Call 902-889-2121 For A Free Consultation
Call 902-889-2121 For A Free Consultation
Program Directors
Richard Pingert
Richard Pingert
Richard Pingert
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Richard has been a practicing therapist in the field of addiction and mental health for more than 25 years and has spoken at national and international conferences that have addressed these issues. He is well versed in the process of recovery and has been fortunate to experience what works for clients from detox right through to comprehensive aftercare. Richard has been working in the public system for over two decades and is excited to bring his experience and knowledge to the private sector. Richard has a track record of ensuring client centered care and fostering an environment of community re-engagement. Richard believes that one of, if not, the most important factor in delivering best practices to clients in this field is a cohesive and supportive team. He is thrilled to be leading the team at Terradyne with their focus on providing the highest quality of care in a therapeutic environment. Richard’s ability to form connections with others and his innate altruistic nature, on top of his hands-on approach with clients and staff, make him a great leader for a therapeutic environment.
Laurie Burns
Richard Pingert
Richard Pingert
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES
Laurie brings over a decade of experience working in the addictions industry to Terradyne Wellness. She has supported individuals from the initial stages of recovery through to managing aftercare plans. Laurie has a particular interest in assisting individuals during the detox phase of their recovery. Her calming energy and empathetic nature are soothing for those navigating their way through the initial stages on their recovery journey. Laurie’s role will have her overseeing the complete care for each individual in the program. Her extensive knowledge around current best practices is complimented by her approachability and relatability. Laurie is thrilled to be a part of the Terradyne Wellness team.
Medical Team
Dr. Michael Gniewek, MD, CCFP
Dr. Gniewek is a graduate of Dalhousie University Medical School (MD)-2013. He completed his Family Medicine residency training at Dalhousie in 2015 (CCFP) and he currently holds a full practice licence from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
Dr. Gniewek is a Family Physician with the Nova Scotia Health Authority; Emergency Room Physician, Queen’s General Hospital in Liverpool, NS; and an Assistant Professor on the Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University. He currently holds membership with the Canadian College of Family Physicians and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Gniewek’s passion to address substance use disorder/mental health crisis in Canada led him to focus much of his clinical practice on addiction medicine. He was the lead physician on the assembly of the multi-disciplinary collaborate care team at the Spryfield Medical Centre which provides addiction medicine and mental health services as an integrated part of Family Practice. He also works as an addiction medicine physician at Direction 180 in Halifax and at the Queens General Hospital in Liverpool, NS.
Dr. Gniewek’s leadership will oversee the intake, assessment and development of evidence based medical treatment plans- this includes oversight and development of documentation for treatment plans, charting, monitoring/progress reporting, discharge planning and discharge reports.
Dawn Rafuse
DETOX COORDINATOR, BScN, RN
Dawn is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Mental Health and Addiction. Her career began in psychiatry and transitioned into community addictions work.
She has a passion for working with vulnerable populations, advocacy and harm reduction along with reducing stigma for substance users.
She is originally from Cape Breton but has been living in Halifax for the past two decades. She is currently attending Dalhousie University to obtain a Masters of Nursing with a focus on mental health and addictions. When not working or studying she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Blaze.
As Detox Coordinator her focus is to medically detox individuals in a safe, controlled and comfortable manner so they can return to their lives without being physically dependent on alcohol or other substances.
Judi McEachren
Judi McEachren
Judi McEachren
RN
Judi comes from an extensive 30 year background as a practicing RN in Nova Scotia. Her passion lies in sharing her experience with those facing mental health and addiction challenges because of her experiences in recovery houses, jails, and detoxes. Her areas of expertise include community outreach, addiction counselling, mental health work, and addiction support.
Halifax has been her life long home and she is a fixture in her community – giving back in so many ways. Judi brings a wealth of practical medical knowledge for our detox and her compassionate, non-judgmental approach allow for the exploration of new and innovative methods of treatment at Terradyne.
Alicia Martin
Judi McEachren
Judi McEachren
LPN
Alicia is a Licensed Practical Nurse who graduated from the Nova Scotia Community College in 2010 and has been practicing Nursing since this time.
Alicia's knowledge and passion for addiction stems from working many years in the Mental Health and Addiction field and through her own personal experiences.
Alicia is dedicated to her own recovery and feels privileged to have the ability to support and care for others during their own journey.
Diane Whitty
Judi McEachren
Diane Whitty
LPN
Diane is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) of 20 years and has devoted the majority of her career to mental health and addiction - helping individuals in each step of their journey. Diane has played an integral part in the start of the first private addiction clinic in PEI and brings her vast knowledge to Terradyne. Diane believes that addiction recovery involves the whole person; physical, mental, spiritual and cultural and is passionate in helping each individual in their journey for their greatest success.
Clinical Team
Ashley Weare
Heather Deighan
Heather Deighan
COUNSELLOR, MA COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY, RCT-C, CCTP
Ashley is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with the International Association of Trauma Professionals, and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Ashley enjoys helping individuals work through their personal matters in the most empathetic way possible and she believes that addictions 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.
Heather Deighan
Heather Deighan
Heather Deighan
COUNSELLOR, ME.d. COUNSELLING, RCT-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.
Clinical Support
Rose Reading
Crystal Tobin Legere
Crystal Tobin Legere
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.
Crystal Tobin Legere
Crystal Tobin Legere
Crystal Tobin Legere
SUPPORT WORKER
Crystal is a motivated and enthusiastic community connector. In previous roles, she has worked within acute mental health and addictions, provincial and federal government health projects, adult education initiatives as well as non-profit provincial program management.
Crystal is a Mental Health Commission of Canada certified Mental Health First- Aid instructor and is dedicated to the mental health promotion movement. As a health promotion and community engagement consultant, she is an advocate for services to be not only person-centered but, ultimately, person-driven. Crystal works with organizations big and small to improve the health and well-being of people and their communities.
Ben Stewart
Crystal Tobin Legere
Ben Stewart
SUPPORT WORKER
Benjamin is a freelance film writer & director who fell in love with filmmaking when he was 15 years old. He has directed multiple one hour documentaries, a 13 x 1 hour television series, and several short form passion projects.
When Ben is not working on his latest project, he dedicates his time to health & wellness. Ben’s journey through personal wellness led him to Terradyne Wellness Center, where he now offers his unique perspectives to the role of support staff.
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.
Tammy Turple
Shawna Cavanagh
Tammy Turple
WELLNESS PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Tammy has been working in recreation and community non -profit management for over a decade. She values human connection immensely, and knows that through authentic connection, people thrive and grow in meaningful ways.
Tammy holds certifications in Fitness, Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, EFT and is a practicing Yogic Life and Emotional Wellness Coach. She has a passion for all practices that are of a healing nature, that contribute to the whole person and their overall wellness. Her teaching style allows people to receive what they need in that very moment, with a demonstrated devotion to supporting others in a way that allows for self-reflection, healing and personal growth. She is grateful to be a part of your journey at Terradyne
Kitchen
Kim Macpherson
Heather Mitchell
Heather Mitchell
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.
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
Stephanie Hunt
Stephanie Hunt
Stephanie Hunt
HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR
Stephanie provides Administrative support to the Terradyne team. Stephanie is originally from Newfoundland but has worked in various Administrative/Human Resources roles for over a decade with a prominent Industrial Health and Safety Company in Alberta. Stephanie can connect with people and meet them at whatever stage in life they happen to be at the time. It is this deep empathy that makes Stephanie an important part of the Terradyne team. Stephanie’s organizational skills and knowledge around policies and procedures will ensure clients experience a seamless transition entering the recovery center and again when they depart to return to their daily lives. ephanie provides Administrative support to the Terradyne team. Stephanie is originally from Newfoundland but has worked in various Administrative/Human Resources roles for over a decade with a prominent Industrial Health and Safety Company in Alberta. Stephanie can connect with people and meet them at whatever stage in life they happen to be at the time. It is this deep empathy that makes Stephanie an important part of the Terradyne team. Stephanie’s organizational skills and knowledge around policies and procedures will ensure clients experience a seamless transition entering the recovery center and again when they depart to return to their daily lives.
Rick Stewart
Stephanie Hunt
Stephanie Hunt
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
Ricks joins the Terradyne team after working many years in building maintenance/operations. He has also spent numerous years caring for vulnerable members of our community as a foster parent. He has a varied understanding of the impact of addiction on individuals and families and is looking forward to his position as a support person on the Terradyne team.
Amanda Evans
Amanda Evans
Amanda Evans
HOUSEKEEPING
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.
Angela Lyons
Amanda Evans
Amanda Evans
HOUSEKEEPING
Angela has lived in Nova Scotia all her life but has resided in Jeddore with her family for over 20 years. Angela is a kind soul who is friendly with everyone that she meets. Angela takes pride in the fact that she is part of such a dedicated and passionate team. She has many years of experience working with people in customer service industry and various hospitality roles.