Hello, I’m Wendy

I am a fourth generation settler on Vancouver island and have lived in the Cowichan Valley with my family for over 25 years. My ancestors came from England, Scotland, Ireland, and China. I am also a partner, parent, daughter, and friend and I understand the challenges and joys in navigating these relationships.

I have been working with children and families in the areas of grief, loss, separation, and trauma for more than 10 years. I have grown through my work in a variety of community programs including Victoria Hospice, the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society, Transition House and the Children Who Witness Abuse Program.

I have a natural ability to enter challenging situations and create a safe place for people to explore their unique experiences. I support people to navigate their way through major life events by listening deeply to discover together their strengths and also to uncover what needs attention. I deeply value relationships and the importance of respectful and nourishing connections.

I believe in the value of play and the innate wisdom of every human being.

I believe in the beauty and power of nature and see it as an essential part of life that helps us to settle ourselves so we can respond to life in a more grounded way.

Wendy Mandorla, RSW

Pronouns (she, her)

Wendy at office door
“A walk in nature, walks the soul back home.”
— Mary Davis

Formal Education

Registered Social Worker by BC College of Social Workers, R#15959

Masters of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada, May 1994

BA, With Honours, School of Child & Youth Care, University of Victoria, Canada, May 1992

Professional Development

  • “10-Steps to Personal Resilience & Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate”, Good Grief Network, webinar, 2022-2023

  • “Images of Healing in Sand Play Therapy”, Marie Jose Dhaese, webinar, 2022

  • “San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Mental Health”, Indigenous Health department : Provincial Health Services Authority in Vancouver, online training, 2022

  • “Expressive Play Therapy for Healing Complex Trauma”, Marie Jose Dhaese, webinar, 2022

  • “Systemic Traumatology Exploration” & “Advanced Exploration Program”, Karin Dremel, 2021-2022

  • “Deathly Matters Community Conference”, Saanich, BC, 2019

  • “White Fragility Workshops : Understanding Racism”, Heather Ferris, Duncan, BC, 2019

  • “Systemic Constellation Exploration Program”, Jan Hull, Duncan, BC, 2018-2019

  • “The Village Project: The Journey of our Generation”, Cowichan Tribes, Duncan, BC, 2018

  • “Cowichan Hospice Volunteer Training”, Cowichan Hospice, Duncan, BC, 2018

  • “Building Bridges: Through Understanding the Village”, Kathy Camilerri, Duncan, BC, 2017

  • “Grief as Initiation: Community Healers’ Intensive”, Sarah Kerr, Victoria, BC, 2016

  • “Art and Play Therapy: Treatment Approaches for Working with Children”, Marie Jose Dhaese, Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC, 1997

  • “Child -Centered Play Therapy”, Marie Jose Dhaese, Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC, 1997

  • “Violence Against Children Conference”, Ministry of Social Services, Duncan, BC, 1996

  • “Resolving Conflict in the Workplace”, Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC, 1996

  • “Children Who Witness Abuse Training: Level 2”, BC&Y Society of Transition Houses, Vancouver, 1996

  • “Protocol and Culture of the Cowichan Tribes”, Malaspina College, Duncan, BC, 1995

  • “Court Support Presentation”, Women in Crisis, Guelph, Ontario, 1994

  • “Sexual Abuse Disclosures”, Family and Children’s Services, Kitchener, Ontario , 1993

  • “Anti-Oppression Workshop: Tools for Change”, (Designed for Women in Crisis) Akua Benjamin and Rita Kohld, Guelph, Ontario, 1993

  • “Psychosocial Care of the Dying and Bereaved”, Victoria Hospice Society, 1990

Affiliations and Memberships