Dr. Amanda Lim

Dr. Amanda (Mandy) Lim is a Mental Health GP at Joyce Health. She also provides counselling services. She was raised in Calgary and obtained her Bachelor's of Science, Medical Degree, and completed her residency training in Family Medicine here as well. She completed her CanReach certification in 2022 and is very excited to work at Joyce Health as she is passionate about mental health and well-being, and caring for families with an interpersonal focus. When she’s not seeing patients, you can find her with her husband and young children, making music, dabbling in photography, crafting or tossing a Frisbee.

Dr. Ingunn Benediktsson is a Mental Health GP at Joyce Health. She was born in Iceland but grew up in Calgary.  Dr. Benediktsson comes to medicine after a previous career in music; she completed a Bachelor and Master of Music Performance in Toronto, Ontario at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She returned to Calgary and completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Calgary. Dr. Benediktsson obtained her medical degree from the University of Calgary and completed her residency training in Calgary. She obtained further training in child mental health via CanREACH in 2024.

Dr. Benediktsson has three young boys, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids and crazy dog.

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health, also providing counselling services (i.e. CBT, DBT)

Dr. Magdalene Leung is a proud native Calgarian. Academically, she received both her Bachelors and Masters of Science at the University of Calgary. She completed her medical school at Queens University in Ontario and her residency training in family medicine at the University of Calgary. 

She believes that everyone is resilient, resourceful and capable of making and sustaining change. Her psychotherapy framework are grounded on a holistic model that focuses on four domains: biological; psychological; social and spiritual.  She has used strategies including: motivational interviewing; cognitive behavioral therapy skills (CBT); dialectical behavioral therapy skills (DBT) and interpersonal therapy skills to help patients deal with mental health challenges such as: day-to-day stressors, depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, loss of a loved one and addiction.  She has worked with many patients in 1:1, family counselling as well as group therapy for the past five years. She feels very privileged to have the opportunity to work at Joyce Health and to help people in Alberta and the NWT.

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health

Hira Waqar is a family physician in Cochrane, Alberta. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary before pursuing her medical education at the American University of the Caribbean. Dr. Waqar is passionate about preventative medicine, women’s health, and mental health. She is also CANREACH certified, showcasing her commitment to providing access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health services. In addition to her clinical work, Hira actively contributes to the medical community as a moderator for the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA), where she supports international medical graduates in their professional development. Dr. Hira Waqar’s journey reflects her dedication to enhancing the well-being of her patients and fostering a healthier community through comprehensive, patient-centered care. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, reading books and playing board games with her family and Friends. 

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health

Dr Stone is an Associate Physician with Joyce Health. She is originally from Grande Prairie but has since lived and worked across Alberta.

She completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus in Camrose, then later medical school and family medicine residency training at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She completed extra training in CanREACH in 2022.

Dr Stone is a former biathlete who has enjoyed coaching and volunteering with youth in sport. In her spare time, she enjoys being active and learning new skills (most recently, the kayak roll). She is excited to be working with Joyce Health to provide pediatric mental health care. 

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health

Dr. Gerhard van der Westhuizen is an Associate Physician at Joyce Health. 

He is originally from South Africa, where he completed his medical studies (MBChB) at the University of Pretoria. 

After graduation, Gerhard worked as medical officer, and then as general practitioner in rural South Africa. 

He immigrated to Canada in 1997. 

He has been working as a family physician ever since, and more recently also as hospitalist in mental health and addictions. 

Dr. van der Westhuizen received his CanREACH certification in 2025.

He is passionate about working in mental health, and in particular with children and young adults.

In his spare time he enjoys travelling and seeing the world, as well as spending as much time as possible outdoors.

Counselling Physician at Joyce Health Providing free counselling services

Dr. Alisha Rai is a South African-born, Calgary-based family physician, disability advocate, and mother. Her journey through infertility, birth trauma, and raising a child with cerebral palsy fuels her passion for supporting families facing complex medical and emotional challenges. These lived experiences have given her a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological struggles many families endure. She is the co-founder of Hope for Cerebral Palsy, a nonprofit that funds early intervention therapies for children with cerebral palsy. As a TEDx speaker, Dr. Rai uses her platform to raise awareness and advocate for compassionate, inclusive care that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of children and their families. 

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health

Dr. Clare Song received both her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Calgary, then moved a little further north to complete her family medicine residency training at the University of Alberta. She received her CanREACH certification in 2025.

She loves full scope family medicine, but is particularly interested in pediatrics, women's health, and mental health. Outside of work, she can be found adventuring abroad, reading, and spending time in the mountains! 

Counselling Physician at Joyce Health

Dr. Megan Lucey grew up in Calgary before completing her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at McGill University, medical school at University of British Columbia, and family medicine residency training in Edmonton. After finishing her studies, she settled into Edmonton and started a full scope family medicine practice. Dr. Lucey has a specific interest in mental health and dedicates a large portion of her practice to counselling and CBT.

In her free time, Dr Lucey enjoys training for marathons, baking sourdough, travelling the world, and taking her 2 dogs on adventures through the local river valley. 

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health

Dr. Shima Afhami is a Family Physician with a passion for pediatrics, child and adolescent mental health, and holistic family-centered care. She completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Calgary and always had a strong interest in mental health throughout her training. She is originally from Edmonton, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology as well as a Master of Science in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Alberta. Her graduate research focused on the gut microbiome of children with a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi Syndrome, sparking a lasting interest in child health and development.

Throughout her training and practice, Dr. Afhami has been deeply committed to supporting children and families not only with their physical health needs but also with the mental, emotional, and social challenges that often accompany them. She integrates her background in psychology and research with her medical expertise to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed care. She values building strong, trusting relationships with families and believes that listening, empathy, and collaboration are central to helping children thrive.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Afhami has been actively involved in community health initiatives, equity and inclusion efforts, and academic research. These experiences have strengthened her dedication to creating safe, supportive spaces where every child and family feels heard and understood.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys board games, escape rooms, hiking, drawing and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends. 

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health

Dr. Karasek-Wall grew up in rural Alberta and moved to Edmonton for post secondary studies. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Alberta and happily worked as a Registered Dietitian for many years before deciding to go back to school. She completed her medical degree at the University of Alberta and then her Family Medicine Residency in Calgary. She obtained further training in child and adolescent mental health via CanREACH in 2025. Dr. Karasek-Wall spends her free time going on adventures with her husband, two young daughters and senior pup Charlie.

Mental Health GP at Joyce Health
Dr. Ayesha Kashif, originally from Pakistan, grew up in Calgary where she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary. During her undergraduate studies she was involved as a Co-Chair in mental initiatives such as Out Run the Stigma. She then went on to complete her medical training including her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Calgary. She has now settled into Calgary as a full scope Family Physician. Dr. Kashif also continues to have a special interest in mental health and has obtained further training in child and adolescent mental health via CanREACH in 2025. Dr. Kashif spends her free time painting, writing poetry, and going on adventures with her husband.

Dr Yan Yu is a Mental Health GP and the Founder and Director of Joyce Health. He attended medical school and completed residency in Family Medicine at the University of Calgary, and studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. 

Dr Yu has worked in pediatric mental health at the Alberta Children’s Hospital for over 7 years. He obtained his CanREACH certification in 2023 and is passionate about improving the mental health of children and young adults. In his spare time he creates medical videos on Youtube, and enjoys spending time with his family.

Dr Yu is pleased to provide service in English and Mandarin Chinese.

Psychiatrist at Joyce Health

Dr. Andrea is a subspecialty-trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Originally from Edmonton, he completed medical school at the University of Calgary and residency at McMaster University. He has pursued additional training in medical education and sports psychiatry. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing sports, reading and spending time with his family and dog. He is excited to join the Joyce Health team!

Psychiatrist at Joyce Health

Dr. Bolstad completed medical school and subspecialty training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Alberta. He is passionate about supporting youth and their families and is excited to be part of the team at Joyce Health. Outside of his clinical work, he enjoys staying active, cooking, teaching his dog tricks, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Psychiatrist at Joyce Health

Dr. Tyler Pirlot is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and an Assistant Clinical Professor with the University of Calgary. After finishing his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Pirlot moved to Calgary to complete his residency at the University of Calgary. In 2005, Dr. Pirlot started the Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service at Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH), providing assessment and follow-up care for pediatric patients with co-morbid medical and psychiatric diagnoses. In addition to this work, Dr. Pirlot has worked with a multidisciplinary team to form the Somatic Rehabilitation Clinic, a pilot project at ACH that ultimately became a permanent clinic. He is a founding member of a national pediatric psychosomatic medicine (medical psychiatry) working group that has developed a streamlined 4-phase clinical treatment pathway for diagnosing and treating somatic symptom disorders. Over the past few years, Dr. Pirlot has served in various roles with the Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with the Alberta Medical Association, including president, and he has been part of a Specialist Consultation Working Group with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. 

He looks forward to bringing this experience to working with patients at Joyce Health. 

Lead Psychiatrist at Joyce Health

Dr Vetter is an Associate Clinical Professor in psychiatry at the University of Calgary. He attended Ulm University in Germany for medical school, and then went to the United States for his residency training in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Dr. Vetter works as a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, and his clinical commitments include emergency psychiatry, work with Alberta Children and Family Services, as well as a small private practice. He also likes to spend as much time possible with his 3-year-old son, Freddy. He is thrilled to be a consultant for Joyce Health. 

Clinic Staff at Joyce Health

Jaimie was born in Winnipeg Manitoba, moved to Ontario when she was an infant. Jaimie studied at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Durham College in Oshawa and Algonquin College in Ottawa. After 10 years she holds degrees in Office Administration General, Executive, Legal and Medical, as well as Law Clerk Advance, PSW and MCP. When Jaimie is not working for Joyce Health she is managing a restaurant as well as nursing she also takes care of her 3 children, daughters Addison and Emma-Jean and her son Anthoney. Jaimie is also a Wonder Woman as she helps create families whom are unable to have children.  Jaimie is an adrenaline mom whom loves taking her kids to Canada’s Wonderland, Calypso water park, zip lining over Niagara Falls as well as Jet boating into category 6 rapids in both Montreal and Niagara Falls. Her favourite memory with family is taking a trip to England with her Grandparents and her Mom. Her biggest passion is being able to provide in home private care to clients in their time of need. Most recently she cared for her dad before his passing earlier this year. Jaimie has a compassionate and kind heart and can relate to families situations based from her healthcare background and experience. A bonus to Jaimie being in Ontario is she is available until 8 pm Alberta time, Monday to Friday. She can be reached by text messages on weekends. Her cell phone is 587 936 3397.