Our background
Our staff members work with the board of directors to oversee the organization. They manage the business and counselling aspects behind the scenes and make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently.

Richard Sayad
Director of Clinical Services, MC, RCC
Richard is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor, as certified by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. He holds a Master's degree in Counselling from City University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. As the Director of Clinical Services at South Island Counselling, Richard is dedicated to managing and supervising our team of counsellors to ensure the delivery of effective and affordable clinical services to the community. In his leadership role, Richard oversees the professional development and performance of our counsellors, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that promotes excellence in client care. His responsibilities include supervising counsellors, coordinating training for interns, and implementing evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address a wide range of mental health issues. Richard's clinical expertise spans working with diverse populations, from young adults to seniors, and he is committed to helping clients gain insight into their challenges and co-create actionable plans for healthy change and growth. His areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Under Richard's leadership, South Island Counselling continues to fulfill its mission of providing accessible, high-quality counselling services to those in need, making a meaningful impact on the mental health of our community.

Stacey Cronin
Director of Administration
Stacey brings a multifaceted background in design, marketing, and accounting to her role as Director of Administration. As the overseer of all administrative, communication, and financial aspects, Stacey ensures that the organization's operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her expertise allows her to manage a wide range of tasks, from financial planning and budgeting to strategic marketing and effective communication. In her collaborative role, Stacey works closely with the Director of Clinical Services to ensure that every client’s experience is not only positive and consistent but also valuable and enriching. Her dedication to excellence in service delivery highlights her commitment to the well-being of the clients and the community. Stacey feels profoundly honored to be part of a non-profit organization with a longstanding and meaningful presence in the mental health community. She is passionate about contributing to the organization's mission and values, recognizing the critical impact it has on the lives of many. Her work is driven by a deep respect for the organization’s history and a commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all clients.