Darleen was born and raised in Chatham, New Brunswick, the traditional unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples. Since 2007, Darleen has lived in Fort McMurray on Treaty 8 Territory. Darleen’s commitment to truth and reconciliation is grounded in acknowledging historical injustices and actively working towards healing and understanding through genuine and vulnerable dialogue.

Darleen graduated from St. Thomas University in 1980, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours). In 1983, Darleen completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Dalhousie University. Darleen has obtained extensive training in child development, children’s mental health, behaviour management, conflict resolution, non-violent crisis intervention, assertive communication, and healthy family decision making.

Throughout her career, Darleen has supported children, teens, couples, and families. Darleen has extensive experience in providing therapeutic counselling and support to children in the areas of emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and social skills development.

Darleen is passionate about providing in-person child therapy, couples counselling, family therapy, and single session therapy throughout Fort McMurray and the greater Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.