Our Team
Celina Symmonds
Executive Director
Celina is the Executive Director of Medicine Hat Family Service, where she is committed to expanding access to mental health supports by removing financial and wait-time barriers. With a strong background in change management across both nonprofit and municipal sectors, she brings a proven ability to lead impactful, community-driven initiatives.
A standout in her career was serving as Medicine Hat’s first Housing First Team Lead, contributing to the city’s historic achievement of becoming the first in Canada to reach functional zero homelessness. As a former City Councillor, Celina brought a unique and underrepresented voice to the table—one of the few women and the only member from the social services sector—broadening the perspective and inclusivity of local governance.
Celina also led the transformation of the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, spearheading the development of a $2 million Food and Wellness Centre that emphasizes dignity, skill-building, and community connection.
Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to challenging the status quo and driving systemic change. Through her leadership at Medicine Hat Family Service and her broader community involvement, Celina continues to pursue a meaningful, lasting impact.
Mindy Castillo
Administration & Reception
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Mindy Castillo moved to Taber, Alberta in Grade 9 following her father’s transfer with the Royal Bank. She has called the Medicine Hat area home since 2002. In October 2023, Mindy joined Medicine Hat Family Service as Receptionist and Administrative Assistant, bringing with her six years of experience as a Client Service Representative with CIBC. She enjoys helping people feel welcome and connected to the support they need on their path to wellness.
Mindy holds a diploma in Tourism Management from Medicine Hat College. She has also completed the Four Seasons of Reconciliation program through the First Nations University of Canada and holds a Brain Story Certification.
Outside of work, Mindy loves camping with her husband, spending time with animals, and volunteering each year at the Wildlife Festival. She also enjoys kayaking, road trips, being in nature, and relaxing BBQs on the deck with her adult children and their partners.
Jennifer Copeman, BSW, RSW
Counsellor
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Jennifer Copeman continues to live in the community with her family. She is a registered social worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a diploma in Addictions Counselling. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience from her work supporting individuals with disabilities, assisting families fleeing intimate partner violence, and engaging with children, youth, and families facing complex life challenges.
Jennifer provides counselling to individuals, families, and groups using a client-centred, solution-focused, and strengths-based approach. As a generalist social worker, she draws on a wide range of theories and tools to tailor her support to each client’s unique needs. She is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which she uses to help clients rapidly process and heal from traumatic memories.
Jennifer is passionate about empowering clients to recognize their strengths, set meaningful goals, and make positive changes that support lifelong well-being.
Nora Bassingthwaighte, MAMFT
Counsellor
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Nora Bassingthwaighte has a deep commitment to serving her community. Her diverse professional background spans roles in library services, management, camp work, and teaching piano, along with brief cross-cultural experiences.
Nora is a certified counselor with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, solution-focused, and emotionally focused therapies, as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Passionate about helping individuals achieve freedom and health, Nora specializes in counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, family dynamics, and child-related issues. She is a client-driven, creative therapist who empowers each individual on their unique journey toward healing.
In her personal life, Nora is analytical and introspective, with a deep love for learning and personal growth. She also has a creative side, expressing herself through music and photography, while her appreciation for nature holds special meaning to her.
Ben Feere, BA Psych, MC, CCC
Counsellor
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Ben Feere is now raising his own family in the community he’s proud to call home. A former hockey player and musician, Ben still enjoys both hobbies, though he humbly describes himself as “only okay” these days.
Ben works with individuals, couples, and families in all their forms, offering a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space to explore life’s challenges. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling and has additional training in Psychology, Social Sciences, Theology, and Biblical Studies.
Known for his deep compassion and calming presence, Ben creates a comfortable environment for clients through his conversational style and integrative approach. His practice draws from Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Systems, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Mark Walter, RSW, BSW, MA
Counsellor
Born and raised in Saskatchewan—Go Riders!—Mark Walter brings a strong sense of community and connection to his work. He is a Registered Social Worker with a diploma and degree in Social Work, and he holds a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Mark also has a diverse background in administration, management, teaching, and facilitation.
Mark is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and is known for his compassionate nature, calming presence, and strong listening skills. These qualities help clients feel safe, supported, and empowered as they navigate challenges and work toward healing and growth.
A true people person, Mark is passionate about giving back to the communities he lives in. He deeply values family and relationships, and treasures his roles as a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend. In his downtime, he prioritizes fun—whether it’s spending time with loved ones or enjoying good company and laughter.