MARY KLOVANCE

Consulting, Public Speaking, Workshop Creation & Facilitation

She/Her

MA, BEd, BA

Registered Clinical Counsellor

ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)

ADHD-Certified Educator (ADHD-CE)

Board member of the Institute of Neurodiversity Canada

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Mary is the owner and clinical director of The Neurodiversity Family Centre and has lived experience as a person with ADHD, is the daughter of an Autistic parent and is a parent to a neurodiverse child. 

Mary knows that what some label as "challenging behavior" is actually just a natural coping strategy used for those doing the best they can to manage during distress.  Drawing on her experience and education, she employs the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Model (CPS Model) to engage with clients, aiming to uncover unmet needs, lagging skills, and unsolved problems. Mary's primary objective is to understand and validate each client's experiences, learn what their personal goals are and guide them in identifying strategies and solutions which utilize their unique strengths and abilities. Her approach is not only client-centered but also seeks to address the underlying issues contributing to perceived challenges, such as those brought on by societal expectations and demands. 

Mary has worked for over 13 years as a school counsellor and for over five years with youth-at-risk for Victoria's Youth Empowerment Society at the teen drop in centre, youth Detox and youth shelter. Recently Mary was asked to join the Institute of Neurodiversity as a board member to represent Education for the new Canadian chapter and is on the Greater Victoria School District Accessibility Advisory Group. She is also a local public speaker on the topic of parenting neurodivergent youth and was featured in "Calming the ADHD Family: ADHD brain hacks for a calm, confident, connected family", Matters of the Mind Public Presentation on Parenting Youth with ADHD for the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, a guest on Therapy Talks Podcast.

Mary's goal is to educate youth and the adults who care for them about Neurodiversity Affirming practices and sharing her lived experience as a Neurodivergent person. She uses a strength-based approach in her practice to highlight the gifts of every individual while helping them achieve their definition of success.