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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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.

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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.

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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

Dr. Jonah Fulmore - M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Andrea Fulmore - M.D.

Medical Doctor

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Patty Medd

Nurse Practitioner

Kyla J web

Kyla Johnson

Director of Nursing Care

Clinical Team

Kyla D web

Kyla Dalman

Counsellor

Ashley Casey

Ashley Casey

Counsellor

Tara

Tara Campbell

Counsellor/Knowledge Keeper/Indigenous Advocate

Erin McFee Clinical Associate

Erin McFee

Counsellor

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Sandy Sisson

Counsellor

Geri

Geri Lawrence

Therapist

Kyle H web

Kyle Harvey

Counsellor

Tom K staff

Tom Kowalchuk

Counsellor

OUTPATIENT SERVICES TEAM

Administrative Team

Nicole C web

Nicole Corriveau

Family Program Coordinator & Outpatient Counsellor

Nadine web

Nadine Lagasse

ARC Outpatient Administrative Assistant

Anthony web

Anthony Joubert

Accounting Manager

Nicole L web

Nicole Levesque

Front Desk Executive

Rhonda web

Rhonda Anderson

Front Desk Executive

ARC STAR

Debbie Buskell

Front Desk Executive

Client Care Specialists

Silvia Harder

Client Care Supervisor

Teresa Thordarson

CCS

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Edward Grant

CCS

allynne copy

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

Jamie Peterson

Executive Chef

Sarah Morgan

Kitchen Assistant

Autumn Ehrich

Kitchen Assistant

ARC STAR

Jacqueline Lemay

Kitchen Assistant

Housekeeping

Leann Leduc Housekeeping Supervisor

Leane Leduc

Supervisor

Venessa Park

Venessa Park

Housekeeping

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Rachel Bjarnason

Housekeeping

ARC STAR

Jeanie Collins

Housekeeping

Maintenance

Stephen Wolowich

Head of Maintenance

Darcy Lemay

Maintenance

Brian Spakowski

Maintenance/Drier

Transportation

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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

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 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
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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