About
Family HopeCounselling and Training Centre Inc.
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do.”
Brené Brown
Beginning
Family Hope is the fruition of a dream two friends shared many years ago. Melissa and Krystal sought to employ their knowledge, skill, and interests in a way that would serve their community in a helping capacity. Family Hope Counselling and Training Centre Inc. opened its doors on September 1st, 2019.
Vision
Strengthen relationships and offer hope
We believe there is hope for everyone. We also believe that building positive connections with other people improves mental health and well being.
Provide a variety of services: counselling, psychological services, consultation, and training
The needs of individuals and families are diverse and so we aim to bring diversity to the services we offer.
Build a collaborative team of professionals who grow and learn from one another
We deeply value the learning that takes place among professionals who work collaboratively. We vision a future at Family Hope that includes multiple professionals with individual skills and talents. We vision a working environment that promotes and supports ongoing learning together.
Values in Action
Affordability
We demonstrate a commitment to providing affordable services by offering a sliding scale fee option. Additionally, we periodically provide low-cost group training options and Hot Topic Webinars.
Inclusion & Accessibility
Our space is designed to welcome children with toys, puzzles, Playdough, and art supplies. We work with clients to accommodate abilities and we adjust our modalities and interventions to reflect the needs and preferences of our clients. Family Hope invites clients to consider their cultural identity as part of our intake process and we seek to privilege the voice and lived experience of each individual.
Relationships
We are committed to cultivating a positive and energizing work environment at Family Hope. This has a positive impact on the therapeutic process both for staff and the client. We practice from a systemic perspective that recognizes the impact of significant relationships in our lives, as well as, the communities and cultures in which we all live and work.
Learning
We are committed to formal and informal learning and professional development. Our staff participate in ongoing professional learning. We engage in peer consultation and clinical supervision as we continue to develop our professional competencies. We value the learning that takes place within the therapeutic relationship for both the practitioner and the client.
Community
Family Hope provides free community resources on our website. We are familiar with, and prepared, to refer clients to other community resources that better meet client needs. We maintain strong relationships with other community support professionals and welcome collaboration with other community agencies.
Krystal Hawkins, M.Ed.
Registered Psychologist #1139 (APE)
(Available for In-Person and Virtual Client Sessions)
Krystal Hawkins lives on a farm with her husband and three children. She is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Education Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Regina and a Bachelor Degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. She is a co-founder and Psychologist for Family Hope. She practices from a cultural and systemic perspective and is influenced by attachment theory, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Krystal is a certified Incredible Years (IY) Facilitator and has provided IY training since 2012. Krystal has delivered community and private presentations for more than 10 years on topics of behaviour, connection, and screen time. She has been a certified First Aid and CPR instructor with St. John Ambulance for more than 20 years. She volunteers in her community as a First Responder and as the Treasurer for the Gravelbourg Air Cadet program.

Certification & Training
- Registered Psychologist, Saskatchewan College of Psychologists, 2020
- Masters of Education in Educational Psychology, University of Regina, 2020
- Bachelor of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, 2011
- Early Childhood Educator II, Saskatchewan Learning, 2007
- Diploma-Youth Care Worker, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), 2001
- Certificate-Youth Care Worker, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), 2000
- DBT Skills for Adolescents and Families, 2023
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), 2022
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Grief and Loss, 2022
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Trauma, 2021
- Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Level One, 2021
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), 2019
- Advanced Motivational Interviewing Training, 2018
- Advanced Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training, 2014
- Certified Group Leader, The Incredible Years-Seattle, 2014
Associations & Awards
- 2020-Present – Member, Saskatchewan College of Psychologists #1139
- 2019-Present – Member, Canadian Psychological Association
- 2023-Present – Member, American Psychological Association
- 2023-Present – Member, Psychological Association of Saskatchewan
- 2001-Present – Registered, Medical First Responder, Saskatchewan Health Authority
- 2018 – Callow Family Award for Volunteer of the Year, Saskatchewan Air Cadet League
- 2001 – Distinguished Graduate, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)

Certification & Training
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counselling (with Honors), Briercrest Seminary, 2015
- Canadian Certified Counsellor with CCPA, 2019
- Bachelor Degree in Sociology, Carleton University, 2007
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Trauma, 2023
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Grief and Loss, 2022
- Prepare/Enrich Training, 2019
Associations & Awards
- 2015-Present – Associate member of the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
- 2019-Present- Professional Member of Canadian Counsellors and Psychotherapy Association (Certified)
- 2015 – Graduate Excellence Award in Research, Briercrest Seminary
- 2015 – Graduate Excellence Award in Marriage and Family Counselling, Briercrest Seminary
Melissa Verheyen, M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Canadian Certified Counsellor with CCPA
(Available for Virtual Client Sessions)

Certification & Training
- Master of Counselling, Briercrest College & Seminary, Caronport, SK, 2021
- Coach Training Alliance Certification, Boulder, Colorado, 2012
- Reliance College of Business Certificate, Regina, SK, 1989
Associations & Awards
- 2023-Present – Professional Member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) – Certified
- 2021-Present – Associate Member, Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP)
LeeAnne Leister, M.C.
Canadian Certified Counsellor with CCPA
Certified Coach with Coach Training Alliance
LeeAnne is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association as well as an Associate Professional Counsellor with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists. She obtained a Masters’ Degree in Counselling from Briercrest College and Seminary and is a certified coach through Coach Training Alliance. LeeAnne is passionate about helping individuals through loss, life transitions and navigating relationships. She is drawn to work with emerging adults (ages 18 – 29), couples, women, seniors and those experiencing grief. Her goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment working alongside others to achieve their desired outcomes in the midst of change. Her approach to therapy includes systemic and narrative practices while integrating well researched methods including, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. LeeAnne loves to spend time with her husband of 30 years and invest and support her three adult children and one grandchild. Spending time in nature, being creative or simply having coffee with a friend brings her great solace.
(Available for In-Person and Virtual Client Sessions)

Ashley Tran, B.Ed.
Student Intern – August -December 2023
Ashley Tran is currently a student in the Master of Education in Educational Psychology Counselling program at the University of Regina. She is Moose Jaw raised and currently resides there with her husband. She is an experienced teacher who attended the University of Regina, receiving her Bachelor of Education with specialization in PreK to Grade 5. Ashley has vast experience working alongside children and youth from Pre-K to Grade 8 in both rural and urban communities. Teaching and learning have always been a passion of hers which intuitively led her to the field of Educational Psychology Counselling. She is committed to providing best practice counselling services for individuals, children, and families. Her therapeutic approach includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), attachment theory, childhood development, culturally responsive frameworks, and holistic healing. She has a special interest in play and art therapy and is ready to support individuals with anxiety, depression, behaviour challenges, emotion regulation, self-esteem, and ADHD.
Ashley has joined Family Hope Counselling and Training Centre Inc. to complete the practicum portion of her studies under the supervision of Krystal Hawkins, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist. She is required to complete 300-400 hours of work experience to graduate from the Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) program.
Ashley is available August 2023-December 2023 to provide *reduced rate* in-person and virtual services. She is available Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays.