Sarah Karesa

Sarah Karesa serves as an Associate Professor at City University of Seattle’s Edmonton Campus and is a Registered Psychologist with over three years of instructional experience. She concurrently holds the position of Counselling Program Manager at the Edmonton Healing Centre, where she supervises practicum students in clinical settings.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Alberta
• Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of Lethbridge

Her research program centers on critical end-of-life issues, particularly the psychological dimensions of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), thanatology (systematic study of death/dying), and caregiver experiences for dementia and terminal illness patients. As a published researcher and mental health advocate, she integrates clinical practice with academic rigor to advance understanding of grief trajectories and ethical counselling practices in palliative contexts.

Teaching Philosophy:

• Core principles: Transparency, integrity, compassion, and equity
• Instructional approach: Challenges students to exceed self-imposed limits while providing targeted support during developmental struggles
• Signature courses: Grief and Loss (CPC 511), Group Counselling (CPC 527), Practicum I/II (CPC 654/655)

Professional supervision at the Edmonton Healing Centre forms a critical component of her academic role, where she mentors future counsellors through hands-on clinical training in grief management and professional practice standards.