Operations

LAURIE BURNS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Laurie brings over 15 years of experience in the addiction field to her role here at Terradyne Wellness. She has extensive involvement in human services and in leadership roles throughout her career. With a background in women's studies and addiction treatment, and having worked with women in addiction at previous treatment centre's, 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 Executive 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 is dedicated to ensuring that all of our clients receive the best care during their healing journey at Terradyne.

KATHY DERKSEN

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

With over 20 years of experience as an administrator in both the private and non-profit sectors, Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge to her position at Terradyne Wellness Centre.

Kathy’s role at Terradyne oversees the administrative side of our clients’ residential stay and helps to ensure the smooth operation of day-to-day administerial operations at the Centre.

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 (CCC) 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.

Ashley is also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, highly effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.

During her master’s, Ashley focused her research efforts on the impacts of addiction on both the individual’s life and how it affects their families. Ashley uses this knowledge to employ a trauma-informed, person-focused approach when helping individuals at Terradyne.

EDITH SHORT

PROGRAM FACILITATOR

 Edith attended Dalhousie University and spent over 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 of Addiction Services when Harm Reduction was presented as the new "best practice." She worked in the Detox Unit at NSHA and recognized the need for greater emphasis on discharge planning and aftercare. 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 retired from her role at NSHA 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. 

Edith has been with Terradyne since 2019. Her experience, passion, and enthusiasm to help others dealing with addiction makes her a natural fit for the Terradyne team.

TERRI-LYN FOLEY

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Terri-Lyn is a creative support worker having spent several years working in a mental health resource setting and as an adult educator.  

Terri-Lyn's natural soothing nature is both inspiring and nurturing to the human spirit.  

With an educational background in Disability Supports and Services, Human Services NSCC, Terri-Lyn is an effective conflict and crisis mediator, and a strong advocate for vulnerable populations. 

She has also specialized in assisting at risk individuals acquire tools to become independent and in charge of their own wellness within the community.  

As a resident of the Eastern Shore, Terri-Lyn is pleased to be a part of the Terradyne team. 

STEPHANY LEWIS

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Stephany has a diploma in Social Services, a degree in Bachelor of Arts Community Studies, and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Social Work. 

Stephany has 4 years of experience working in a shelter alongside those who experience homelessness, mental health, and addictions. She has supported individuals through initial stages of change through to goal setting, maintaining, and creating aftercare plans for recovery.  

Stephany facilitates some of our daily programs and the Aftercare Program at Terradyne. She dedicates her work to providing ways to keep people safe, use the skills they have learned, build new healthy relationships, and maintain connections in recovery! 

Stephany has extensive experience in group facilitation, has filled the roles of a crisis counsellor, supervisor, and intake worker. Her positive energy accompanies her dedication to assist individuals in their journey towards a sustainable life of recovery.  

ROSE READING

SUPPORT WORKER

Rose joined 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 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 outdoor activities, guided meditations and Indian Head Massage. As a Level 3 Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, Rose also offers Reiki Healing Sessions. 

Rose is honoured to be part of a team which surrounds clients and themselves with open hearts and unconditional love as a source of inspiration.

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 centre's to deliver programs.  

In his personal life, Jason has a passion for canoeing, snorkeling and board games. 

CHUCK CRABBE

SUPPORT WORKER

  Chuck holds degrees in psychology and education and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) are his theoretical interests. 

Chuck has over twenty years of experience as an educator, child and youth worker, and coach. His work in these areas has focused on young people with behavioural issues and facilitating the transition from high school to post-secondary education and athletics. 

In addition to these pursuits Chuck is also a published fiction author and black belt in Wing Chun and Sanda Kung fu. He has four adult children and currently lives in East Lawrencetown with his wife.  

JIM FOOTE

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 loves to travel and experience different cultures. Before moving to Halifax, he lived in South Korea where he taught English as a second language at both Incheon University and Inha University.

As a Support Worker and Recovery Coach at Terradyne, Jim’s focus is providing support and planting seeds of recovery.