About us

Aurora Recovery Centre is a perfect place for those starting their journey to recovery.

Recovery For Life Is What We Stand For

Making the choice to reach out for professional help is always rewarding. Welcome to a lifetime of recovery.

Millions of people have achieved sustained recovery and you can too. We are a full service recovery centre located one hour north of Winnipeg, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba. Our program is built on the fact that addiction is a treatable illness. From our individualized treatment, to experienced and qualified staff, day one of your lifetime of recovery begins here.

This very moment can change your life forever. It gets better from here.

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See our sweat lodge and drumming area, located on the beautiful western shores of Lake Winnipeg
See our sweat lodge and drumming area, located on the beautiful western shores of Lake Winnipeg

Treatment at Aurora Recovery Centre

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Customized Care

We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment. Treatment at Aurora is holistic, evidence-based, specialized and tailored to each individual.

Recovery Management

Our recovery management system supports a full continuum of care, from assessment, to inpatient, to ongoing recovery management through continuing care for life.

Experienced Staff

We are staffed by experienced and credentialed, medical, therapeutic and clinical specialists whom we have hand picked for their dedication to bringing wellness to individuals, families and institutions suffering from the effects of addiction.

Strengths Based Perspective

All our therapeutic groups, individual counselling sessions, and psycho-educational components are presented from a strengths based perspective, that builds on the individuals existing assets.

Dedicated Team

As incredible as our facility and programming are, what makes Aurora truly amazing is our staff. A wonderful group of people who have dedicated themselves to helping others find their way out of the darkness of addiction and into the light of recovery.

Compassion & Respect

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.

AURORA RECOVERY CENTRE IS HERE TO HELP

Everything shared with us is kept strictly confidential and we’re happy to make recommendations if you need a different level of care than we provide. Feel free to reach out, we’re here for you.
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(204) 642-8058

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.

Leadership Team

Michael Bruneau

President & CEO

Mr. Bruneau, a self made entrepreneur, specializing in property development in Manitoba and Ontario for over 40 years.
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Michael Bruneau

Mr. Bruneau, a self made entrepreneur, specializing in property development in Manitoba and Ontario for over 40 years. Until recently, his main focus has been the hospitality industry. When the opportunity presented itself in 2015 he built and financed Aurora Recovery Centre as the original founder and chairman. Shortly after, Aurora was sold to a group of investors, and now six years later Michael has taken Aurora Recovery Centre back under his control and leadership. Michael is a visionary with a heart for people. For personal reasons, Michael has always had an interest in mental health and well-being. He has proudly put together a very highly motivated team to treat addictions and mental illness with a more holistic therapy plan customized for the individual's needs. With Michael’s leadership Aurora Recovery Centre will build a brighter future, give back to the community, build communities, save lives and save families.

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Mike Blahy, chief operating officer of Aurora Recovery Centre

Mike Blahy

Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Blahy,  born in Atikokan, Ontario bought his first hotel in Baldur, Manitoba in 1980.   Subsequently, he has owned and operated several hotels in Manitoba and Ontario.

Mike Blahy - Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Blahy born in Atikokan, Ontario bought his first hotel in Baldur, Manitoba in 1980.   Subsequently, he has owned and operated several hotels in Manitoba and Ontario.  Fifteen years ago, he partnered with Mr. Michael Bruneau in their first joint venture, The Gillam Hotel, in Gillam Manitoba.  Since then, they have been involved in various property developments and hotel acquisitions, including Misty Lodge in Gimli.  Mr. Blahy supervised the 6-million-dollar construction renovation of Misty Lodge (between 2014-2015) responsible for transforming the lodge into the world class treatment centre, Aurora Recovery Centre. 

 

In addition to his entrepreneurial accomplishments, his service work includes:  the implementation and coordination of Manitoba’s first volunteer ambulance service in Baldur, Manitoba, The Mayor of Shoal Lake (2002-2010), four years on the Shoal Lake Town Council, former board member of the Baldur Glenboro Hospital, and past President of the Shoal Lake Lion’s Club.

 

An avid fisherman, Mr. Blahy enjoys catching pickerel and walleye.  He has performed 38 skydives and he has been sober for 25 years.

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Les Jerome, a valued consultant at Aurora Recovery Centre, comes from Anishinabe / Michif heritage and helps us better connect with our Indigenous clients

Les Jerome

Clinical Director

Les Jerome, of Anishinabe/Michif heritage, hails originally from the Duck Mountains region of Manitoba,

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Les Jerome

Les Jerome, of Anishinabe/Michif heritage, hails originally from the Duck Mountains region of Manitoba,where he still retains close family and community ties. He received his BSW (1989) and his MSW (1997) from the University of Manitoba, specializing in Family Therapy and working with First Nations and Metis clientele; and he received his PhD equivalency (a Post- Masters Diploma) from the University of Calgary in 2007. He began his work with Probations Services, Awasis, Southeast Tribal Council, and the Ma-Mama-Wi-Chi-Itata Center in Winnipeg, later fine tuning his therapeutical skills at the Community Resource Center, where he served as therapist on a multidisciplinary team for four years. He moved to
Calgary Alberta in 1993 and spent time as a Child Welfare Supervisor (and later in private practice) before settling down for a 20-year tenure at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. After serving briefly as Program Consultant at the Nechi Institute in St. Paul, Alberta (interrupted by the COVID outbreak), he was able finally to work his way back home over the winter of 2021. He currently resides with his son and his Malemute in Winnipeg.

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TBA

Intake and Admissions Coordinator

TBA

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Intake and Admissions Coordinator

Bio to come

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Lisa Hancharek

Director of Activities & Events

Lisa has been a part of the Aurora Team since 2017.  She knows the importance of connection and community and loves to see residents rediscover themselves in their recovery.

Lisa Hancharek - Director of Activities and Events

Lisa has been a part of the Aurora Team since 2017. Previous to her time at Aurora, she was self employed for over 20 years as a professional theatre designer in the areas of sets, costume and lighting. She has also been employed as a visual arts instructor at the St. Albert Arts Centre, as well as a design instructor at University of Alberta, and Grant MacEwan University. After spending decades traveling for work she decided to settle down in her hometown of Gimli in December of 2016 where shortly after she found employment at Aurora.

Lisa’s role has grown from the reception desk and has become multifaceted. When the need arose, she took the initiative to organize and plan weekly activities and events for the residents. The creator of Kraft Korner, Lisa enjoys seeing the clients at Aurora discover their artistic side, a hidden talent or learn a new skill. Lisa encourages clients to open themselves up to new things and find an artistic outlet to reconnect with their families and friends.

Her goal is to help clients discover new healthy hobbies. With her new role at Aurora she looks forward to planning more activities and events for the centre, the clients, and the alumni. She knows the importance of connection and community and loves to see residents rediscover themselves in their recovery.

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Tom K staff

Thomas Kowalchuk

Extended Care Coordinator

TBA

Thomas Kowalchuk - Extended Care Coordinator

Bio to come

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Nicole Penwarden

TBA

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Nicole Penwarden

Bio to come

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Mark Shepit

Director of Health & Wellness

Mark is the Director of Health & Wellness and a key member of the Clinical Counselling team at Aurora Recovery Centre.

Mark Shepit - Director of Health & Wellness

Mark is the Director of Health & Wellness and a key member of the Clinical Counselling team at Aurora Recovery Centre. His credentials include: B.Sc. in Biology, a B.A. in Kinesiology and Applied Health, certified personal trainer (CSEP-CPT), counsellor (ACC) and a national level coach (NCCP II). Mark is currently pursuing a masters degree in Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba with a thesis centered around the efficacy of exercise as a behavioural intervention in the treatment of addictions.

Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and excellence to his role and it's a pleasure to have him a part of the Aurora Recovery Team.

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Kevin Koroscil

Spiritual Advisor

Kevin brings his dedication to wellness and supporting people on their personal journey of spiritual discovery to Aurora.

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.

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Wellness Team

Medical Team

Dr. Jonah Fulmore - M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Andrea Fulmore - M.D.

Medical Doctor

Patty Medd

Nurse Practitioner

Kyla J web

Kyla Johnson

Director of Nursing Care

Rhonda web

Rhonda Anderson

Detox Unit Assistant

Clinical Team

Kyla D web

Kyla Dalman

Counsellor

Chantal web

Chantal Klainchar

Counsellor

Staci web

Staci Barnes

Counsellor

Ashley Casey

Ashley Casey

Counsellor

Tara

Tara Campbell

Counsellor/Knowledge Keeper

Dean Malcolm

Counsellor

Geri Lawrence

Therapist

Erin McFee

Clinical Associate/JR Counsellor

Administrative Team

Kyla Welch

Executive Assistant to CEO

Anthony web

Anthony Joubert

Accounting Manager

Tami McClinton

Accounting Assistant

Nicole L web

Nicole Levesque

Front Desk Executive

Client Care Specialists

Silvia Harder

Client Care Supervisor

Teresa Thordarson

CCS

Kyle Harvey

CCS

Aaron Malcolm

CCS

Amber web

Amber DeTremauden

Aurricular Acupuncturist/CCS

Liberty Allard - McRedmond

CCS

Andre Furgus

CCS

Tyrone Bean

CCS

Melanie Melsted

CCS

Daryk McRae

CCS

Jill Nomeland

CCS

Allynne Wolowich

CCS

Linzy Muzyka

CCS

Culinary

Jamie Peterson

Executive Chef

Sarah Morgan

Kitchen Assistant

Housekeeping

Leane Leduc

Supervisor

Venessa Park

Viola Isfjord

Maintenance

Jason Nilsson

Stephen Wolowich

Transportation

Kevin Carter

Employment Opportunities

Aurora Recovery Centre is a private, residential addiction treatment centre situated on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. On 25 acres of private land, set in the serenity of nature, we are located one hour north of Winnipeg, in Gimli, Manitoba. We are committed to providing high quality treatment to each individual in our care. Through our recovery management systems, we ensure foundations are solidly built for sustained recovery. Many of our staff are in recovery and we bring empathy, expertise, and encouragement to each individual and family we work with. We believe every member of our team has a real impact on the care we provide. Our employees enjoy a meaningful, professional, and friendly work environment. We provide opportunities for personal and professional development and everyone is treated with dignity and respect at Aurora. We are committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion.

Aurora employs individuals in these areas:

  • Administration
  • Admissions
  • Continuing Care
  • Counselling
  • Extended Care
  • Fitness
  • Family Program
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
  • Maintenance
  • Medical
  • Nutrition
  • Support Staff (Member Care Specialist)
  • Wellness
  • Yoga

We are currently looking for talented, enthusiastic individuals for the following positions:

Addictions Counsellor

Addictions Counsellor – 12 Step

General: Reporting to the Clinical Director, the Addictions Counsellor guides the progress of patients through a progression of recovery steps and is responsible for the implementation of a full range of counselling services consistent with the philosophy and intent of Aurora Recovery Centre (ARC). For more information about this position please email info@aurorarecoverycentre.com

DMU Nurse

Detox Management Unit (DMU)

Reporting to the Detox Nursing Supervisor, the RPN/RN/LPN (hereon referred to as Nurse) provides competent medical treatment and psychosocial interventions based on client (hereon referred to as member) needs. The Nurse is responsible for the implementation of Detox Management Unit (DMU) protocols to safely manage the detox process from alcohol and substances, in addition to helping identify and treat members’ mental health concerns as members of the interdisciplinary team, consistent with the philosophy and intent of Aurora Recovery Centre (ARC).

For more information about this position please email info@aurorarecoverycentre.com

FIRST NATIONS CULTURE

Aurora Recovery Centre has the privilege of being located on the Western Shores of Lake Winnipeg, within Treaty no. 1 Territory.

  • GRATITUDE CEREMONIES
  • WEEKLY SACRED FIRES
  • REMEMBER LOVED ONES CEREMONIES
  • FULL MOON CEREMONIES
  • SMUDGING
  • PIPE CEREMONIES
  • DRUMMING CIRCLES
  • WATER TEACHINGS
  • CEDAR BATHS
  • GENDER SPECIFIC SWEAT LODGES
  • BEADING
  • MEDICINE POUCHES
  • RIBBON SKIRTS
  • DREAMCATCHERS
  • HAND DRUMS
These are the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota, and is the birthplace of the Metis Nation. We honor and respect the Treaties that were made on these territories in 1871 at Lower Fort Garry, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation, collaboration and healing.

Some of the sharing that has gone on over the years has included gratitude ceremonies weekly, sacred fires, Remembering loved ones ceremony which is a component of grief and loss monthly, full moon ceremonies, sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, drumming circles, water teachings, cedar baths, gender specific sweat lodge ceremonies, alumni sweat lodges as well as a variety of teachings. The sweat lodges are teaching, healing and sharing lodges. Some of the traditional work being done by our clients has included art, beading, making of medicine pouches, sewing of ribbon skirts, constructing dreamcatchers and the making of hand drums on an individual basis.

We also take the time to recognize, and pay our respects to events in our history and teach people about it from all walks of life. This might include recognition and acknowledgement of Orange Shirt Day or now known as Truth and Reconciliation Day. The events that took place in the Residential schools have affected those that attended but also the generations that have followed. We recognize them now as trauma and can be tied into understanding healing needed for those trauma’s as well as the addiction components.

This form is for family, friends and others with a loved one in treatment at Aurora Recovery Centre. For all other communication, please visit our contact page.

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