MEET THE TEAM

Psychologist in Airdrie, Alberta

Meet Your Professional Team in Care

NOT JUST HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Support You Can Trust

We don’t just hire qualified professionals - We choose dedicated professionals who go above and beyond. Our team includes highly trained clinicians with advanced degrees, many of whom have Ph.D.s, are pursuing their Ph.D., and have specialized designations like Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, or are qualifying for the respective designations. We are committed to ongoing education, not just checking boxes. Dr. Crystal Dittrick, clinic founder and clinical supervisor, provides ongoing hands-on support to her team in psychology, Play Therapy, and EMDR to ensure our standards remain exceptional.

Meet Dr. Marisa Van Bavel (she/her)

Registered Psychologist

Hi, I’m Dr. Marisa (she/her/hers)! I am a registered psychologist with extensive experience supporting children, youth, and adults. I hold a Doctorate in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary, where I also earned my Master of Science in the same field. For over a decade, I have worked in various settings, including community-based mental health programs, education, and private practice.

My passion for psychology began in high school while volunteering with youth who have exceptional needs. Since then, I have developed expertise in psychological assessment and consultation, addressing concerns related to mood and anxiety, giftedness, and neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and learning disorders. My approach is strengths-based and collaborative, aiming to meet individuals where they are in their journey while equipping them with strategies and supports to thrive.

Beyond clinical practice, my research has focused on mental health, collaborative practices with Indigenous communities, and community-based programming. Through this work, I am committed to promoting inclusive, evidence-based approaches that respect and integrate diverse perspectives.

  • Individual Counselling & Therapy

    Group Counselling & Therapy

    Psychological & Psycho-Educational Assessment

    Consultation

    Education Sessions

  • Children (assessment only)

    Adolescents/Teens

    Adults

    Parents

    Professionals

  • NIHB

    FSCD

  • Tuesdays

    Wednesdays

    Some flexibility for additional days. Contact to discuss availability

Meet Dr. Cristina Fernandez Conde (she/her).

Registered Psychologist

Play Therapist in Training

Hi, I’m Dr. Cristina (she/her/hers)! I hold a Doctorate in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary and have over ten years of experience supporting children and youth in schools, hospitals, community clinics, and private practice in Canada and Mexico. 

I have a passion for working with children and youth. I love helping them understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence their well-being. My goal is to help individuals thrive by overcoming challenges using a strengths-based approach.  

As a therapist, my practice is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and I integrate Play Therapy, along with other approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills to foster resilience. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment that honours diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. 

When conducting assessments, I work with families to better understand their child or adolescent’s reasoning abilities, learning skills, and overall development. I also explore social, emotional, and behavioural concerns to identify neurodiversity, including autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, learning, mood, and behavioural disorders. My approach to psychological assessments focuses on identifying strengths and providing personalized recommendations to support each child’s unique needs. 

My core values that guide my practice: Honesty, trustworthiness, respect, and collaboration. 

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching movies, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. 

Offers Services in Spanish

¡Hola! Me llamo Cristina y tengo un doctorado en Psicología Escolar y Aplicada por la Universidad de Calgary. Ofrezco servicios de terapia y evaluación para niños y adolescentes. Si estás buscando  trabajar con una psicóloga que hable español, puedes agendar una cita conmigo. 

  • Individual Counselling & Therapy

    Play Therapy

    Psychological & Psycho-Educational Assessment

    Group Counselling & Therapy

    Consultation

    Education Sessions

  • Children

    Adolescents/Teens

    Young Adults

    Parents

    Professionals

  • NIHB

    FSCD

  • Wednesday Evenings

    Saturdays

Meet Kristina Jelinkova

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Basic EMDR Trained Therapist

Play Therapist in Training 

Hi! I’m Kristina (she/her/hers). My goal is to support you, so you feel empowered moving forward. I offer counseling and assessment services for children, teens, and adults, to better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and find ways to live their best life. 

I am currently completing my Doctoral degree at the University of Calgary where I earned my M.Sc. in School and Applied Child Psychology. Through the University of Calgary, I have received training and extensive experience in psycho-educational assessments and intervention. I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years, where I have gained valuable experience in intervention, counselling, and therapy. I am a Play Therapist in training and working towards my EMDR certification - I am excited to incorporate this learning into my sessions. 

I aim to create a welcoming and empowering experience, helping each individual feel seen and understood. I have experience assessing and supporting a range of needs, including mood and anxiety challenges, giftedness, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and learning differences. 

My approach to assessment is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on understanding a child’s cognitive, learning, emotional, and social development. I work closely with families to explore questions around neurodiversity and provide thoughtful, personalized recommendations that highlight each child’s unique abilities and support their growth.

In counselling, I integrate components of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Mindfulness practice to best support each person and their unique strengths and needs.

I believe that compassion, collaboration, and a strengths-based approach to mental health best support one’s wellness goals. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my loved ones, exploring new games and books, and attempting to take my cat on walks.

  • Individual Counselling & Therapy

    Play Therapy

    EMDR
    Psychological & Psycho-Educational Assessment

    Family Counselling & Therapy

    Group Counselling & Therapy

    Consultation

    Education Sessions

  • Children

    Adolescents/Teens

    Adults

    Parents

    Professionals

  • FSCD

  • Thursday

    Friday

    Saturday

Meet Dr. Crystal Dittrick

Founder & Clinical Supervisor 

Registered Psychologist

Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™

Certified Play Therapist Supervisor™

Certified EMDR Therapist™ 

Hi, I’m Dr. Crystal (she/her/hers)! I am the founder of CARE Psychology.

I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™, Certified Play Therapist Supervisor™, and Certified EMDR Therapist™ with over 20 years of education and experience in working with children, youth, adults, and families.

From a young age I have always loved helping people and watching them grow. I knew I wanted to be a psychologist after my very first psychology course in high school. I have a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. 

I provide psychological services to children, adolescents, adults, and their families, including both treatment and assessment. I believe in a strengths-based, creative approach with a focus on understanding and building relationships. I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches in my work including Client Directed, Outcome Informed Therapy, Play Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems, and Mindfulness practice.

I am the clinical supervisor of CARE Psychology. I enjoy teaching and mentoring psychologists through supervision in our clinical practice. I am a Play Therapist Supervisor (Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ and Certified Play Therapist Supervisor™) and am working towards my certification as an EMDR consultant (EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant-in-Training). I consider myself to be a life-long learner and continue to update my practice based on the latest evidence of what works for the people I serve.

I have experience providing counselling, assessment, and psychological services in a variety of settings including schools, mental health services, community clinics, and private practice. I have presented for various schools, organizations, and parent nights, national and international conferences, and written peer reviewed articles on the topics of child and adolescent mental health, bullying, peer relationships, social emotional learning, and mindfulness.   

I am a mom of two incredible boys and grew up in a family with three sisters. I spend much of my free time with my family. A creative person at heart, I enjoy crafting, hosting family events, baking, watching movies, and playing with my kids.

  • Individual Counselling & Therapy

    Play Therapy

    EMDR
    Psychological & Psycho-Educational Assessment

    Family Counselling & Therapy

    Group Counselling & Therapy

    Consultation

    Education Sessions

    Clinical Supervision & Professional Consultation

  • Children

    Adolescents/Teens

    Adults

    Families

    Parents

    Professionals

  • NIHB

    FSCD

  • Monday to Friday, including Tuesday and Thursday evenings

  • Currently not accepting new counselling or assessment clients, waitlist only, contact for details. Contact for supervision or group session availability. 

Meet Braydon 

B.Mgmt. 

Office Manager

Hi! I’m Braydon (he/him/his). The friendly face behind the screen, or phone, I am the Office Manager at CARE. I am the first touch-point you have with CARE Psychology. When you email us, you will get to speak with me and I will help support your journey with the clinic. 

As our Office Manager, I do all administrative functions for CARE, including answering phone calls and emails, connecting clients with the appropriate psychologist/services, billing, finance, organization, and assisting our team. 

Outside of my role at CARE, I love to golf, travel, and share my passion for cooking with friends and family. I spend my time volunteering at my children’s schools, supporting my kids with their activities/homework etc. I am a very involved father and family member.

Welcome to CARE!

GET IN TOUCH

Get Started With Your Psychologist

01/ Fill out our connection form, so we can understand your needs and goals. 

02/ From here, we will book you in for a complimentary 15-20 minute consultation call to match you with your psychologist and learn more about services. 

03/ Begin your journey towards a more fulfilling life.