Our Team

Meet Our Staff

Our members frequently tell us that our staff go above and beyond to care for them and we witness this every day. This is the most important attribute that we have for staff. They are all professional and do their best, but it is the little things that they do for our members that make the difference. And there are multiple examples every day in every department of the organization.

We currently have more than 80 staff and we have approximately 10 hours per day of staff time for each of our members reflecting our commitment to doing all that we can for our members’ recovery. We invest in continuing training and personal and professional development of our staff to ensure they are abreast of the latest tools for the safety and betterment of the member’s experience. We strive to have the best care, programs and outcomes. It takes the best people to do so. We are grateful for each member of our staff.

Below are some of our staff members for you to meet.

Management

Paul Melnuk

Founder and Chairman

Paul has led and directed many public and private companies in a variety of industries over a distinguished 40+-year career. Paul is deeply passionate about recovery and gives of himself in a variety of ways to help individuals and their families experience the sacred gift of recovery. Based on research, Paul believes that addiction and co-occurring mental health issues must be integrated, and treated with the most advanced and effective methods, concurrently for the best outcomes. 

As Founder, Chairman, CEO and owner of Aurora, Paul is committed to Aurora becoming a world-class treatment centre with a caring member-centric culture with the best professionals providing the most advanced and effective practices and techniques available, personalized for the unique needs of each member, all within world-class facilities in a beautiful serene setting. Aurora is well on its way to becoming the world-class centre Paul has committed to it being.

Email Paul Melnuk

Ian Rabb

Director of Business Development and Public Relations Officer

Interventionalists / Addictions Specialist

Ian is a certified Interventionist and has been active in the recovery community for many years, helping hundreds of people find help and treatment for addictions.

In 2016, Ian was honored and named “A Manitoba Hero” for his service work with people of Manitoba. Ian also heads Two Ten Recovery, a sober living organization. He was the visionary behind the development of Aurora’s facilities. Before that, he was with Winpark Dorchester Properties, a property management firm. Ian is a Doctor of Optometry, having practiced in Chicago, Illinois. He served on the board of directors of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, a Manitoba Crown Corporation. He is a member of the board of End Homelessness, Winnipeg and serves on the Community Advisory Board for The Homelessness Partnering Strategy. Ian speaks internationally on addiction issues as well and is frequently sought by the media as an addictions expert.

Ian was nominated as a Finalist for the Scotiabank Game Changers (celebrating local heroes) in 2012, awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012, Chair of a forum for Voices in 2013, and participant on the Provincial Meth Task Force in (2005). He served on the Homelessness Task Force 2014 and has worked extensively on the Board of Jewish Child and Family Services, The Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Health Science Centre Foundation.

Email Ian Rabb

Brenda Dilello

Member Care Management

Brenda Dilello has over 33 years experience in both Health Care and Addictions Treatment. Brenda began her career at the Health Science Centre and Grace Hospital where she worked in both the Medical and Mental Health Care units. Brenda has worked in the areas of the Chemical Withdrawal, Eating Disorders and Forensic Mental Health. She was also an instrumental part of the startup program for the extended treatment unit at the Grace Hospital for long-term mental health patients. Brenda’s experience in Intensive Care, Emergency, Recovery Room and Dialysis have given her a vast range of experience in medical health care. Brenda continued her work in the addictions field and was a part of the startup program for the Youth Drug Stabilization Unit. Brenda is passionate and committed to continuing her work in the field of addictions, and believes in maintaining a high standard of integrity, compassion and respect for her members.

Email Brenda Dilello

Jason Bekiaris

Sales and Marketing Director

Jason has over 15 years of marketing experience specializing in traditional and online/digital marketing. He has managed all aspects of strategy, branding, advertising and events (from development to implementation), public and media relations, community outreach, graphic and website design and social media marketing. Jason owned and operated a successful multimedia company, serving over 200 clients in the public and private sector, before transitioning as a marketing consultant for several industries across Manitoba. Passionate about the arts, he has performed in the music and entertainment industry, fundraising for several non-profit organizations over the last 30 years. His hobbies include night photography and personal fitness and training.

Email Jason Bekiaris

Tara Kirton

Intake/Member Care Administrator

Tara Kirton has more than 5 years experience as an executive administrator and was a contributor in the opening of treatment centres in Ontario. Tara is dedicated to ensuring that ALL members at Aurora have a comfortable, safe and positive stay. Tara also coordinates the transportation, to and from evening AA or NA meetings, airport transportation, and possible medical appointments that members may have while in treatment.

She also oversees the duties of our Member Care Specialists. The member comes first to Tara and if any member has an issue, she directs them to the appropriate team member. She also makes sure members/ staff are set up on bestnotes system and manages our Tuck Shop for member needs.

Email Tara Kirton

Detox

Dr. Derrek Jensen BSc, BSc (Med), MD, CCFP

Medical Director

Dr Jensen has played an integral role as the director of medical detoxification services at Aurora Recovery Centre. Having obtained his Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Chemistry and Microbiology at the University of Manitoba, he continued at the University of Manitoba to obtain his Bachelor of Science (Medicine), Doctor of Medicine and Postgraduate Medical Education in Family Medicine.
Dr Jensen is also the medical director of an organization providing medical care to homebound patients dealing with various medical issues which can include addictions and withdrawal management. In addition, he provides care to post-overdose, stroke, and brain injury patients at a local facility in Winnipeg. With an interest in opiate addiction, Dr Jensen currently works at a clinic providing opiate replacement treatment. He is a recipient of the Governor General’s Bronze Medal Award and maintains membership with The College of Family Physicians of Manitoba, Doctors Manitoba College of Family Physicians of Canada, and The Canadian Medical Association.

Patty Medd

Nurse Practitioner

Patty Medd has more than 10 years of experience working in addiction medicine. She has over 25 years of healthcare experience, in both family practice and mental health. After practicing in Northern Manitoba, she returned to the University of Manitoba to obtain her B.A./Honors, then in 2001 received her Master of Nursing Degree. Her focus in Addiction Medicine has been providing care in a Residential Treatment Centre for those diagnosed with substance use disorder. Her main roles involved providing medical assessments, primary care and withdrawal management. In addition, she provided ongoing assessment, management and treatment of co-occurring disorders. Patty has also worked in addictions research and as an educator in promoting best practices in addiction medicine. She is dedicated and committed to those members with addiction and related mental health issues on their journey in recovery.

Sara Magnusson

Nursing Supervisor

Sara is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse who graduated with distinction from Brandon University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. Sara’s strengths include suicide assessment, mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Sara’s background includes working with adults with intellectual disabilities, geriatric care, suicide intervention through Klinic’s Suicide and Crisis Hot Lines and home-based nursing assistance. Sara recognizes the importance of providing multi-faceted nursing interventions. Sara’s interest in addictions began at a very young age. Through her education and experience, she understands the importance of treating co-occurring disorders. She conveys realistic expectations to the members at ARC while provided a hopeful, professional environment for them to take their first steps on their road to recovery.

Shahid Shams

Nurse Practitioner

Shahid Shams has worked in the healthcare field for over 27 years. He started his career as a health care aide, then a nurse for 8 years followed by pursuing a master’s degree in the nursing field.
His experience includes northern nursing, working with First Nation and Inuit populations across Manitoba, NWT and Nunavut. Since becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Shahid has furthered his experience to working with not only a diverse population, but has developed skills to work with the elderly, specializing in chronic care. He also works closely with troubled youth in the city, members with mental health issues, and individuals living with addiction issues. Shahid has been instrumental in developing safe chemical withdrawal/ detox protocols.
Shahid has a special interest in working with individuals with addictions. Along with other held positions, Shahid is also currently working with an addiction treatment centre in the city of Winnipeg, more specifically MBATC. Shahid realizes these members with addiction issues most often have underlying psychiatric conditions along with complex social issues.
Shahid works autonomously, but also in collaboration with other healthcare team members to ensure the utmost care to his members at all times. Shahid serves as a role model to others, by supporting future Nurse Practitioner students as well as Medical students. He currently holds a position at the University of Manitoba as a Preceptor for other Nurse Practitioner students. 

Tamara Sawatzky

Nurse Practitioner

Tamara has 15 years of healthcare experience. She began as a healthcare aide in 2003, and graduated from the BN program at Brandon University in 2009. Tamara pursued a nursing career in critical care, and has more than 6 years of experience in the area. In 2012 she entered the Master of Nursing program at the University of Manitoba. Tamara graduated in 2014 as a Nurse Practitioner. She had two years experience in family practice, and the field of addiction medicine in August of 2016. Tamara’s focus at Aurora Recovery Centre is providing health promotion, medical assessments, and management of both substance use disorder and co-occurring illnesses. Tamara is passionate about best practices in addiction medicine and takes a member-centric approach to help everyone throughout their recovery journey at Aurora.

Janet Thordarson

RPN

Janet graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychiatric Nursing in 2015. Janet has years of experience working in mental health and Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Janet has always had an interest in addictions; and helping others through what may be the most difficult time of their lives. Janet has joined the Aurora team to help focus on counselling members and to help with assisting in their mental health, along with their recovery. Janet believes in providing the best care to others, and is a huge advocate for mental health.

Counselling

Chris Gaynor-Martens

Family Liaison Counsellor

Chris has more than 35 years of experience in social services. The last 10 years of employment has been in the area of FASD and addiction. Chris has his Applied Counselling Certificate from the University of Manitoba. He also has his 3rd degree Reiki Master/Teacher Level. Cultural awareness teachings and practices also fit in nicely with his Reiki. Healing and/or helping others reach a balance in their life is its own reward. Family Dynamics play a large role in achieving that balance. Chris is also a Dance instructor and continues to teach Ballroom, Latin and Swing in his community. His passion comes through continued learning and teaching.

Gerry Verrier

Clinical Counsellor

With his own story of recovery from an opioid addiction in the ‘80s, Gerry has worked in the addictions treatment industry for the past 30 years. Having worked with youth, adults, and families, Gerry brings a wealth of experience steeped in trauma-informed best care practices. Motivational interviewing and Applied Counselling combined with a deep passion for the success of addicts in recovery along with a tremendous sense of compassion for the struggles addict face in recovery, are what Gerry would describe as his contributions to the Aurora Recovery environment.

Jennifer Hearn

Clinical Counsellor

Jennifer Hearn graduated in 2015 from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She has experience working with people of diverse backgrounds, spiritualities, and cultures. Specifically, she focused on acquiring the necessary skills needed to provide comprehensive individualized care that supports and serves the individual’s needs and desires to maintain an independent and sober lifestyle. Jennifer’s personal interest in counselling has primarily developed from having family or friends who are in recovery from addictions and experience co-occurring mental health concerns. These situations allowed her to understand first-hand the challenges people face in initiating and maintaining inclusion in society and fighting stereotypes and stigmas about people with addictions while trying to access needed supports. She also knows first hand the challenges that can often be faced with family members and support persons who are standing by their loved ones in these situations. This led her to receive ASIST training to guide her in interactions with people experiencing suicidal thoughts or intentions while on the road to recovery.

Kevin Koroscil

Transitional Care Counsellor

Kevin (Nii Gaani Inini -Leading Man) started his career working in group homes for youth and obtained his youth care certificate through night school. He continued working with youth as a Foster Parent for 15 years, and sat on the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Foster Family Network during that time. He then left fostering to become the Coordinator for Aboriginal Services at Selkirk Mental Health Centre. He was part of a team of professionals who helped provide services to all First Nation, Metis, and Inuit members at the Selkirk centre.
After 3 years, he went forward to Coordinate a program called Exit Up with Siloam Mission. This program provided service to First Nation, Metis and Inuit young adults aged 18-25 who had been part of CFS and needed housing. The program provided life skills, support for appointments, traditional cultural teachings and ceremonies that included, sweat lodge, Sundance, moon lodge, and pipe ceremonies.
Kevin is a Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Conductor, Sundance Leader, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Uncle, Nephew, and Cousin. He presently sits on the Board of Directors for Thunderbird House.

Kyle Goertzen

Clinical / Addictions Counsellor

Kyle has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba and a certificate in Applied Counselling with Honours from Red River College. Kyle also uses his personal experience in recovery from a member-centered perspective. Compassion, non-judgement and congruence are the core values which guide Kyle’s work in addictions.

Melody Stevenson

Clinical Counsellor

CV coming soon.

Michael Rose

Addictions Counsellor

Prior to joining the Aurora team, Michael had his own private Counselling practice for over 20 years where he helped many who were dealing with addictions and other co occurring disorders. He then went on to College and got his diploma in Social Care with emphasis on Addictions.

Natasha Schreyer

Clinical / Addictions Counsellor

Natasha has worked in the healthcare field for more than five years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012 from the University of Saskatchewan. She continued her education and received her diploma, with honours, in Addictions and Community Service Work to enhance her career and professional ability to provide help to those suffering from addiction. Along with her degree, Natasha has ASIST training, NVCI, CPR, and mental health first aid. Natasha’s passion for recovery comes from her own journey through treatment and the miracle of working the twelve steps. She also enjoys practicing yoga and meditation and values quality time with friends and family.

Sandy Sandulak

Addictions Counsellor

Sandy has worked as a Case Manager for Ma Ma Wi, a Mental Health Worker for Southern Health, a Program Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Society and as an Adult Mentor for Ndinawe. Addiction treatment and mental health treatment have been her speciality over the last 10 years. Sandy has been trained in Applied Counselling at Red River College, NVCI, ASSIST, Mental Health First Aid and FASD. Sandy’s skills also include group facilitation. She is very committed to helping others achieve the joy of recovery. Sandy also has a passion for helping children in foster care and in her spare time enjoys working on her parent’s farm, gardening, and reading.

Shelley-Ann McDonald

Clinical Counsellor

Shelley-Ann has Applied Counselling with Honours from University College of the North. She has training in NVCI, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid Canada Course for Adults and Youth, Mediation, Vicarious Trauma, Outgrowing Addictions, Motivational Interviewing, 12 Step Programs, Therapeutic Community, Palliative Care, Spiritual Health Services and CODI. Shelley-Ann has more than 15 years as a Counsellor working in the field of Crisis Intervention, Addictions and Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders. Shelley-Ann’s experience entails positions such as Support Worker, Intake and Assessment Worker, Key Worker, On-Call Support, Holistic Therapist, Certified Facilitator and Indigenous Cultural Worker. Her passions and experience have always been in supporting family, friends, individuals and their loved ones, with their journey of new beginnings and maintaining a sober and healthy lifestyle.

Stef Meeroff

Addictions Counsellor

Stef has training in addictions counselling, stress management, crisis management and family counselling work. His work focuses on skill-based recovery, and moving individuals from active addiction to new opportunities. Stef began working on the front lines of addiction and recovery in 1990 at Covenant House – East Vancouver, and for the next 10 years worked with the addicted youth and the families affected by addiction. He then moved to Winnipeg, joining the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba at the Men’s Residential Program. Stef spent the next 11 years as a counsellor and senior counsellor at the Youth Addiction Stabilization Unit helping addicted youth and families. He was involved in educational presentations at junior high schools in Winnipeg, YMCA Programs, and the Assiniboine Community College. He was also featured in a 3 part, Shaw TV public access series, focusing on Addictions.

Tannis Ross

Clinical Counsellor

CV coming soon.

Veronica Dunn

Clinical Counsellor

Veronica is a natural helper by nature. Her undergraduate degree in Social Work and her current graduate research project portion of the Masters of Social Work, University of Manitoba. Her years of experience as a helper; working with youth, adults and families to promote their own expertise and healing journey. As a Registered Social worker, from the Manitoba College of Social work, she has worked with diverse and beautiful groups of people and is honoured to continue to do so, in a strength-based, solution focused and Indigenous ways of being. She also has training which includes Motivational Interventions, Brief therapy, WrapAround, Mindfullness, CBT, photovoice, psychodynamic therapy and various other modalities. She established a private practice working with Youth who were a part of the Child Welfare Systems. As a helper, she also participates in various community Indigenous Ceremony, prayer/smudging, sweat lodge and Sundance. Veronica is a non-judgmental, kind and compassionate person, who believes in a holistic approach which supports folks in all four aspects of human health and well-being; emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.

Therapists

Donna Youngdahl

Clinical Therapist and EMDR Certified, B.A., MMFT

Donna Youngdahl has been studying and working for the past six years as a marriage and family therapist, addictions counsellor, and family mediator. Donna completed her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg in 2018. With additional training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Expressive Arts Therapy, and family mediation, Donna brings rich life experience and theoretical background to her work with individuals, couples and families. A client-centered, integrative therapist, Donna works with members to address grief and loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict, childhood trauma, addiction and other problems, using a variety of therapeutic modalities. Donna incorporates mindfulness, creativity, intergenerational family therapy, internal family systems, narrative therapy, spirituality, and EMDR in her work with people.

Michael Kurek

Clinical Therapist and EMDR Certified, M. Div., MMFT RSW

Michael is a Marriage and Family Therapist and is a Clinical Fellow of the AAMFT. He is currently secretary of the MAMFT. Michael is also a member of the Manitoba College of Social Workers in the area of addictions. Michael began his counselling career while doing his Master of Divinity degree where he was introduced to the complexities of co-occurring disorders. He was one of the first HIV counsellors in Winnipeg. Michael’s approach to therapy is broad, having extensive experience with indigenous and marginalized populations. He has taught therapy related courses at both the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg. For Michael, therapy is a balance of body, mind, and spirit.

Samuel Whelan

MMFT, RMFT, Clinical Therapist

Sam is a Marriage and Family Therapist with education and experience in group, family, couple and individual psychotherapy. His undergraduate degree is in psychology and his graduate degree is Master of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Sam is a Clinical Fellow of the AAMFT and serves on the MAMFT board in a variety of capacities. Sam also provides Clinical Supervision for MFT students in the Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Winnipeg. One of his guiding psychotherapy principles is that the goal of treatment is to achieve our potential as opposed to changing ourselves.

Sam is proficient in numerous aspects of treatment and works from an integrated theoretical and therapeutic perspective. Some of these perspectives Member Centred, Attachment and Trauma-informed treatment; with emphases on addiction, anxiety, depression, parenting, grief & loss, relationship distress, and emotional expression.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Adrian Hynes

Psychiatrist

Dr Hynes is a psychiatrist specializing in co-occurring disorders. He was born, raised, and received his medical training in Ireland. He trained as a family doctor in England. After arrival in Canada in 1980, he practiced and taught family medicine in Manitoba until 1992, when he began training in psychiatry and addictions in Winnipeg and Minneapolis. He practiced co-occurring disorders and methadone maintenance in Thunder Bay from June 1996 until September 2003, when he moved to London, Ontario to become physician leader of the Concurrent Disorders Program in London. He returned to Winnipeg in July 2005 and is now based at the Health Sciences Centre. His official titles are Psychiatric Consultant in Co-Occurring Disorders to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and Medical Director, Co-Occurring Disorders, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg.

Addiction Specialists / Interventionists

Marla Goldman

Addiction Specialist and Interventionist

Marla Goldman is thrilled to be part of the Aurora Recovery Centre team. For over 25 years, Marla has been active in the field of addiction with a wide range of experiences. Marla began her career at Family Services and then shifted her focus to Addiction/Recovery. Marla has worked in Treatment Centres as well as facilitated Family Groups. Marla expanded her involvement in the field and became an interventionist. Her goal was to assist families in getting their loved ones into treatment.
She was the Executive Director of a charitable organization called Jacs, a successful outreach education centre that is still in operation 20 years later. Its principal goal is to educate the addict, alcoholic and family members who are seeking help. Marla was seen and heard regularly on TV and Talk Radio regarding addiction and recovery. She has made a difference in the lives of many. Marla speaks from the heart and keeps in touch with some of her past members. Marla is dedicated to helping save people’s lives.

Michèle Stanners

Michèle Stanners joined the Aurora Recovery Centre Team in November 2017. She is assisting with community engagement, branding, marketing, public relations and business development.

Michèle has been active in the recovery community for over 22 years and more broadly in the Calgary area as a creative community strategist and educator. Trained at the Harvard Kennedy School and MIT, Michèle leads an advisory practice specializing in growing the resilience of organizations and teams through community building, learning development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable brand value creation.​

Michèle is fluent in English and French and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Combined Bachelor of Law/Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta, as well as a Master of Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School.

Todd K Richards

Addiction Specialist – Interventionist, R.P.C.

Todd has over 25 years of experience working with people suffering from mental health disorders and addiction-related issues. Fluent in multiple addiction modalities and therapeutic philosophies, Todd believes in treating the whole individual, physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. Being very empathetic and compassionate, Todd relates to people in a non-judgmental, supportive and confidential manner. Todd is experienced in multiple levels of addiction treatment, from admission to detox, to programming and then discharge. Having worked with thousands of individuals and their families, he has touched their lives in multiple capacities. He is an experienced primary Counselor, addiction specialist and has performed over 80 Interventions across Canada. Todd has served as Clinical Program Director at two treatment centres in southern Ontario and has been instrumental in creating their programs as well as building their clinical and medical teams.

Staff Development

Dr. Bill Jacyk

Staff Development Consultant

Bill is a highly trained and qualified general physician with an extensive expertise in all facets of his work, especially addiction treatment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and adult trauma. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba. He held a tenured faculty appointment in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry for 27 years before moving to Ontario. While in Manitoba, he coordinated the MMA’s Physician at Risk program dedicated to the mental health of physicians and other health professionals. In Ontario, he was the developer and medical lead for Concurrent Disorders programs for Seniors and Trauma survivors at Homewood and GreenStone Treatment Centres. Bill received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002 and keeps up to date with the latest advances in his field by maintaining a professional membership with the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. He continues to serve as National Coordinator for treatment and education for Air Traffic Controllers and employees of Nav Canada. Bill has published numerous articles including the prestigious publication in The Leading Physicians of the World. Bill attributes his success to his love for what he does, and when he is not assisting patients, he enjoys golf and gardening.

Hildie Jacyk

Staff Development Consultant

Hildie began her career after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Manitoba. She established a private practice and focused primarily on women’s issues (women in abusive relationships, single parenting, and women with addictions). In her work, Hildie found that while experiencing the healing power of nature, women responded with greater ease. This counselling style naturally allowed access to self-reflection and self-discovery, which ultimately led Hildie to pursue a graduate degree from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California (known as Sofia University since 2012). Hildie received additional training in spiritual direction, both academically and experientially, at Loyola House – a Jesuit retreat and training facility in Guelph, Ontario. After nearly thirty years in her field, Hildie’s most recent accomplishment included the development of a strong and vital spiritual foundation within GreeneStone Muskoka – a private residential addiction treatment facility in Bala, Ontario; known for its holistic treatment approach. During her time at GreeneStone, Hildie was the principal spiritual director and grief counsellor. In her spare time, Hildie enjoys walking and reading.

Administration

Lianne Snow

Member Care Administrative Assistant

LiAnne was born and raised in a small town and relocated to Gimli with her fiance. She has 4 years experience in office and administration from helping her father run his small business back home. LiAnne’s passion for administration ensures all Members contracts are complete in a timely manner and that all software programs are up to date. After her office hours, she puts her Red Seal in hair styling to use to help the Members feel their best!

Email Lianne Snow

Samantha Hampton

Community Outreach Administrator

Samantha has over a decade of experience in healthcare and has worked various jobs in hospital settings around the province of Manitoba. Samantha works hard to coordinate activities for the members at Aurora, as well as coordinating volunteer and charity work within local communities for ARC members to participate in. Samantha is the coordinator of Aurora’s ARC Squad, editor of the monthly newsletter, and directs the annual Fun Run for addictions awareness. Samantha is dedicated to assisting and providing a well-balanced program of activities for our members to enjoy and building healthy outreach avenues within communities.

Email Samantha Hampton

Samantha Reis

Continuing Care Advocate

Samantha graduated as a Personal Support Worker in 2006 from Algonquin College in Perth, Ontario and has 10 years of work experience in healthcare field. She worked in dementia and palliative care in a long-term care home for 6 years following college and has worked in the addictions field since 2015. She has always been drawn to the mental health and addictions aspect of health care, as she has had personal, as well as family history of addictions. Samantha joined Aurora in February 2017 bringing personal, administrative, and management experience in private treatment centres that equips her to work successfully and compassionately as a Continuing Care Advocate at the Gimli Centre to ensure the best care and recovery for our members. 

Samantha has a broad role that includes, but is not limited to, assisting with recovery plans, discharge process, follow up calls with members, and setting up after care program supports to name just a few.

Email Samantha Reis

Shirley Finnbogason

Accounting Manager

Shirley was born and raised in Gimli. She graduated from Gimli High School and lived in the Interlake area before starting a family and moving North to Thompson for eight years. She has also lived in Southern Manitoba, but the with the Interlake area always calling her home, she returned to Gimli in 2016. Her background is in accounting and human resources, and she has received a degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Red River College. She brings with her over 20 years of managerial experience, having worked in retail and the hospitality industry. Shirley is dedicated to providing members and employees with a high standard of professionalism.

Email Shirley Finnbogason

ARC Counselling

Michael Kurek

Clinical Counsellor, Therapist, and Supervisor

Michael is a Marriage and Family Therapist and is a Clinical Fellow of the AAMFT. He is currently secretary of the MAMFT. Michael is also a member of the Manitoba College of Social Workers in the area of addictions. Michael began his counselling career while doing his Master of Divinity degree where he was introduced to the complexities of co-occurring disorders. He was one of the first HIV counsellors in Winnipeg. Michael’s approach to therapy is broad, having extensive experience with indigenous and marginalized populations. He has taught therapy related courses at both the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg. For Michael, therapy is a balance of body, mind, and spirit.

Nicole Corriveau

Addiction Counsellor

Nicole has training in NCVI, CODI Crisis Response, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Informed Training, and Motivational Interviewing. Nicole has 6 years’ experience working with trauma affected members of the Behavioural Health Foundation. Rapport building, active listening and team building are some of Nicole’s strengths. Nicole utilizes a combination of her personal experience and professional training to provide compassionate and insightful support to those with whom she works and respects.

ARC Fit

Eddie Miller

Kinesiologist & Trainer

Eddie has over 20 years of national award-winning experience in the dance, fitness, martial arts & entertainment industries. A degreed Kinesiologist and Master Fitness Trainer, he has helped educate and certify over 200 fitness professionals throughout his career. As an instructor, he has taught over 13,000 participants in classes such as AcroYoga, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Meditation, Pilates, Yoga and Zumba. As a professional performing artist, he has done dance and stunt work in film and stage, including dancing for Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Shall we Dance?,’ and directed a touring production company throughout western Canada. Eddie also holds black belts in both Kung Fu & Arnis-Kali, winning Silver Medal at the WSB World Championships in Knife Sparring. His care and attention to member’s needs are a priority in his practice.