CEDARS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Alumni Services Manager
Originally hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Aaron "Gator" McCluskey, headed west in 2012. Aaron pursued education in journalism and marketing, but his true passion has always been connecting with people and sharing their stories. An alumni from 2015, Aaron's lived experience through treatment at Cedars, second stage, and peaks and pitfalls of early recovery gives him an informed and empathetic perspective on the journey our alumni take post treatment.
In his spare time, Aaron enjoys road trips, BBQ, old movies and spending time with his partner and their dog.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
Amanda has been with Cedars since we opened over 16 years ago. Her passion for recovery comes from her own journey - she is a survivor. As a child of an alcoholic addict and a person in long-term recovery (almost two decades!) she has so much to offer the patients at Cedars. Since starting with us, she has worked the overnight shift - keeping patients safe and providing a calming presence for all those staying with us.
Job Titles:
- Discovery Program Coordinator
Amanda was born in the UK and came to Canada as a child. After earning a BA in Anthropology from UBC Amanda worked in Corrections before taking time out to raise her 3 daughters. She joined Cedars in the first year of operation as a Support Staff team member. In February 2007, she became an integral member of the Cedars Discovery Family Program and has been coordinating the program ever since. After completing her Yoga Teacher Training in Nasik, India in 2011 Amanda began sharing her love of Yoga with patients at Cedars and currently leads an early morning class. Outside of Cedars, Amanda provides companion care for elders and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with friends and family.
In 2012 Cedars saved my life and helped me find freedom from the grips of my addiction and Eating disorder. Today, I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to walk beside others in their own journey to find the same. It is an incredible blessing to watch amazing people find themselves again.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
Amber divides her time at Cedars working as Support Staff and as Administrative Support. Her career at Cedars began through a practicum offered by Camosun College in the Mental Health…
Job Titles:
- Facilities Manager
- Member of the Leadership Team
Annelies has been caring for Cedars since it opened, over 10 years ago. Her role has evolved from housekeeping to managing Cedars' ongoing maintenance operations. Annelies can often be found working in every corner of the property, caring for the grounds and spreading her positivity through each department. Annelies and her team look after a wide range of details that ultimately complete the ideal recovery process.
Annette grew up on the North Island in Gold River and currently resides in Nanaimo. Annette brings a diversity of training and lived experience to her role as a Continuing…
Job Titles:
- Community Support Worker
- Retired Journalist
Bill is a retired journalist with long-term sobriety who is passionate about recovery.
Bruce grew up in central Alberta in a small rural town. He completed his Red Seal Apprenticeship in Electronics at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. He has years of experience working in the trade industry, including a position with Worksafe BC and has worked over 20 years in the forestry industry. Bruce was President of the Metis Nation of British Columbia for 12 years before retiring in 2016. After retiring from the trade industry, Bruce joined the Cedars team to work with the Indigenous Program.
Bruce's father was Cree and French and his is mother Cree and Scot. Both parents were fluent in the Cree language. As his parents first language is Cree, Bruce is currently striving to become fluent in the Cree language. Growing up, he lived the Metis life as his father hunted and trapped when he wasn't
working to keep the family fed. He comes from a family of ten and is the fifth oldest of five boys and five girls. Bruce is extremely active in the Metis community and has competed in spiritual dances at Metis festivals. In his spare time, Bruce enjoys woodworking, renovating his home, and spending time with his wife, their 7 children and 12 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
- Member of the Support Staff
Cameron is a member of the support staff hear at the cedars in cobble hill. Even before his time here he was drawn to assisting people with challenges that exceed…
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Cathy recently joined Cedars in the capacity of CFO from Winnipeg where she had resided her entire life. The move to BC and to Cedars was an opportunity for Cathy to transition to a sector that was focused on positively impacting people's lives through recovery. Having personally experienced and witnessed the incredible change that solid recovery brings not only to the individual afflicted but the people around them, the opportunity to work in this field and contribute meaningfully was very persuasive. She is passionate about the importance of mental wellness, believing that unless we are well ourselves, we cannot take care of others.
Cathy brings to Cedars over 30 years of experience in financial stewardship and operational efficiency having previously held the positions of CFO for both Manitobah Mukluks and Palliser Furniture in Winnipeg. She has established a track record for working collaboratively with all functions in a business to drive results by improving efficiency, reducing waste and creating value. She is a strong believer in continuous learning and enjoys delving into all aspects of an organization to gain a holistic understanding. She refers to herself as annoyingly curious.
She obtained her CMA designation through the Society of Management Accountants in 1998 and in 2011 was awarded the Fellow designation. In 2017 she completed the CFO Leadership Beyond Finance Program, a joint offering of Queen's University and FEI Canada. When not working Cathy is a hot yoga enthusiast and enjoys gardening, travel, curling and golf in addition to spending time with her family and friends.
Chantal was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley. With a background in Horticulture and Herbal Medicine, she received her LPN Diploma through Vancouver Island University in 2018. Her previous…
Born on Haida Gwaii island, Cole moved first to Port McNeill and later to Nanaimo with his family where he resides now. Cole was an avid sportsman growing up, with…
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Support Staff Member
Colin obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Biology-Psychology in 2018 from the University of Victoria and is currently completing an MBA through the University of Fredericton. Colin strives to connect with…
I was born in South Africa where I grew up and graduated College.I Moved to Toronto Canada in 1998 raised my 4 children then Moved to BC. I have just… Read more
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
Don began working at Cedars in the fall of 2006 and has since become a seasoned member of the Support Staff team. For over a decade, Don booked Cedars' Wednesday Speaker Meetings and assisted patients with their alcohol and drug histories along with his regular duties. Don feels it's such a privilege to have been able to be a part of supporting so many people in their recovery journey and loves witnessing those ‘light bulb' moments. In recent years, Don enjoys facilitating music sessions with some of Cedars patients, as well as the odd, spontaneous staff jam session.
Don loves the natural, peaceful, serene atmosphere at Cedars and finds it to be so conducive to recovery and self-reflection. Most of the staff are either in recovery themselves or have been affected by addiction in their lives. For Don, it's these two things combined that create the uniquely supportive environment for recovery at Cedars.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Integrative Psychiatrist
Dr. Crosbie Watler completed his MA in Psychology at Lakehead University, before going to Medical School at McMaster in 1988. Following medical school, Dr. Watler completed his residency in psychiatry…
Job Titles:
- Family Physician
- Member of the Leadership Team
- MbChB, CCFP, DABAM / Medical Director / Addiction Physician
Gerrit Prinsloo is a Canadian Family Physician. He is American and Canadian Board certified in Addiction Medicine and started his medical career 21 years ago as an Emergency Physician working…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Addiction Physician
- Key Member
Dr. Ian Forster, is a key member of the Cedars team as well is a consultant for Addiction Medicine at Edmonton's Life Mark Health Institute. Currently a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, he has seen all types of addiction treatment put into practice and is an expert in the field of addiction and chronic pain. Forster subscribes to the idea of individualized treatment, in which each patient is handled with extreme care and the focus is on attention to detail. "Really when you look at chronic pain," added Forster, "There are two parts. There's the pain, then there's the suffering. In other words, the social and psychological impact of the pain itself, and I think that's the big chunk that we miss out on sometimes."
Job Titles:
- Director of Continuing Care
At Cedars Dr. Lawlor brings an empathetic and experienced focus to substance use disorder recovery and mental health wellness. He has worked in the addiction treatment field since 2008 and has held clinical and management positions in inpatient, outpatient, and continuing care settings. His clinical specialty centres on the development and delivery of ‘in-need' evidence-based programming utilizing the most current research findings, clinical approaches, and personal recovery experience.
Dr. Lawlor earned his PhD from Grand Canyon University in 2018 and completed dissertation research that examined the psychological, social, and spiritual constructs of long-term recovery among individuals who identified as recovering or recovered alcoholics. He subscribes to the philosophy that as members of a social species, individuals thrive in the company of supportive others. His clinical focus is driven by a desire to mitigate the negative impact of addiction and mental health challenges through the delivery of best health practices emphasizing social connectedness.
Emily was born and raised on the west coast, now working towards her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville with a BSW. She has been working for the…
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions
- Member of the Leadership Team
Ethan showcases his enthusiasm for recovery and provides genuine compassion for individuals and families suffering from addiction disorders. Ethan is grateful for the opportunity to support patients taking their first steps on the path to recovery. His peers describe him as rigorously honest and unwaveringly compassionate. In his spare time, as an active member of the McCandless family band, he enjoys playing regular gigs with his musical family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Manager
Geoffrey grew up on Vancouver Island, graduating from UVic in 2002 with concurrent bachelor degrees in Mathematics and English. He spent the next twenty years travelling the Canadian prairies before returning to the island in late 2021. Along the way, he has picked up diplomas and experience in Business Analysis, Project Mangement, and Addictions & Community Support Worker.
For 30 years, Geoffrey has worked in Service, Hospitality, and Management. From neighbourhood restaurants to multi-unit operations, Geoffrey has always held to the highest standards of service and he is excited about bringing this skillset to the community at Cedars.
Geoffrey lives and breathes Recovery. When not involved in community service work, he can usually be found with raquet in hand on a tennis court or hiking the central island.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
Glen comes to Cedars with an extensive working knowledge of recovery and addiction, bringing over 5 years experience working with marginalized populations, addiction and the homeless. Glen is passionate about helping people beginning their journey in recovery, and in his spare time is very involved in the off-roading community.
Glenn was born in Ontario and grew up in sunny Tsawwassen before moving to Victoria. Glenn attended the University of Victoria and Camosun college before completing his Culinary Red Seal…
Jeanine was born in Ottawa, Ontario attending Rideau Secondary School through Grade 13. Jeanine's diverse career started in bartending, before working as a Teacher's Aide, in Carnival Exhibitions, owning her… Read more
Job Titles:
- Integrated Wellness Therapist
Jennifer is a Registered Massage Therapist, BodyTalk Practitioner and Reiki Master. She brings her passion for self discovery, recovery and healing to Cedars. Being a person in long term recovery…
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Member of the Leadership Team
Jo comes to Cedars with three generations of recovery in her family, including her own. She worked as an adult educator and a paramedic until an injury in 2006 led her down a different career path. Through this experience, Jo acquired an interest to guide people into new areas of life and as such, she completed her Master of Arts in Leadership at Royal Roads University. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is a passionate leader who carries a strong recovery message to her team and Cedars' patients. She takes pleasure in helping others discover new ways of living. In her off time, Jo enjoys kayaking, golfing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Her friends describe her as strong, smart, and intuitive.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Born in North Vancouver, Joanna has lived in Haida Gwaii, Kitimat, Vancouver, and Victoria before settling in her Cobble Hill home and garden. She cares for Maple house women during all hours of the night, and is always present with her welcoming smile and comforting voice. Joanna is deeply dedicated to her work in the field of recovery and offers her constant wisdom and encouragement "until the miracle happens".
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Worker
John has been with the Cedars team since 2010. He has been an empathetic ear for men to talk with during overnight hours. John began his studies at University of Victoria in 1974. He has worked with bioenergetic and gestalt therapies and applied himself within Personal growth workshops. John is an ordained New Age minister. Although not active in the church, John believes his mission is to help men who still suffer with addiction.
John has also studied visual art producing many works in two, three dimensional as well as video. He is looking forward to returning to art when the day comes to retire, (if his two springer spaniels allow him to).
Terrace born and Nanaimo raised, Jonelle's family immigrated from South Africa prior to her birth. Jonelle holds a BHM degree from VIU and an MBA from Thompson Rivers University. Jonelle was drawn to Cedars because she "saw a company that valued employee and patient health and development. I wanted to learn from people who were actively making society better." Jonelle brings with her a passion for mental wellness, finance, organization, and her dog Arlo! Jonelle believes education is a lifelong endeavor and hopes to complete her MBA and apply her new learning here at Cedars. When she's not at work, Jonelle enjoys long walks with Arlo, listening to audiobooks, and watching the same 5 shows on Netflix over and over again while enjoying delicious meals prepared by her husband. Also of note, Jonelle has spent time living in China as well as California, and can rap most of the early 2000s hot 100. To date, Jonelle's greatest achievement is winning a Dundie award for her Office trivia skills.
Job Titles:
- Spiritual Health Advisor and Counsellor
Karen was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. She moved to the island 12 years ago in order to be closer to friends and family. Karen's passion for spirituality drove her through completing a BA in Theology as well as some post grad work in Divinity. Karen was drawn to the Cedars community by its strong and amicable leadership team.
Karen brings infectious laughter and a wonderful sense of humour to the Cedars campus as well enthusiasm, empathy, and a passion for helping people "find what they need to live well." In the future, Karen would like to increase the prominence of spiritual health within the treatment process and continue to work with her friends. When she's not at work, Karen enjoys flying her many stunt kites, photography, and road trips. Karen is also a Commonwealth Games silver medal winner in Judo!
Kathleen comes from a background in social work (child protection) and psychology. She has been doing this work since 2015 both here and at Edgewood. She is passionate about horses and have owned a few, and she is soon to complete the Equine Facilitated Wellness program at Generation Farms. Once completed, Kathleen is looking forward to doing some of that work with patients too some day.
Krista is a island native that has worked in the wellness industry for 20 years. Before moving to cedars two years ago. As she was challenged with her own recovery…
Linda gained her Social Service education in Alberta but soon moved to BC and was employed at Nanaimo Youth Services for two decades working with individuals of all ages who were struggling with mental health and addictions issues
Linda comes to us with a wealth of experience from working in Victim Services, to Youth at Risk, to Employability programs and, of course to Residential and Out Patient Treatment & Recovery.
Job Titles:
- Financial Administrator
- Member of the Leadership Team
Lindsay is Vancouver Island born and raised. In 2020 her family had the opportunity to relocate from Port Hardy, where they had resided for the past 8 years, to the South Island. Lindsay brings with her over 20 years of accounting experience in both public practice and involvement in private industry. The prospect of being involved in something that impacted people's lives in such a positive way was what drew Lindsay to Cedars. During her down time, Lindsay spends her time with her husband and kids adventuring on the island, puttering on their small acreage, and playing at the lake.
I was born in Chatham Ontario and moved to beautiful British Columbia when I was six years old. Raised in Shawnigan Lake, met my husband in grade 9, married in 1998 and have 3 beautiful kids. Currently living in Cobble Hill.
Marnee is a lifelong resident of the Cowichan Valley. She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma at Discovery College in Nanaimo and continues to pursue training in mental health and addiction. Her goal is to become a Registered Psych Nurse. She is also a Health Coach at Slhexun Sun'ts'a' Clinic in the Ts'ewultun Health Center. Marnee's compassion, organizational skills, and determination are key elements that benefit patients on their recovery journey. In her spare time Marnee enjoys spending time in nature with her family.
Meaghan is a graduate form the University of Victoria, pursuing her passion in helping support individuals to come into Cedars as the Admissions Coordinator. I am originally from Calgary, Alberta and have been living on the island for the past 10 years. To play any part in someone's recovery journey is the greatest blessing there is. On my days off I enjoy fishing.
Megan recently moved to Vancouver Island to be closer to family and further opportunity to work in mental health and addictions support. She is passionate about caring for others and previously volunteered as a Crisis Line operator and helped run a Suicide Prevention non-profit in Fernie, BC. She also worked as support for youth in Child Protection. Her many years in the hospitality inustry prior to this helped strengthen her natural warmth and ability to connect. She is originally from Vancouver, BC and has overcome personal obstacles with mental health and addiction through ongoing counselling therapy and her love for spending time in the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Kundalini Yoga Instructor
In addition to being a nurse and certified life coach, Meghan is a Kundalini Yoga and meditation instructor. She has always been extremely passionate about mental health and addiction recovery and felt that Cedars was the perfect place for her to provide her health services. Meghan is a positive, optimistic team player and enjoys assisting others. She strives to empower women through life coach by helping them heal from limiting beliefs and suppressed emotions. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys hiking with her golden retrievers and participates in volunteering for youth women in need of love and light. Meghan is six years in recovery from her eating disorder and is passionate about assisting others in their recovery journey.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- National Communications & Marketing Director
Melissa Petersen has spent the last 16 years building and leading successful non-profit organizations in the field of addictions and mental health. She is passionate about walking alongside families as they heal from the painful impacts of prolonged substance use. Her professional career started in the private sector, later transitioning to the non-profit sector, making her an asset to every organization she's spent time with. She carries a range of knowledge spanning from operations, development, change management, communications, and marketing - she is a ninja at growing capacity, efficiencies while nurturing an emotionally intelligent workspace for all. She is a trained interventionist and certified recovery coach - which allows her to utilize her years of experience in residential treatment, crisis support and her own journey in long-term recovery. She is thrilled to have joined the Cedars' team on Vancouver Island and put her passion and dedication for recovery to work. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family (near and far), walking with her pup Gracie or exploring her new home on the island!
Job Titles:
- Accounts Receivable & Payroll Coordinator
Melissa went to college in Newfoundland where she was born and raised. She started her accounting career in Alberta in 2005. For the next 14 years she worked in Oil…
Michael was born in California but has called British Columbia home since the age of 6. With education in a variety of sciences, Michael joins the Cedars team with versatility,…
Michelle was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley. Michelle has been practicing as a Licenced Practical Nurse after graduating from Discovery Community College In 2020. Michelle has experience with…
Nigerian born and Vancouver Island raised, Mohammed brings a breadth of skills and compassion to his work at Cedars. Mohammed's varied career began in professional sports including time in both…
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Mr. Stacey Petersen has gained national recognition for his leadership in the addiction recovery and homeless serving sectors. He is a person in long term recovery, celebrating 35 years in…
Born in Ontario, moved to BC in 2013 after high school graduation to attend university. Graduated from VIU in Nanaimo in 2017 from the Culinary arts program. Continued on to… Read more
Nate could not be happier with his employment at Cedars. As an alumni of Cedars, Nate takes his years of addiction experience to work everyday, and tries to approach work…
Nicholas took his first primary care position as a Nurse Practitioner in January of 2013. After nearly 4 years with the BC Cancer Agency Nicholas started his BC Center for…
With nearly 20 years of experience in the culinary field, Patrick says that Cedars is by far the job he has enjoyed the most. He brings creativity, humour, responsibility, and…
Born & raised in Victoria, lived and worked on the mainland for several years, managed group homes for high risk youth and adults with developmental disabilities. I returned to Vancouver…
Rev. Pierre Leroux is an Ordained Minister with the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada and holds a certification of Addiction Counseling (CACII) with the Canadian Council of Professional Certification. For…
I was born and raised in Windsor, ON and moved to the Island in 2012 at the beginning stages of my recovery. I began my recovery journey in the summer…
Robert grew up in the Duncan area where he mentors youth in his community and participates in cross cultural workshops. He joined the Cedars team after assisting his brother who…
Originally from Alberta, Seth has traveled west, drawn to the peaceful waters and mountains of British Columbia. All throughout life, Seth has found great inspiration and purpose towards helping others.…
Shawn is originally from Calgary, AB and was drawn to Vancouver Island since he was a child visiting his Grandparents. He now resides in the Cowichan Valley with wife and…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Support Staff Member
- Community Support Manager
Sheila Humber is a Community Support Manager who supports both staff and patients to succeed in their everyday tasks, while managing a team. Sheila believes that she has to lead…
Steven is from Glasgow, Scotland and has lived on Vancouver Island for 20 years. Steven has worked extensively with the street community in Victoria and has spent the last five…
Tana received her Licensed Practical Nurse diploma in 2020, and set out into the world with a passion for helping people. With past experience in acute and long term care, she…
Hi I'm Teejay and I'm one of the cooks at Cedars. Behind me is a Greek dish called moussaka. I am of Greek and British Heritage. I grew up in…
Hi my name is Terra and I am a grateful recovering addict, I have 12.5 years clean. I came from a hard life that lead me to addiction, my trauma…
Coming from a background of academic and artistic pursuits, and more recently motherhood and doula work, Toni brings qualities of presence, gentleness, and humor to her work at Cedars. She…
Vidya has been sober since 2011 and has since dedicated himself to spreading the message of hope. Coming from an outreach background of many years working in non-profit recovery services,…