Qualified Therapists
We at Nurture Nest believe individuals and communities can heal and transform with the right team supporting them. Our therapeutic sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of adults, teens, children, and groups. Whether it's online or in-person at our studio in Calgary, Alberta, we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space for you to explore your creativity and promote personal growth. We are passionate about what we do and are committed to helping you achieve your goals, contact us now.
Tammy Thomson
Professional Art Therapist and Educator
Waitlist for New Clients
Tammy is the founder and director of Nurture Nest. Tammy is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member in good standing of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She has been an experienced early childhood, preschool, elementary school teacher and artist for more than 20 years in early childhood settings, schools and children’s hospitals. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion and a strength-based approach to teaching art. Tammy teaches many of our preschool and children’s art classes. She also offers private art therapy sessions to children and adults both online and in person at our art studio in Calgary SE.
Erin Gartner
Professional Art Therapist & Educator
Accepting In Person & Online Clients
Erin uses a non-judgemental, person-centered approach to both her art teaching and art therapy. She encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-compassion. Erin has an inclusive practice and works with children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors and offers sessions in-person and on-line. Erin has been described as “compassionate, gentle, accepting, and knowledgeable.”
Erin is a professional member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA), and a student member of The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA). She has earned a postgraduate, masters level Art Psychotherapy diploma from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT), and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Alberta University of the Arts. Erin is a practicing artist and an art educator for clients seeking personal instruction and growth in drawing, painting, and ceramic skills.
Eryn Shannon Kollecker
Professional Art Therapist
Accepting Online Clients
Eryn is a registered nurse with over 18 years experience in labour and delivery. She has completed her studies at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy in Art Psychotherapy and is in good standing with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). Eryn has a passion for working in women’s mental health at all ages and stages of life. Eryn wants to help women conquer their anxieties and fears around delivery and bridge the gap between pre-labour and postpartum depression/anxiety. Eryn works mainly with our parent population at Nurture Nest and she is currently accepting new clients.
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“It’s important to have realistic expectations going into the labour room and taking the time to process the reality of what happened when you are on the other side. Art is a beautiful way to heal and mend the soul.”
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Melissa Hemsworth
Certified Music Therapist
Nurture Nest is pleased to partner our art therapy offerings with Melissa Hemsworth of Simple Harmonies. Melissa is a certified music therapist and music instructor working with children and families in both educational and therapeutic settings.
Melissa brings a creative and gentle presence while focusing on support and connection. With a person centered and strengths-based approach, creating a positive environment to support development and wellbeing are at the core of her work.
Melissa is the founder of Simple Harmonies, where she offers violin and ukulele lessons for children, parented music classes for babies & toddlers, preschool music classes, and music therapy services. Melissa is a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA), the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT), the Music Therapy Association for Alberta (MTAA), and the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA).