Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026

Pacific Rim School District Welcomes New Integrated Child and Youth Clinical Counsellor

Port Alberni, BC – Pacific Rim School District is pleased to welcome Zahnil Lal as its new Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) Clinical Counsellor, supporting the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families across the district.

Zahnil joins the district with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alberta. They bring clinical counselling experience supporting children, youth, and adults through a variety of community-based mental health services, having most recently served as a clinical counsellor in Chilliwack, BC, providing counselling services to individuals with diverse mental health needs. Through these roles, Zahnil developed experience in assessment, treatment and safety planning, emotional regulation, and collaborative approaches to supporting clients and their families.

Zahnil 's clinical practice incorporates evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Their approach emphasizes trauma-informed, person-centred, and strengths-based care, with a focus on creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where children and youth feel heard, respected, and empowered. In addition to their clinical experience, Zahnil has pursued professional development in suicide intervention, Indigenous cultural safety, addiction awareness, and neurodiversity. 

As part of the Integrated Child and Youth initiative, the ICY Clinical Counsellor works collaboratively with school district staff, community partners, and other service providers to strengthen access to mental health supports for children, youth, and families. "We are pleased to welcome Zahnil to Pacific Rim School District," said Dr. Jaslene Atwal, Superintendent of Schools. "Supporting the mental health and well-being of our students is an important part of creating safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments. Zahnil's clinical experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to supporting children and youth will be valuable additions to our district."

Pacific Rim School District looks forward to the contributions Zahnil will make in strengthening mental health supports and fostering positive outcomes for children, youth, and families throughout our school communities.

Media Inquiries: 
Paula Mason, Manager of Corporate Services
Pacific Rim School District | (250) 720-2770 | pmason@sd70.bc.ca 

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About Pacific Rim School District 
The Pacific Rim School District Board Office and Alberni Valley Schools are situated on the ḥaḥuułi of the c̓išaaʔatḥ and huupač̓asʔatḥ. In commitment to reconciliation and learning, we acknowledge and show gratitude for the lands on which we are able to work on, live on, and gather. These lands, the ḥaḥuułi, of the c̓išaaʔatḥ and huupač̓asʔatḥ, continue to sustain, teach, and nurture us.

We also honour and recognize that the Pacific Rim School District also operates schools in the ḥaḥaḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ, huuʕiiʔatḥ and yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government and we work alongside all nuučaan̓uł Nations as well as the Métis Nation of British Columbia to serve the children and youth of the Alberni-Clayoquot region. The district strives to increase awareness, understanding and integration of nuučaan̓uł culture, history, and language in all Pacific Rim School District schools. The district serves a regional population of approximately 31,000 people, including 4,000 students from across Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield and other remote communities. www.sd70.bc.ca