Meet the Launch Psychology Team
Registered psychologists specializing in childhood OCD, anxiety, learning challenges, and autism assessments - helping Calgary families since 2015.
Launch Psychology was founded by Stephanie Laborge, M.Ed, R.Psych, with a vision to provide evidence-based, specialized psychological services to children and families. Today, our team of registered psychologists and provisional psychologists continues that mission, offering assessments and therapy grounded in research and delivered with compassion.
Stephanie Laborge, R.Psych
Registered Psychologist & Clinic OwnerABOUT STEPHANIE:
Stephanie Laborge is a Registered Psychologist and the founder of Launch Psychology. She specializes in evidence-based treatment for childhood OCD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and learning challenges, as well as comprehensive psychological assessments for autism, learning disabilities, giftedness, and intellectual disabilities.
Stephanie is ERP-certified through the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), bringing specialized expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention—the gold-standard treatment for childhood OCD with 70-80% success rates when properly delivered.
As a mother of three, Stephanie understands firsthand the challenges families face when navigating childhood mental health and learning needs. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her commitment to helping Calgary families access specialized, evidence-based care.
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology, University of Calgary
Post-Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Wilfrid Laurier University
Advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD through BTTI and IOCDF
ADOS-2 and ADI-R certification for autism assessment
Certificate in Clinical Supervision, Psychologists' Association of Alberta
SPECIALTIES:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for childhood OCD
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders
Psychoeducational assessments (learning disabilities, ADHD, giftedness)
Autism assessments (ADOS-2, ADI-R)
GATE and Westmount Charter School eligibility assessments
PERSONAL NOTE:
"I am honored when families trust me to partner with them in supporting their child. Whether we're tackling OCD through ERP, helping a child understand their learning profile, or navigating an autism diagnosis, my goal is always the same: to provide clarity, hope, and evidence-based solutions that make a real difference."
Our Team
Our team includes experienced R. Psychs, Registered Provisional Psychologists and counsellors, bringing specialized skills in assessment and therapy. Each team member is carefully selected for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to evidence-based practice.
Chelsea Bicknell, R. Psych
ABOUT CHELSEA:
Chelsea is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where every child's unique voice is heard and valued. Her passion lies in helping children understand their distinctive learning abilities, addressing their needs, and guiding them toward realizing their potential.
Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys hiking, snowboarding, camping, and exploring new places with friends and family.
EDUCATION:
Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology, University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of British Columbia
SPECIALTIES:
Psychoeducational assessments
Learning disability identification
Anxiety
ADHD assessment
Giftedness assessment
Family consultation
PERSONAL APPROACH:
Chelsea believes in strength-based assessment that celebrates each child's abilities while also identifying areas where support is needed. She works collaboratively with families to ensure assessments lead to practical, meaningful recommendations.
Melanie Bastien
Registered Provisional PsychologistABOUT MELANIE:
Melanie's current focus is on conducting psychoeducational assessments with children and youth to explore learning, cognitive, and social-emotional challenges. She strives to develop a comprehensive understanding of each child's learning profile while recognizing their individual strengths.
She also provides intervention for children experiencing difficulties with anxiety, emotional regulation, and attention, using a fun and engaging Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach.
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys embracing her nerdy side through video games, anime, and fantasy novels.
EDUCATION:
Master of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology, University of Calgary
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
SPECIALTIES:
Psychoeducational assessments
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety
Emotional regulation support
Attention difficulties
High-risk youth with complex needs
PERSONAL APPROACH:
Melanie combines comprehensive assessment with engaging, play-based therapy approaches. Her extensive experience supporting high-risk youth brings valuable perspective to her work with children facing complex challenges.
Registered Provisional PsychologistBecky Christie-Arai
ABOUT BECKY:
Becky is a compassionate counsellor with over 10 years of experience in mental health and social services. She provides both counselling and psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults, bringing warmth, curiosity, and a trauma-informed approach to her work. Her practice is rooted in person-centred, strength-based care, with a strong focus on building trust, creating safety, and honouring each client's story.
Becky has supported individuals with anxiety, ADHD, learning and developmental disabilities, identity exploration, grief, and emotional regulation, across school-based and community settings. Through both counselling and assessment, she helps clients better understand their unique strengths, patterns, and needs using responsive, evidence-based practices. Outside the counselling room, she enjoys climbing, yoga, reading, and good food with friends and family.
EDUCATION:
Master of Counselling, Athabasca University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mount Royal University
WISC-V and WIAT-IV training (2025)
LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy (2025)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2)
SPECIALTIES:
Counselling for children, adolescents, and adults
Psychoeducational assessments
Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation
ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental differences
Identity exploration and LGBTQIA+ affirming care
Grief, trauma, and relational concerns
Risk assessment and crisis intervention
PERSONAL APPROACH:
Becky believes healing happens within safe, authentic relationships. She brings a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lens to her work, weaving together person-centred and narrative frameworks with evidence-based tools tailored to each client's developmental needs. Her goal is to help every client feel seen, understood, and equipped with a clearer sense of their own strengths and possibilities.
Shawna Cunha
Registered Provisional PsychologistABOUT SHAWNA:
Shawna is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who brings nearly two decades of experience as a middle school teacher into her clinical work. She transitioned to full-time practice in December 2024 after supporting schools in part-time counselling roles.
Shawna offers therapy and psychoeducational assessments for adolescents, with particular expertise in ADHD, anxiety, and school-related challenges. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors with dogs and volunteering with local animal rescues.
EDUCATION:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Master of Education, University of Calgary
EMDR Training (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
SPECIALTIES:
EMDR therapy for trauma and difficult past experiences
ADHD support (adolescents and adults)
Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
Psychoeducational assessments for adolescents
Academic stress and school-related challenges
PERSONAL APPROACH:
Shawna creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Drawing from her years in education, she brings practical, evidence-based strategies that integrate CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness practices.
Alexandra Johnson
Canadian Certified Counsellor - Qualifying
ABOUT ALEXANDRA:
Alexandra is a psychometrist and Canadian Certified Counsellor - Qualifying (CCC-Q) at Launch Psychology, where she assists in administering psychoeducational and cognitive assessments for children and adolescents, and provides a playful counselling environment to support children and parents utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She has completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Psychology from St. Mary's University. With hands-on experience supporting children with disabilities in both school and home environments, Alexandra brings a warm, patient approach to her work with young people and their families.
Outside of the office, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her husband and children and sharing creative activities together as a family.
EDUCATION:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in progress)
Bachelor of Arts, Specialization in Psychology, St. Mary's University
SPECIALTIES:
Psychoeducational test administration
Achievement testing
Counselling for anxiety, behaviour, regulation and social skills
Parenting support and strategies
PERSONAL APPROACH:
Alexandra is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where children and youth feel understood, valued, and at ease during the assessment process. She places a strong emphasis on building trusting, collaborative relationships, helping young people feel comfortable so they can perform at their best.
Master of Counselling Practicum Student
Ellaina Jancewicz
ABOUT ELLAINA:
Ellaina is a Master of Counselling practicum student at Launch Psychology, where she provides counselling for children, youth, and families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics and is awaiting convocation of her Master of Counselling degree.
Through her experience with Kids Help Phone and her current role as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary, Ellaina has gained valuable insight into the challenges young people face today.
Outside of professional life, Ellaina enjoys hiking, travelling, trying new crafts, and spending time with her partner and their dog.
EDUCATION:
Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle (awaiting convocation)
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics, Carleton University
SPECIALTIES:
Counselling for children and adolescents
Emotional support and mental health
Building trust and rapport with young people
Family-centred approach
PERSONAL APPROACH:
Ellaina believes that every child deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported, and works to create a welcoming space where children can explore their emotions and grow. Her approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each family's unique story, with room for laughter and the full range of human emotions.
Teresa Thompson
Office AdministratorABOUT TERESA:
Teresa Thompson brings empathy, organization, and positivity to her role as Office Administrator.
She is passionate about helping families feel comfortable and confident while supporting the clinical team in delivering compassionate, child-centered care.
With a calm and welcoming presence, Teresa helps create an environment where children and caregivers feel safe, respected, and supported from their very first visit.
Her commitment to professionalism and kindness ensures the clinic runs smoothly while maintaining a caring and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
Why a Team Approach Works
At Launch Psychology, our team structure is one of our greatest strengths. Here's why:
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
Each team member brings unique training and experience, allowing us to match families with the psychologist best suited to their child's needs. Whether you need ERP for OCD, a psychoeducational assessment, or CBT for anxiety, we have specialists ready to help.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION & QUALITY ASSURANCE
All Registered Provisional Psychologists work under the direct supervision of Stephanie Laborge, M.Ed, R.Psych. This ensures every assessment and therapy session meets the highest professional standards.
Regular case consultation and supervision means:
Complex cases benefit from multiple expert perspectives
Treatment approaches are evidence-based and up-to-date
Families receive consistent, high-quality care
Team members continue learning and growing professionally
GREATER CAPACITY & AVAILABILITY
With a team of psychologists, we can:
Offer shorter wait times for appointments
Provide coverage during vacations or sick days
Schedule weekend and evening appointments
See siblings or family members simultaneously if needed
COLLABORATIVE CARE
When appropriate, our team collaborates on complex cases, bringing together different areas of expertise to support your family. We also coordinate with schools, pediatricians, and other professionals involved in your child's care.
“Founded by Stephanie Laborge in 2015, Launch Psychology has grown from a solo practice to a team of specialized psychologists—but our commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care remains unchanged.”
How We Match Families with Team Members
During your initial consultation (free 10-minute phone call), we discuss your child's needs and match you with the team member whose expertise best fits your situation. Factors we consider include:
Type of service needed (assessment vs. therapy)
Specific concern (OCD, anxiety, learning challenges, autism)
Scheduling preferences (weekends, evenings)
Team member availability
Age and developmental stage of your child
How do you decide which psychologist will work with my child?
1
Can I request to work with a specific psychologist?
2
Absolutely! If you have a preference, just let us know during the consultation call. We'll do our best to accommodate your request based on availability and fit.
What if I want to work with Stephanie specifically?
3
Stephanie continues to see clients for both therapy and assessments, though her availability is more limited as she also oversees the practice and supervises the team. If you'd like to work specifically with Stephanie, mention this during your consultation call.
Are the Registered Provisional Psychologists qualified?
4
Yes! Registered Provisional Psychologists in Alberta:
Hold Master's degrees in psychology
Are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists
Work under supervision of a Registered Psychologist (Stephanie)
Are fully qualified to conduct assessments and provide therapy
Are on the path to full Registered Psychologist status
All assessments and therapy are reviewed and supervised by Stephanie to ensure the highest quality of care.
Can I switch to a different team member if needed?
5
While we carefully match families with the right psychologist from the start, we understand that sometimes preferences or needs change. If you feel a different team member would be a better fit, just let us know and we'll work to accommodate the transition.
Ready to Meet Your Match?
Book a free 10-minute consultation to discuss your child's needs and meet the team member who's the best fit for your family.
Option 1:
BOOK ONLINE
Option 2:
CALL US 📞 (403) 889-5419
Option 3:
EMAIL US ✉️ info@launchpsychology.com
OFFICE LOCATION: Launch Psychology
Suite 277, 200 Rivercrest Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2C 2Z1
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended hours available by appointment