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.






Treatment at Aurora Recovery Centre

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

OUR TEAM
Leadership Team

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

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.

Gerry Verrier
Clinical Director

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.

Thomas Kowalchuk
Extended Care Coordinator
Tom found recovery with the support of Aurora in 2018 and is a very grateful Aurora
Thomas Kowalchuk - Extended Care Coordinator
Tom found recovery with the support of Aurora in 2018 and is a very grateful Aurora Alumni.
Following many years as a career professional in the golf and turf industry, he made the decision to join the Aurora team in 2019. He feels very passionate about recovery and all that it continues to give him. In supporting others on their road to recovery, Tom has turned this passion into his purpose.
Tom is currently studying to become an accredited Recovery Coach Professional. Through lived experience, skills and training, Tom supports members of the Aurora Extended Care program as they further develop the tools required to lead a self-directed life that is free from mind altering substances and build the skills necessary for a successful recovery from addiction.
Wellness Team

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.

Jacqui Kennedy
Massage Therapist
Jacqui has been a registered massage therapist since 2006.
Jacqui Kennedy - Massage Therapist
Jacqui has been a registered massage therapist since 2006.
Over the years she has completed many courses of continued education to further her skills in massage therapy as well as mental health. In 2019 she completed the mental health first aid course, adding to other modalities of understanding the body and mind (such as Craniosacral therapy, deep tissue, Thai massage, and annual CPR).
She grew up in Gimli, Manitoba, but had her family in Winnipeg. When she moved back to Gimli the opportunity to work at Aurora presented itself and she has been working with the amazing people at the centre since 2017.
Jacqui says she is so grateful to be a part of this team and that she always looks forward to meeting the people that are staying at the centre.
"It's extremely rewarding watching a person grow and understand themselves more everyday through the recovery program."

Sheena Kilpatrick
Fitness Instructor
Sheena has been teaching fitness classes since 1997. She graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education.
Sheena Kilpatrick - Fitness Instructor
Sheena has been teaching fitness classes since 1997. She graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education. She went on to complete her 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training in India. She has also completed 50 hour of Yin Yoga, 20 hour of Restorative Yoga training and 85 hour of Pre/Post Natal Yoga certification. She is a E-YRT 650 and is the principal instructor for a 200 and 500 hour Canadian Yoga Alliance Recognized Teacher Training in Manitoba.
In addition to Sheena's yoga certifications she is also a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with additional training in Pulmonary exercise therapy. She holds her Pilates, Tai Chi, Aquafitness, Group Exercise, Resistance Training and Personal Training certificates. She is an Instructor- Trainer with the Manitoba Fitness Council & Ontario Fitness Council offering many of these courses online.
Medical Team

Dr. Jonah Fulmore - M.D.
Medical Director

Dr. Andrea Fulmore - M.D.
Medical Doctor

Patty Medd
Nurse Practitioner

Kyla Johnson
Director of Nursing Care
Clinical Team

Kyla Dalman
Counsellor

Ashley Casey
Counsellor

Tara Campbell
Counsellor/Knowledge Keeper/Indigenous Advocate

Erin McFee
Counsellor

Sandy Sisson
Counsellor

Geri Lawrence
Therapist

Kyle Harvey
Counsellor

Tom Kowalchuk
Counsellor
OUTPATIENT SERVICES TEAM
Administrative Team

Nicole Corriveau
Family Program Coordinator & Outpatient Counsellor

Nadine Lagasse
ARC Outpatient Administrative Assistant

Anthony Joubert
Accounting Manager

Nicole Levesque
Front Desk Executive

Rhonda Anderson
Front Desk Executive

Debbie Buskell
Front Desk Executive
Client Care Specialists

Silvia Harder
Client Care Supervisor

Teresa Thordarson
CCS

Edward Grant
CCS

Allynne Wolowich
CCS
Shauna Rutledge
CCS/Emotional Support Worker
Dawn Peter
CCS
Melanie Melsted
CCS
Jill Nomeland
CCS
Betty Jo Lake
CCS
Mike Steele
CCS
Mark Maire
CCS
Culinary

Jamie Peterson
Executive Chef

Sarah Morgan
Kitchen Assistant

Autumn Ehrich
Kitchen Assistant

Jacqueline Lemay
Kitchen Assistant
Housekeeping

Leane Leduc
Supervisor

Venessa Park
Housekeeping

Rachel Bjarnason
Housekeeping

Jeanie Collins
Housekeeping
Maintenance

Stephen Wolowich
Head of Maintenance

Darcy Lemay
Maintenance

Brian Spakowski
Maintenance/Drier
Transportation

Kevin Carter
Transportation

Chris Arbuckle
Driver/Maintenance
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 (Client Care Specialist)
- Wellness
- Yoga
We are currently looking for talented, enthusiastic individuals for the following positions:
Addictions Counsellor
Addictions Counsellor – 12 Step
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 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 clients’ 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
Client Care Specialist
CCS
Client Care Specialist (CCS)
General: Reporting to the Client Care Supervisor, the Client Care Specialist provides support and aids clients in their recovery progress consistent with the philosophy and intent of Aurora Recovery Centre (ARC).
May be occasionally required to work extended hours. May be required to work evening and weekend shifts.
For more information about this position please email info@aurorarecoverycentre.com
Cook
General: Preparing and cooking complete individual and/or group meals. Some meals may adhere to dietary restrictions. Oversee kitchen operations, maintain inventory and records of food supplies and equipment. Set up and oversee buffets. Clean kitchen and work area, may also plan menus, determine food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, as well as monitor and order supplies.
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



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.

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