Executive Director
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.
Clinical Team
Sean Gisler
CLINICAL COORDINATOR
Sean joins the Terradyne team from Australia. Sean was a registered psychologist in Australia where he took on the role of a dual diagnosis clinician at a treatment center. Sean moved to Canada in 2013 and has worked privately and within addiction centres across Canada. Sean has worked in all areas of recovery and considers it a privilege to walk alongside and support others as they heal and learn about themselves. Sean is excited to settle in Nova Scotia and be a part of a team that have come together to deliver addiction treatment that is in line with the very best practices in the industry. Sean understands how much courage it takes to start the recovery path and will support and guide you throughout your stay and as you transition back into life.
Ashley Weare
COUNSELLOR
Ashley is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) 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.
Laurie Burns
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
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.
Healthy Living
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.
Kaylee Dillon
RECREATIONAL CONSULTANT
Kaylee has completed her Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) in New Brunswick and her certificate in Therapeutic Recreation in Ontario and now she is excited to settle back home in Nova Scotia. In her leisure time Kaylee likes to go hiking, kayaking, and take trips to the beach. Kaylee will work closely with clients to develop physical exercise routines that will meet them where they are at in their abilities. She is excited to incorporate exercise and leisure activities into the clients daily routine. Kaylee plans on making great use of what the Eastern Shore has to offer.
Kitchen and Nutrition
Kim Macpherson
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.
Colby Karsten
NUTRITIONAL CONSULTANT/FINANCES
Colby lives alongside Terradyne in Jeddore and is extremely excited to join the team and work as the administrative assistant. Colby studied at St. FX University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. Throughout her years at university, she has partaken in many business courses which allowed her to gain a strong foundation of knowledge in all facets of administration. Colby has a love of life that is infectious, and it is felt by every person that interacts with her. Colby will utilize her integrative approach to nutrition and passion for the health and wellbeing of individuals to help guide clients at Terradyne Wellness to reach their full recovery potential.
Operations
Stephanie Hunt
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
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.
Rick Stewart
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
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
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.
Ryleigh Daigle
SUPPORT WORKER
Ryleigh is a Support Worker who demonstrates a compassionate friendliness to all of her clients. She holds a high honours diploma in Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Skills. Her empathetic spirit enables her to form genuine, unbiased connections with everyone she meets.
Ryleigh is truly dedicated towards helping others and is excited to be a member of the Terradyne Wellness Team. She plans to utilize her skills and knowledge of addiction to help build connections and play a supportive role for each client throughout their journey.
Courtney Peters
SUPPORT WORKER
Courtney has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and loves building connections with clients and helping people achieve their goals in recovery. In her leisure time, Courtney likes to be with friends or in the woods with her dog. Courtney has a warm, welcoming personality and is happy to be a part of the team here at Terradyne.