We are here for you.

Susan Aitken

Social Worker   BSW, RSW, AAT-I, EAL, IPHM Accredited

Hello and welcome to my website! I wanted to post a little bit about myself for you to read as you decide if connecting with me is right for you. First off, I want to say that I have always had a great love for people and animals, which has led my Social Work practice to where it is today. As a Certified Animal Assisted Therapist with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work I am able to incorporate animals into the therapeutic process to assist all my clients through their personal journey. I truly believe and have personally witnessed how animals have such an amazing ability to understand us and help us heal through our struggles. Everyone has a unique path and as such I provide a practice that honors your individual path while providing you with healing space, acceptance, guidance, and of course animal partners if you wish to enjoy their presence in your sessions.

 

I have been a practicing Social Worker since 2005 and have gained a lot of experience that I believe can be very beneficial to those individuals needing some support as they move forward.  I have worked in numerous areas of Social Work helping individuals, families and groups, however my passion lies with allowing animals to help us. On my journey to become a Certified Animal Assisted Interventionist I have met so many beautiful souls, some people and some animals. I am so grateful to all of those who have helped me be able to offer this healing process to you and hoping to be able to connect with you soon.   I would like to thank you for reading through the information I have provided and please feel free to contact me for further information or proceed to the booking page and get yourself set up. 

 

Susan Aitken RSW, BSW, AAT-I, EAL

 

Credentials:

Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers Registration #2802

Canadian Association of Social Workers

Bachelor of Social Work Degree

Reiki Level II

Animal Assisted Interventionist Certification

Equine Assisted Learning Certification

 

Kayla Darbyshire

Social Worker BSW, RSW

Hi, my name is Kayla Darbyshire and I’m really glad you’re here. Let’s start.


Starting therapy can feel intimidating, awkward, or even a little uncomfortable. That’s completely normal. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, grounded, and real, not overly clinical, but not surface level either.


I work with children, youth, teenagers, and adults, supporting both men and women through a range of concerns. My areas of focus include relationship dynamics and couples counselling, teenage stressors, anxiety, ADHD, behavioural management, and navigating life transitions. I also provide trauma informed support to survivors of domestic violence and victims of sexual assault, always prioritizing safety, empowerment, and pacing that feels right for you.


I take a client centered, evidence based approach, blending solid therapeutic strategies with genuine human connection. We’ll work with practical tools to manage anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship challenges, and life transitions, while also exploring deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck.


Our work together is collaborative. You bring your lived experience; I bring clinical training and tools to navigate life’s stressors. Together, we’ll build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create change that feels sustainable.


I also believe humour, including a touch of well timed, respectful dark humour, can be a powerful coping tool while creating a space to breathe. Sometimes naming the absurdity of a hard situation helps loosen its grip. Therapy doesn’t have to be heavy every minute to be meaningful. There’s room for honesty, depth, and the occasional “well… that’s dark” moment when it fits.


You don’t have to have everything figured out before you book. You just have to be willing to start.


I look forward to connecting with you.


Kelsey Clayton

Social Worker BSW, RSW


I specialize in working with children, youth, and families, with a particular focus on emotional, behavioural, social, and trauma-related concerns. I understand that children often communicate through play, behaviour, creativity, and connection rather than words alone. Because of this, my work integrates play therapy and animal-assisted therapy as meaningful ways to support regulation, trust, emotional expression, and healing.


 I support children and youth experiencing:

 •  Anxiety and worries

 •  Emotional regulation challenges

 •  Trauma-related experiences

 •  Behavioural concerns

 •  Attachment and relationship difficulties

 •  School stress and peer challenges

 •  Self-esteem and identity development

 •  Life transitions, grief, and family change


 My practice is also shaped by a cultural and relational perspective, informed by my Indigenous Social Work degree, which grounds my work in respect for connection, community, identity, and holistic wellness. I value integrating culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice that honours each child and family’s unique story and strengths.


 In addition to my professional training, I bring lived and practical experience as a biological mother, foster parent, and a professional who has spent many years working alongside children and youth. These experiences deepen my understanding of attachment, child development, caregiving, and the complexities families may navigate. They also shape the empathy, flexibility, and real-world perspective I bring into my practice.


 Through animal-assisted and play-based approaches, children and youth can practice coping skills, explore emotions, build confidence, and experience connection in ways that feel safe and developmentally appropriate. I also work collaboratively with caregivers to strengthen attachment, support parenting strategies, and promote growth beyond the therapy space.



 If your child or youth is feeling overwhelmed, stuck, struggling with big emotions, or having difficulty navigating life’s challenges, counselling can be a place to slow things down, foster resilience, and support healing through connection, play, and relationship.


Pixie

Co-Therapist

Pixie is an absolutely wonderful, soft, friendly soul. She is always smiling and looking to engage with people. Pixie was adopted from the local SPCA after they found her wandering the streets as a very young puppy. No owner claimed her so as soon as she was ready for adoption at approximately 3 months of age I brought her home. On the day we went to the SPCA to pick her up they released her from her leash and she immediately came bounding over to us, as if she had known us for a lifetime. Our hearts melted and she continues to fill our home with such joy.

 

Pixie is a four year old Pomeranian/Corgi cross at best guess. 

 

During the course of my training to become an Animal Assisted Interventionist I was thinking about the process of getting another dog as a co-therapist, but Pixie kept reminding me that she was up for the role. Every morning she would look at me as I got ready for work, run to the door and try to leave the house with me, then give me the sad eyes when I told her to stay. So with that being said I decided to allow her to share her love and joy with the world. 

Nyla

Co-Therapist

Nyla has been part of the Inspired Hearts family since she was just four weeks old, and from the very beginning she made it clear she belonged here. Her mother was a rescue who found safety at our home, and Nyla was born there, stepping into this work almost before she could walk. She has been coming to the office ever since, and she has never needed convincing that this is exactly where she is meant to be.


Nyla is playful, gentle, and genuinely curious. During sessions she has a quiet way of noticing people, often settling near those who need her most without ever being asked. She brings a calm and accepting presence that words sometimes cannot.


Cats offer something uniquely powerful in animal-assisted therapy. Their independent nature means a cat's choice to engage feels meaningful, and children often experience that as a moment of genuine connection and acceptance. Interacting with a cat can lower anxiety, regulate the nervous system, and create a sense of safety that opens the door to deeper therapeutic work. For children who struggle with trust or feel overwhelmed by direct human interaction, a cat like Nyla can serve as a gentle and non-judgmental bridge.

Nyla is not just a therapy animal. She is a member of this community, and she takes that role seriously.



Marty

Co-Therapist

Marty is simply the sweetest pup. He is soft, full of energy and loves to meet everyone!! He has been with me since he was about 3 months old. He is now just over a year old is waiting to be Certified as a Therapy Dog. He just needs to wait until he is old enough to do this!!


Marty was adopted from a rescue group called Running Wild Rescue.  He has quickly fit in and is melting everyone's hearts.


He is currently in training and working very hard on some tricks.  He's such a smart boy and he has made an excellent addition to our team!

*** At Inspired Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy and Wellness, ALL of our animal co-therapists have their vaccinations up to date, are healthy and will continue to be seen by a veterinarian on a regular basis.