Program Directors

---

COUNSELLOR, MA COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY, RCT-C, C.C.C., EMDR THERAPIST, CCTP, C-DBT

Ashley is both provincially and nationally certified as a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) 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.

COUNSELLOR, ME.d. COUNSELLING, RCT-C, C.C.C., CCATP

 Heather is a highly engaged, empathetic, and compassionate counsellor who believes that relationship and connection are the keys to finding meaning and purpose in life. She is a member of the Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). Heather strives to create tailor-made solutions that will help individuals live their lives to their full potential. She is an experienced facilitator, career counsellor and spiritual guide who is passionate about supporting individuals on their healing paths as she employs trauma-informed, narrative, solution-focused, and strength-based approaches with both individuals and their families. Heather brings to our collaborative team, her experience counselling youth living with disabilities and mental illness who are transitioning to meaningful employment and careers, as well as working with individuals who are experiencing crisis and abuse in their lives and relationships. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Originally from Ontario and after having traveled all over this country, Kim MacPherson is excited to find her forever home here in Nova Scotia. Kim is a well diversified chef with over 16 years of experience in the industry working in high end restaurants across Canada. As a holistic practitioner Kim's passion for food extends right to the root and soil. Whether it is knowing where her food comes from or growing it herself, she uses the freshest ingredients the reflect the most nutrients and flavour. Kim is excited to join the Terradyne team bringing her experience in fine dining cuisine, multi-cultural pallet and education as a holistic practitioner to contribute to the symbiotic relationship of healing between mental, and physical health. 

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.

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.