Cedars Staff Team

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.

Tom Hall Director of Community Relations
Tom Hall is the President of Envision Marketing Inc. and Jonathan Seagull Holdings Inc., two companies that both have been retained by major manufacturing companies to develop and implement strategic marketing plans. Prior to his roles with Envision Marketing Inc. and Jonathan Seagull Holdings Inc., Mr. Hall was a founder, partner, and the Director of Community Relations and Admissions for the Edgewood Treatment Center. In these roles, Mr. Hall marketed Edgewood’s programs to referral agencies and professional associations.

Ross Sinclair BA Economics Business Manager
Ross Sinclair has most recently been contracting consulting services to the development sector and providing conceptual planning, accounting, sales, project management and post supervision to several hotel, restaurant, retail and destination resort projects. Mr. Sinclair has a Bachelor’s degree from University of BC in economics and statistics. After graduating, he completed his articles in Chartered Accountancy.

Robert DeClark MSW - Program 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 counselor. At Cedars, Rob’s duties include counseling and coordinating many of the administrative functions of the organization.

Bubs Fraser - Officer Manager
Bubs Fraser has 30+ years experience in office work, graduating from F.H. Collins in Whitehorse, Yukon under their Business Administration Curriculum. She then went on to work as a secretary to a lawyer, for a helicopter company and for various government department heads, including the Deputy Minister of Health and the Deputy Minister of Community and Transportation Services and Commissioner of the Yukon. Her career then took her to the position of Program Manager, Communications which was to manage the provide satellite television and radio services to all Yukon communities. Her most recent position was held in Victoria, managing the Victoria Central Office.

Ted Kardera M.D. A.S.A.M. C.S.A.M. Medical Supervisor
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.

Beverly Donald - R.N., A.S.M.H.
Graduated from the Royal Alexandra School of Nursing having worked 18 years in the medical system as an R.N. Continued her education taking the Advanced Studies in Mental Health program at Mount Royal College. Has extensive experience in the treatment of eating disorders and in-depth knowledge of the 12 step program. Beverly is passionate about her work bringing much empathy, compassion and understanding.

Geoff Smith BA - Manager Discovery Program
Geoff is a Psychology graduate from the University of Victoria and has spent his entire career in the helping professions. Developing and manager Employee and Family Assistance Programs, Directing Addiction Programs, Social Work and consulting with Aboriginal Communities about Addiction and Community Change have been a few of his work focuses. Working with Families has always been a major part of his work efforts.

Dermot Derby - Counselor
A rehabilitation professional with over 18 years experience working with a wide range of disabling conditions including chemical dependency. A graduate of the Professional Development Program - Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University supplemented with extensive rehabilitation training, Dermot maintains a strong commitment to the 12 Step recovery philosophy.

Lisa Barnes - M.ED - Counselor
A graduate of the UBC department of Counseling Psychology, Lisa is a registered counselor with over 20 years of clinical and teaching experience.

Joe Petriccione - M.ED., LPC - Counselor
Is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 33 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 will all age populations, children through geriatrics, versed in counseling with individuals, couples, families and groups through client-centered, cognitive/behavioral and experiential therapies. He has worked in various residential treatment centers throughout the United States and has been a lecturer, conference presenter and trainer.

Gillian Sandler - MSW - Counselor
Gillian earned her Master's degree in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University with a special focus in youth and families. Gillian has specialized in addictions treatment over the last five years.

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.

Kym Hill - Admissions Coordinator
Kym has been employed in the health care profession for over 30 years. Her experience in office management and her strength in providing a patient centered environment has been an asset to Cedars Admissions. Her passion for recovery and the personal encounter of addiction within her family creates the confidence required to perform this front line position with the utmost dignity and respect.

Anna Bright - Admissions Coordinator
Anna brings her extensive experience from her previous positions in Victim Services and public relations. Through these positions she has gained invaluable knowledge for those affected by trauma and addiction. Her compassion and understanding for those in their fragile state is an asset to the admissions process.

Additional treatment staff include ...
Additional Counselors • Support Staff • Chaplain • Physical Trainer • Executive Chef