TEAM MEMBERS
Margaret Mauger (she/her) - Co-founder, Executive Director and Registered Counselling Therapist ([email protected])
Margaret is the Co-founder, Executive Director and Registered Counselling Therapist of the After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) and the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop. She established ATEN in January 2020 to provide barrier-free counselling and support to all genders who have experienced trauma. The Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop opened in October 2022 to raise funds for the operation of ATEN.
Margaret has dedicated the last 15 years of her life-work to serving, counselling and supporting all genders who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse. She specializes in and is most known for her work with survivors of sexualized violence. She considers her life-work with trauma survivors to be a true honor and privilege. She is not only responsible for providing trauma therapy, advocacy, education, court accompaniment, and support to individuals affected by trauma, but she is also responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of ATEN.
One of Margaret’s most significant and proudest achievements includes being awarded the Dr. Burnley “Rocky” Allen Jones Award by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in 2013 to recognize her non-discriminatory work with all gender survivors of sexualized violence.
Margaret values compassion, life-long learning, empowerment and equity. She is a musician, quilter, gardener, and photographer. She most enjoys travelling to the cottage in Cape Breton with her partner/husband, Darrell, for the waves and windchimes.
| Curriculum Vitae |
Jessica D. Dixon (she/her)- BA, MACP, RCT-C, Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate
[email protected]
Jessica is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapist with a strong background in psychology. She holds a major in Psychology from Saint Mary's University. She went on to complete her master’s in counselling psychology at Yorkville University, where she gained comprehensive training in therapeutic techniques, client-centered care, and trauma-informed practices.
Jessica is also an assessor in training for Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) for African Nova Scotians, reflecting her deep commitment to addressing cultural and racial factors in therapy. As a Black woman, she is uniquely attuned to the challenges faced by individuals from marginalized communities, having navigated many of these obstacles herself. Her personal experiences, paired with her professional expertise, allow her to provide a compassionate, culturally aware, and understanding approach to therapy.
In her clinical work, she focuses on chronic and complex trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, as well as sexual and domestic abuse. She is passionate about empowering her clients through therapeutic support that helps them heal, find strength, and overcome the barriers to living a fulfilled and balanced life.
As a part of the After Trauma Empowerment Network, Jessica brings her expertise and dedication to helping individuals who have experienced trauma reclaim their lives and move forward with a renewed sense of empowerment and hope. Her clinical approach is built on the belief that healing begins with understanding and compassion, and she strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and begin their journey to recovery.
Outside of her work, Jessica enjoys reading, particularly fiction and history, as well as exploring new recipes and cooking for her family. She resides in Halifax with her husband and their 16-month-old son, where they enjoy spending quality time together.
Through her work and personal life, she remains committed to supporting her community, advocating for racial and cultural understanding, and helping individuals heal from the wounds of trauma.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Kartik Saini (he/him) - MACP, RCT-C, CCC - Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate
[email protected]
Kartik Saini (he/him) is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). As a queer-identified immigrant and person of color, Kartik brings a deeply empathetic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, rooted in both his professional training and lived experience.
Kartik holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has cultivated a strong foundation in client-centered, evidence-based practices. His therapeutic work is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Relational Life Therapy for couples therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, allowing him to tailor support to the unique needs of each client.
With a special focus on trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational health, Kartik works with individuals and couples—including those in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous relationships. He is particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and those navigating challenges related to sex, intimacy, and sexuality. His relational work emphasizes connection, communication, and repair of emotional wounds.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Kartik has worked extensively in community mental health, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and refugee resettlement. These experiences have given him a nuanced understanding of the systemic barriers many clients face and deepened his commitment to accessible, inclusive, and intersectional care.
He remains committed to lifelong learning and to offering compassionate, collaborative support that centers the client’s inner wisdom and capacity for healing.
Kartik believes that healing happens in the context of relationships and strives to foster a warm, affirming space where individuals and couples can feel safe, seen, and empowered to move toward their goals.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - [email protected]
[email protected]
Kartik Saini (he/him) is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). As a queer-identified immigrant and person of color, Kartik brings a deeply empathetic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, rooted in both his professional training and lived experience.
Kartik holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has cultivated a strong foundation in client-centered, evidence-based practices. His therapeutic work is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Relational Life Therapy for couples therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, allowing him to tailor support to the unique needs of each client.
With a special focus on trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational health, Kartik works with individuals and couples—including those in monogamous and consensually non-monogamous relationships. He is particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and those navigating challenges related to sex, intimacy, and sexuality. His relational work emphasizes connection, communication, and repair of emotional wounds.
Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Kartik has worked extensively in community mental health, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and refugee resettlement. These experiences have given him a nuanced understanding of the systemic barriers many clients face and deepened his commitment to accessible, inclusive, and intersectional care.
He remains committed to lifelong learning and to offering compassionate, collaborative support that centers the client’s inner wisdom and capacity for healing.
Kartik believes that healing happens in the context of relationships and strives to foster a warm, affirming space where individuals and couples can feel safe, seen, and empowered to move toward their goals.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - [email protected]
Maria Clinton (she/her) RCT-C, CCC
Registered Counselling Therapist - Candidate
[email protected]
Maria Clinton is a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) who brings warmth, adaptability, and a deep passion for psychology to her therapeutic work. With a background in sociology and psychology, Maria approaches each client with a strong understanding of how individual experiences are shaped by broader social, cultural, and systemic influences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Prince Edward Island and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her academic and clinical training emphasized trauma-informed practices, client-centred care, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy.
Maria works with individuals who are ready to embrace change - whether they are seeking a healthier lifestyle, a more compassionate relationship with themselves, or effective strategies to support their mental health. Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based, drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centred Therapy and mindfulness practices. Maria empowers clients to navigate their unique journeys with resilience and clarity, and is dedicated to providing a therapeutic space that is inclusive, affirming, and safe for all identities.
Maria feels deeply aligned with her work as a therapist and values the meaningful connection between her personal and professional life. She believes that self-awareness and reflection are essential foundations for personal growth and lasting change. A former university-level hockey player, Maria continues to enjoy both playing and watching the sport. She also dreams of one day competing on the TV show ‘Survivor’ and cherishes every opportunity to visit her family in Prince Edward Island.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - [email protected]
Registered Counselling Therapist - Candidate
[email protected]
Maria Clinton is a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) who brings warmth, adaptability, and a deep passion for psychology to her therapeutic work. With a background in sociology and psychology, Maria approaches each client with a strong understanding of how individual experiences are shaped by broader social, cultural, and systemic influences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Prince Edward Island and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her academic and clinical training emphasized trauma-informed practices, client-centred care, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy.
Maria works with individuals who are ready to embrace change - whether they are seeking a healthier lifestyle, a more compassionate relationship with themselves, or effective strategies to support their mental health. Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based, drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centred Therapy and mindfulness practices. Maria empowers clients to navigate their unique journeys with resilience and clarity, and is dedicated to providing a therapeutic space that is inclusive, affirming, and safe for all identities.
Maria feels deeply aligned with her work as a therapist and values the meaningful connection between her personal and professional life. She believes that self-awareness and reflection are essential foundations for personal growth and lasting change. A former university-level hockey player, Maria continues to enjoy both playing and watching the sport. She also dreams of one day competing on the TV show ‘Survivor’ and cherishes every opportunity to visit her family in Prince Edward Island.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - [email protected]
Juli Langille (she/her)- Certified Peer Support Worker
[email protected]
Juli Langille is a Peer Support Worker at ATEN. Juli's approach is to meet people where they are without judgment or expectation, support them along their healing journey, and recognize and celebrate any movement in the right direction. Juli helps her peers set realistic goals they wish to achieve, such as work, school, relationships, physical or mental health, etc., and can help her peers break everything down into smaller, more manageable steps so the peer can move forward more comfortably.
Juli has had many lived experiences and is a survivor of multiple traumas. That said, she is in a very healthy mental health state of mind and living her best life. In fact, she now enthusiastically looks forward to what the future holds instead of just trying to survive day by day like she used to. Juli's passion is to help support others along their healing journey so that they can navigate it with more ease. She believes healing is possible and achievable for all.
Juli loves animals and nature and finds both to be her happy place. Her hobbies include foraging, gardening with a not-so-green thumb, rock hounding, beach walking, reading, and writing.
Lea-Ann Julian (she/her) - Co-Director & Office Administrator/Coordinator
[email protected]
Lea-Ann is the Office Administrator/Coordinator and Co-Director of ATEN. While she worked most of her adult life in retail, sales and customer service, her empathic heart and true passion is for serving people who need it most. Being part of a team that cares deeply about all others and their well being is most important to her and where she is happiest. “ATEN possesses all the core values and purposes I’ve been brought up to believe in and practice daily. ATEN is a unique and fascinating non profit organization and I am most grateful to be a part of it.”
A life-long resident of East Hants, Lea-Ann is a loving wife, mother, step-mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. She is the proud mother of a son and daughter, a blended family of six, and four grandchildren. Her German Sheppard, Taze, is also one of her cherished family members and companion.
Aside from spending time with her family and being a “hockey mom” she can be found contributing to her community in some generous way. She wholeheartedly enjoys volunteering and encourages others to volunteer because it is so rewarding for the spirit. She has organized and volunteered at numerous events in East Hants. In addition to working at ATEN full-time she regularly volunteers at the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop.
In her downtime Lea-Ann enjoys gardening, and doing creative crafting. But being near water, any water, is most satisfying to her – “There’s just something about water that calms the chaos”.
[email protected]
Lea-Ann is the Office Administrator/Coordinator and Co-Director of ATEN. While she worked most of her adult life in retail, sales and customer service, her empathic heart and true passion is for serving people who need it most. Being part of a team that cares deeply about all others and their well being is most important to her and where she is happiest. “ATEN possesses all the core values and purposes I’ve been brought up to believe in and practice daily. ATEN is a unique and fascinating non profit organization and I am most grateful to be a part of it.”
A life-long resident of East Hants, Lea-Ann is a loving wife, mother, step-mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. She is the proud mother of a son and daughter, a blended family of six, and four grandchildren. Her German Sheppard, Taze, is also one of her cherished family members and companion.
Aside from spending time with her family and being a “hockey mom” she can be found contributing to her community in some generous way. She wholeheartedly enjoys volunteering and encourages others to volunteer because it is so rewarding for the spirit. She has organized and volunteered at numerous events in East Hants. In addition to working at ATEN full-time she regularly volunteers at the Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop.
In her downtime Lea-Ann enjoys gardening, and doing creative crafting. But being near water, any water, is most satisfying to her – “There’s just something about water that calms the chaos”.
Crystal Dimock (she/her) - Thrift Shop Associate
Hello, my name is Crystal Dimock. I am a retired Continuing Care Assistant
and have worked in the municipality of East Hants for over 19 years.
I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at age 22, and with
treatment, self-care, and learning to live in the moment, I have learned to live
a happy life with minimal anxiety.
My greatest accomplishment is being the proud mama of two amazing boys,
Aiden and Jaxon.
I enjoy everything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling are some of
my favourite hobbies, but my passion is spending quality time & sharing
experiences with my family and loved ones.
Hello, my name is Crystal Dimock. I am a retired Continuing Care Assistant
and have worked in the municipality of East Hants for over 19 years.
I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at age 22, and with
treatment, self-care, and learning to live in the moment, I have learned to live
a happy life with minimal anxiety.
My greatest accomplishment is being the proud mama of two amazing boys,
Aiden and Jaxon.
I enjoy everything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling are some of
my favourite hobbies, but my passion is spending quality time & sharing
experiences with my family and loved ones.
Marianne DeMan (she/her) - Thrift Shop Associate
Hi, my name is Marianne DeMan and I live in East Hants. I am so excited for this opportunity to work at the Violet Rose for After Trauma Empowerment Network.
My work background includes security and management as well as doing aesthetics and acrylic nails.
I am the very proud mother of two children, Kevin and Rachel, and two grandchildren, Maeve and Cassi. They all bring a great joy to my life, and I love spending time with them.
I am a multi-tasker and have a passion for crafting of all sorts, I have my hand in a little bit of everything crafting from sewing to floral arrangements. Crafting is one of my life’s therapies. I also enjoy volunteering whenever I can.
I see my work at the Violet Rose as a way for me to give back in some way to the organization and to my community.
VOLUNTEERS
ATEN Board of Directors: Margaret Mauger, Tasha Head, Lucella Langille, Nicola MacLean, Glynn Irving, Lynne Smith, Kate Matthews (Zoom).
Darrell Mauger
Diana McMullen
Nancy Thomas