Empowering personal growth through self-discovery.
Why BION
"Bion" is more than a name. It embodies our purpose.
A bion is a living organism, with survival dependant on its capacity to adapt to an ever changing environment. Few creatures symbolize adaptability more powerfully than the dragonfly – our logo.
A dragonfly’s life unfolds through three very different stages, each demanding new ways of interacting and evolving in sync with its world. It begins as a fully aquatic creature. Years later, it emerges from a life underwater. It sheds the armour it no longer needs, sprouts wings, and explores its domain with multiple new eyes.
Every stage of our own lives brings new challenges, new expectations, and new perspectives. Whether you're striving to stay healthy at work, nurturing a family or a passion, navigating a career across cultures, or reimagining retirement, maintenance of our well-being depends on the ability to adapt with intention.
Meet the senior team.
Dr. Colleen Braun
Colleen is a registered psychologist with "been there" credentials as a woman who has lived up to challenges by carving new paths. Describing herself as a portable practitioner, she has melded psychology with a passion for exploring the world – around us and within.
She completed Masters and Doctoral programs in behavioural medicine and post-doctoral certification in family therapy at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio). She established the first health tourism program in Namibia (southwestern Africa), was a member of the adjunct graduate faculties at NOVA Southeastern University and Central Michigan University, and is an invited special interest lecturer on cruise ships sailing from Europe to Asia. Among her credits, Colleen lists more than 70 publications and presentations in North American and international journals and symposia.
Kimberly Hauser
Kimberly is an independently licensed social worker with supervisory designation in the State of Ohio and holds a Social Work Practice Permit in the Province of Alberta. She completed Master’s programs in both psychology and social work at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio), and has over 20 years' experience in both organizational and private practice settings. Kimberly also brings international experience to her practice, having lived and worked in the Arabian Gulf and London.
She helps her clients cope with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life choices, life changes/transitions, and organizational dynamics (both family and workplace). Kimberly guides her clients in identifying and respecting where they are, what they would like to achieve, and how to build on their strengths to reach occupational and personal goals. Her aim is to create an atmosphere where clients feel heard and respected, find value in their work with her, and demonstrate success.
Julie Miazga
Julie Miazga is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Psychology, specializing in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, from the University of Warsaw. She works with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and difficult life transitions. She is particularly interested in the psychological impact of chronic pain and in helping people manage the emotional challenges that can arise when life takes an unexpected turn.
How can psychological care help when life gets difficult?
Sometimes we understand what is happening in our lives but struggle to know how to cope with it or what to do next. Psychological care can help us make sense of these experiences and find practical ways to move forward.
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Julie takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy, helping clients understand their difficulties, identify patterns that may be contributing to them, and develop strategies to manage everyday challenges. She works with each client to identify their goals and find approaches that fit their individual needs and circumstances.
Her work may involve managing anxiety and low mood, adjusting to significant life changes, coping with chronic pain, or finding ways to manage stress and difficult emotions. She aims to help clients build practical coping skills, develop a better understanding of themselves, and feel more equipped to handle challenges in their daily lives.
At BION, we recognize that adapting to change often requires both understanding our experiences and finding ways to respond to them. Julie brings this perspective to her work, helping clients develop the skills and confidence to manage difficulties and make changes that support their wellbeing.
Martha
A registered Occupational Therapist in Alberta with more than 30 years of experience, Martha has worked in both Ontario and Alberta across public and private practice. Her particular expertise includes helping people living with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression find practical ways to function better in their everyday lives. She was a founding member of the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre, where she helped develop treatment pathways and groups and provided education and mentorship to clinicians in chronic pain management and client advocacy.
What does Occupational Therapy add to psychological care?Sometimes knowing what needs to change is easier than figuring out how to make that change work in real life.
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That’s where OT can make a real difference.Martha helps clients take the insights, strategies, and coping skills developed through counselling and put them into practice—at home, at work, and in the activities that matter to them. Guided by each person’s values and goals, she helps clients make practical, measurable progress toward doing more of what they need to do, are expected to do, and want to do.Her approach focuses not only on recovery, but on building the skills and confidence to self-manage health, strengthen resilience, and adapt when circumstances change.For clients navigating workplace challenges, Martha can also help identify accommodation needs, communicate with insurers, prepare for a return to work, and provide practical support throughout a gradual transition back to the workplace.
Martha sees clients in person in the Calgary area and virtually across Canada.
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