As a teenager, Kostas was first exposed to a variety of outdoor adventures through the magic of summer camps in the Rocky Mountains. While having wonderful and positive experiences, he also found that he was growing as a person. He noticed that while learning the technical skills of which strokes to use in rough waters, he was also learning the soft skills of how to manage fear and anxiety. As Ko learned to track animals, he was learning self-regulation. With mastery in knots, came patience. Since this realization, Ko has focused on gaining skills, both hard and soft, to add to his toolbox to walk with others on their healing journeys. This has led him to work with children and youth over the last 15 years through a variety of approaches, from teaching fire by friction on the west coast, to trapeze in Montreal, and everything in between! This passion for growth and supporting others has also led him to join Search and Rescue, where he applies these skills in high-pressure, real-world situations, further refining his ability to manage stress and guide others through challenging experiences.
Ko is an enthusiastic, empathic, and playful member of the HNCS team, with a Masters in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. His approach is grounded in the principles of Emotionally-Focused Therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy, and is deeply rooted in a strengths-based perspective. While Ko works with a great variety of people, he is actively developing a specialization in supporting individuals with anxiety, grief, ADHD, and Autism. Ko focuses on providing compassionate care, and tailored strategies to help each person navigate their challenges and build resilience. He believes in empowering clients by building on their inherent strengths and fostering meaningful connections with nature to support emotional well-being and personal growth. Kosta was born in the Blackfoot territory of Mohkinstsis (Calgary). He was named after both his grandfathers; Kosta (Greek paternal side) and Hermann (Swiss maternal side). He currently resides in Victoria, on the territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt first nations.
Kostas is a Certified Nature-based therapist, level 1.