Faculty

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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])

Rob Axsen, BA (Hon.), has over 30 years of experience providing counselling, clinical supervision, and training. He has worked with corrections, mental health, addictions and addictions knowledge exchange services, and has specialized experience working with youth. Rob works as an Addictions Clinical Supervisor with Pacific Community Resources Society, has a private practice focusing on training and consultation, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Netowrk of Trainers (MINT). He is a Senior Associate with the International Center for Clinical Excellence (ICCE) and a Certified Trainer in their Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) practice model. (Motivational Interviewing in Practice – Level 1 [AD204]; Assessment Practices [AD403])

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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]; Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma & Child Sexual Abuse Intervention)

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Romi Chandra, 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 (Youth Leadership CY280)

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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Marie-José Dhaese, PhD, RCC, ATR,  RPT-S, CPT-S is an adult, child, and family therapist and a clinical consultant in private practice. Marie-José now celebrates close to 40 years as an adult and child  therapist and 30 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])

Donna Dryer, MD is a transpersonal psychiatrist in private practice at Connect Health Integrative Medicine Centre and a faculty member in psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Dryer serves on the board of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies to provide a thoughtful and hopeful physician’s voice in educating health professionals and the public about psychedelic medicine. (Psychedelic Medicine: Healing Trauma and Addiction [SPE158]

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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)

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Mark Haden, obtained MSW in 1984. He has worked in Detox, Methadone, and Out Patient settings in counselling and supervisory roles. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health. He currently supervises an Addiction Services Team for Vancouver Coastal Health. Mark provides drug and addictions  education to many public groups and has published on the issue of drug control policy in many Journals. He works with the Health Officers Council of British on their position papers on a regulated market for all currently illegal drugs. Mark has presented in many international conferences and training events and has been a trainer for the Vancouver Police Department. Mark has been awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal Award for his work in 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]; Somatics in Complex Trauma [CT504])

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})

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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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])

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])

Maureen McEvoy, MA, RCC, has been in private practice for over 20 years. She works with individuals, couples and groups and is a long-standing instructor with the JIBC, teaching other counsellors skills for working with survivors of child sexual abuse and other domestic traumas. She also works with couples using Imago Relationship therapy. She is an Advanced Imago clinician (1996) and a Certified Workshop presenter of the Getting the Love You Want weekend workshop based on the work of Harville Hendrix. Maureen has written several articles, including one co-authored with Maggie Ziegler on counter-transference in trauma groups. She is currently updating Balancing Conflicting Interests: A Legal Manual for Counsellors. (Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma and Child Sexual Abuse Intervention)

Brad McRae MA Criminal Justice has 10 years in criminal justice field as a youth probation officer, has been involved with municipal law and government for the last 5 years and is a sessional professor at Thompson Rivers University. Brad currently works for the City of North Vancouver as the Manager of Bylaw Services and is currently implementing restorative justice practices to Bylaw Services. Brad was the lead co-facilitator for the Communities that Care provincial/municipal crime reduction initiative implemented in Anaham and Alexis Creek First Nations communities.

Lisa Mortimore, MA is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and educator with a psychotherapy practice in Victoria, BC. Her clinical practice and teaching focuses on the embodiment and transformation of Self through somatic trauma resolution and affect regulation.(Somatics in Complex Trauma [CT504])

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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)

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])

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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 Mindfulness trainer with particular knowledge of Buddhist psychology and the use of mindfulness practices for anxiety and depression management. Jennifer facilitates Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction [MBSR] groups and designed and facilitated mindfulness-based anxiety management groups. She participated in the 7 day MBSR professional training program under the direction of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Dr. Saki Santorelli as well as the 9 day practicum in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Living inside Participant-practitioner perspectives by senior staff from the Center For Mindfulness [CFM].   Her research into how Buddhist psychology and practices are embodied in therapeutic practice has been published in a book entitled Presence, Clarity and the Space of Receptivity in Counselling.

Yvonne Savard, RPN, RN, BScN, MAED\CI, has over 25 years of experience in mental health services, including forensics (youth and adult), 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 and community partnership education. (Understanding Pharmacology from a Counsellor’s Perspective [EP308])

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 instructor 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 Aboriginal communities in BC, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Northern Quebec. He is currently is working with Inuit communities in Nunatsiavut, 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.

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)

Alicia Spidel, MA, PhD Student, has worked as a psychological associate, counsellor, clinical supervisor, mental health coordinator and trainer in corrections and community-based counselling agencies, addictions services, and mental health, for over 10 years. In addition she has lectured at UBC, SFU and UFV teaching criminology and psychology courses.  Her clinical interests include trauma, violence and substance use and their impact on mental health and treatment compliance. She has publlished over 25 journal articles and book chapter and has given over 85  presentations both nationally and internationally on these subjects. (Concurrent Disorders Planning – Level 1 [AD410]; Interconnected Risk [AD405]; Using DSM-IV-TR with Children and Youth-Introductory Level [MH008])

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])

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Shirley Turcotte, RCC is a Metis knowledge keeper and registered clinical counsellor, working internationally with survivors of childhood abuses, torture, and complex traumas, including Residential School Syndrome, for the last three decades. She is a pioneering activist in the areas of complex trauma therapeutic treatment and program development for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. Shirley is a strong advocate for land-based knowledge Indigenous healing strategies and the originator of To A Safer Place describing her family’s experiences of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. She is a recipient of many awards including British Columbia’s Woman of Distinction Award in Health and Education. She is the lead instructor and clinical supervisor of two Aboriginal Programs with the Centre for Counselling and Community Safety at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. (Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therapy and Complex Trauma Certificate)

Dan D. P. Todd is an instructor in the Justice Institute's Bylaw Compliance, Enforcement and Investigative Skills Certificate Program. He has worked in various areas of regulatory, inspectional, bylaw and municipal enforcement for thirteen years for several different municipalities and governments, including the City of Vancouver, City of Coquitlam and City of New Westminster.  Dan has extensive court and field experience and has taught bylaw enforcement and bylaw development to various stakeholders in various capacities, including as a field trainer, and prior to joining the Justice Institute was an instructor and consultant for the Investigative Sciences Academy's bylaw enforcement program.  Dan has contributed to the redevelopment of the Justice Institute's Bylaw 101 and 102 curricula.  He currently works as a National Representative for the Canadian Union of Public Employees and for the cities of Coquitlam and New Westminster. (Bylaw101)

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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. (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])

Bessel van der Kolk M.D. has been active as a clinician, researcher and teacher in the area of post-traumatic stress and related phenomena since the 1970s. His work integrates developmental, biological, psychodynamic and interpersonal aspects of the impact of trauma and its treatment. Dr. van der Kolk is past President of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University Medical School, and Medical Director of the Trauma Center at JRI in Brookline, Massachusetts. He has taught at universities and hospitals across the United States and around the world, including Europe, Africa, Russia, Australia, Israel and China. Dr. van der Kolk and his various collaborators have published extensively on the impact of trauma on development, such as dissociative problems, borderline personality and self-mutilation, cognitive development in traumatized children and adults, and the psychobiology of trauma.

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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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Richard Yensen, MD is a transpersonal clinical psychologist, the Director/Founder of the Orenda Institute and President of the Salvator Roquet Foundation. With Dr. Dryer, he received permission for LSD psychotherapy research protocols with addicts and people dying from cancer from the US Food and Drug Administration in 1991.  He has conducted research and treatment with psychedelic drugs for over 40 years.  He is the author of numerous articles and a book in Spanish, Toward a Psychedelic Medicine. (Psychedelic Medicine: Healing Trauma and Addiction [SPE158]

Alannah 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)

Maggie Ziegler, MA has over thirty years of experience working as an educator and psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of trauma. Maggie has taught trauma, child sexual abuse and other courses at the JIBC and was instrumental in developing the Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma and Child Sexual Abuse Intervention for Centre for the Counselling and Community Safety. For the past three years she has been working with CUSO International as an advisor to peacemaking education programs at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda becoming deeply engaged with issues of post conflict education, approaches to truth and justice and reconciliation between genocide survivors and perpetrators.