I am a certified instructor with more than 20 years of experience in Emergency Services. I belonged to the BC Critical Incident Stress Response Team for over 15 years and became an Instructor 10 years ago, recognizing the value of a peer-based program. I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding of Crisis and Trauma. (I have been on both sides of the table)
I have trained numerous fire departments, Police, Paramedics, corrections personnel, and industry professionals across Western Canada over the years. One thing I often hear is that my stories and background give it more value, understanding, and meaning to the CISM model.
In 2018, I recognized that First Nations communities were not supported when a crisis happened, and if support was offered, it did not consider past trauma or culture of that community. Since then, I have developed peer-based training specific to these communities to embrace their culture and respect their present and their past.
When creating Peer-based Programs, I also provide the tools and structure to continue your work on building a self-sustaining wellness program.
As a Trauma Counselor, I respond to Critical Incidents weekly and am requested to travel from the North West Territories to Northern BC. With this work, I have done thousands of One-on-One Interventions and Group Debriefings. The experience I have gained from my front-line work is valuable when teaching CISM classes.
In 2020, I initiated a research project on Mobile Work and Mental Health in the Oilsands with Dr. Sara Dorow from the University of Alberta. Our paper was published in Academia and has been instrumental in changing some workplaces. Since publishing, we have been invited to present our findings across Canada.
Critical Incident Stress Management - ICISF 