Our Team

Our interdisciplinary team of professionals, dedicated support staff and consultants all bring their expertise to treatment at Aurora. Whether it’s a clinical staff providing evidence-based modalities, a chef practicing their artistry with food or a maintenance staff tending the facility with care, we all share one goal, to provide you with a respectful, therapeutic and supportive environment. Many of our staff are in sustained recovery and understand the challenges that you are facing. We bring empathy, expertise and encouragement to each individual in our care. Each person on the Aurora team has been trained in best practices for effective, confidential treatment protocol. This wonderful group of people have dedicated themselves to helping others find their way out of the darkness of addiction and into the light of recovery. Everyone at Aurora is treated with compassion and respect and we are deeply grateful to have such highly skilled, enthusiastic and kind people in all levels of our organization.

Dr. Adrian Hynes, M.B., FRCPC, Co-occurring Program HSC: Psychiatrist

Dr. Hynes has committed his expertise in the area of dual diagnosis of mental health and addictions to the individuals in our care at Aurora. His work at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg includes training Residents about co-occurring disorders and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy. He’s been described as kind, dedicated, thorough, knowledgeable and patient by the individuals he’s worked with. We are honored to have his expertise on our medical team.

Donna Low, CCAC, Certified Satir Family Systems Transformational Therapy: Family Program Director

Donna has designed and facilitated several of Canada’s premier family programs. Her ability to bring genuine compassion to each individual she works with offers the perfect environment for healing. Donna’s dedication to bringing healing and recovery tools to families has allowed her to impact the lives of countless individuals. Those individuals have in turn impacted their families, communities and workplaces. In addition to her education in addictions and family systems, she has also studied child and youth care. Donna has been mentored by renowned expert in addictions, Neal Berger. We are grateful to have her gifts and abilities dedicated to leading our team.

Kevin Koroscil: Spiritual Advisor

Kevin brings his dedication to wellness and supporting people on their personal journey of spiritual discovery to Aurora. His extensive work history with at risk youth honed his ability to see people’s gifts and identify where they’re out of balance. His presence is woven throughout the fabric of the centre. Whether he’s working one on one helping someone discover their own spirituality, lecturing, leading a ceremony, or tending to the sacred land, his commitment is to help all people be well. We are so grateful for the wisdom, open heart and steadfast service he provides to everyone at Aurora.

Shirley Finnbogason-Yaremus, BBA, Human Resources Management & Accounting: Finance Director/Human Resources Manager

Shirley brings years of experience managing complex systems, a commitment to excellence and a multifaceted skill set to Aurora. Born and raised here in Gimli, Manitoba, she has a deep empathy for all people and an understanding that together we rise. Her strong work ethic and loyalty have led her to leadership positions in all her endeavours. Previous work as a general manager, in human resources and financial management have honed her ability to see the big picture as well as be detail oriented. We are so grateful for the excellence, empathy and leadership she brings to Aurora.

Gerry Verrier, Applied Counselling Certificate, CHRP: Clinical Director

With 35 years working in the field of recovery and 36 years of his own personal recovery, Gerry brings a wealth of expertise to his leadership of the clinical team. His work with patients and leadership of teams, all stem from a devotion to seeing people be their best selves. Whether he’s empowering a person to move from addiction to recovery or inspiring his team with mentoring, appreciation and individualized support, he always aims to bring out the best. He credits mindfulness and time spent in nature, the rocky mountains in particular, as the fuel that has allowed him to do this challenging work for so many years. We’re grateful to have his quality leadership guiding us at Aurora.

Specialists

Bryn Meadows

Master of Arts in Leadership-specialization in Health Care, Registered Professional Counsellor, Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling, Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor, International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, Canadian Certified Clinical Supervisor, Canadian Addictions Certification Federation, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator-Clinician, Certified Dare To Lead™ Facilitator, Addiction Medicine Diploma. Bryn works with disordered eating patients. Despite being highly educated, Bryn identifies her greatest source of knowledge as her interactions with her clients. She practices a compassionate, humanistic and person-centered approach in her work. This allows her to respect each of her clients unique challenges, gifts and perspectives. Bryn is a passionate and dynamic educator and consultant for several private and non-profit treatment facilities. She has shared her expertise in schools, workplaces, radio stations and A&E’s television program Intervention. Described as charming, authentic and well read, people appreciate her ability to explain complex information in an inspirational and receivable way.Bryn’s work has taken her all over the world and provided the opportunity to work alongside leading specialists in the treatment of eating and addiction disorders. She is proud to be a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator-Clinician and Certified Dare To Lead™ Facilitator. The work, based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, addresses issues related to shame, perfectionism, self-worth and vulnerability. We are thrilled to have her expertise, wisdom and compassion on our team.

Geri Laurence

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Complex Trauma Level 2 Clinical Counsellor, Certified Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor, Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Mate. International Association of Trauma Professionals Masters Level, Counsellor.

Clinical

Nicole Corriveau ~ Counsellor

Jessica Fletcher, Applied Counselling Certificate ~ Counsellor

Sarah Foster ~ Counsellor

Kevin Koroscil ~Spiritual Advisor

Grayling Malaterre, RSW ~ Counsellor

Darryl Mills ~ Counsellor

Nicole Penwarden ~ Clinical Associate

Joe Petriccione, M.Ed, LPC ~ Counsellor

Gavin Pringle ~ Clinical Associate

Aimee Schwager, BA Honours Psychology, BSW~ Counsellor

Sabrina Semrock ~ Counsellor

Kimberly Shaw, BA Adv Sociology, MBA, MEd Counseling Psychology, CCC ~ Counsellor

Our Team

Leadership Team

Specialists

Admissions

New Dawn Family Program

Medical

Administration

Extended and Continuing Care

Clinical

Facilities

Fitness

Nutrition

Patient Care Specialists