CCPA Professional Member, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) 

and a Certified Counselling Therapist, (CT) with the CCT of PEI.

Carolyn  holds the position of President  on PEICA Board of directors.

Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of PEI. She completed a Master of Education, Leadership in Learning from UPEI and a Master of Education in Counseling from Acadia University. 

Carolyn Black is a dedicated Counselling Therapist and the owner of Red Sands Therapy Inc., bringing over 30 years of experience in education and 23 years in clinical mental health. Grounded in a blend of neuroscience and person-centered care, Carolyn specializes in a holistic approach that recognizes the deep connection between trauma and physical health.

As President of the PEICA, she is a passionate advocate for collaborative healing and professional development. Carolyn’s practice is defined by curiosity, warmth, and a commitment to walking alongside individuals as they navigate their unique pathways to wellness. She is delighted to share this presentation and introduce the book Dinos Have Emotions by Katie Murray and Stephanie Dawson.

For more information on Katie Murray and Stephanie Dawson's book and the authors, please see their website by clicking here.

CCPA Professional Member, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) 

and a Certified Counselling Therapist, (CT) with the CCT of PEI.

Lori holds the position of Chairperson on CCT of PEI Board of directors.

Lori holds separate Bachelor degrees in History and Education. She also has a Master of Science degree from the University of West Alabama, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Prince Edward Island.  She is a nationally certified Solution Focused Brief Therapist with CCPC Global, as well has a certificate in Solution Focused Brief Therapy through OISE at University of Toronto.  She is currently studying and working towards an Advanced Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy at The University of Guelph. 

Lori is the team lead for the Student Well Being Teams of East and West Prince and works in private counselling practice with individuals, couples and families using a Solution Focused and Emotionally Focused therapeutic lens at Red Sands Therapy Inc.

Lori has written for Huffington Post, Edutopia, PEI Living Magazine, and PEI’s Red Magazine. She is the author of three children’s books, Reg Goes Swimming, Reg Takes a Trip and Reg Catches a Salmon.

As a writer, she has written for many online and print publications, having co-edited a book on curriculum.  She lives in Mill River East with my husband, Brian Gard, and four children.  She loves to keep active, walking all year round, and participating in various seasonal activities like snowshoeing in the winter and kayaking in the summer.  She enjoys a good book (any genre) and a freshly ground cup of coffee with loads of cream and sugar. 

Lori looks forward to meeting you!

CCPA Professional Member, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) 

and a Certified Counselling Therapist, (CT) with the CCT of PEI.

Judy holds the position of President Elect on PEICA Board of directors.

Judy holds a Master of Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University (2021). She brings a wealth of life experience to her second career, with a deep understanding of trauma, grief, and recovery from codependency.

Judy has been in private practice for over 4 years in Charlottetown PEI, helping adults of all ages with common mental health difficulties up to and including PTSD, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, childhood trauma, and caregiver burnout. Her own mother died in 2023 of complications associated with long-term dementia, so she brings a wealth of experience with this essential and often-overlooked topic. Counsellors and the general public will benefit equally from her presentation on what she calls "The Long Goodbye". Her treatment of dementia-related issues can include those with Alzheimer's, long-term dementia, Parkinson's, or any other type of dementia that has cognitive and emotional impacts on those who suffer from these illnesses and those who are family members and/or primary caregivers, who also suffer. A lifetime helper, Judy brings her empathetic and conversational style to the presentation, and there will be a question and answer period afterward, for those who wish to stay. You can find out more about Judy by visiting her website: www.jggilliscounselling.com 

Judy looks forward to meeting you via Zoom for her upcoming session: 'A Piece At a Time: Honoring Emotion through Dementia—with Grace.

CCPA Professional Member possessing a 

Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) 

Prof. Oxford York is a highly esteemed professional specializing in Integrative Mental Health, with a multifaceted expertise that encompasses dispute resolution, advanced grief counselling, clinical trauma therapy, chronic illness, and sex-informed therapy. His approach is inherently holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of these fields to foster comprehensive mental health care. With over 27 years of experience across critical care settings and diverse healthcare environments, Prof. York has cultivated a profound practical knowledge base that is continually enriched by his dedication to lifelong learning. Throughout his career, Prof. York has demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding the human condition, drawing from extensive life experiences to inform his practice. He is a reflective practitioner who believes in the transformative power of adversity, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and personal development. His philosophy centers on deriving new meaning from difficult experiences, emphasizing resilience and the potential for post-traumatic growth to foster mental fortitude. Prof. York’s personal journey through numerous life challenges has profoundly shaped his perspective, reinforcing his belief that every difficulty offers a chance for renewal. This outlook is influenced by over four decades of studying Chinese and Japanese martial arts, which teach discipline, resilience, and the importance of perspective, which are themes that underpin his approach to therapy and life. He views each challenge as a choice, an opportunity to emerge stronger and to become more self-aware. Since 2019, Prof. York has actively supported clients in developing adaptive coping strategies tailored to their unique circumstances. His client-centered approach emphasizes empathy, patience, and reflection, encouraging individuals to slow down and consciously engage in their healing process. He collaborates closely with clients, helping them identify solutions that reduce distress and promote progress. His work highlight’s the importance of taking deliberate steps towards well-being, with an understanding that growth often involves navigating complex emotional landscapes. Throughout his career, Prof. York has observed the remarkable potential for growth after trauma. He advocates for a balanced approach that combines practical strategies with a philosophical outlook rooted in resilience and hope. His life philosophy, encapsulated in his belief that “there is always a ‘choice’ in every life challenge and always a ‘new gift’ to be received as one’s perspective changes,” reflects his core conviction that adversity can serve as a catalyst for positive transformation. His work and life exemplify a dedication to helping others find meaning and strength in their journeys, emphasizing that every difficulty holds the potential for emergence, renewal, and a richer understanding