Carmelle Hermoso

I am a second-generation Filipino-Canadian, born and raised here in Victoria, BC. As the child of immigrants from the Philippines, I have seen firsthand the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment it takes to start over and build a life in a new country. I am forever grateful for everything my parents have done to give me the opportunity to pursue my passions and interests.

My husband and I live in the Westshore and are parents to two amazing neurodivergent children. Supporting our children and learning more about how they experience the world has taught us both so much about ourselves. Like many parents of neurodivergent children, we eventually pursued assessments for ourselves and discovered that we, too, are neurodivergent. As a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman, part of me wishes I had this knowledge growing up. At the same time, I am grateful to be able to draw from my lived experience in both my personal and professional life.

From a very young age, I have been naturally drawn to helping and supporting others. My interest in being a “guide” or “mentor” ultimately led me to pursue a career in education. I completed my Bachelor of Education in Elementary Curriculum at the University of Victoria in 2010. As an undergraduate student, I worked as a Recreation Leader in an out-of-school care program and volunteered as a tutor at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre.

After graduation, I began working as an Education Assistant at an independent Montessori school here in Victoria, supporting students with a variety of learning and support needs. A few years later, I pursued my AMS Elementary I & II Montessori training through the Vancouver Board of Education Montessori Credential Program, which I completed in 2015 while on maternity leave with my first child. Over the years, I have worked as an Education Assistant, Learning Assistance Teacher, and Classroom Teacher. Working in a variety of school settings has given me the opportunity to better understand how children see, experience, and make sense of the world around them.

Having lived experience with undiagnosed autism and ADHD—which for me presented as anxiety and depression—I have always been particularly passionate about supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing. Early in my teaching career, I considered changing paths to become a counsellor. Eventually, I realized I could bring these two passions together by pursuing school counselling.

While on maternity leave with my second child, I decided to explore this path further by taking courses in Psychology and Counselling at UVic. In the fall of 2018, I began my graduate studies in the M.Ed. in School Counselling program through City University of Seattle. My first internship was at a K–5 school in the Sooke School District, where I provided group counselling to students needing support with self-regulation and social skills development.

I now work as a School Counsellor at the Montessori school where I previously taught, and I also provide private counselling to children, youth, and families at the VICYFCS Westshore office. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to combine my training and experience in the Montessori method with child-centred play therapy. Both approaches rely heavily on careful observation of the child within their environment and an understanding of the unique ways each child experiences and engages with the world.

I look forward to meeting you and am always happy to answer any questions you may have!