Kathleen Helgason

I have over 20 years experience in group facilitation, individual counselling, and program development. I specialize in addressing issues of anger, addiction, and relapse prevention.

I have also trained in Mindfulness Integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as developed by Dr. Bruno Cayoun at the MiCBT Institute, University of Tasmania. This therapeutic approach teaches people to develop self-awareness and self-control, and to change unwanted patterns of behaviour.

I personally embrace a daily practice of yoga and meditation and share the benefits of this practice with others. I am a certified yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance (RYT 200 Hours) and a certified teacher in Peaceful Weight Loss Through Yoga, a program developed by Brandt Bhanu Passalacqua of Massachusetts.

I am committed to working with people to achieve optimum well-being and greater balance in their everyday lives.

For more information, please refer to my website at www.heilsaholistic.ca

Jerry Pritchard

I have been involved in the social service industry for more than 40 years, specializing in addictions counseling for almost 20 years. I have been extensively trained in Family Systems Theory, Social Work Group Practice and individual counseling using a Motivational Interviewing approach.

Prior to working as an addictions counselor, I worked exclusively with families, utilizing a Systems Theory Approach; this approach helps to understand the family as a whole and the integral role of all family members.

My approach to addictions counseling is holistic in nature initially approaching addictions by using traditional cognitive behavioral techniques coupled with a mindfulness approach to relapse prevention.

Since 1999, I have been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) both training individuals in this approach and utilizing the skills in my professional practice.

Garry Vandenbossche

I have over 10 years experience working with employer / labor committees designed to help workers reenter the workplace after substance abuse treatment.

I have worked with many clients with a variety of addictions and I have experience working with individuals using the step down methadone treatment. I work with clients both on a individual basis as well as in groups and I have expertise in various intervention methodologies.

As a recoverying alcoholic myself I understand where many are coming from.

Tannis Ross

I have worked with and cared for people in need for over 2 decades. During this time my career has covered the human life span, my work ranging from children to adolescents and young adults to senior citizens. Throughout my career I have acquired a unique set of skills through life experience and ongoing education and training. I like to think of my work style as Client Centered and reality based. I utilize a holistic approach to treatment believing strongly in the connection of a healthy mind & healthy body, using education, treatment, fitness, nutrition and music as a means to that end.

I have a particular interest in addictions treatment having studied CODI theory extensively and used those skills for the past several years to help those at risk. I have an extensive background working with clients with addictions as well as physical or mental illness. My educational back ground includes Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Education, Crisis Counseling, Group Therapy, Family Counseling as well as Fitness Nutrition and Personal Trainer.

Most importantly I am a people person, I love working with and helping others. I strive to help others attain their full potential and find great satisfaction in being part of that. I believe that with the right attitude and hard work; through tears and through laughter we can help each other succeed.

Renee Brauen

Since I was young I have been fascinated by the healing properties of plants. I detoured a bit living in Toronto and Vancouver studying film and advertising. I am a recovering addict. I knew for part of my healing I would have to go back to my roots. I have graduated from the academy of Culinary Nutrition with honours. Certified by YYoga in their 70-Hour Yin Yoga teachers program. I am currently working on a diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I have found a life of sobriety and have chosen to help others through the process, and to achieve optimal health.

Night Support Staff