Danielle has over 15 years of clinical experience working in front line mental health, consulting and teaching roles. She is a Registered Psychologist and holds a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy. In addition to training with CTRI, she has a private clinical practice working with individuals, couples and families on a variety of mental health issues. As a therapist, Danielle strives to incorporate mindfulness and positive psychology interventions in her work. She believes in a holistic approach to wellness and that real change happens through meaningful connection with self and others. Her intention is to enhance the quality of life of those she works with by cultivating hope and self-compassion. Danielle brings a strong desire to facilitate excellent and enjoyable learning experiences to her workshops that reflect her compassion, warmth and humour.    

Lana has been a Registered Psychologist since 2001 and holds her Certificate in Advanced Clinical Supervision in Psychology. She has worked in multiple mental health settings and private practice, both with adults and adolescents. Lana believes all people are inherently competent when it comes to defining their healthiest, most authentic path, and works with them to support their growth to live and work with purpose and positivity. Lana is active as a supervisor for Provisional Psychologists in Alberta, which offers her the opportunity to stay abreast of clinical developments and research. As a trainer, she provides training sessions that are engaging, relevant and enjoyable.

Rachel is a Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience supporting holistic well-being within Saskatchewan and Alberta. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Psychology. Rachel has continuously expanded her professional skill set through diverse prevention, intervention, education and clinical counseling roles. She believes that every person is capable of profound resilience if integrated support and practical tools to enhance well-being are provided. Rachel partners with clients and communities to overcome trauma, enhance internal strengths and develop external resources. As a trainer, she strives to present information in a clear, engaging manner. Rachel is a collaborative and inclusive presenter who inspires and energizes those in attendance.

Vivian is a Provisional Psychologist and holds a Masters of Science Degree in Psychology. She has extensive experience supporting children with a variety of mental health issues and developmental diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, depression and anxiety. In addition to training with CTRI, Vivian has a private clinical practice working with children and families. She believes that we are each part of a dynamic system of family, society and culture that informs how we see the world and live our lives. Vivian has a passion for sharing information in a way that is meaningful and memorable and brings this energy to the workshops she leads.

Priscilla is a Registered Professional Counsellor with many years of experience working with children, youth and adults with FASD in their homes, schools and community. She teaches our Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Strategies for Supporting workshop. Priscilla has presented at the FASD Learning Series in Edmonton with a unique focus on Financial Literacy across the life span for individuals with FASD. In addition, she is a program manager in Edmonton who supports clients, staff and programs, and continues quality improvement and on-going staff education. As a confident public speaker with frontline experience, Priscilla is able to easily establish a rapport with her audiences to convey information on complex clients with FASD with clarity and enthusiasm, thus awakening a passion for lifelong learning.  

Jennifer is a registered psychologist in the province of Alberta who holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology and a Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She has a diverse professional background, with experience as a clinical psychologist in private practice and the correctional system. Recently Jennifer was leader of a multi-disciplinary team in an educational institution. In addition to training with CTRI, she works in private practice with a focus on trauma work with first responders and supporting organizations in providing healthy work environments. Jennifer believes in the inherent strengths in each person and works to help them succeed by accessing those strengths. She is a knowledgeable facilitator who enjoys interacting with the learners to create a dynamic, engaging environment.

David has a Master’s degree in Counselling and is a registered psychologist. For the past decade he has devoted his time to working with issues of addictions, high-risk youth, aggression and challenging behaviours. As a counsellor, David’s therapeutic process is to respond to both presenting issues and the underlying causes. He believes that change and personal growth is often initiated through hard experience or a crisis and that transformation comes not from what is done to us, but rather how we respond.  In addition to training with CTRI, David works with youth, adults, couples and families in private practice as well as with a local social service agency. As a trainer, his approachable personality brings a real world approach to topics of trauma, addictions, challenging behaviours and anger management.

Shelly is a Registered Social Worker and has been an energetic practitioner and educator in the field of domestic violence, suicide intervention, youth justice, child welfare, mental health and homelessness for over 25 years. In addition to training with CTRI she has a private counselling practice where she focuses on  wellness, difficult conversations and healthy relationships. She believes that helping people work through difficult times requires a holistic approach to wellness and meaningful connection. Whether it’s through a mindfulness practice, strength base - person centered approach Shelly meets individuals where they are at. As a facilitator, she is a warm, passionate and engaging presenter who uses examples and strategies that participants can bring directly into their work with others.

Alexis has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and has been working in the social service field for close to ten years. She has a diverse professional background, working as a therapist in a private practice, as well as assisting individuals in the non-profit sector. Alexis has extensive experience working with people struggling with trauma, mental health and addiction, and has specialized in these areas for the majority of her career. Working in this field has provided her with experience supporting individuals in a variety of challenges, and Alexis brings this knowledge and experience into her role as a facilitator with CTRI. She believes in a holistic model for healing by taking an integrative approach when working with clients. Alexis’ passion for helping others translates into her workshops, creating an experience that is engaging, informative and fun.

David is an enthusiastic and effective trainer and mediator with nearly 25 years of experience in the field. In addition to his work with CTRI, David is responsible for the Legal Education Society Mediation Training Program, and teaches yoga, Kung Fu and Tai Chi. He also facilitates numerous courses for the Insurance Institute of Southern Alberta and Mount Royal University. Additionally, he has been a guest lecturer for Interest Based Negotiation courses and Insurance Law, at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary Law Schools. David is a popular presenter of our De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ workshop. He believes that the best way to reduce violence is to listen well and manage one’s own defensive reactions. David brings genuine warmth and humour as well as passion for effective communication to the workshops that he teaches.

Robbie is a registered clinical counsellor, holding a Master of Counselling degree as well as a Master of Arts degree. Her work experience includes private practice and community-based work where she provides counselling services for youth, adults and groups who struggle with mental health, addictions and trauma. In this capacity, Robbie has clinically supervised and provided structured trainings to graduate level interns. She believes that people have an innate ability to heal from suffering and regain their rightful sense of contentment, given the conditions of felt safety, respect for their unique wisdom, and provision of desired skills. She is an engaging facilitator who values interactive and informative learning experiences. She brings warmth, humour and clinical experience to her workshops.

Nadine has over 15 years of experience working as a clinician and educator in the field of mental health, crisis response and trauma support. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology. Highlights of Nadine’s experience include providing training and clinical supervision on the crisis line, contributing to a mental health outreach crisis response team and working as a mental health therapist with the local health authority. Her therapeutic work centers on balancing acceptance and change with clients while developing skills to enhance capacity for both. Nadine believes that people build their resilience by strengthening self awareness, self compassion and meaningful interpersonal connections. As a presenter, she brings her passion, experience and warmth to ensure workshops are engaging, relevant and practical.

Sarah is a registered Clinical Counsellor and holds a Master’s degree in Somatic Psychology.​ ​​​Since 2003, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings in North America, Europe and the Middle East (Iraq and Jordan), including inpatient psychiatry and addiction services, community mental health and Doctors Without Borders. Sarah has fulfilled a variety of roles including psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, educator and program manager. In addition to her clinical work, she is a trained facilitator in Trauma-Informed Practice for mental health and addictions teams within Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and other health authorities across BC. Sarah believes that people have the capacity to move beyond their suffering and the limited stories they believe about themselves, when the environment is safe enough. She is committed to providing a compassionate learning environment that preserves individual dignity, shared knowledge exchange and collaborative learning. As a presenter, Sarah is personable, warm and humorous.

Marnie is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree focused on collaboration between non-profit agencies and police. She has 22 years of direct client service in a collaborative practice with the Vancouver Police Department, providing client centered interventions in high lethality cases of family violence. Marnie’s clinical work is focused on individual empowerment and resiliency in the context of systemic intervention. She believes that through connection with others and access to knowledge we can all find a place of belonging both inside ourselves and in our communities. Marnie provides training to a wide range of audiences in the areas of trauma-informed crisis management, mental health, violence-prevention and family violence. She brings humor and energy to difficult topics and makes workshop material relevant and practical for a diverse range of audiences.

Galya is a certified counsellor who holds a Masters of Counselling. In addition to training with CTRI, she operates a private counselling practice focused on supporting individuals and couples to heal and thrive. As a counsellor, Galya has a client-centered approach and has helped individuals, couples and groups in a range of struggles and endeavors. She is constantly inspired by her clients and believes in the innate wisdom and potential of each of us. Galya values connection and learning and is thankful to have a career working intimately with others facilitating growth and the sharing of knowledge. In her workshops she creates a lighthearted and interactive environment where participants can explore new concepts and internalize learnings for immediate practical application.

Lynda is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and adult educator with over twenty-five years of combined experience as a crisis intervention social worker and workshop facilitator. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Social Work. In the past decade, Lynda has trained thousands of professionals across Canada in the areas of stress and trauma management, burnout prevention, mental health, resiliency and organizational health. She believes that learning is the cornerstone to all growth and that individuals are inherently deserving of dignity, care and respect. Lynda is a passionate facilitator who creates engaging and dynamic learning environments where new insights and learning occur.

Cristina holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and has a rich background in counselling, teaching and restorative justice. She began her career as an educator in inner-city schools of New York and Los Angeles where she was inspired by the tremendous resilience she witnessed in her students and their families. Since moving back to Canada in 2002, Cristina has developed her expertise as a clinical counsellor and restorative justice facilitator in a variety of community, health care and school settings. These experiences have further cultivated her belief in the importance of early intervention and non-judgemental, strength-based relationships to promote mental wellness and healing. She is a warm, insightful and dynamic speaker.

Jody is a Marriage & Family Therapist and Behaviour Analyst with over 12 years experience in the social services field. Designated as a Registered Clinical Counsellor in the province of BC as well as a Canadian Certified Counsellor, she has focused her private practice on supporting individuals, couples and families impacted by mental health and developmental disabilities. In addition to her private practice and training with CTRI, Jody is also a Program Manager at a social service organization.  In this role she supports and provides direction for several special needs and mental health programs. Jody approaches her work through a strength-based and systemic lens. She believes in the gifts of vulnerability, courage and resiliency as tools for change. She is an authentic and enthusiastic facilitator who believes in learning through connection, stories and humour. Her non-judgemental and engaging facilitation style gives participants space to learn and grow while taking in practical strategies.  

Dave is Executive Director of Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association (FRCJIA), an Adjunct Professor in the School of Criminology at SFU, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a member of the Leuven, Belgium Institute for Criminological research. He is considered a pioneer in restorative justice program development and implementation. In addition to his work in the area of restorative justice, Dave also has a counselling practice where he specializes in mental health, trauma recovery and resilience. He believes that interventions based in positive, strength based, deeply caring relationships with competent providers creates contexts in which recovery, healing and transformation are enabled and enhanced in people’s lives. Dave firmly believes in the power of the human spirit and the ability of individuals to overcome and transcend the most difficult of circumstances. As a trainer, his use of an engaging and facilitative training style, combined with content and stories born of life experience, enables him to bring theory to life.

Alison has been working directly with violent offenders for 17 years in provincial and federal prison settings. She currently works with inmates described as the most difficult in the federal prison system. Through her work and training Alison has developed keen insight into the nature of violence and violence prevention. She consults and trains widely on issues of violence, trauma and conflict management. Alison’s educational background includes Master’s degrees in leadership, training and human development as well as nurse’s training and a diploma in recreation therapy. She brought all these areas of study together in a doctorate in human and organizational systems that explored how humans interact, change and manage with the particular contexts of the systems they engage with. Alison is a contributing author to three books and multiple academic articles. As a presenter, her participants appreciate her humour, depth and warmth.

Alana has extensive experience working in the areas of restorative justice, violence-prevention and conflict resolution, in justice, community and school settings. She holds a PhD in Criminology on the topic of transformational learning. Throughout her career, she has assisted in developing various initiatives involving elders, at-risk adults, people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, youth, former prisoners and victims and survivors. In addition to training with CTRI, she is a full-time faculty member in criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she continues to inspire and be inspired by students and diverse colleagues. Alana has additional experience in non-profit management, crisis intervention and community organizing. She believes in collaborative dialogue and life-long learning as a source of personal and social transformation. Alana is an engaging presenter who is passionate about her work, which allows her to easily facilitate ongoing learning for workshop participants.  

Sally is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has over twenty years’ experience supporting individuals and couples to make positive changes in their lives. With a Masters’ in Counselling Psychology and past leadership roles in organizations and educational institutions, she thrives on creating interactive and informative learning experiences. Whether it’s in her work as a clinician or role as a CTRI trainer, Sally believes in the power of learning and support for people who want to change unhealthy patterns and move forward with a sense of hope and energy. As a trainer, she is an insightful facilitator and provides energetic, enlightening and interactive presentations.

Keith has over twenty years of experience in conflict and violence management. He has worked as a social worker for four years and a police officer for over fifteen years. Keith has extensive training and experience in the assessment and management of workplace violence, school based violence, domestic violence and stalking.  He is past President of the Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Keith holds a Master of Social Work degree from Carleton University and is working towards a Doctorate degree in Education at the University of British Columbia. He is a popular presenter of our Violence Threat Assessment and De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ workshops. As a facilitator, Keith draws on his experience in adult education, policing and violence risk assessment to provide practical, meaningful and participant focused presentations.

Aaron holds a Masters Degree in Conflict Transformation and is an experienced facilitator and trainer specializing in restorative justice, conflict resolution and violence prevention. In addition to training with CTRI, he is a consultant in private practice, where he works with schools, criminal justice and other organizations both nationally and internationally. His background includes facilitating Family Group Conferences in the United States and New Zealand, designing and convening peacebuilding programs for Palestinian and Israeli youth, addictions treatment programming and outdoor leadership. Aaron is a firm believer in the ability of people to grow and discover their own creative ways through even the most difficult life experiences. A passionate facilitator, he brings an upbeat, insightful and engaging presence to all of his workshops.

Larry has extensive background in the human relations and human resources worlds. He is a certified mediator, and has a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Analysis and Management. Larry has worked as a leader and manager in a variety of settings and has held executive positions on numerous boards and agencies. His expertise includes violence-prevention, workplace investigations and restorative justice. Larry has presented to many types of audiences throughout his career, including in a post-secondary education setting. He is a popular presenter of our De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ and Lateral Violence workshops. Workshop participants enjoy Larry’s quick humour, keen interest in others and real world experience.  

Vicki is the Clinical Director of the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute, an Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and an instructor in the graduate program for Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Winnipeg. She is the editor and co-author of our Counselling Insights book. In her private practice, she specializes in the area of trauma recovery for individuals of all ages, and she helps individuals, couples and families build positive mental health and relational skills across developmental stages. She believes in a holistic approach to wellness that applies to both clients and helpers. Vicki also believes that it is essential for helpers to continue learning and developing their self-awareness alongside evolving clinical skills. She is the author or editor of many of CTRI’s training materials, including those on the topics of anxiety, trauma, mindfulness, gender and sexual diversity, ethics and wellness. As a trainer, Vicki is particularly gifted at creating a learning atmosphere that is collaborative and respectful, and which embraces diversity in personal identity, skills and cultural perspectives.

John has been working as a therapist and trainer for almost 20 years. He is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree. John is a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. Much of John’s career has centred on working with children, youth, adults and families dealing with crisis and trauma. While he has a diverse practice, he has particular interest and specialized experience in working with individuals and families impacted by mental health concerns, violence, post-war trauma recovery, gender/sexuality issues, sexual abuse recovery and cyber-bullying/harassment. John’s work is also informed by his international experiences working with individuals and communities impacted by civil war and ethnic conflicts in Colombia, Albania and Northern Ireland.  He is a warm and engaging facilitator who values interactive learning experiences.

Tricia is a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Developmental Studies. In addition to training with CTRI, she is a compassionate therapist who specializes in suicide intervention, self-injury, anxiety and depression and neurodevelopmental issues. She is also a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. Highlights of Tricia’s career include her role in family-centred research and training with Manitoba Family Services, several years as a social worker and therapist for St. Amant Centre, and supporting youth and families in crisis as both therapist and clinical supervisor of the Youth Crisis Stabilization System through MYS. Her therapeutic approach is client-centred and trauma informed, drawing upon individual strength and resiliency.  She has a profound belief in the resiliency of the human spirit, particularly in conditions of relational attunement, connection and support. Tricia is skilled in finding a balance between being informative and building connections with her participants while delivering workshops.

Randy Grieser is the founder and CEO of the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute. He is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Resolution. Prior to founding CTRI, he worked directly with issues of crisis and trauma while being employed in the areas of mental health, counselling and crisis management within community, school and hospital settings. Randy believes that access to knowledge and skill development changes individual lives, communities and organizations. While he is primarily involved in providing leadership to the development and delivery of CTRI’s workshops and services, he does continue to train in the areas of violence prevention, crisis response and mental health. Randy is a dynamic presenter who delivers content-oriented presentations that are both engaging and informative.

Nathan holds a Master of Social Work degree and is a Registered Social Worker. He is the Managing Director for CTRI and works with organizations and communities through a needs assessment process of identifying the best resources and training to meet their needs. Nathan also provides leadership in developing and managing CTRI trainers and course content. Prior to this role he coordinated service delivery and rehabilitation planning for repeat offenders with a diagnosis. Nathan has refined skills in risk management and collaborative treatment planning for people in conflict with the law. In addition, he possesses specialty in the areas of disability services, case management and working with people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Nathan is the author of CTRI's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Strategies for Supporting workshop. He is an engaging presenter who uses an interactive style to maximize the learning potential of participants.

Kimberly is a Registered Social Worker, holding a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Her professional experience includes clinical case management, counselling and group facilitation in the child welfare system for high-needs children and youth, as well as in community-based programs for those who struggle with eating disorders and for individuals with intellectual disabilities in conflict with the law. In addition to her work with CTRI, Kimberly maintains a private counselling practice for individuals, couples and families, specializing in the areas of trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, self-injury behaviour and disordered eating and body image. Her therapeutic approach is one of warmth and collaboration, recognizing that people are resilient, have inherent wisdom about their lives and are hard-wired for connection with others. Constantly pursuing her own growth as a therapist, Kimberly believes that helpers are energized by fresh ideas and approaches. She draws on her experience in the field and passion for these issues to provide energetic, enlightening and interactive presentations.

Scott has worked with children, families and communities in clinical, teaching and training contexts for over 20 years. In recent years he has particularly enjoyed his training work with Indigenous communities. Scott holds a Master of Education (Specialization in Counselling) and has undertaken extensive professional development, including in the areas of working with mental health, trauma, grief and helping people develop their preferred identities. In addition to training with CTRI, he maintains a private psychotherapy practice. Scott believes positive change happens when curiosity and desire for change sparks creative human interactions that unlock new opportunities. An engaging and interactive presenter, he likes to connect with workshop participants to help them envision possibilities for growth in their lives and their work, and to take steps to make those actually happen.

Paul is a passionate and engaging facilitator who has been providing therapy and conflict resolution services for individuals and workplaces for over 20 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work that complements his extensive experience in the fields of mental health, trauma, domestic abuse and workplace conflict. He believes in the importance of authenticity, transparency, accountability and works with the inherent strengths of individuals and organizations as they navigate change. Paul educates in a wide range of public and private sectors, delivering practical, applicable information for participants mixed with a humorous and engaging presentation style.

Tanya Hoover is a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work degree, a certificate in Early Childhood Education, and is a Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. Tanya has extensive training in attachment-based models for supporting children and families with attachment and trauma challenges. In her role as a therapist at a community agency, Tanya uses an empathic approach to nurture growth with children, adults, couples and families. Tanya specializes in helping parents and caregivers learn to support their children through their children’s challenging emotions and behaviours in order to promote the growth of emotional intelligence for both child and adult. Tanya provides individuals and families with research-based, practical skills for developing healthy relationships and positive mental health. Tanya’s skills in leading workshops include her evident passion for sharing information and skills that will be helpful to professionals, as well as her ongoing desire to continue learning.

Heather is a Registered Social Worker and has been working as a social worker for close to 20 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, and is currently working towards completing her Masters in Indigenous Knowledge of Social Work. Heather has spent much of her time working directly with children, youth and families. Specifically, her passion is working with youth of all genders (ages 14-24) that have been impacted by violence, sometimes with gang involvements, all forms of trauma (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual), addictions, mental health and with individuals living with a FASD. Heather believes that even in the thick of trauma and/or crisis people can use relationships and laughter to work through these critical moments. She values the lives and the stories of all the people whom she has the honor of meeting and walking with on their life path. Heather is an energetic and engaging facilitator who strives to find ways to build relationships and incorporate 'laughter' into the work she does families/communities.

Wilma has a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Certificate in Adult Education and has been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. She has also worked as a nursing manager, mental health nurse and a family therapist in private practice with a focus on families living with a mental illness. She taught nursing at Red River College for family nursing and mental health clinical practice, and led the nursing faculty’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. Wilma’s particular interests include working with families who are experiencing illness or loss, including major mental illnesses, lateral violence and family violence. Her therapeutic approach is strengths-based and relational, recognizing the influence of sociocultural and personal context, which makes each person’s and family’s experience unique. Wilma believes that healing occurs within relationship and through therapeutic conversation. As an educator, she works to engage learners through active learning and practical application of concepts for skill development.

Sandra is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has worked extensively with youth and their families in community-based addictions programs. In addition to training with CTRI, Sandra has a private practice where she provides therapy services for individuals, couples, and families. Her focus as a therapist is from a non-judgmental systemic perspective, with a foundation of self-compassion and mindfulness. Sandra believes we can learn something from everyone we meet; experiences create the stories that are the framework of our lives. She is enthusiastic about learning and weaves humour and clinical examples into her training, allowing participants to absorb and apply new material to all aspects of their lives.

Katina is from Peguis First Nation and brings an indigenous perspective and experience to her stories and approach. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Indigenous Governance and completed the Social and Environmental Justice Leadership Program with ‘Next Up’. Katina spent several years working in and leading a restorative justice program, focussing on the re-integration of young offenders back into the community. Through this work, she honed her facilitation skills as she provided a wide array of workshops. Katina has also worked in the field of Social Work, developing programs and writing workshops centred on family unity. She believes that having an awareness of violence prevention is an important part of being equipped as we build strong and healthy communities. Katina’s  natural ability to make connections with the people she meets and always strives to keep participants engaged in her sessions.  

Kalyn is a gifted facilitator who brings a wealth of knowledge to her training from both her professional background and from her experience raising her 16-year old with profound autism. In university she majored in developmental studies, psychology and conflict resolution studies. Throughout the last fifteen years, Kalyn has worked with schools, government agencies and health care organizations to increase awareness and understanding of autism as an educational consultant, trainer and parent. She published her first book, Mother of the Year and Other Elusive Awards: Misadventures in Autism, in 2013. Kalyn teaches CTRI workshops related to autism and wellness strategies for caregivers. As a facilitator, Kalyn is a warm and engaging speaker who incorporates experiential learning into her presentations.

Eric has provided leadership in the field of conflict resolution, restorative justice and mediation since completing a degree in Sociology with a focus on mediation and peacemaking. Eric is currently President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Manitoba, and has worked as an administrator, board chair, senior mediator, trainer and lead negotiator for other organizations. He is a gifted trainer who makes training material come alive for participants through humour and real world application. He facilitates CTRI workshops in the areas of restorative justice, violence and conflict resolution. In addition to training with CTRI, Eric is the Managing Director of ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership & Workplace Performance.

Mike has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution. He has over twenty years of experience as a leader in the conflict resolution and violence prevention field. Through Mike’s training and consulting work, he has helped a variety of organizations, including social service agencies, Indigenous communities, school divisions, businesses and crown corporations. He believes that learning is a life-long endeavor and that the process of development should be enjoyable and motivating. As a trainer, Mike has an interactive and engaging style that easily motivates participants to incorporate workshop material into their own environments. He facilitates CTRI trainings and services in the areas of violence prevention, bullying, restorative justice and conflict resolution.

George is a senior management consultant and security specialist with over 25 years of leadership and management experience in the public sector. He is the former director of Safety, Security and Investigations for a Manitoba crown agency. George holds Bachelor’s degrees in Social Sciences and Criminal Justice and is a certified protection professional with a focus on violence risk assessment. He has significant experience presenting training seminars, and his fusion of in-the-trenches business experience and real-life stories connects with his clients and audiences at an intimate and individual level. George is a popular presenter of our Violence Threat Assessment and De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations™ workshops.

Wendy is a former teacher and director of a health and social services program. She has Bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Education. Wendy believes that learning is a dynamic and life-long endeavor and with commitment, guidance and individualized support, this process should be enjoyable and motivating. She is the author of many of our workshops including Challenging Behaviours in Youth, Stress Management and all four of our workshops developed specifically for working with youth. Wendy is an engaging presenter who delivers material in a format that maximizes the learning potential for all participants.

Sheri is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor's degree in Criminology. She has a diverse professional background with experiences as a correctional officer, addictions counsellor and developer and coordinator of a domestic violence outreach program. Sheri is a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. In addition to her work with CTRI, Sheri is also a counsellor in a private practice setting. She currently provides individual and family counselling in the areas of mental health, addiction, recovering after relationship breakdown and trauma. Sheri believes humor, self acceptance, and social connection is the best framework for successful healing and meaningful learning. Sheri works to reflect this in her facilitation style and is a knowledgeable, passionate and engaging presenter.

Based in Moncton, Tina is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and licensed Naturotherapist. She holds a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in International Social Work. Her broad range of experience includes both community and clinical work, locally as well as in eastern and southern Africa. In addition to her work with CTRI, Tina maintains an active private practice specializing in stress reduction and trauma recovery. She believes in a holistic approach to wellness and that real change happens through meaningful connection. Tina is a warm and engaging presenter who takes pride in ensuring a positive learning experience for her audience.

AnnMarie holds a PhD in experimental psychology and a Masters in clinical social work. In addition to advanced study and training in the areas of anxiety, trauma and resilience, she has 30 years of direct clinical experience. AnnMarie has worked as a psychotherapist and consultant in various workplaces including EAP programs, schools, community and hospital settings. Much of her work over the years has involved training and consulting with Indigenous communities, including 20 years as a member of the mental health team on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. She is a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. Informed by clinical work and her doctoral research on life orientation and coping, AnnMarie’s approach as a clinician and trainer is to view personal and professional struggles as human issues requiring compassion and practical strategies for coping and resilience. In her workshops, she seeks to build connection and capacity by creating an environment of acceptance, collegiality and experiential learning. Packed with personal and professional examples, AnnMarie’s trainings are both highly engaging and informative.

Brian has over 25 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work degree from Memorial University. In his private counselling practice he focuses primarily on anxiety and depression, separation and divorce, child custody and access issues, and helping separating couples guide their children through the process of divorce. He believes in the value of an integrative, bio-psycho-social understanding of mental health issues and the value of a dialectical based approach to promoting wellness. As a trainer, Brian is a dynamic speaker who utilizes an engaging and interactive approach in his workshops.

Ted holds a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from Memorial University. He has significant experience, and a great interest, in mental health and wellness. He has worked as a guidance counsellor for the past 10 years in Newfoundland and Ontario, and has extensive experience in counselling with a post-secondary population. In addition to training with CTRI, Ted works as a counsellor at a post-secondary institution. He believes that continually striving towards better communication, both within ourselves and with others, leads to a better life and society. Ted is a dynamic presenter who draws on his experience in the field and passion for these issues to provide energetic, enlightening and interactive presentations.

Tara holds a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from Memorial University. In addition to training with CTRI, she is a counsellor at a post-secondary institution where she specializes in personal and career counselling. Prior to this, Tara worked in the health care system as a Child and Behaviour Management Specialist combining a cognitive behavioural approach with skill teaching and solutions based counselling methods. She believes people are the experts on their own lives and with supportive guidance can persevere and overcome most obstacles that life presents. Tara places incredible value on knowledge and education to empower others. As a trainer she brings warmth and humour and draws on her varied experiences to make for an engaging, relevant training experience.  

Bobbie holds a Master of Social Work degree and has worked as a trainer and consultant for over two decades in the Newfoundland and Labrador region. She has extensive experience in a wide array of services relevant to conflict resolution and restorative justice. Bobbie teaches CTRI workshops related to restorative justice, conflict resolution and violence-prevention. She has a proven track record of helping individuals, organizations and communities. Bobbie brings warmth, humour, expertise and commitment to enhancing insight and learning in her workshops.  

Bob holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Human Resources and has been active in facilitating various types of training for over 20 years. Most recently he was a staff Development Officer with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing where he provided and coordinated various training needs for over 400 employees across the province. For CTRI, Bob teaches the workshop De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations™. He believes it is vital for organizations to increase their violence-prevention capabilities. As a trainer Bob draws on his experience in the field and passion for the topic  to provide engaging, funny, insightful and interactive presentations.

Marion is a registered Social Worker in private practice and a Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University. She has worked in positions from frontline to supervisory in both clinical and community based settings. In addition to her responsibilities at Dalhousie and training with CTRI, Marion has a small private practice where she works with individuals and families who are facing barriers related to mental health, addiction, poverty, discrimination, violence and relationship conflict. Marion is also a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. She believes that we both shape and are shaped by social systems, and therefore our analysis and therapeutic intervention needs to focus on the individual within the social ecology. Marion has an engaging and inviting facilitation style, sharing stories from practice and drawing on the experiences of participants to anchor workshop material with relevant examples in work and in life.

Elizabeth is a Registered Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in clinical and community social work. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies. Elizabeth has extensive experience in mental health clinical practice and community-based prevention and promotion programs in diverse rural, urban and Indigenous communities.  As a clinician, she believes in the inherent wellness of individuals, groups and communities, and she works from the perspective of uncovering and transforming traumatic influences, unhealthy patterns and coping strategies. Elizabeth has a deep interest in the influence of emotions on physical well-being. A mindfulness perspective is integrated into all aspects of her work. As a trainer, Elizabeth engages participants at a real-life level, using humour and storytelling.

Paula is an enthusiastic educator, trainer and evaluation consultant. She has worked in clinical, school and community-based settings in the areas of mental health, (dis)Ability, and challenging behaviour with individuals, families and health profession teams. Paula believes that everyone, regardless of their diagnosis or abilities, has the right to experience a meaningful life free from barriers and stigma. And that only by working together to create sustainable solutions, can individuals, families, professionals and communities ensure that supports, services and policies are responsive and effective for all. As a facilitator, she brings her knowledge of adult education and learning principles to provide an engaging, practical and interactive workshop experience.  

James has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and has worked with both adults and youth in crisis for over 10 years. In addition to training with CTRI, he teaches counselling skills at the college level. James is a popular presenter of our De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ workshop. He believes it is vital for individuals and organizations to increase their violence-prevention capabilities. As a facilitator, he provides high level training for groups that is both engaging and well organized.

Tom has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions within the social service sector and in private practice. His background includes working in front line, management and senior leadership roles. In addition to training with CTRI, Tom is a Human Factors Specialist with Ornge where he provides trauma support and therapeutic interventions for paramedics and staff. His responsibilities with Ornge also include therapeutic interventions, debriefing staff and the development and implementation of a peer support program. Tom believes that real change happens through relationship, authenticity and empowerment. He is a gifted facilitator who integrates real world experiences into practical examples in the workshops he facilitates.

Michelle is a Registered Social Worker who is an experienced practitioner who has practiced in the area of inpatient and outpatient mental health, forensic social work and psycho-social rehabilitation following a motor vehicle accident. She is a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. Michelle has a private practice where she focuses on mental health and trauma therapy with individuals, and also provides assessments for the provincial children’s lawyer.  She believes in the inherent abilities of individuals and communities to heal themselves, and that this healing can be assisted by an empathetic approach and an emphasis on the mind-body connection. When Michelle is not at her practice or facilitating for CTRI, she is an instructor at Western University in family studies and social work. As a facilitator, she is a warm and engaging presenter who uses are examples and strategies that participants can bring directly into their practice.

Jim has a PhD in Social Work and is a registered social worker in private practice. He has worked in various addiction, mental health and justice organizations throughout Canada in both clinical and management capacities. Most recently Jim was the Clinic Head and Manager for Rainbow Services and the Concurrent Disorder Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. He consults and trains frequently for governments and organizations concerning the addiction and mental health system. Jim works from a trauma and attachment informed, harm-reduction model of practice. He is an intuitive trainer, who in addition to providing informative presentations, brings a sense of humor to his trainings.

Michelle is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counselling and Spirituality and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education. She draws on her educational background, 15 years of group facilitation, and agency and private practice experience to add a personalized touch to her workshops. Michelle maintains a private practice with individuals, families and children and specializes in mental health, trauma, eating disorders and coping with family changes. She believes that helpers are more effective when they have a non-judgmental perspective and compassionate curiosity for both themselves and their clients. As a facilitator, Michelle brings her knowledge of learning principles to provide an interactive, engaging and participant-centred experience, incorporating practical information attendees can immediately apply to both their personal and professional lives.

Larisa holds her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and is one of few CACPT Certified Play Therapists in the Greater Toronto Area. She has close to 15 years experience working with children, individuals and families in a therapeutic capacity. In addition to training with CTRI, Larisa has a private practice where she specializes in childhood attachment, trauma and a wide range of behavioural and emotional dysregulation issues. She believes in the natural resiliency of individuals to overcome their stress if they are given the appropriate support and environment in which to do so. As a facilitator, Larisa brings a dynamic, interactive and playful component to her workshops.

Joddie holds a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology and is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has a private clinical practice where she specializes in treatment of grief and loss, stress, and anxiety issues for children, adolescents and adults. Additional areas of expertise include a sub-specialty with first responders and their families, and other professionals who are in the helping profession who may be experiencing PTSD or secondary traumatic stress. Joddie’s philosophy to treatment is the use of evidenced-based and trauma-informed practices in a strength-based, multi-disciplinary approach. She believes positive change happens when curiosity and desire for change sparks creative human interactions that unlock new opportunities. As a trainer, Joddie draws on her humour, and the strength and resilience she has witnessed in her work to illustrate course content in a dynamic manner.

Amber is a Psychologist who has a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy. In clinical practice, she provides treatment to children, adolescents and adults experiencing mental illness or other psychological difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, and trauma). In addition, Amber does a great deal of work with couples and families. She has a history in working with adolescent addiction, adolescent homelessness, family addiction problems and parenting capacity. Amber believes in the inherent strengths in her clients and their ability to be an integral part of the healing process. She has seen individuals, couples, families and communities generate insight, find motivation and reconstruct the mind set, coping strategies and ultimately the reality in which they live. She is also a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. As a trainer, Amber draws on her experience and passion for the topics to provide engaging stories that demonstrate concepts and ask thought provoking question to facilitate new learning. She strives to present material in a dynamic way that helps participants sustain attention and remain motivated to learn.

Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Adult Education with a specialization in Corporate Development and Knowledge Management. He has over 20 years of experience in corporate training including facilitation, curriculum development and leading a national training team. Shawn spent 17 years in the banking industry where he was responsible for training related to compliance, sales and leadership development.  Currently, in addition to training with CTRI, he is the Director of Operations for St. John Ambulance – Federal District Council. Shawn is a popular presenter of our De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ workshop and believes it is vital for individuals and organizations to increase their violence-prevention capabilities. He is an energetic and engaging facilitator who ensures that his participants can apply the content being delivered to their own unique environments.    

Judah is a professor, author and mediator, teaching in the areas of conflict resolution and criminal justice. He holds a Master's degree in Conflict Transformation and is a PhD student in Social Work. Judah has many years of experience supporting victims of serious crime and working with men who have used violence towards partners and children. He believes that violence has a ripple effect, yet kindness makes waves. He has found that appropriate support of people harmed can foster healing, and that appropriate accountability of people who have caused harm can bring about change. Judah is a popular presenter of our Restorative Justice workshops. As a trainer, he is an engaging presenter, who fluidly interacts with learners and fosters critical thinking.

Matt is a conflict resolution practitioner and educator. His violence prevention and intervention work has taken him from inner city Winnipeg, Colombia and northern Indigenous communities. In addition to consulting and training with CTRI, he works in the field of human rights and gender-based violence in the post-secondary and non-profit sectors. Matt facilitates CTRI workshops related to restorative justice, bullying and violence-prevention. As a trainer, he combines insightful analysis with a warm sense of humour and a deep appreciation for the experiential knowledge of that participants bring to a workshop.

Patrick has worked in the field of residential group homes and treatment foster care for over 20 years. His educational background is in Psychology and his workplace experiences have helped him develop keen insights into the complexities that surround the potential for violence in the workplace. Patrick believes it is vital for individuals and organizations to increase their violence-prevention capabilities. As a trainer, his use of humour and genuine enthusiasm for teaching creates an excellent learning environment for participants. Patrick is a popular presenter of our De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ and Lateral Violence workshops.

Michelle is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counselling and Spirituality and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education. She draws on her educational background, 15 years of group facilitation, and agency and private practice experience to add a personalized touch to her workshops. Michelle maintains a private practice with individuals, families and children and specializes in mental health, trauma, eating disorders and coping with family changes. She believes that helpers are more effective when they have a non-judgmental perspective and compassionate curiosity for both themselves and their clients. As a facilitator, Michelle brings her knowledge of learning principles to provide an interactive, engaging and participant-centred experience, incorporating practical information attendees can immediately apply to both their personal and professional lives.

Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Adult Education with a specialization in Corporate Development and Knowledge Management. He has over 20 years of experience in corporate training including facilitation, curriculum development and leading a national training team. Shawn spent 17 years in the banking industry where he was responsible for training related to compliance, sales and leadership development.  Currently, in addition to training with CTRI, he is the Director of Operations for St. John Ambulance – Federal District Council. Shawn is a popular presenter of our De-escalating Potentially Violence Situations™ workshop and believes it is vital for individuals and organizations to increase their violence-prevention capabilities. He is an energetic and engaging facilitator who ensures that his participants can apply the content being delivered to their own unique environments.    

Matt is a conflict resolution practitioner and educator. His violence prevention and intervention work has taken him from inner city Winnipeg, Colombia and northern Indigenous communities. In addition to consulting and training with CTRI, he works in the field of human rights and gender-based violence in the post-secondary and non-profit sectors. Matt facilitates CTRI workshops related to restorative justice, bullying and violence-prevention. As a trainer, he combines insightful analysis with a warm sense of humour and a deep appreciation for the experiential knowledge of that participants bring to a workshop.

Trish has worked in many diverse mental health settings with families, youth and children providing direct practice for over 20 years. She has a Master of Social Work degree as well as an undergraduate degree in psychology, and has completed professional training in trauma resolution therapy. She is also a co-author of our Counselling Insights book. Trish believes that real change happens through relationship, authenticity and the use of skillful empathy. In addition to her work with CTRI, she maintains a small private practice, specializing in recovery from early adverse experiences, PTSD, anxiety, depression, vicarious trauma and burnout, and she continues to have a special passion for helping children, youth and families. As a trainer, Trish is a gifted listener who works to facilitate training that encourages genuine insight, compassion and a collective learning experience.

Cheryl has worked for close to 30 years as a family therapist, researcher and trainer primarily in the field of mental health and addictions. She is a Registered Social Worker and has a Master’s Degree in Social Work as well as an undergraduate honours degree in psychology. Cheryl previously ran the Saskatchewan Provincial Training Program for Child and Youth Mental Health and Addiction Services. She continues to have a particular interest in early childhood and infant mental health. In addition to working with CTRI, Cheryl runs a small private practice working as a therapist and organizational consultant. As a trainer, she sets the goal that every day of training should offer an opportunity to learn, recharge and refresh. Cheryl believes that life-long personal and professional learning helps us to thrive as helpers, whether we are paraprofessionals or have PhD’s, enrichment develops our skills to connect with compassion and skilled insight.

Deanne has worked in the field of mental health and addiction services for 11 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Public Health. Deanne also has specialized training in substance use treatment; helping others deal with difficult life circumstances, emotional regulation and skill development; case management; and stabilization in educational settings. In addition to being a CTRI trainer, she works full time as a Manager with mental health and addiction services where she provides guidance to staff who work with youth and families to improve their health and wellbeing. Deanne believes that with resiliency and support, every individual has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their life goals. As a facilitator, she uses humor, stories, group discussion and engaging strategies to keep the training entertaining, challenging, educational and memorable.

Nataschaa has a Masters in Conflict Analysis and Management and is a Somatic Experiencing Trauma Practitioner and Assistant. Her work has taken her into both the fields of Conflict Resolution and Trauma Therapy. Nataschaa has worked as a mediator, coach, facilitator and counselor. She has lived in rural Yukon for ten years working with First Nations governments and communities. Nataschaa’s work is founded on the beliefs of the value of all perspectives, the innate desire we each have to be accepted and that our history does not need to dictate our future. Her approach includes encouraging space for the wisdom and strengths of the group and the individual to surface and co-creation to occur. She is passionate about teaching, listening and sharing.