A Team of Skilled, Caring, & Professional Providers
Bloom Psychedelic Therapy & Research Institute is a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled and trained psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, nurses, medics, University of Calgary researchers, and support staff.
Executive
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Medical Director & Psychiatrist
Dr. Keith Courtney is a board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1995. Dr. Courtney graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1990. He completed his residency in general psychiatry at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and a fellowship in cross-cultural psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a fellow of the American Society of Addictions Medicine. He has been on the faculties of Dartmouth University, the University of Vermont, Louisiana State University, and the University of Nevada. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Calgary where he supervises residents and medical students.
Dr. Courtney’s areas of interest include psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy (including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, and others), sports and performance arts mental health issues, psychedelic therapies, and complementary and alternative psychiatric interventions. He has a certification in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. He has worked extensively with correctional inmates, homeless individuals, victims of war and other traumas, men’s mental health, the LGBTQI+ community, as well as with members of sports and performance arts communities.
Demographics: Adults, Adolescents, Men’s Mental Health, LGBTQI+ communities, Refugees, First Responders, and Individuals involved in Performance Arts and Sports.
Modalities / Treatment Methods: Psychopharmacology, Psychedelic Psychiatry, Complementary and Alternative Psychiatry, Psychotherapy (including Short-term Psychodynamic Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-based Psychotherapies), Cross-Cultural Psychiatry, and Addictions Medicine
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Founder & Board Chair
Witnessing the profound transformational healing power of psychedelics in a close family member led Jim to create both Bloom Psychedelic Therapy and Research Centre and the Parker Psychedelic Research Chair at the University of Calgary. For Jim, Bloom is a vehicle to provide much-needed access to safe and effective psychedelic assisted therapy and a space for research collaborations with the scientific community aimed at maximizing the societal benefits of psychedelics by providing scientific evidence on safety and efficacy to government, insurers, and the general population.
Jim graduated from the University of Victoria in 1992 with a master’s degree in Applied Economics. After moving to Calgary in 1995 Jim worked as an analyst and natural gas trader at TransCanada before moving to BP for the next 10 years, initially as a natural gas options trader and then as the head of natural gas trading. Jim retired from BP in 2009 to spend more time with family before returning to trading with the creation of his his own trading firm, Kayak Capital Management in 2012.
Leadership
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Director of Therapy
Registered Social Worker
As a traveler of many roads, I have encountered several human beings, each a story with their own aspirations, tribulations, memories and life philosophies.
My goal is to walk alongside you in trusting your inner knowing and intuition, learning how to connect with yourself before others and gaining clarity on the tools you already have. I understand that seeking therapy can be one of the most difficult decisions in your life, but the outcome can change the lens in which you experience the world.
With over 12 years of experience in the field of social work, I have expertise in working with individuals, adolescents, couples, families, BIPOC folks and those experiencing chronic pain and illness.
I use mindfulness-based practice to blend the synergy between the distraction that often consumes our everyday lives and how we wish to authentically show up in the world for ourselves and those around us.
My training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Solution-Focused Therapy and Functional Family Therapy allows me to provide flexible and responsive support to meet your unique therapeutic needs throughout the journey of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.
I am looking forward to being part of your journey of finding love, grace, kindness and strength from within.
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Medical Lead, RN
Kelly is a published author and a creative professional who loves to blend her background in healthcare with a passion for books, creative writing, and storytelling.
Kelly has over 20+ years of experience as a Registered Nurse, working in various settings, from tertiary care facilities to community in Canada and the United States.
After experiencing compassion fatigue in 2017, which led to burnout in 2020, Kelly took some time away from healthcare. Kelly proudly acknowledges that her previously held position at the Calgary Public Library was pivotal in facilitating her return to healthcare.
Why Bloom Psychedelic Therapy and Research Institute?
Neurodiversity and mental health are near and dear to Kelly’s heart. Influenced by her son's resilience in navigating his diagnosis of ADHD and social anxiety, Kelly believes that alternative treatments, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, can support the transformation that begins healing for so many who feel that all hope is lost.
Kelly is excited to witness the benefits Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT) is having on the lives of the clients at Bloom Psychedelic Therapy and Research Institute.
Kelly’s overall desire? To help you live a great story.
“Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It’s the reason you are here on this earth. You are here to risk your heart…”
~Louise Erdrich, The Painted Drumreading+
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Clinic Manager
Ciara has been with Bloom since the very first day the clinic opened. Previously holding positions as, Director of Communications, Clinic Coordinator, Events Coordinator and Medical Office Assistant, she is now Bloom's Clinic Lead.
Warm hearted and personable, her passion is to spread love, support, and make a difference. Ciara’s goal is to ensure each patient receives heart-centered care. She believes that a little bit of TLC and a warm smile goes along way when it comes to your health.
She has recently graduated with her B.A in Psychology with a very special interest in the new and emerging field of psychedelic medicine.
Ciara believes that psychedelic medicine will transform mental health and be revolutionary in years to come. She is thrilled to be a part of Bloom and honored to be a part of your journey.
Physician & Psychiatry
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Family Physician & Medical Cannabis Consultant
Dr. Ryan Wong is a Family Physician and a Medical Cannabis Consultant in Calgary.
He has been helping thousands of patients use medical cannabis safely and effectively since 2019. He has been a member of the medical advisory boards for Tilray and Syqe Medical.
While caring for his patients using medical cannabis, he learned that some of them also use psychedelic medicines with good results. This led him to have an interest in psychedelic medicines and learn more about how psychedelic medicines could be a complementary treatment for his patients with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
He has trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Psychedelic Support and Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy through TheraPsil.
He is a certified TheraPsil Medical Associate and Co-Sitter.
Dr. Wong has a passion for helping clients with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. He is results-oriented and finds great satisfaction in assisting clients to achieve holistic wellness.
In his spare time, you will find him and his family exploring the Canadian Outdoors in summer, skiing the champagne powder snow of the Canadian Rockies through winter, and supporting Liverpool Football Club during their season.
Dr. Wong is delighted to be a part of the Bloom Team that helps clients live fulfilled and connected lives through Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
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Physician
Dr. Leon completed a Bachelor's degree in Physiology and Nutrition at the University of British Columbia and her medical training at the University of Calgary, including medical school and family medicine residency. She then obtained her certification as an American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) diplomate in 2020.
Dr. Leon has a special interest in mental health and lifestyle medicine, and strives for a holistic approach to wellbeing. She is passionate about helping patients identify and overcome barriers that have held them back from reaching their health and wellness goals. She is excited by the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies in fostering profound shifts in consciousness and providing a novel approach to mental health care.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Leon enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and keeping active through hiking, cycling, yoga, dance, skiing, and tennis.
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Medical Director & Psychiatrist
Dr. Keith Courtney is a board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1995. Dr. Courtney graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1990. He completed his residency in general psychiatry at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and a fellowship in cross-cultural psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a fellow of the American Society of Addictions Medicine. He has been on the faculties of Dartmouth University, the University of Vermont, Louisiana State University, and the University of Nevada. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Calgary where he supervises residents and medical students.
Dr. Courtney’s areas of interest include psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy (including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, and others), sports and performance arts mental health issues, psychedelic therapies, and complementary and alternative psychiatric interventions. He has a certification in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. He has worked extensively with correctional inmates, homeless individuals, victims of war and other traumas, men’s mental health, the LGBTQI+ community, as well as with members of sports and performance arts communities.
Demographics: Adults, Adolescents, Men’s Mental Health, LGBTQI+ communities, Refugees, First Responders, and Individuals involved in Performance Arts and Sports.
Modalities / Treatment Methods: Psychopharmacology, Psychedelic Psychiatry, Complementary and Alternative Psychiatry, Psychotherapy (including Short-term Psychodynamic Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-based Psychotherapies), Cross-Cultural Psychiatry, and Addictions Medicine
Therapists
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Counsellor
Arianne Moore is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Counselling Therapist and Certified Life Coach with a background in massage therapy, energy work and yoga. She is excited to be a part of the Bloom team and the ground-breaking research that psychedelic assisted psychotherapy will offer to those on their healing journey.
Arianne’s style of counselling helps to develop a life-changing, supportive and loving relationship with the most important person in your life – YOU! – so you can begin to experience a different way of living. She creates a safe and supportive space for you to learn to navigate the experiences, obstacles and limiting beliefs that have kept you feeling stuck.
As you walk this journey together with Arianne, you will deepen your relationship with yourself and walk yourself home.
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Registered Psychologist
Hello there! I'm so happy you stopped by on your journey to read a little bit about me.
I'm well acquainted with journeys, having started my entrance into psychology on the east coast in Nova Scotia, far from where I find myself now.
I completed my graduate training in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary. My career path has been full of vibrant twists and turns, always allowing me to follow my love of learning and growth.
The grounding-breaking healing and innovation psychedelics are bringing in service to mental health is mind-blowing to me. Hope and possibility brought me to Bloom.
My 10-year+ counselling path spans community, walk-in, public health, shelter, higher education, and private practice. I treasure the adaptability I have gained and the bravery I continue to get to witness in those I serve.
I use an integrative counselling approach, drawing from modalities that are trauma-informed. Client agency is deeply embedded in my practice.
I am clinically trained in EMDR and am somatic, IFS, and polyvagal informed. I have speciality training to support folks struggling with maternal mental health and am 2SLGBTQI and polyamory informed. Healing practices for me include therapeutic drumming, conscious dance, Qigong, and reiki.
I look forward to collaborating with you as an affirming guide on your journey and supporting you to learn all about your inner intelligence and wisdom. Welcome to Bloom!
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Director of Therapy
Registered Social Worker
As a traveler of many roads, I have encountered several human beings, each a story with their own aspirations, tribulations, memories and life philosophies.
My goal is to walk alongside you in trusting your inner knowing and intuition, learning how to connect with yourself before others and gaining clarity on the tools you already have. I understand that seeking therapy can be one of the most difficult decisions in your life, but the outcome can change the lens in which you experience the world.
With over 12 years of experience in the field of social work, I have expertise in working with individuals, adolescents, couples, families, BIPOC folks and those experiencing chronic pain and illness.
I use mindfulness-based practice to blend the synergy between the distraction that often consumes our everyday lives and how we wish to authentically show up in the world for ourselves and those around us.
My training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Solution-Focused Therapy and Functional Family Therapy allows me to provide flexible and responsive support to meet your unique therapeutic needs throughout the journey of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.
I am looking forward to being part of your journey of finding love, grace, kindness and strength from within.
Administrative
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Administrative Assistant
I am originally from Ireland and moved to Calgary in 2021. Before moving to Calgary, I studied and achieved both a Bachelor’s degree in social care and a Master’s in social work. When I heard of Bloom Psychedelic, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. I am very passionate about mental health and see the importance of having mental health services accessible for people in our community. I joined Bloom Psychedelic as an Administrative Assistant in 2022. I aim to make every client who steps foot in the clinic feel welcome and heard. I am so honoured to be a part of this team and see the results it has for our clients as they go through their programs. I am very excited to be a part of Bloom Psychedelic and the potential it has to make a true difference in people’s lives. If you see me at the front in Bloom, please don’t hesitate to say hello! I look forward to being a part of helping you start your journey with us.
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Client Care Coordinator
Research Partners
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Research Chair
Leah Mayo is the Parker Psychedelic Research Chair and an Assistant Professor at the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary.
Broadly, the goal of her research is to develop innovative, evidence-based pharmacological interventions to improve mental health. Her research group is particularly interested in the application of psychedelic and cannabinoid-based therapeutic opportunities in stress-related disorders such as substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Prior to arriving in Calgary, Dr. Mayo worked at the Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience in Linköping Sweden, received a PhD in Neurobiology from the University of Chicago in 2015, and earned a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan in 2009.
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Data Scientist & Engineer
Sean completed his undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. His undergraduate work earned him the Fung Fellows Award in order to pursue his master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley.
At UC Berkeley, he specialized in Visual Computing and Computer Graphics which allowed him to explore various disciplines including Big Data and machine learning. He is excited to use his skills to help analyze data for Bloom.