Faculty

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Mahara Allbrett, belongs to the T’Sleil Waututh Nation and is a counsellor, group facilitator and spiritual healer at the Aboriginal Wellness Program. Mahara has 24 years experience working in the field of counselling and facilitation. She received 2 years on the job training as a Trainer of Addictions Counselors at the Nechi Institute and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Family Therapy training. Mahara has taught workshops across Canada and in the United States almost exclusively on topics related to First Nations issues and was in private practice for eleven years. She is also a Reiki Master. (Best Practices for Aboriginal Supervisors [COUNS172])

Tina Antrobus, BA, has 10 years of experience providing support and services to individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families, with a focus on those involved in the justice system. She is the FASD Specialist for the Westcoast Genesis Society in partnership with the Correctional Service of Canada, providing in-reach support, clinical supervision, and training. Tina is also a consultant and advocate with FASD Connections, and has been involved in numerous regional, provincial, and national FASD initiatives. (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Increasing Our Understanding [AD409])

Natasha Aruliah, BA, M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology), has worked with international students, new immigrants, refugees, aboriginal people and people of colour in Canada and Internationally. She has designed and facilitated programs for a variety of settings; community, healthcare and educational. Currently she facilitates and consults in the areas of equity, diversity and social justice, teaches on the Certificate in Intercultural Studies at the University of British Columbia, facilitates groups at Helping Spirits Lodge (Aboriginal centre) and is leading anti-racism initiatives within the Vancouver School Board. Previous clients have included the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services, and Health Canada. (Welcome to Canada: Working Effectively with Newcomers [COUNS168]; Who Am I?  Youth and Identity: Creating Positive and Meaningful Experiences [CY277]; Facilitation and Presentation Skills for Aboriginal Leaders [COUNS173])

Rob Axsen, BA (Hon.), has over 30 years of experience providing counselling, clinical supervision, and training. He has worked with corrections, mental health, and addictions services, and has specialized experience working with youth. Rob works as an addiction counsellor in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and has a private practice focusing on training and consultation. He is a Certified Trainer in the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change’s Client-Directed Outcome-Informed (CDOI) Service Delivery Model. (Motivational Interviewing in Practice – Level 1 [AD204]; Motivational Interviewing in Practice – Level 2 [COUNS205]; Assessment Practices [AD403]; Behaviour Change Counselling in Community Settings [Couns126])

B

Cheryl Bell-Gadsby, MA, RCC, has extensive experience in Canada and the US as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and educator. She has specific expertise in issues of trauma, family violence, sexual exploitation, child and adolescent development, and hypnotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults. Cheryl has recently co-authored Reclaiming Her Story: Ericksonian Solution-Focused Therapy for Sexual Abuse. (Understanding Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma [CY240])

Benita Bunjun, BA, MA, has been a community consultant and facilitator for the past 10 years working with social justice organizations to build healthy sustainable organizations. She is currently an Interdisciplinary Studies PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia researching organizational culture, intersectionality and power relations.  Benita has been active in the women’s and social justice movement at the national, provincial and local levels, including her involvement with the Vancouver Status of Women for the last 9 years as Administrator /Fundraiser, Project Coordinator and Coordinating Collective member. She currently teaches in Women’s and Gender Studies at the UBC. (Claiming Our Strength, Struggle and Space: Racialized Women Facilitators and Consultants Building Critical and Responsive Communities [COUNS170])

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Romi Chandra, Youth Community Developer, at 17, Romi helped establish the first Gay/Straight Alliance in BC at his Maple Ridge high school. Throughout the past decade he’s worked with youth at the LGBT Community Centre; at the North Shore Multicultural Society and at Vancouver Coastal Health’s Condomania/Planetahead. He has co-authored 4 resource manuals; HRSDC’s guide for queer youth employment; PrideSpeak, a helpful guide to presenting anti-homophobia workshops; Community Based Research Centre’s Totally Outright, for the course content development team and Evolve: No One Gets Left Behind, a train the trainers anti-oppression training manual. Romi finds his strength in empowering others to help themselves. (Facilitate This! Group Leadership Skills for Youth Workers [CY278])

Natalie Clark, MSW, RSW, is an experienced therapist, clinical supervisor, community-based researcher, and educator specializing in issues of child abuse, trauma, sexual exploitation, and adolescent development. (Understanding Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma [CY240]; Understanding and Responding to Gilrs and High-Risk Drinking [CY279])

Jill Cory, BA, has 25 years experience working in women’s shelters and facilitating women’s support groups. Her  current work at BC Women’s Hospital links women’s abuse and women’s health through training, research and policy. Jill is the author of numerous publications, including The Safety and Health Enhancement (SHE) Framework for Women Experiencing Abuse, a toolkit for health care providers and policy-makers. Jill Cory and Karen McAndless-Davis, co-authors of When Love Hurts bring together solid research, counselling experience and personal accounts to help women make sense of their relationships through their unique women-centred approach. Their work has been presented across Canada and the US. (Stronger Together: Groups For Women [COUNS155])

Robin Cox, PhD, is an experienced clinician, workshop facilitator, and trainer. Her research and clinical expertise is in the areas of disaster behavioural health, trauma, stress and coping, and transitions. Robin has participated as a psychosocial responder to numerous disasters and is an active member of the disaster planning community in Canada. (Vicarious Traumatization [CISM205]; Diversity and Critical Incident Stress Management [CISM103]; Role-Play Simulation [CISM206])

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Rain Daniels, BA, is a mixed heritage Indigenous woman who has worked with Indigenous people and communities and the non-Indigenous community for the last 18 years in a variety of capacities including front line work, training, educational workshops, and community and organizational development. For the last 5 years, she has worked exclusively in community and organizational development with a focus on anti-oppression, anti-racism, intersectionality and negotiating tensions within groups and communities. Rain’s personal vision is to enhance the potential of individuals and groups within these contexts. (Claiming Our Strength, Struggle and Space: Racialized Women Facilitators and Consultants Building Critical and Responsive Communities [COUNS170])

Marie-José Dhaese, PhD, ATR, CET, RPT-S, is an adult, child, and family therapist and a clinical consultant in private practice. Marie-José recently celebrated 35 years as a therapist and 25 years as a consultant and international workshop leader in the field of expressive therapies, abuse, loss, and trauma. (Expressive Play Therapy Methods Level 1 [CY104]; Expressive Play Therapy Methods Level 2 [CY104A]; Sand Play Therapy: Using the Healing Power of Imagery to Help Children, Youth, and Adults Cope with the Challenges of Difficult Times – Level 1 [CY265]; Sand Play Therapy: Using the Healing Power of Imagery to Help Children, Youth and Adults Cope with the Challenges of Difficult Times – Level 2 [CY266]; Expressive Play Therapy for the Grieving Child [COUNS163]); Expressive Play Therapy Certificate Final Project/Consultation Group [COUNS299])

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Alannah Earl Young, MA, is Opaskwayak Cree/Peguis Anishnabe. She is an advisor with University of British Columbia’s First Nations House of Learning in Vancouver. She is trained in complex trauma and specializes in focusing – a body centered therapy, expressive art therapies, and body mind psychotherapies. She is informed by social suffering, critical race and Indigenous Knowledge theoretical frameworks. Her co-authored works include: Unsettling Pastoral Educational Sociology: Asylum-making, Medicalized Colonialism in British Columbia (1859-1897) and Artistic Praxis for Social Transformation (2009); Education Bodies for Self-determination: A decolonizing strategy (2006); and Ways of Knowing: Focusing and Trauma (1998). Her current projects include seeking balance for the truth and reconciliation process. She has also worked for VISAC; Vancouver Coastal Health; Aboriginal Child & Family Services and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therpay and Complex Trauma Certificate)

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 Monica Franz, MA, BCATR, RCAT, is a clinical counsellor, clinical supervisor, and Registered Art Therapist in private practice. She teaches a master’s level course in clinical supervision at City University and has facilitated numerous courses for the Justice Institute of British Columbia. (Introduction to Art Therapy for Counsellors and Therapists [CY250]; Art Therapy in Early Stages of Addiction Recovery [AD210]; Clinical Supervision: Innovative Practices [EP278])

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Gerald George is a Focusing Oriented Therapist and clinical supervisor currently working with The Indian Residential School Survivors Society.  As a therapist and trainer he has spanned the province many times over offering therapy, training and support to communities working through the fall out of Indian Residential Schools. For more that three decades Gerald has working with families struggling with addictions, problem gambling and complex trauma including child sexual abuse and family violence. Gerald believes in using traditional methods of self-care and integrates them with current day therapy techniques. He is a member of the Sto'lo Nation- The People of The River. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therpay and Complex Trauma Certificate)

John Gottman, Ph.D. is world-renowned for his work on marital stability and divorce prediction, including the study of emotions, physiology, and communication. He was recently voted as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Therapists of the past quarter-century by the Psychotherapy Networker magazine.  He is the author of 190 published academic articles and author or co-author of 40 books, including his NY Times best seller, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. He is the Executive Director of the Relationship Research Institute, which creates programs for new parents and treatments for domestic violence. (Bridging the Couple Chasm: Gottman Couples Therapy - A Research-Based Approach Level 1 Training [SPE117])

Julie Schwartz Gottman, Ph.D. is a highly respected clinical psychologist and educator who was recently honored as the Washington State Psychologist of the Year. She is the designer and Clinical Director for Loving Couples, Loving Children, a curriculum for couples challenged by poverty, and co-designer of a therapeutic model for addressing domestic violence. She has authored or co-authored three books, and has been a frequent guest on radio and TV talk shows. Dr. Gottman specializes in working with distressed couples, abuse and trauma survivors, those with substance abuse problems and their partners, as well as cancer patients and their families.  (Bridging the Couple Chasm: Gottman Couples Therapy - A Research-Based Approach Level 1 Training [SPE117])

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Mark Haden, MSW, has been working in the addictions field since 1984. He has worked in detox, methadone, and outpatient settings providing counselling, educational, supervision, and management services. Mark has published articles on drug policy in the Canadian Journal of Public Health and the International Journal of Drug Policy. (Compassion and Policy: The Heart and Mind of Drug Policy Reform [AD408])

Yvonne Haist, M.Ed, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice and has extensive teaching experience at the University of Victoria’s School of Social Work as well as with other post-secondary institutions. Integration of somatic healing principles has dramatically transformed her teaching and clinical practice. (Trauma, the Body, and the Autonomic Nervous System: Using Somatic Psychology for Resolution and Regulation [TS120] and Change is Possible: Working with Men Who Abuse in Relationships [Cousn187])

Mary Harber, MSW has worked in a variety of areas over her 24 years in social work.   She has supported children, youth and families in the context of child welfare, trauma, healthy sexuality and children and youth with disabilities, parent support and youth addiction issues. In the addiction field she has worked in outpatient settings, facilitated various groups, and worked extensively on prevention and health promotion.   During the last 12 years Mary has been teaching in the School of Social Work and Human Service at Thompson Rivers University.  She has developed curriculum for a certificate in the area of FASD/addiction at Thompson Rivers University and is currently pursuing research in the area of FASD prevention and intervention. She has also presented both at National and International conferences in the area of FASD and addiction and continues to support community capacity and advocacy. (Understanding Substance Use [AD400]; A Continuum of Care: Prevention to Harm Reduction [AD401]; Interconnected Risk [AD405})

Michelle Hawco BA (Women’s Studies), MBA worked in Ontario from 1989-1995 providing direct client care to youth and their families. She has extensive experience in individual and family counselling, mental health and addiction, and employment readiness training. Michelle began working for PLEA Community Services Society of BC in 1995. She oversees PLEA’s withdrawal management program, supported recovery program, and residential addiction treatment programs. (Understanding Substance Use [AD400]; A Continuum of Care: Prevention to Harm Reduction [AD401])

Tom Hetherington, MSW, has 35 years of experience as a street worker, a child and youth care worker, a probation officer, a child protection worker, an employee assistance practitioner, and a family counsellor. For the past 12 years, he has been the manager of Pacific Community Resources Society’s youth and adult alcohol and drug programs. (Community Voices/Contemporary Issues [AD407])

Teresa Howell,has a PhD in counselling psychology, an MA in forensic psychology and a BSc. in biopsychology. She has been a student, volunteer, workshop facilitator, conference presenter, teacher, therapist, and researcher. Teresa's background is in Aboriginal health, mental health, and addictions and she is currently the Research Manager with the Institute for Aboriginal Health at UBC. She is passionate about teaching and working in an educational institution. (All My Relations: Working with Aboriginal Clients in Substance Use Recovery [AD129]; Circles for Community Wellness [ABL 107])

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Margaret Jones-Callahan, RCC, BCATR, Diploma Ed is a Vancouver-based artist, experienced meditation practitioner, clinical counsellor, professional trainer and coach who specializes in Mindfulness Based Education programs. She brings 35 years experience in innovative treatment approaches to trauma, addictions, career and identity issues, art therapy and education, to her training programs. With 30 years experience teaching mindfulness awareness meditation, she has developed MBAT (Mindfulness Based Art Therapy), leads dharma art retreats, and offers a new program in Creative Paths To Leadership. (Mindfulness Based Art Therapy - Level 1 [COUNS285], Mindfulness Based Art Therapy - Level 2 [COUNS385], Creativity and Trauma [COUNS260])

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Jane Katz, MA, RCC, CHRP, has more than 25 years of experience in group facilitation. She has facilitated educational, psycho-educational, and therapy groups with voluntary and court-mandated adult men and women, as well as with adolescents. Jane has many years of experience developing programs and providing training and supervision of group facilitators. In addition to group process, her areas of expertise include non-violence work, relationship development in families and organizations, and individual and organizational change. (Facilitating Effective Group Process [COUNS110])

Michael Koo, MA, RCC, is a registered clinical counselor in private practice. He brings 15 years experience working with people in various group educational settings. Michael has worked with high-risk adults and youth struggling with substance misuse in both outpatient and residential treatment settings. His passion for learning is informed by his personal and professional training at the Haven Institute known for its integrated East-West psychology paradigm.  Michael’s collaborative approach is informed by Narrative and Energy Psychology therapies. (A Continuum of Care: Prevention to Harm Reduction [AD401] and Interconnected Risk [AD405])

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Michael Lane works as a Bylaw, Permits & Licences Technician with the Fraser Valley Regional District and is an instructor and curriculum consultant with the Justice Institute. Michael has an extensive background in public safety and regulatory & law enforcement across Canada and in different levels of Federal, Provincial and Municipal Government. He is a building inspector and a member of the License Inspector Bylaw Officer Association of BC (LIBOA) and the Building Officials Association of BC (BOABC). ( Bylaw Enforcement and Investigative Skills Certificate, Level 1 [EP209])

Evan Lopes, BA, (honours), MA, PhD is a registered psychologist with many years experience in counselling and therapy, psychopathology, and psychopharmacology, and as an expert witness in the field of forensic psychology. Presently he is the Chief of Psychology for Mission and Ferndale federal institutions. (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the DSM-IV-TR – Level 1 (TS123); Using the DSM-IV-TR with Children and Youth – Introductory Level [MH008])

Jan Lutke, former co-chair of the National Advisory Committee on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to Health Canada, founder and former director of the FAS Support Network of BC, and founder of FASD Connections; Clinical Manger for the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network.  She also sits on numerous provincial and federal advisory committees. Jan has been providing education, training, consultation, and support to a wide range of agencies, organizations, and groups across North America. (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder [AD120])

Jocelyn Lymburner, BA (Hon), MA, PhD is a Registered Psychologist with training and expertise in the assessment and treatment of adults. In addition to an extensive clinical background, Jocelyn has taught psychology at the undergraduate and graduate level, with a specific focus on psychopathology, for over a decade. Jocelyn is a full time faculty member of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and offers courses for the Justice Institute, including Introduction to the DSM-IV-TR and Teaching for Performance Enhancement workshops within the Pistol Instructor program. Jocelyn has been the recipient of national and provincial research grants supporting her investigation in the fields of youth mentoring and teaching and scholarship. She has presented her research internationally and shows a strong commitment to learning through active engagement. ( Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the DSM-IV-TR – Level 1 [TS123])

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Tony Martens, BSW, M.Sc (In Psychology), has 35 years of experience working in the field of violence and mental health and 25 years in developing and implementing long-term holistic therapeutic programs. Tony has worked in partnership with First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada and the USA to address issues of sexual abuse and family violence. He was the National Family Violence consultant for Health Canada, providing a wide range of services in response to crisis situations in First Nations and Inuit communities. Tony is the author of The Spirit Weeps: Characteristics and Dynamics of Incest and Child Sexual Abuse with a Native Perspective, and has conducted more than 1,000 workshops and training courses across Canada. (Unspoken Truths About Suicide: A Personal Look at Suicide Through the Eyes of Those Who Attempt or Complete Suicide [COUNS176])

Karen McAndless-Davis, BA, MDiv, is a counsellor and trainer who has worked for more than a decade with women experiencing abuse. She has established support groups in numerous communities in both BC and Washington State. Karen and Jill Cory, co-authors of When Love Hurts bring together solid research, counselling experience and personal accounts to help women make sense of their relationships through their unique women-centred approach. Their work has been presented across Canada and the US. (Stronger Together: Groups For Women [COUNS155])

Lisa Mortimore, MA, RCC has a private practice in Victoria. Lisa’s areas of focus include both attachment (developmental) and shock trauma resolution, mind/body stress reduction, sexualized abuse recovery, and self-discovery. As a counsellor and counsellor educator, Lisa is a strong advocate for systemic social change and social justice and brings depth, humour and authenticity to her work. (Trauma, the Body, and the Autonomic Nervous System: Using Somatic Psychology for Resolution and Regulation [TS120])

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Laurie Pearce, MSW, MA, PhD, has specialized in disaster management and traumatic stress for over 25 years. She is a member of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists, the World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, the Emergency Medicine, the Canadian Risk and Hazards Network and the Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council of BC. Currently Laurie has a consulting company and teaches at various post-secondary institutions. (Introduction to Critical Incident Stress Management [CISM100]; Managing Responses to Community Disasters [CISM202]; Trauma, Children, and Youth [CISM204]; Role-Play Simulation [CISM206])

Alexis Phillips, M.A., R.C.C., is a registered clinical counsellor working in community and agency counselling and private practice on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. She has been using Focusing Oriented Therapy for twelve years and is a certifying coordinator with the Focusing Institute. Alexis also provides clinical training in Focusing and Complex Trauma and has worked in collaboration with agencies such as the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Her research on trauma recovery has been published in the Journal of Counselling & Development. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therpay and Complex Trauma Certificate)

Shaun Phillips, M.Ed., R.C.C., S.F.T.T., is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Focusing-Oriented therapist and trainer, and Focusing coordinator.  Shaun holds a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Shaun specializes in working with complex trauma and presented on this work at the First World Conference on Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapies in New York (2009).  He works in private practice with a range of adolescent and adult clients addressing issues that include: childhood and adult trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and relationship issues.  Shaun is an associate therapist with the BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and To the Moon and Back Psychological Services where he engages children in Focusing-Oriented Therapy and Play Therapy.  Shaun’s teaching engagements include the Focusing Institute’s Advanced and Certification Weeklong (New York, August 2011), the Second World Conference on Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapies (New York, November 2011), and on-going workshops in organizational wellness and Focusing-Oriented Therapy in Vancouver, BC. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therpay and Complex Trauma Certificate)

Toni Pieroni is a Registered Clinical Counselor in private practice, working with individuals and couples.  She also leads workshops and retreats in Ecopsychology.  She has trained with Joanna Macy and with Dominie Cappadona and Jed Swift from the Naropa Ecopsychology program.  Her retreats and workshops help people connect with nature in a way that is healing and therapeutic.  They also address concerns people have for the larger global issues of environmental sustainability and social justice, recognizing that we live in an interconnected world. (Nature as a Healer: Exploring Ecopsychology [COUNS148])

Nancy Poole, MA, works as a provincial research consultant on women’s substance use issues with BC Women’s Hospital and with the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, on research and knowledge exchange relating to policy and service provision for women with substance use problems. Nancy is also undertaking doctoral studies related to online communities of practice with University of South Australia. ( Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Increasing Our Understanding [AD409]; Integrating Our Response on Substance Use and Trauma in Women [AD216]; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder [AD120])

Kathryn Priest-Peries, PhD (Candidate), MSW, RCC, is a therapist in private practice as well as an organizational consultant. She specializes in working with post-traumatic stress disorder, complicated grief, residential school recovery, and self-care for helping professionals. Kathy has 19 years of experience working in the child welfare system as a social worker, foster caregiver, manager of social worker training, organizational consultant, and instructor. (Working with Complicated Grief [COUNS102])

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Bruce Ramsay, CTR, is a retired deputy fire chief and a Certified Traumatologist. Bruce sits on the executive of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists and is an experienced trauma trainer and debriefer. He has provided critical incident stress debriefing services to emergency response groups, victims’ assistance groups, private industry clients, and First Nations communities. (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing [CISM103]; Vicarious Traumatization [CISM205]; Role-Play Simulation [CISM206])

Carrie Reid, MA, RCAT, works as both a community-based researcher and art therapist. Carrie is currently working towards her PhD in Expressive Art Therapies. (On the Edge: Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue in Aboriginal Organizations [COUNS138]; Aboriginal Trauma Certificate, Leadership Diploma Program)

Jennifer Rodrigues, Ed D, RCC, is an experienced therapist and clinical supervisor with particular knowledge of Buddhist psychology and mindfulness practices for anxiety and depression management and works as a counsellor at the University of British Columbia. Jennifer has designed and facilitated anxiety management groups that use mindfulness based approaches, and taught counselling skills at Vancouver Community College and at City University. Her research into how Buddhist practices are embodied in therapeutic practice has been published in a book entitled Presence, Clarity and the Space of Receptivity in Counselling. (Mindfulness-Based Counselling [COUNS166])

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Yvonne Savard, RPN, RN, BScN, MAED\CI, has over 20 years of experience in mental health services, including corrections and emergency crisis intervention. She is currently a nursing instructor in the Psychiatric Nursing Program at Douglas College. Yvonne remains a positive advocate for mental health clients and is actively involved in non-violent crisis intervention education. (Understanding Pharmacology from a Counsellor’s Perspective [EP308])

Sabine Silberberg, MA (Hon.), RCAT, CAGS has been working as a clinical counsellor, registered art therapist, and expressive arts therapist at the Dr. Peter Centre for the past 9 years. Her main focus is on resource-based approaches with people affected by multiple challenges, living with active addiction, mental health concerns, and the impact of stigma and marginalization. Sabine’s private practice focus includes arts-based supervision, workshop facilitation and educational presentations. She also works as an instructor with Langara College and the European Graduate School (Switzerland) in Expressive Arts Therapy programs. Presently she is completing a PhD at the European Graduate School. (Using Expressive Arts Therapy in Harm-Reduction Based Work [COUNS169])

Louisa M. Smith is a Xenaksiala of Kemano Bay – her family has amalgamated with the Haisla Nation of Kitamaat, BC. A graduate of Simon Fraser University with a Standard B.C Teacher Certificate, the Counsellor Training Institute of Canada’s Certificate of Professional Counselling, the Northwest Community College’s Community Service Worker, the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s many professional development courses, Critical Skills for Communicating in Conflict, Child Sexual Abuse Counsellor-Therapist Training, Healing Through Laughter and Play, Victims of Residential School. Louisa has since retired from 30 years of teaching and trauma counselling of residential school survivors but is still very active in bringing this information and knowledge to the world for awareness and understanding, in the hope of healing of one’s self and a nation of people. (Aboriginal Trauma Certificate)

Joe Solanto, PhD, is a therapist, consultant, and workshop facilitator with more than 30 years of experience training educators and mental health professionals in therapeutic responses to critical incidents and traumatic experiences. Joe has taught a wide variety of courses at the JIBC and in First Nations communities in BC, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, as well as with the Inuit of Northern Quebec, assisting with the healing from residential school trauma and training frontline staff to respond to the high incidence of violence and suicidal, addictive, and other self-harming behaviours within their communities. (Responding to Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions [EP251]; Trauma and Addictions: Assessment and Treatment Issues [TS225]; Aboriginal Trauma Certificate)

Lisa Solanto is a holistic counsellor, certified hypnotherapist, and a holistic bodyworker trained in Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, and Massage. She is also a yoga and meditation instructor. Lisa is an associate practitioner at the Centre for Integrated Healing in Vancouver. (Aboriginal Trauma Certificate)

Elaine Stoll, BA, RCC, is a therapist and trainer in private practice who has worked with violence and abuse issues for the past 25 years. Elaine works with adults and youth, and facilitates a variety of groups, including parenting groups. She is an accredited Choice Theory instructor with the William Glasser Institute in Los Angeles. (Fostering and Encouraging Client Responsibility [EP524]; Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Clients [EP286]; Counselling Skills: The Art of Asking Effective Questions [EP587]; Working More Effectively with Parents and Other Caregivers [CY267], Facilitating Parenting Groups [EP586]; Becoming a More Effective Counsellor [EP508])

Debbie Suian, MA, RCC, has worked as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and trainer in community-based counselling agencies, addictions services, mental health, and private practice for over 20 years. Her clinical interests include therapist variables and their impact on relationship development and treatment outcome. (Concurrent Disorders Planning – Level 1 [AD410])

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Kenneth Tupper, PhD Candidate, has worked as a drug policy advisor in the area of problematic substance use prevention at the BC Ministry of Health since 2003. He is currently doing research in the field of drug education and policy. Ken has presented at numerous conferences and has published academic articles in the International Journal of Drug Policy and the Canadian Journal of Education. (Compassion and Policy: The Heart and Mind of Drug Policy Reform [AD408])

Shirley Turcotte, RCC has worked with survivors of sexual abuse and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and child-hood abuse in adults for the last two decades.  She has been a pioneering activist in the areas of therapeutic treatment and program development for survivors of childhood abuse. Shirley, who is semi-retired, was the Director of International Programmes at The Prairie Region Centre For Focusing in Winnipeg, Manitoba; the Aboriginal Community Training Centre in Timmins, Ontario; and is a founder of The Pacific Centre for Focusing in Vancouver, B.C. Shirley is nationally renowned as a col-laborating writer and director of the NFB film, To a Safer Place, which describes her own experiences of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. She is a recipient of many awards, including British Columbia’s Woman of Distinction in Health and Education Award. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therpay and Complex Trauma Certificate)

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Cristine Urquhart, MSW, RSW, is the Provincial Training Consultant for the ActNow BC Healthy Choices in Pregnancy initiative at the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. Cristine works collaboratively with the provincial team to translate knowledge on women and substance use, and to support service providers across British Columbia in their work with women. She is one of 700 trainers worldwide who belong to the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).  Cristine has been involved in the areas of addiction and mental health for over 10 years. (Integrating Our Response on Substance Use and Trauma in Women [AD216]; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Increasing Our Understanding [AD409])

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Munir Velji, MSW, BA (Criminology), BSW, specializes in working with children and adolescents and has 17 years of experience in the counselling and mental health field. Munir has worked at various mental health crisis programs for Fraser Health in the past and has also been employed at the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre in Burnaby and the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development. He also provides training and relief to Covenant House Vancouver. (Understanding Pharmacology from a Counsellor’s Perspective [EP308])

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Mark Weinberg, BA, B.Soc.Sci (Hons) MA, PhD, is a psychologist and Team Leader, Behavioural Services at DDMHS, a specialist mental health team within the Fraser Health Region. His doctoral research looked at optimal helping strategies for people living with self-harm. He has consulted extensively to Self-harm Finally Ends, British Columbia (SAFE-BC) and has provided workshops on cutting to counselling services at organizations such as Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. Mark has worked extensively with families and caregivers of people who self-harm, as well as directly with consumers. (Working With People Who Self-Harm [TS126])

Carol White has worked as a community-based counsellor for over 20 years and has spent the last 10 years doing residential trauma counselling at Tsow Tun Le Lum in Lantzville, BC. Carol is presently working with the Qul-Aun Program for residential school survivors. She is proudly Salish and combines her traditional roots with contemporary counselling practices. (On the Edge: Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue in Aboriginal Organizations [COUNS138])

Dennis Windego is an established therapist providing individual, couples, and group therapy.  In his profession, much of his work deals with issues of conflict, childhood abuse/trauma, residential school issues, intergenerational abuse, accidents, grief, neglect, suicide, and sexual abuse with a special emphasis on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and Complex Trauma.  Dennis also responds to suicide/homicide crisis in isolated northern communities and facilitates healing programs and focusing oriented therapy training.  The programs and services he offers aid to facilitate community health, self-sufficiency, and empowerment by building on existing community resources and organizational structures.  Dennis participates as a guest speaker at various health conferences that focus on health and wellbeing, mental health and addictions, and suicide prevention and is also often invited by the education and judicial systems to present at forums which address health equity and social justice.  With over 20 years of experience in trauma recovery, he is presently completing his Masters of Social Work (M.S.W) thesis on Vicarious Trauma; Experiences of First Nations Social Workers in Remote Northern Communities.  Dennis is a certifying coordinator with the Focusing Institute in New York. N.Y. and facilitates a seven module program in Focusing and Complex Trauma for front line workers. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therpay and Complex Trauma Certificate)

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