would be honoured to hold space for you on your
journey. I look forward to connecting with you and witnessing your story.
My name is Alysha Angus (she/her), and I am a mom of four, with three living sons and a daughter ...
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Shannon Carr (she/her/hers) is a registered pelvic health physiotherapist who nurtures the perinatal and perimenopausal community in her hometown of Guelph, ON.
In 2017, her and her partner made the difficult decision to end a wanted pregnancy after her son was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition in utero. Her lived experiences include traumatic live birth, termination for medical reasons, parenting after loss, pregnancy after loss, and parenting young children during the pandemic.
Shannon started volunteering with PILSC in late 2021 after learning about the unique TMFR support group that PILSC offers, a group that was much desired and lacking during her early grieving process. She is grateful to be trusted by the many parents who bravely share their stories and build community with one another, while integrating their grief and honouring their much-loved little ones.
Shannon Carr (she/her/hers) is a registered pelvic health physiotherapist who nurtures the perina...
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Lo-Anne(she/her/elle) is a fierce community advocate. She sits on the board of various social service agencies to deliver a cultural perspective to policy discussions and awareness campaigns.
Lo-Anne is a mother to four children on earth and one in heaven. Her journey began in the second half of pregnancy when her daughter was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Having to travel upwards of three hours to access specialized medical teams, Lo-Anne understands the roller coaster of anticipatory grief, navigating the clinical approach of the medical system and parenting through loss.
Lo-Anne(she/her/elle) is a fierce community advocate. She sits on the board of various social ser...
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Joëlle’s life work was revealed to her after surviving the devastating & traumatic death of her second child, Julien. She is living out Julien’s legacy by turning to the loss community and supporting other Pregnancy and Infant Loss families during their times of deepest need.
Wherever you are on the journey and regardless of how or when you have experienced Pregnancy or Infant loss, she is here to support you. Joëlle further specializes in supporting families through Parenting after loss and TFMR as well as offering sessions in both English and French.
Joëlle’s life work was revealed to her after surviving the devastating & traumatic death of h...
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Rebecca loves to find ways to combine her background in occupational therapy with her life as a visual and biomedical artist. She has instructed hundreds of students in schools and many adult classes, with the goal of always helping others find their inner artistic expression. Through this workshop, Rebecca seeks to share a creative way she worked through her own pregnancy loss with others who wish to do the same.
Rebecca loves to find ways to combine her background in occupational therapy with her life as a v...
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Not Accepting New Patients. Existing Patients Only
Alexandra is a counsellor and obtained her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology in April 2020.
She recognizes that counselling can be of benefit to anyone going through distress,
trauma, or unhappiness in their lives. Alexandra noticed the need for people to have
counselling available in her 18 years as a health care worker as well as being a yoga teacher.
Alexandra’s areas of interest are grief/loss, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse,
and self-esteem. Her clients acknowledge her relaxed nature and sense of compassion she
brings to counselling. She appreciates the lifelong learning in the field of counselling and is
constantly looking for new and constructive ways to help clients.
Alexandra’s passion has always been in the counselling field and she is grateful for her clients’
trust and acceptance. She has great respect for all of her clients. Alexandra uses evidence-
based approaches including Supportive Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Strength-
Based, EMDR, elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and elements of Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy. Alexandra is a firm believer that everyone deserves to feel their best and
YOU belong in this world!
I practice an eclectic approach to therapy which looks at the client holistically and combines
different forms of standards approaches. I believe that a counsellor and client relationship is
special and needs to be a good fit. I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental
environment at all times. I work hard to instill trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Working on
your mental health is never a waste- it’s an investment in self-worth and moving forward in a
positive direction. I look forward to walking you through your healing journey and always
maintaining a safe place to pause. Your holistic needs will always come first. I believe in having
honest and open communication about your needs in order to foster a solid therapeutic
relationship.
Not Accepting New Patients. Existing Patients Only
Alexandra is a counsellor and obtained her Ma...
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Jennifer Hammer (she/her) is an intuitive mentor and Certified Coach. She is also a Perinatal and Loss Specialist, Certified Infant Feeding Educator, Reiki Master and Peer-Group Facilitator for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Jennifer is a strong advocate for peer-support and believes it is a powerful stepping stone on the pathway towards healing. She founded Postpartum Support Calgary to cultivate a peer-run community for parents battling isolation. Jennifer currently offers guidance through her business Sacred Nest via private and group coaching. In her work she uses an integrative approach combining somatic and energetic healing, emotional mastery and subconscious re-programming.
It was her own personal experience navigating the loss of her first pregnancy and perinatal anxiety that propelled her into this work and joining the PILSC team as the Support Group Coordinator.
Jennifer Hammer (she/her) is an intuitive mentor and Certified Coach. She is also a Perinatal and...
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Chelle (she/her/hers) is a seasoned facilitator with 20+ years of experience supporting individuals, families, and couples in peer support, community engagement, and private practice. Volunteering with PILSC for two years, she offers post-abortion peer mentoring and group facilitation, drawing from her own journey of healing after a traumatic abortion. As the director of a Calgary women’s shelter where she has worked for 16+ years, Chelle focuses on empowerment and resilience, emphasizing the transformative power of peer-to-peer relationships. A solo mother of three, she brings humility, honesty, and gratitude to her roles both personally and professionally.
Chelle (she/her/hers) is a seasoned facilitator with 20+ years of experience supporting individua...
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Born and raised in apartheid South Africa, Emma witnessed the destructive impact of human ego, arrogance, and greed from a young age. After a career dedicated to community development and youth empowerment in various African communities, she moved to Canada in 2018 and completed her certifications in Life Coaching and Professional Counselling.
Emma is a mother to one living son and balances her time between being home with him, running her private counselling practice, volunteering for PILSC, and working part-time as an anti-racism community outreach worker at her local immigration agency.
Emma began her journey with PILSC in January 2023 when she joined a PILSC Weekly Late Loss Support Group as a participant. She has since become a PILSC Group Facilitator, Peer Mentor, and Rural Ambassador.
Born and raised in apartheid South Africa, Emma witnessed the destructive impact of human ego, ar...
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Annie is a culturally-sensitive, compassionate, and connected Art Therapist who wholeheartedly believes in the creative healing potential within each and every person.
Annie holds a Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and Psychology. She is a Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Annie has over 10 years of experience working as an Art Therapist with a variety of populations: children, teens, adults with disabilities, addictions, domestic violence survivors, new mothers, and seniors.
As someone who has experienced the pain of pregnancy loss herself, Annie is keenly aware of the deep need to witness and validate the experience of grief. Art has the ability to invite difficult feelings into the light through visual forms, helping you lean into, learn from, and move through the grief rather than be stuck in it. Annie’s goals are to create and hold a sacred space for individuals to develop self-awareness, express hard to verbalize feelings, and explore new ways of being.
Annie is a culturally-sensitive, compassionate, and connected Art Therapist who wholeheartedly be...
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Kate is a multicultural, trauma-informed counsellor working with culturally different, immigrant or individual, couples and families looking to experience counselling that honors and incorporates their faith, spiritual, cultural beliefs, and values. In private practice she works in the areas of grief and loss, trauma and PTSD, culturally different couples, difficult relationship patterns and domestic abuse including survivors of narcissistic abuse.
Kate holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Certified Canadian Counsellor, Grief & Loss Educator and Group & Workshop Facilitator helping individuals, understand and work through challenges that diminish their wellbeing.
She is excited to join PILSC as a counsellor. From her own experience with grief, she recognizes that it is deeply personal and many times lonely. Her hope is that your journey together will be honoring of you and your family. Your loss matters!
Kate is a multicultural, trauma-informed counsellor working with culturally different, immigrant ...
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As a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Coach with PILSC I am here to provide unwavering support to individuals and couples navigating the often challenging journey of pregnancy, loss, and parenthood.
My heart is devoted to supporting people who have experienced the profound pain of trying to conceive, miscarriage at any stage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, or the journey towards becoming involuntarily childless. It’s becoming more widely acknowledged that the path to parenthood isn’t always straightforward, and I specialize in helping you find a way with self-compassion. Through my own experiences, I’ve also been led to specialize in grief that is layered with chronic health challenges and challenges to physical mobility.
In our coaching sessions, I offer a warm and neutral approach to create space for you to share emotions, fears, and hopes without judgment. Your grief and all of the stories that are being written on your heart will be held as a sacred aspect of your journey. Using reflective questions, we will gently dig into how you might connect with your pain and navigate this grief with a renewed sense of purpose.
I’m available to support you virtually or in person at the PILSC office located in Mohkinstis on Treaty 7 Land, Calgary, Alberta.
As a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Coach with PILSC I am here to provide unwavering support to indivi...
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Tamara is a Registered Midwife who believes that each person has the right to loving, respectful, evidence based care.
She understands the value in deeply supporting people who are experiencing, or have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, towards healing and wholeness. Her educational focus included primary research on the particular needs of those going through loss, and how healthcare practitioners can best support them.
She believes whole heartedly in informed choice and values partnering with clients for physical and emotional health and safety.
Midwives provide low risk perinatal healthcare. Services Tamara can offer in the centre include
*Post loss recovery assessment
*Pre-conception counselling
*Yearly physical follow-up ie: breast/chest exam, PAP
*Pregnancy-after-loss prenatal care
*Breastfeeding/chestfeeding check-in and referral
*Healthcare referral when necessary
Tamara is a Registered Midwife who believes that each person has the right to loving, respectful,...
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Steven (he/him/his) is a 38 year old father of three who has spent the last ten years in theatre and film and now is on a journey to practice Counselling and Social Work.
He feels drawn to helping those at the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre as he and his wife lost their daughter in early 2020 and the support provided to them was incredible.
He hopes to support others in the same way and show people they are not alone in these woods. Steven looks forward to speaking to you all.
Steven (he/him/his) is a 38 year old father of three who has spent the last ten years in theatre ...
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Nicole (she/her/hers) is a registered social worker with experience working in social services supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, addiction, domestic violence and trauma.
In January 2020 Nicole made the difficult decision to release her pregnancy with her daughter, Luna, at 23 weeks for medical reasons. Seven months later Nicole’s second pregnancy with baby Nova ended suddenly at 7 weeks in a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Due to the nature of her loss Nicole did not see herself represented by the generic pregnancy loss supports in her community. Finding PILSC and their Difficult Decisions group connected Nicole to others who walked similar journeys to her own and allowed her the space to heal. Nicole is honoured to be a part of creating that safe, inclusive space for others who need it.
Nicole (she/her/hers) is a registered social worker with experience working in social services su...
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Moneka (she/her) holds a Masters of Counselling psychology degree from Yorkville University and is registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association as a Canadian Certified Counsellor. Additionally, Moneka intends to become Registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Moneka has been a teacher for 15 years and has primarily worked with students with complex needs and youth at risk. Moneka currently teaches junior high and high school social studies and is the Inclusive Education coordinator for her rural school just east of Calgary.
Moneka’s journey to support others began from personal tragedy and birth trauma, embarking on these journeys Moneka realized the need for support and the loneliness, and stigma associated. As such, Moneka has a desire to walk with others as they share their own stories and support them through challenging times. Moneka provides person centered counselling through a trauma informed lens, utilizing interventions like emotional focused, mindfulness as well as acceptance and commitment therapy.
Moneka (she/her) holds a Masters of Counselling psychology degree from Yorkville University and i...
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Hi my name is Helen Williamson and I go by she/her.
I have always loved helping people, whether it was the new graduates in my team at work, or the overseas members and helping them get to know the local customs and showing the area around. I was commonly named mummy Helen as a kind joke from the friends I gained.
Through my work I was always drawn to the group facilitation courses and enjoyed them immensely and gained so much from them. I want to give those experiences to others and after suffering my own miscarriage recently I want to help support others through the journey of moving forward with peer group facilitation.
Whilst my past trainings are in geophysics, training the new people, running meetings, being the team member to include everyone, I have recently gained my Certificate in Adult Learning, specializing in Workplace Learning. I love this opportunity to share the amazing things I have learned and the journey it put me through and being able to help others through it to.
Hi my name is Helen Williamson and I go by she/her.
I have always loved helping people, whether ...
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ERIN WINTERS, PSYCHIC MEDIUM
Erin is a spiritual healer & psychic medium
Erin is psychic medium who works with spirit to provide loving guidance, meaningful messages, clarity, & gentle reassurance to her clients.
Erin has been an integral part of the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre from the beginning. She is very grateful to be offering her energetic channelings to this community.
ERIN WINTERS, PSYCHIC MEDIUM
Erin is a spiritual healer & psychic medium
Erin is psychic me...
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Social Connections
These groups are not support groups, but a chance to connect with others who can relate to the journey of miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, SIDS or infertility. They are for adults who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant and who would like to connect with others in a casual and social environment. Please note: these groups are held IN-PERSON