Call 902-889-2121 For A Free Consultation
Call 902-889-2121 For A Free Consultation
Program Directors
Laurie Burns
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES
Laurie brings over a decade of experience in the addiction field to her work here at Terradyne Wellness. She has supported individuals from the initial stages of recovery through to managing aftercare plans. Laurie has extensive involvement in human services and in leadership roles throughout her career. With a background in women's studies, and having worked with women in addiction at previous treatment centers, Laurie brings a unique understanding of the need for treating the whole person during their care. Laurie's calming energy and empathetic nature are soothing for those navigating their way through the initial stages of their recovery journey.
Laurie’s role as Director oversees the complete care for each individual in the program by working with Terradyne's team members to ensure current best practices are in place. Laurie's substantial knowledge, and hands-on experience in the field is complimented by her approachability and relatability. Laurie is dedicated to ensuring that all of our clients receive the best care during their healing journey at Terradyne.
Clinical Team
Ashley Hunter
Ashley Hunter
Ashley Hunter
CLINICAL COORDINATOR
MA COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY, RCT, C.C.C., EMDR THERAPIST, CCTP, C-DBT
Ashley is both provincially and nationally certified as a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), and as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Ashley is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with the International Association of Trauma Professionals, and is Certified in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (C-DBT) which is recognized as the gold standard for treating co-occurring disorders of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and substance use disorder (SUD) - one of the most common dual diagnoses among individuals seeking substance use treatment.
Ashley is also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) - an organization dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of excellence and integrity in EMDR treatment. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.
Ashley enjoys helping individuals work through their personal matters in the most empathetic way possible and she believes that addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. During her master’s, Ashley focused her research efforts not only on the impacts of addiction on the individual’s life, but also how it affects their families. Ashley is thrilled to be part of a collaborative team that is dedicated to delivering exceptional addiction treatment services in a model that is devoted to supporting recovery. Ashley greatly respects and understands the bravery it takes to seek help with recovery and is excited to help individuals throughout their journey.
Edith Short
Ashley Hunter
Ashley Hunter
SOCIAL WORKER
BSW
Edith is a social work grad from Dalhousie University. She spent 20+ years with NSHA Mental Health and Addiction Services in various capacities such as individual, group, and community work.
Edith was working in the Halifax office when Harm Reduction was presented at the new "best practice." She has worked in the Detox Unit and was one of the first social workers to recognize the need for greater emphasis on discharge planning. She spent a year on the "Mayflower Unit" - Acute Care; which she states was one of the greatest learning experiences with respect to mental health. Edith finished off her work at NSHA at the Opiate Treatment Program.
Edith has since retired from her role in 2018 and found herself in a 'unique' situation. She wanted to go back to work and missed her clients. She has been working at the NOVA Institute in Truro - a federal prison for women since it's opening in 1995 and currently facilitates a weekly Substance Misuse Program and Relapse Prevention. Her experience, passion, and enthusiasm to help others dealing with addiction makes her a natural fit for the Terradyne team.
Clinical Support
Rose Reading
Terri-Lyn Foley
Terri-Lyn Foley
SUPPORT WORKER
Rose joins the Terradyne team after working for 30 years with the Government of Canada. It was there that she developed a keen interest in Mental Health and Wellness. Rose consistently demonstrates an empathetic client focus and fosters a positive healing ambiance. Her strong dedication to the Terradyne wellness program allows her to best support each client during their journey to recovery through an enriching environment. Rose enjoys helping others to become more connected to themselves and nature through various outdoor activities and guided meditations. She is honoured to become part of a team which surrounds the clients and themselves with open hearts and unconditional love as a source of inspiration.
Terri-Lyn Foley
Terri-Lyn Foley
Terri-Lyn Foley
SUPPORT WORKER
Terri-Lyn is a creative support worker having spent the past several years working in a mental health resource setting and in a previous role as an adult educator. As a new resident of the Eastern Shore, she is excited to be on the next path of her professional helping career with Terradyne.
Terri’s natural soothing nature is both inspiring and nurturing to the human spirit. As an effective conflict and crisis mediator, she is a strong advocate for vulnerable populations. Coming with an educational background in Disability Supports and Services, Terri-Lyn has specialized in assisting at risk individuals acquire tools to become independent and in charge of their own wellness in community.
Jason Bevan
Jason Bevan
Jason Bevan
SUPPORT WORKER
Jason is educated as an addiction counsellor and has been accredited as an AAC with the CCACF. In a private practice, Jason filled the roles of Intake Worker and Addiction Group Facilitator for an addiction aftercare and maintenance program.
Jason has over 20 years of experience in the recreation field designing, managing, and facilitating programs. He has worked in camps, detention facilities, and community centers to deliver programs. In his personal life Jason has a passion for canoeing, snorkeling and board games.
Jim Foote
Jason Bevan
Jason Bevan
RECOVERY COACH
Jim has been involved in the recovery industry for over ten years. He has experience as a Case Manager, Client Support Worker and Life Coach with certification from the Canadian Coaches Federation (CCF).
Jim is originally from Newfoundland, but before moving to Halifax lived in South Korea where he taught English as a second language at both Incheon University and Inha University.
Jim loves to travel and experience different cultures.
As a Client Support Worker and Recovery Coach at Terradyne Wellness Jim’s focus is providing support and planting seeds of recovery.
Healthy Living
Colby Karsten
Shawna Cavanagh
Shawna Cavanagh
HEALTHY LIVING COORDINATOR
Colby lives alongside Terradyne in Jeddore and is thrilled to be a part of the Terradyne team and work as the Healthy Living Coordinator. Colby studied at St. FX University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. Throughout her years at university, she had the opportunity to develop a passion towards healthy living and learn about what it takes to help others improve their well-being in a gratifying way. Colby is delighted to develop and manage a healthy living program for Terradyne’s clients to enhance their recovery. Colby will utilize her integrative approach to nutrition, recreation and spirituality to help guide clients reach their full recovery potential.
Shawna Cavanagh
Shawna Cavanagh
Shawna Cavanagh
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Shawna has been teaching yoga since 2015 and is thrilled to be joining the Terradyne team. She owns and operates her own yoga studio nearby the wellness center and has hosted Nature and Yoga retreats along the Eastern Shore. Shawna creates a welcoming atmosphere in her classes where the focus is on what you need and allowing you to be yourself. Aside from teaching yoga, Shawna has been a practicing Massage Therapist for over 9 years. This deep understanding of anatomy and body function seeps into her teaching creating an environment that is physically mindful and safe. Shawna’s classes have a way of allowing clients to not only explore their physical abilities but also opens them up to exploring spirituality on their terms. Shawna has lived locally for over 15 years and during her off-time loves to be in nature exploring with her dogs. She is grateful to be a part of your recovery at Terradyne and aid you in finding a version of Yoga that suits you best.
Samantha Shea
Shawna Cavanagh
Samantha Shea
RECREATION THERAPIST
Samantha is a Certified Recreation Therapist, who graduated from Dalhousie University in 2017 with a B. Sc, specializing in therapeutic Recreation. Samantha uses recreation and leisure activities to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of her clients by seeking to reduces symptoms associated with depression stress and anxiety, while building confidence and exploring healthy ways to socialize.
Aside from her work as a Recreation Therapist, Samantha is certified personal trainer who believes regular exercise has many wonderful benefits for our body and mind, especially for individuals in recovery. Samantha facilitates weekly fitness classes and develops individualized workout plans for clients based on their fitness goals. She is excited to be part of the Terradyne team and looks forward to helping motivate others throughout their recovery.
Kitchen
Rob Cutcliffe
Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell
HEAD CHEF
Born and raised in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Rob has deep maritime roots. Having travelled for ten years from the West Coast of Canada to Australia, Rob has a unique gastronomic style.
With a focus on fresh local ingredients, Rob loves to create healthy and flavourful dishes. Having over 20 years experience in a multitude of restaurants his passion for learning new and innovative cooking styles has always been at the forefront of his mind.
Joining the Terradyne team in August of 2020, Rob loves the opportunity to be creative in his cooking and interaction with the clients through weekly cooking classes. Having attended a treatment facility and currently being in recovery himself, Rob has a unique perspective on the importance of food during treatment.
Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell
CHEF
Following her return to her East Coast roots, Heather joined the Terradyne kitchen team in 2019. A lifelong travel enthusiast, she was located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for a decade where she was in high demand as a contract chef to private yachts cruising from the Caribbean to the Great Lakes to the East and West Coast (winner of the 2002 Newport to Nantucket Chef Challenge). Heather's professional credentials include graduation from the Boulder, CO-based Culinary School of the Rockies and Provence, France program as well as Health Care Aide certification from the Guelph, ON General Hospital. Although internationally accomplished, Heather still counts on recipes learned as a youth in her grandmother's east coast country kitchen among her favourites.
Operations
Amanda Evans
PROPERTY SUPERVISOR
Amanda was born and raised on the Eastern Shore and was a stay-at-home mom. She is still actively invested in her community and is heavily involved in volunteer work. Amanda can often be found offering her time at various organizations within her hometown. Amanda is a personable individual whose positive energy illuminates her working environment and she is a valued member of our team. Amanda is excited to be part of a organization that is devoted to helping individuals better themselves during their recovery process.