Cedars Staff | Alcohol And Drug Addiction Rehab Centers

STAFF

	Neal Berger - MAC SPAC Executive Director Neal Berger is the President of Chemical Dependency Services, Inc. In this role, Neal is a lecturer, author, and has produced films on the subjects of chemical dependency and treatment. Mr. Berger has over 25 years experience in the areas of addiction treatment and employee assistance. He has provided consultation and staff development services for hospitals, treatment facilities, unions, business, industry and municipal organizations and universities. He currently continues to provide consultation and training to a wide variety of large and small organizations across Canada and the U.S. regarding substance abuse issues and treatment needs.		Robert DeClark - MSW Inpatient Treatment Director Rob has completed his Masters degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Rob’s undergrad and work experience took place in Kamloops, BC. Previous work experience includes work in the areas of addiction treatment, outreach worker and as a youth addiction outpatient counsellor. At Cedars Rob’s duties include counselling, group therapy, lecturing and overseeing the clinical effort to ensure that Cedars remains committed to providing thorough and individualized treatment plans.
	Joe Petriccione-M.ED., LPC Discovery Programs Director Joe Is a Licensed Professional Counsellor with over 36 years experience working in psychiatric, dual diagnosis and chemical dependency programs. Graduated from George Washington University with a Masters degree in Education and Human Development. Professional experiences include working with all age populations, children through geriatrics, versed in counselling with individuals, couples, families and groups through client-centered, cognitive/behavioural and experiential therapies. He has worked in various residential treatment centers throughout the United States and has been a lecturer, conference presenter, trainer, program supervisor, training director and clinical director.		Steve Low Counsellor In 1988, Steve began training in chemical dependency and has been working in the field ever since. Steve is particularly skilled in empathically connecting with others and walking with them as they navigate their journey of recovery. He has worked in all facets of the recovery arena from detox, outpatient programs, employee and family assistance programs as well as clinical director and continuing care coordinator at a residential treatment center. While his skills cover the entire continuum of care, his greatest strength is his personal experience of working and living the twelve steps.
	Debbie Peterson Clinical Technician Debbie joined the Cedars team in 2008 as a member of our support staff. Debbie’s direct experience with the patients in this supportive role has aided her transition into the role of Clinical Technician where she acts as the support not just for our patients but also for our Clinical Team. Debbie loves working with the patients and witnessing their process of growth in recovery. Debbie has a passion for recovery and works a 12 step program herself. Her direct experience with addiction and addiction in the family has aided her in providing the best support and guidance for patients in residential treatment. Debbie is currently enrolled in Addictions courses at McMaster’s University in Ontario. When she has free time she loves spending time with her family travelling and camping.		Jodi Strom, BFA Support Staff Supervisor Jodi is dedicated to incorporating 12 Step Recovery philosophies into Cedars’ staff environment. She has worked at Cedars as a yoga teacher, as support staff and then co-facilitated the Discovery and Couples programs before moving into her current role as supervisor. She has extensive experience co-ordinating public events and completed management training through Royal Bank. She is actively involved in developing opportunities that honour the spiritual practices and wellness of our First Nations and other patients and our staff.
	Dennis Rumney, Certified Chef Executive Chef & Operations Manager Chef Dennis Rumney joined Cedars when the facility opened in March of 2006. With over 31 years of culinary experience and training with various accomplished chefs, Dennis has an innate talent for a myriad of cuisines and flavours from around the world. One of his specialties is West Coast Cuisine. He considers diversity, artistry, inspiration, and creativity as important ingredients in the kitchen. Chef Dennis believes his greatest accomplishment is not perfecting his renowned cheesecake, but the legacy he leaves with the younger chefs in the industry and being a part of each individual’s growth under his leadership. Dennis values the connection he and his team have with our patients at Cedars, and is very grateful to be part of their recovery journey.		Bubs Fraser Office Manager Bubs lived most of her life North of 60 (NWT and Yukon) before moving “outside” to warmer, brighter winters. She brings considerable office experience to Cedars having graduated from the Business Administration Curriculum in Whitehorse, Yukon. She has extensive personal experience and in-depth knowledge of and commitment to 12 Step Recovery. This combination of skill and expertise lends itself to an understanding of addiction and the impact on individuals and their families. Bubs is excited and honoured to be participating in the introduction of First Nations tradition and spirituality practices at our facility. Her quest for a joyful recovery journey and committed dedication to helping others is what led her to Cedars.
	Lisa Nixon Admin Support Lisa brings to us her dedication and experience in supporting individuals gained through her former position in Human Resources. Lisa holds a Diploma in Multimedia, Production & Design and is often found creating materials for Cedars. Lisa has been involved in the field of addictions through previous volunteering positions. Lisa’s favourite part about her position at Cedars is her role as driver. She enjoys representing Cedars and being the first person that our travelling patients encounter. Lisa is so grateful to be a witness to the change that happens during the process of recovery at Cedars and being able to support our patients in their journey.		N. Eric (Doc) Olson - M.D. Addiction Medicine
	Janine Nowacka - M.Ed., CCC Counsellor Janine is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, with over eight years of experience and training in the field of addictions. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge, where she studied both Addictions Counselling and Counselling Psychology. Janine has worked in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. Her experiences include training with a Native community in Cardston, working with addicted adolescents in Calgary, and counselling a range of clients in Ireland. Janine has an intimate understanding of the Twelve Steps, and is passionate about recovery from addiction. She loves to travel, and lived abroad for several years. Presently, she is enjoying the challenges of being a new parent.		Kara Robinson Counsellor Kara has worked for years in the field of chemical dependency and also comes to us with a wealth of understanding of the effects of addiction on family members. Her duties at Cedars include counselling, group therapy and assisting patients in exploration of their personal stories through alcohol and drug histories. She brings her caring, respectful, professional communication style to her work with patients at Cedars.
	Piper Deggan Continuing Care Coordinator Piper brings her experiential knowledge of living life committed to the Twelve Step Recovery philosophy, as well as her years working in Chemical Dependency Treatment to her position supporting patients as they transition from the comfort of residential treatment into their everyday lives. Pipers approach to actively supporting our Alumni plays an essential role in their recovery.		Ben Goresky Counsellor Ben has been working in addiction treatment for six years. He has a Bachelor's of Health Sciences degree with a focus on Addictions Counselling. He has worked with addicted youth in a residential setting, using his intimate knowledge of the 12 steps to facilitate group counselling sessions. Ben also assisted in the development and implementation of a wilderness addiction treatmet program for men in Alberta. He uses an eclectic style, utilizing experiential, humanistic, 12 step, and transpersonal frameworks. He sees his carreer as an addictions counsellor as an ever evolving process of continual growth, always looking for ways to improve client care.
	Kym Hill Admissions Coordinator Kym has been employed in the health care profession for many years. Her experience in office management and her ability to provide a patient centered environment are a valued asset to Cedars Admissions. Kym’s passion for recovery and her personal experience of addiction within her family has given her the gifts of confidence, compassion and acceptance. Kym brings all of this to her front line position where she supports and encourages individuals and their families in choosing recovery options.		Annelies Briggs Maintenance and Housekeeping Supervisor Annelies has been caring for Cedars since it opened, over 5 years ago. Her role has evolved from housekeeping to overseeing housekeeping operations and managing Cedars’ ongoing maintenance and our maintenance contractors. She enjoys working in Cedars’ caring and positive atmosphere. Annelies and her team look after many details which comprise the “little things” that make a difference in the recovery process. PS. Annelies is Sophie’s mom – see her profile!
	Amanda Graham - BA, Anthropology Administrative Assistant, Discovery program Amanda joined the Cedars team in the first year of operation as support staff. In February 2007 she joined the Discovery family and has evolved with the program as it has developed. In addition to welcoming and assisting family members of patients, Amanda enjoys teaching the Discovery yoga class. Outside of Cedars, Amanda works with her husband to provide social housing for marginalized people in Victoria, and keeps busy with three dynamic daughters.		Ted Kardera - M.D., A.S.A.M. C.S.A.M. Medical Services Director Dr. Kardera has been a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine since 1986 and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine since 1990. On active staff of the Greater Victoria Hospital Society- retired. General Practice from 1969 to 2001, approximately one third of his practice devoted to Addiction Medicine since 1986. Originated and facilitated the Health Care Professional Relapse Prevention Group from 1990 until present. Involved with the Physician Support Program since 1987 as a treating Physician and a member of the PSP Committee since 1994. Chairman of the PSP , February 1997 until 2000.
	Tim Kearney - Fitness Instructor I am a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with over 15 years of involvement in the fitness industry, with a background in the Canadian Military serving for 9 years. My qualifications include several personal training certifications, and experience training a wide variety of clients both privately and with private organizations. I work with clients at their homes, my private studio, fitness clubs, and rehabilitation centre. My involvement at Cedars at Cobble Hill is one of the most rewarding training positions I have held as it allows for me to help patients in a very dramatic way in a short period of time.		Evelyn Gorjup Accounting Manager Evelyn has been in the accounting field for over 25 years. Although Evelyn typically works behind the scenes, she most values being part of the recovery process, and is grateful for being witness to the change that happens during treatment at cedars. Evelyn’s extensive experience in accounting and file management has been an asset to the administration team.
	Bryn Meadows Eating Disorders Program Director Bryn is a Registered Professional Counsellor with over 12 years of experience in the field of Mental Health and Addictions, specifically in the treatment of Eating Disorders. Bryn has worked in Europe, The United States and across Canada with the leading specialists in the treatment of Eating Disorders. However, Bryn believes that the greatest source of her knowledge and understanding has come from her in-depth experience of working closely with patients and their families. Over the years she has been a passionate advocate for the compassionate treatment of Eating Disorders has come to see that full recovery is possible. Bryn practices a compassionate, humanistic and person centered approach to the treatment of eating disorders, and she honours that every individual is unique and therefore will have their own unique challenges, gifts and perspectives that they bring to their recovery. Bryn is also grateful for her own life experiences that have served to develop the understanding and skills to become a specialist in this field.		Richard Osler Aged 60, graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario with a honours degree in English. Since then he has had a varied career as a business journalist, stock market securities analyst, and money manager. While he continues to actively manage investment portfolios through his company Aequanimitas Inc. he also leads writing retreats for poets and since 2007 he has facilitated poetry workshops in drug and alcohol recovery centers. His poems have been accepted for publication in numerous noted Canadian literary journals including the Malahat Review, Prairie Fire, the Antigonish Review and CV2 which published a feature interview with him in its Winter 2011 issue. For further information please see his website: recoveringwords.com.
	Lacey Jones - LPN Nurse		Elaine Seymour - LPN Nurse Elaine is a Licensed Practical Nurse who graduated with an honours diploma from Sprott-Shaw Community College in Nanaimo. She shares her understanding and experience of addiction and the recovery process by providing compassionate, supportive and professional care.
	Shashwick I was abandoned as a young pup on the streets of Chung-ju – a small town in South Korea. I was found by a young American boy, and then later adopted by Janine, one of the Discovery team members, and her husband (both were living in Korea at the time). I became her adored pet, and I accompanied the two of them on their many adventures throughout South Korea, and later, Thailand. What an adventure that was! I arrived in Canada in 2009, and became part of the Cedars team in January 2011. Janine tells me I have a lovable personality, and sensitivity to individuals’ emotional needs, which is why I am such a good addition to the Discovery program! I can relate to many of the family members that attend the Discovery Program as I know what it is like to try to do everything on your own and not ask for help!		Sophie Hi everyone, I am Sophie. I am a purebred female Berneise Mountain Dog. I was born in August of 2009. I just like hanging out with everyone and don’t really understand this whole stick obsession. I get a little crazy when you first let me out of the pen, but that’s because I am still a puppy. Sometimes I wander off in the middle of the walk. Best to look for me up by the houses, I usually return to Maple House. I look forward to walking on the trails with you!
	Kona I was born in November of 2007. I am a purebred female black lab with some serious energy. The grounds of Cedars property is like my second home, I love it here! In the summer of 2010 I had my ACL (knee) redone. As a result, I am not supposed to chase sticks on land and especially not in the forest. However, like all of you guys, I don’t always do what is best for me. I need your help to not throw sticks, even though I will ask you to 100 times per walk.		Hooty I was rescued by the staff at Cedars after I fell out of my nest in the summer of 2009. In the middle of the night the Inpatient Program Director Rob DeClark came to my rescue. He contacted the good people at the local wildlife department who provided my new friends with details to keep me safe for the night. I was then taken to the Birds of Prey Centre in Duncan to recover from my stressful fall. My mum missed me while I was away and cried as she was worried that I was gone for good! Little did I know, while I was away, I was being built a brand new nest! Once I was feeling better I came back home, and my new friend Rob introduced me to my humble abode. My mom must have gotten the word that I returned because she brought me some food, boy was I hungry. A few days later I played a trick on my new friends – I was nowhere to be found. They feared the worst, but I was flying, ahead of schedule of course! I am currently the resident owl at Cedars and proud of it. Like my friend Rob said “We wait, pray and hope recovery will take hold; we cannot do it alone but together we can save lives”. I am grateful for the team effort that lead to my recovery (and my mum is to!) click here to read more about my recovery journey.