Marissa Walter, BScH, MSc

Marissa Walter (she/her) is a Clinical Psychologist (Candidate Register) and community-based mental health practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, equity, and systems change. She specializes in designing, delivering, and evaluating culturally responsive wellness programming that fosters connection, belonging, and community among equity-deserving students at Acadia.

With African Nova Scotian and Caribbean roots, Marissa brings a perspective shaped by both lived experience and clinical training. This lens informs her commitment to approaches that recognize the interconnected roles of identity, culture, and systemic context in shaping mental health. Her work also includes applied research exploring the psychosocial experiences of equity-deserving students, helping to translate student voices into meaningful action across the university.

Grounded in care, connection, and cultural humility, Marissa is passionate about creating spaces where students feel affirmed, supported, and empowered to thrive. She is particularly interested in advancing innovative, community-based approaches to student mental health in post-secondary education.

Marissa holds a BScH in Psychology from Queen's University and an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University. She has experience in private practice, community mental health, and university settings.

David MacPhee, MSW, RSW

David (he/him) has worked full time for the Acadia Counselling Centre since 2022. He is the Case Manager and Intake Coordinator for the Acadia Counselling Centre. David leads the Care Team which supports students with complex mental health needs. He is trained in behavioural intervention through National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NaBITA).

In addition to his role supporting students with system navigation, David provides brief intervention counselling. His approach is influenced by training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is also trained in the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Model (ITAM).

As a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Therapist, David has a primary interest in trauma-informed approaches and how fuller acceptance of oneself can lead to change and openness. His social work background informs his use of anti-oppressive and postcolonial approaches.