Celina is a Master of Counselling student at City University of Seattle currently completing their practicum through Equinox’s Making Strides equine-assisted therapy program. Their practice focuses on supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent youth and emerging adults navigating complex trauma, identity development, stabilization, and building coping skills amid the mental health impacts of systemic oppression. Grounded in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and decolonial frameworks, Celina integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic and body-based practices, feminist theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and equine- and animal-assisted modalities. Their style is warm, collaborative, and authentic, often using humour and transparency to build trust and connection. They are passionate about creating therapy spaces that honour complexity, centre lived experience, and support healing on both personal and collective levels.

Celina brings experience from a range of community and academic settings, including delivering trauma-informed training to early childhood educators and conducting qualitative research on veterans’ access to care. Their lifelong connection with animals and over a decade of hands-on work with horses informs a grounded, relational approach to therapy. They are particularly passionate about the healing potential of human-animal relationships in the context of trauma, attachment, and nervous system regulation. Celina believes these connections can foster trust, embodiment, and self-understanding — especially for those navigating trauma and marginalization.

In their free time, Celina enjoys walks with their dog Jazmine through the fields on their acreage, often accompanied by their horses, other dogs, and sometimes even the cats. They’re an avid reader of long novels, delighting in curling up with a good romantasy book. Originally from Ontario, Celina still misses the vibrant fall colours, but eagerly anticipates the crisp fall air, changing leaves, pumpkins, and McIntosh apples. They now enjoy a peaceful, homebody life with their spouse and their beloved herd of six cats, three dogs, and two horses.