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
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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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Anthony Joubert

Chief Financial Officer

Anthony Joubert is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record in managing the financial operations of organizations across various industries.

Anthony Joubert - Chief Financial Officer

Anthony Joubert is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record in managing the financial operations of organizations across various industries. As the Chief Financial Officer at Aurora Recovery Centre, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the organization.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anthony is deeply passionate about the mission of Aurora Recovery Centre. His dedication to the recovery and well-being of individuals struggling with addiction is evident in his tireless efforts to ensure that the organization's financial resources are optimized to provide the highest quality care and support.
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Kellee Reid RN BN

Aurora Staffing Solutions
Director of Care Detox Management Unit
General Manager

Kellee is a registered nurse who began her career at Aurora in 2020.

Kellee Reid - Aurora Staffing Solutions / Director of Care Detox Management Unit / General Manager

Kellee is a registered nurse who graduated in 2001 from the University of Manitoba with a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

She had spent the majority of her career in mental health and addictions. 

 
Kellee began her career at Aurora Recovery Centre in 2020. 
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Gerry Verrier

Clinical Director

With over 35 years working the recovery industry and with his own personal journey through addiction and recovery..

Gerry Verrier - Clinical Director

With over 35 years working the recovery industry and with his own personal journey through addiction and recovery, Gerry maintains a youthful curiosity in how best to assist troubled people through their own personal journeys out of addiction and into a  meaningful and healthy life.

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Lisa Hancharek

Lisa Hancharek

Director of Activities & Events
Marketing & Social Media
Admissions Specialist

Lisa has been a part of the Aurora Team since 2017.  

 

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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Chantal Klainchar

Reunification Village Program Director Brandon & Outpatient Counsellor

Chantal Klainchar - Reunifcation Village Program Director & Outpatient Counsellor

Chantal started her career in Addictions and mental health with AFM (Addictions Foundation Manitoba) working in community based programs.

She joined the Aurora team in July of 2021 as a Client Care Specialist while working as an addictions counsellor at the Behavioural Health Foundation. She began counselling full time at Aurora in July of 2022.  In 2023 she became the Program Director of the Aurora Reunification Village in Brandon.

She completed her BA at the University of Winnipeg, major in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Currently finishing Applied Counselling Certificate- Specialization in Addictions, through the University of Manitoba.

She has worked to provide support to individuals coping with the challenges of addictions, trauma and mental health, and to provide a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment to work through these issues. Chantal work's to empower individuals to live a fulfilling life in recovery and achieve their goals using a person centered approach built on trust, empathy and respect.

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Staci Barnes

Reunification Village Program Manager Winnipeg

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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Tom Kowalchuk

Reunification Village Program Manager Thompson

Tom Kowalchuk - Counsellor

Tom found the gift of 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 as a member of the support staff. Tom is fully trained as a recovery coach and has since held the role of Aurora Extended Care Coordinator as well as Addictions Counsellor. 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.
Through lived experience, skills, and training, Tom connects with and supports Aurora members along each stage of their recovery path.
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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.

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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."

 

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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.

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Medical Team

Rhonda Anderson

Detox Unit Assistant

Rhonda Anderson - Detox Unit Assistant

Rhonda has specialized experience in the Trauma Unit, Emergency Department for 22 years at Seven Oaks General Hospital as well as 39 years total experience in the medical field.  While there she received the Achievemkent Award at Seven Oaks General Hospital and went on to lead the restructuring  of the new Emergency Department.  

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, walking her dog, baking, volunteering with the Women's Auxiliary and snowboarding.  

"I am passionate about working at Aurora and cherish the moment in our client's recovery."

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Gerri Lynne Cox

Onsite Intake Coordinator

Gerri Lynne Cox - Onsite Intake Coordinator

   

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Patty Medd

Nurse Practitioner

Patty Medd - Nurse Practitioner

Patty has a BA Honours, Masters of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working in addiction medicine. She brings over 25 years of healthcare experience, in both family practice and mental health.

Her focus in addiction medicine has been serving substance use disorders in residential treatment for Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. Her main roles involved providing medical assessment, primary care, withdrawal management and treatment of co-occurring disorders.

Patty has also worked in addictions research and as an educator promoting best practices in addiction medicine. She is dedicated and committed to those persons with addiction and mental health issues on their journey to recovery.

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Natalie Fontaine

Nurse Practitioner

Denise Redhead

Nurse Practitioner

Tiffany Toews

Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Team

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Kyla Dalman

Counsellor

Kyla Dalman - Counsellor

I've always loved helping others. After watching loved ones struggle with addiction and mental health, I knew this was the path for me. Supporting others while they find who they are and watching them leave knowing that they will be okay, it's a feeling you can't describe, but also a feeling that I don't want to lose. I love coming in each day, it doesn't feel like work, to me, Aurora feels like family.

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Ashley Casey

Ashley Casey

Counsellor

Ashley Casey - Counsellor

Ashley started her career as a behavioural therapist working with children with autism. She helped to develop programs as well as implement therapy to help children and their families live life to the best of their ability. Ashley developed many personal connections with her clients that she continues to see flourish today. Ashley moved on to work as a psychiatric nursing assistant and personal development counsellor before joining the team at Aurora. This is Ashley's dream career, she is fulfilled and feels proud to come into work every day.
Ashley has always been passionate about helping. Compassionate by nature, she has dedicated her career to helping improve the lives of others. One day Ashley would like to open a treatment facility or sober living home for families suffering from addiction and trauma.
Fun fact, born in Churchill, MB she enjoys travelling, has been to Europe and the Caribbean. Her favourite way to spend free time is outdoors, hiking and camping in the summer, and skiing or skating in the winter. 
 
 
 
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Tara

Tara Campbell

Counsellor/Knowledge Keeper/Indigenous Advocate

Tara Campbell - Counsellor, Knowledge Keeper, Indigenous Advocate

I started as a youth care worker in the early 90's, my interest changed to helping reunite and keep children who were in care with their families and this led me to W.R.H.A. and Metis CFS.I noticed how family violence was affecting the families I was working with and I became a domestic abuse counsellor and worked at a woman's shelter for 10 years before coming to Aurora. At the woman's shelter I found many of the women and our male clients as well had addictions as a coping mechanism for the abuse they were going through. At Aurora I find many of the clients healing from family violence.
My goals are to continue to learn in the areas of addiction and as a knowledge keeper. I see my achievements every day in being able to help how I can in our clients paths to recovery. I am honored to be a small part of their journey.
My heart is at Aurora, in our clients, our team and the sacred land and lodge. A fun fact is I like to sing and help clients have sober fun on our karaoke nights here. My spare time consists of family / friends time , helping run a drum group in Gimli, where we meet bi weekly. and going to concerts.

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Kayla Bilodeau

Counsellor

Kayla Bilodeau - Counsellor

I believe our lives are made up of stories. Stories that influence the way we think, feel, and behave in our everyday lives. Life isn’t an easy journey, and things can happen to us along the way. Sometimes we may take on narratives that impact us negatively, making us feel stuck, out of control, or overwhelmed.

As a counsellor, it is my role to help you uncover the conditions for healing and help you learn how to create or maintain new ways of being that provide you with the confidence and building blocks to create a story that you want to be yours.

I believe that each of us is the expert in our own lives; and that given the right conditions, this knowledge can be revealed from within. That is why I prioritize providing a safe environment that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship that allows you to feel understood and grounded, resulting in exploration, healing, and finding new and healthy ways of coping with life challenges.

I am an empathetic individual who wants nothing but the best for her clients, I offer many facets of healing by using an integrated theoretical approach that allows clients to grow in the ways that they see fit. I firmly believe that there are many different paths that lead to the desired destination, and therefore I practice in such a way.

I am a devoted mother of three beautiful little humans. I have a passion for the wellbeing of others and myself.  I practice living life mindfully, learning new things, spending the majority of my time outdoors, and when I am not out galivanting in nature, you can find me creating a new piece of artwork, or taking a new course or workshop to add to my toolbox.

I am an individual who has experienced a variety of life challenges, who knows what its like to feel stuck, and who has cultivated the help needed to overcome and grow from these life challenges. Overcoming my own personal challenges ignited my passion for helping others even more so, that I gained the knowledge needed to help others overcome the hurdles in life and aid alongside their journey.

My favorite thing about helping and supporting others, is the opportunity to be a part of their journey while they cultivate hope, and recelliency throughout their recovery.
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Sandy Sisson

Counsellor

Sandy Sisson - Counsellor

I have worked as an Addiction Counselor since 2017, where I first was employed with Aurora for 3 years. I went on to British Columbia and was an Addiction Counselor at a facility outside of Prince George, before returning to my Aurora family. My goals and aspirations at Aurora are to help people find a solution to addiction through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (focusing primarily on the program outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous), the disease model of addiction, motivational interviewing and evidence based treatment modules. I feel the element of success as an Addiction Counselor in a treatment centre is measured by the people that become willing, honest and open-minded about the challenges to their thinking and actions they are doing that treatment presents to them. I work at Aurora because this place has helped transform the lives of many people and their families and as a recovered alcohol/addict, I see the value that Aurora offers.

A fun fact about me is that I grew up on a southern Manitoba grain, cattle and honey farm and am quite an experienced apariast! My favourite way to spend my free time is to spend that time with my children, grandchildren and family. The most important part of my free time is spent with the fellowship of AA, passing on a message of recovery so that I can enjoy my life and spend time with my loving family.

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Kyle Harvey

Counsellor

Kyle Harvey - Counsellor

Employed at Aurora since September 2022,  Kyle was inspired to get into this line of work due to the impact certain individuals left on him. Being in the program of recovery he also wants to be able to help people avoid the long drawn out suffering that he endured and the pain he put his family through.

His favourite thing about working at Aurora is getting to see someone’s journey first hand and seeing them change for the better, getting their lives and family's back.

Also an alumni of the program, he wanted to work at Aurora because out of the many treatment programs he had been through, Aurora seemed to be the one that worked:

“The fact that Aurora offers such an individualized approach to each client for their recovery fits perfectly with my own beliefs on/about recovery. Plus Aurora got me more in touch with my Indigenous heritage as I was a city boy and had no connection to my culture before coming thru as a client. Now I get to help my people every day to break the cycle.”

His goals are to further his education learning about the human brain and psychology.

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Dean Malcolm

Dean Malcolm

Counsellor

Dean Malcolm - Counsellor

I am treaty with Ebb & Flow Ojibway First Nation. I have worked with Metis Calgary Family Services in 1998 until 2006. I worked as a machinist at Foremost Ind Inc from 2006 until
2012.
I have completed Circle of Security Parenting Program and am certified. I have an Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma from CDI College and worked at Native Addictions Council of Manitoba (Prichard House) for 7 months.

I have been a musician all my life. I started playing professionally at the age of 16 years old. I have performed with Robbie Brass and the Red Wine Band, C-weed band, Bert Todd and Free Bird Band. .

I now work at Aurora Recovery Centre as an Addictions Counsellor. I also teach guitar at Aurora. What I love about working at Aurora is the staff and the clients on how they change from day to day for the good as they work their program. 

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Wally Ranville

Counsellor

Wally Ranville

Wally has 33 years of continuous sobriety.  His experience includes 15 years of working  for Native Addictions Council of Manitoba/Pritchard House for the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.  Wally graduated from Red River College in 2009 with his Diploma in Community Centred Therapy.  

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Geri

Geri Lawrence

Trauma Therapist

Geri Lawrence - Trauma Therapist

Geri Is a compassionate therapist who has been working for many years with individuals and groups with a focus in addiction and mental health. She has also been one of the co-founders of Vancouver friends for life which supports individuals with life challenging illnesses. Geri is a somatic therapist and underwent a 4 and ½ year study through the Boulder Colorado institute of traumatic studies and is certified through this institute. She also completed an additional two year study with Dr. Janine Fisher in complex Trauma and dissociative disorders and is certified as a Clinical Complex Trauma Counsellor and is recognized by the international Association of trauma Professionals. She has also just completed a one year study in compassionate inquiry with Dr. Gabor Matte. Geri is honored to hold sacred space for those who would like to be curious about their well being.

In Geri's words: "
What I am passionate about is that this is amazing support that is being offered!!! In the work of addiction, we can be warriors in our work to destigmatize addiction and bring a compassionate lens to support clients and families.
We get a chance to support instead of shame and to build capacity where we do not have to be isolated. In any initiative that I have been involved with I have been honored to hold space for the most vulnerable and marginalized; these precious people teach me about life and living and to always be curious in my work and be teachable in all aspects of my own personal life. I love this journey called life and the many connections we make along the way. I am Truly grateful for all the support Aurora gives to its clients."

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Jenny Voth

Clinical Associate

OUTPATIENT SERVICES TEAM

Nicole Corriveau

Outpatient Counsellor/ Outpatient program facilitator

Nicole Corriveau - Outpatient Counsellor/ Outpatient program facilitator( IOP program and 6 Week family program)

Nicole was instrumental in the development of our Intensive Outpatient program and 6 week Family Program. She also facilitates both programs, provides individual, family, and group therapy, and connects with families to offer support.

Nicole had worked in the field of addictions for 12 years and has been with Aurora since April 2017.

Your 2-3 most impressive and relevant work achievements: I was given creative control to develop the 8 week Intensive outpatient program, to come up with the 32 topics and presentations for each topic. The presentations I have developed help an individual understand their addiction and provide tools to help overcome it. I have also developed a 6 week family program with 6 sessions and topics that are relevant to family healing. I have spent many hours working on and developing the programs for our clients. Information on addiction and recovery is constantly changing and it’s important to continue to research these topics so that our clients are getting the best and most relevant information.

In her own words: “I love helping people, I love having the freedom to create and develop the programming we offer at outpatient.”

Nicole proudly has 13 years in recovery.

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Nadine Lagasse

ARC Outpatient Administrative Assistant

Nadine Lagasse - ARC Outpatient Administrative Assistant

I have worked in the addictions field for 8 years and have been with Aurora since December 2018. Some of my responsibilities are answering inquiries and assisting members, families and the general public in regards to Individual counselling, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and the family program and I co-ordinate all individual counselling and program registrations. I co-create and develop handouts, documents and forms for all outpatient programming. I assist and support the outpatient counsellors in their day to day duties.

My goal is to go back to school and further my education to help better support the people I work with.

One of the things that I find that was impressive is the smooth transition from working in an in-person office setting (pre-covid) to going completely virtual. It was a challenging time and I was able to move things to a virtual format that allowed our clients to still access services and to stay connected.

I enjoy helping people and seeing our clients grow and succeed. I love working with my co-workers and we work so well together.

One fun fact about you - I have played the piano since I was a child.

Hobbies/favorite ways to spend your free time? - I like to spend time with my family and friends.

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Administrative Team

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Nicole Levesque

Front Desk Executive

Nicole Levesque - Front Desk Executive

A veteran of the front desk with over 25 yrs reception/ Admin experience in the field (Aurora 2019)

Nicole is your first point of contact at Aurora whether it be greeting you as you walk in the door or when you reach out to us by phone. Nicole makes sure you are taken care of whether you are needing help or if you have any questions,she can direct you to staff or on to our admissions team to assist you on your recovery journey.

Being at the front desk, she also assists clients with any concerns they may have, helping them feel comfortable and letting them know we are here to help in any way we can. Besides booking appointment for clients, she also manages out Tuck Shop(canteen).

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Teresa Thordarson

Front Desk Executive

Teresa Thordarson - Front Desk Executive

Teresa is a part of the receptionist team that assist with the day to day needs of our staff and  clients at Aurora.

Teresa loves helping people. She regularly volunteers and she also works as an Educational Assistant when not at Aurora.

A team member we can always depend on, we are fortunate to have Teresa as a part of the Aurora family! She is always there help guide clients, meet their needs, and assist other staff.

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ARC STAR

Debbie Buskell

Front Desk Executive

Debbie Buskell - Front Desk Executive

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Rebecca Johnson

Accounting Assistant

Rebecca Johnson - Accounting Assistant

Passionate about numbers and organization, I'm a detail-oriented and reliable Accounting Assistant who loves helping Aurora Recovery Centre manage their finances. I took Business Admin in The Pas Manitoba, my hobbies include the outdoors camping, quading and  spending time with family.  My favorite part of working at Aurora is watching the progress clients make during their stay at Aurora

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Diane

Diane Gallipeau

Accounting Assistant

Diane Gallipeau - Accounting Assistant

Diane Gallipeau obtained her bookkeeping certification with honours from Success Angus Business College.  She has over 25 years bookkeeping experience working with a diverse number of companies and is looking forward to applying her skills at Aurora Recovery Centre.  She joined the Aurora Administrative Team, as an accounting assistant in August 2023.

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Client Care Specialists

Silvia Harder

Client Care Supervisor

Silvia Harder - Client Care Supervisor

Silvia Joined the Aurora team in 2017 as the Client Care Lead which aided clients in their recovery progress consistent with the purpose, principles and philosophy of Aurora Recovery Centre. Some of her responsibilities is to be actively available to clients needing assistance providing conflict resolution, de-escalation and problem solving for clients. As alternative therapy she applies ear acupuncture, which is an effective way to treat many health conditions including addictions. She works collaboratively with the team of client care members in the best interest of the clients and provides training to new staff joining the CCS team.

She is part of the Health and Safety Committee, which is affiliated to Safe Work Manitoba. Silvia's certification is B.A in Psychology, specialized in behavioral Psychology.

Silvia's goals are to provide support and advocacy for clients and is committed to supporting their recovery.

Silvia believes in the healing changes that clients experience day by day and the changes they are creating when they engage in the program.
Some of the things Silvia enjoys is cooking, especially Mexican Food. She gardens and she loves dancing and is very active and appreciates
the summer time.

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Betty Jo Lake

CCS

Mike Steele

CCS

Mark Maire

CCS

Sandy Melquist

CCS

Jill Nomeland

CCS

Madison Thordarson

CCS

Sonya Johnson

CCS

Melanie Robertson

CCS

Richard Siwik

CCS

John Atchison

CCS

Shauna Rutledge

CCS/Emotional Support Worker

Edward Grant

CCS

Soloman Legesse

CCS

Nikolaus Backe

CCS

Carleigh Bourgeois

CCS

Culinary

Jamie Peterson - Executive Chef

Jamie Peterson

Executive Chef

Jamie Peterson - Executive Chef

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Sarah Morgan

Cook

Miles Nitchie

Cook

Andrew Blahey

Prep Cook

Autumn Ehrich

Kitchen Assistant

Jacqueline Lemay

Kitchen Assistant

Housekeeping

Leann Leduc Housekeeping Supervisor

Leane Leduc

Supervisor

Leane Leduc - Housekeeping Supervisor

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Venessa Park

Venessa Park

Housekeeping

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Rachel Bjarnason

Housekeeping

Tiffany Favell

Housekeeping

Maintenance & Transportation

Stephen Wolowich

Head of Maintenance

Stephen Wolowich - Head of Maintenance

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Kevin Carter

Transportation

Kevin Carter - Transportation

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Brian Spakowski

Maintenance/Transport

Darcy Lemay

Maintenance

Michael J

Michael Johnson

Maintenance/Transport

Michael Johnson - Maintenance/Transport

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Chris Arbuckle

Maintenance

Aurora Reunification Village Brandon

Arc Star Reunification outline

Coming

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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.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Name*
Name of loved one*
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