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.
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.
[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.
[email protected]
Melissa Carvery (she/her) - MSW, RSW
Provisional Clinical Specialist
[email protected]
Melissa offers counselling services in English and has extensive experience working with interpreters for non-English speaking clients. She is a trauma-informed Social Worker providing compassionate, client-centred counselling services to individuals seeking support, healing, and growth. With extensive experience working in complex and high-risk environments, Melissa brings a grounded, thoughtful, and strengths-based approach to her practice. Melissa understands that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable. Her goal is to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel heard, respected, and valued. Melissa is committed to fostering an environment that is empathetic, non-judgemental, and culturally sensitive, where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.
“As a trauma-informed practitioner, I recognize the profound impact that life experiences can have on emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. My approach is rooted in safety, trust, collaboration, transparency, and empowerment. I work alongside you to build insight, strengthen coping strategies, and support meaningful change. I draw from evidence-informed practices tailored to your unique needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, or other personal concerns. I hold deep value and respect for diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards. Together, we will identify your goals and develop a path forward that honours your strengths and resilience.”
[email protected]
Provisional Clinical Specialist
[email protected]
Melissa offers counselling services in English and has extensive experience working with interpreters for non-English speaking clients. She is a trauma-informed Social Worker providing compassionate, client-centred counselling services to individuals seeking support, healing, and growth. With extensive experience working in complex and high-risk environments, Melissa brings a grounded, thoughtful, and strengths-based approach to her practice. Melissa understands that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable. Her goal is to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel heard, respected, and valued. Melissa is committed to fostering an environment that is empathetic, non-judgemental, and culturally sensitive, where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.
“As a trauma-informed practitioner, I recognize the profound impact that life experiences can have on emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. My approach is rooted in safety, trust, collaboration, transparency, and empowerment. I work alongside you to build insight, strengthen coping strategies, and support meaningful change. I draw from evidence-informed practices tailored to your unique needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, or other personal concerns. I hold deep value and respect for diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards. Together, we will identify your goals and develop a path forward that honours your strengths and resilience.”
[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.
Karen Thompson (she/her) - Thrift Shop Associate
Hi! My name is Karen Thompson, originally from the Noel Shore, I have called Shubie my home for the last 23 years, and I love it!
I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom until both of my kids, Connor and Josie, went off to university.
I have volunteered over the last 15 years with the East Hants Soccer Club, as well as HERH Tigers girls soccer team, can you tell I am a soccer fanatic!
Giving my time to the community is important to myself as well as my family, when I am not volunteering, you will find me in the kitchen, cooking pickling or making my family's famous salsa, out on our sxs, or snuggled up with my two great danes.
Hi! My name is Karen Thompson, originally from the Noel Shore, I have called Shubie my home for the last 23 years, and I love it!
I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom until both of my kids, Connor and Josie, went off to university.
I have volunteered over the last 15 years with the East Hants Soccer Club, as well as HERH Tigers girls soccer team, can you tell I am a soccer fanatic!
Giving my time to the community is important to myself as well as my family, when I am not volunteering, you will find me in the kitchen, cooking pickling or making my family's famous salsa, out on our sxs, or snuggled up with my two great danes.
VOLUNTEERS
ATEN Board of Directors: Margaret Mauger, Tasha Head, Lucella Langille, Nicola MacLean, Glynn Irving, Lynne Smith, Kate Matthews (Zoom).
Darrell Mauger
Nancy Thomas