Our Short Course Instructors
Meet our Short Course Instructors
Jamie Billingham
Courses Taught: Harm Reduction
With over two decades of instructional design and facilitation experience, Jamie’s enthusiasm for digital learning environments took root in 2004 when she was first introduced to Moodle. Since then, she’s developed learner-centred, inclusive, and accessible learning experiences for for-profit, government, and non-profit organizations in in-person, online, and virtual reality settings.
Her background includes pioneering BC Provincial Core Programs at three correctional institutions, serving as an instructor and curriculum designer at the Justice Institute of BC, and launching HousingU, a Moodle site for non-profit housing providers across BC. She’s also worked as a substance abuse counsellor, harm reduction advocate, needle exchange and social program manager, and First Nations health manager.
Jamie is currently a Learning Experience Designer at the Digital Academy within the BC government. She has previously served as a Strategic HR Learning Consultant for the Ministry of Children and Family Development, designed online learning for organizations like Skytrain, and contributed to curriculums for firefighters across Canada.
She holds an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University, with a major project focused on engaging Indigenous families in public education using a systems thinking approach. She’s an active participant in professional groups and communities of practice focused on design thinking, user experience design, Agile, and learning-related topics. As a dedicated lifelong learner, her motto is “Always be learning.”
Cheryl Otterbein has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, and now as a mental health counsellor and is a counselling master hypnotherapist with the International Association of Counsellors and Therapists. She is President of the International Association of Counselling Hypnotherapists ( I.A.C.H.). She has also trained in various other therapeutic modalities, including EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and Counselling.
Cheryl Otterbein aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients achieve their goals and improve their lives.
Cheryl Otterbein is a counselling hypnotherapist and the owner of the Edmonton School of Hypnotherapy and the Meristem Therapy Academy in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She has been practicing hypnotherapy for over 20 years and has trained hundreds of students in hypnotherapy, NLP, and other related modalities.
Cheryl is a member of several professional hypnotherapy associations, including the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), and the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH).
In addition to her work as a hypnotherapist and trainer, Cheryl also has a private practice.
Overall, Cheryl Otterbein is a respected and experienced counselling hypnotherapist and trainer known for her dedication to helping clients and students achieve their goals and improve their lives.
Cheryl Otterbein
Courses Taught: Lifeline: Suicide Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Emotional Eating
Cheryl Otterbein
Courses Taught: Lifeline: Suicide Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Emotional Eating
Cheryl Otterbein has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, and now as a mental health counsellor and is a counselling master hypnotherapist with the International Association of Counsellors and Therapists. She is President of the International Association of Counselling Hypnotherapists ( I.A.C.H.). She has also trained in various other therapeutic modalities, including EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and Counselling.
Cheryl Otterbein aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients achieve their goals and improve their lives.
Cheryl Otterbein is a counselling hypnotherapist and the owner of the Edmonton School of Hypnotherapy and the Meristem Therapy Academy in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She has been practicing hypnotherapy for over 20 years and has trained hundreds of students in hypnotherapy, NLP, and other related modalities.
Cheryl is a member of several professional hypnotherapy associations, including the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA), the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT), and the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH).
In addition to her work as a hypnotherapist and trainer, Cheryl also has a private practice.
Overall, Cheryl Otterbein is a respected and experienced counselling hypnotherapist and trainer known for her dedication to helping clients and students achieve their goals and improve their lives.
Zoe Stratis
Courses Taught: Supporting Bereaved Parents for Clinicians
Zoe Stratis is a Counsellor, Certified Coach and educator specializing in the often overlooked areas of pregnancy and infant loss, grief, bereavement, and other types of loss. She channels her personal experiences as a bereaved parent into her work, creating a safe and understanding space for others navigating similar paths.
Zoe is a volunteer peer facilitator for a social connections group for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. This initiative, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Hospice and PILSC.org, is a testament to her commitment to providing empathetic support within her community. She also helps organize the annual Perinatal and Infant Loss Awareness Walk and is an active member of the local Maternal Mental Health Committee on the Sunshine Coast.
An ardent advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility, Zoe is passionate about breaking the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss and the ubiquitousness of grief, striving to increase social understanding and support.
Away from her professional pursuits, Zoe loves making art and jewelry, reading, cooking, and spending quality time outdoors with her husband, her living son and her friends on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. She uses her love of art and nature to complement her healing journey with her clients.
