Our Founder

Changing the world starts with one relationship at a time.

改变世界,从一个关系开始。

Hi, I am Li Wen Mandy, a couple and family therapist with a deep passion for helping people navigate the complexities of relationships. I believe that at our core, we all long for connection—All Things Relational. It is this personal belief, and my lived experiences, that led me to found Hopewoods and later Sparkling Seeds, two spaces dedicated to fostering emotional growth and healing through meaningful connections.

My path into counselling wasn’t linear; it was shaped by my own struggles, losses, and moments of profound transformation. Struggling with fertility, living as a neurodivergent individual, and having a family member with bipolar disorder gave me a deeply personal understanding of how relationships can both test and strengthen us for growth.

My personal journey took a beautiful and life-altering turn through a gift of life. After years of struggling with fertility, following 10 IVF cycles, multiple miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies, I finally became a mother to my beloved daughter Wen Fei. Her arrival brought me a deeper understanding of attachment in its purest form.

The process not only tested every ounce of my resilience, but also it deepened my understanding of longing, grief, hope, and the transformative power of love. Becoming a mother wasn’t just a personal milestone; it reshaped my professional path, inspiring me to expand the scope of Hopewoods to support children and families, which was the birth of Sparkling Seeds.

At both Hopewoods and Sparkling Seeds, my work is grounded in the belief that healing is relational. I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Rational Cultural Therapy (RCT) into my work, helping clients uncover the attachment patterns that shape their relationships and guiding them toward more secure, fulfilling bonds. Whether helping a couple repair their bond, guiding an individual through personal struggles, or supporting a child’s emotional growth, my goal is always to foster safety, connection, and resilience. Healing lies in relationships—with ourselves, with those we love, with the communities we care about, and with the society we build together.

Since 2011, I’ve been honoured to serve the local community, walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. Over the years, Hopewoods has grown into a trusted space in the community, with most of our clients coming to us by word of mouth—a testament to the power of relational healing.  

No matter where you are on your journey, you are not alone—connection, healing, and hope are always possible. We are here with you on the path we call ‘life’.

Official copy of logo for Sparkling Seeds Children & Youth Therapy and Development Centre in the Greater Toronto Area