Our Team at Sunshine Coast Health Centre

We are a group of highly educated and trained professionals with a proven record of successfully treating mental health issues such as addiction, trauma, and depression. Our commitment to the whole human being means having staff who specialize in the physical (medical, fitness, diet), the psychological (psychotherapy), social, and spiritual aspects of recovery.

Medical Services

Dr. Jacques du Toit
Medical Director | MB, ChB, ISAM

Dr. Jacques du Toit

Medical Director | MB, ChB, ISAM

Dr. du Toit has been the Medical Director at Sunshine Coast Health Center since its inception in 2004 and is now responsible for the delivery of medical services at Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic. He is certified with the International Society of Addiction Medicine and has been the personal physician to over 3000 clients in that time.

Dr. du Toit is originally from South Africa where he received his formal education at Stellenbosch University.

Stuart Howard
Psychiatrist | MD, FRCP(C)

Stuart Howard

Psychiatrist | MD, FRCP(C)

Dr. Howard immigrated to Canada in 1991 where he began his practice at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook. In 2007, he joined Sunshine Coast Health Centre and has been providing in depth assessment and psychiatric care to all of our clients ever since. Dr. Howard has a background in treating women with mental health and addiction issues as well as a specialty in helping those suffering from trauma and PTSD. Dr. Howard received his formal education at University of Capetown in South Africa

Jennifer Herron
Jennifer Murray
Nursing Director | RPN

Jennifer Murray

Nursing Director | RPN

Jennifer is responsible for all nursing services at Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic. Previously, Jennifer managed Seaside Wellness Centre, a residential addiction program for women. After working numerous responsibilities at Powell River General Hospital, Jennifer decided to make addictions and mental health her focus.

In 2019, Jennifer received official RPN (Registered Psychiatric Nurse) status. In addition to her daily tasks as Medical Services Manager, Jennifer is a lead team member in the psychiatry department, conducting clients assessments and oversees all medical monitoring.

Nursing Team

Ursula Gould
Nursing Supervisor | LPN
Danielle Foster
Nurse | RPN
Allison White
MOA
Alysha Poulin
Nurse | LPN
Cherissa MacNeil
Nurse | LPN
Geoff Schulkowsky
Nurse | LPN
Jean Daly
Nurse | LPN
Jonathan Huck
Nurse | LPN
Kaela Gifford
Nurse | LPN
Katie Koelewyn
Nurse | LPN
Kerrie Hughes
Kerrie Hughes
Kirsten Angell
Nurse | LPN
Laila Fricker
NURSE | LPN
Richard Tattersall
Nurse | LPN
Terry Griffith
Nurse | LPN
Victoria Myers
Nurse | LPN
Brittany Bellham
Nurse | LPN

Clinical Services

Geoff Thompson
Program Director | PhD, CCC

Geoff Thompson

Program Director | PhD, CCC

Since joining us in 2007, Geoff has demonstrated an exemplary ability to connect with clients. An extensive background in both residential and outpatient addiction treatment has helped Geoff keep things in perspective when clients feel overwhelmed.

Geoff earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Saybrook University and is a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. He spent several years as a Clinical Addictions Counsellor at Maple Ridge Treatment Centre in British Columbia and also managed two provincial government treatment programs. Geoff is also the Executive Director for the International Network on Personal Meaning, managing editor of the International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, and Program Director of its biennial Meaning Conference. 

Among his publications are:

You can also find Geoff’s articles in the following: 

Carissa Muth
Clinical Director | Psy. D, Registered Psychologist

Carissa Muth

Clinical Director | Psy. D, Registered Psychologist

Dr. Carissa Muth is a registered psychologist in Alberta and British Columbia and the Clinical Director at the Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic.  She holds a Doctorate of Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees and has run a private practice in Alberta for the last ten years.

With over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Muth has provided psychological assessments, therapeutic treatments and conducted research in the field of substance addictions and co-morbid psychological disorders. With both a passion for learning and teaching, Dr. Muth has presented her research and expertise across the country at a variety of mental health conferences.

Cameron Wharram
Psychotherapist | MA, RCC

Cameron Wharram

Psychotherapist | MA, RCC

For 10 years, Cameron’s career has focused on helping humans nurture and challenge themselves to build meaningful lives that align with their core values. He has had the privilege to meet people walking through a variety of journeys, working as a clinician, coach, mindfulness teacher, and personal trainer.

Cameron approaches each person whom he has the opportunity to work with from a functional contextual lens. This means that rather than judging certain behaviours and choices as good or bad, Cameron’s work focuses on exploring how certain behaviours and beliefs have come to develop and what function they serve now. With increased self-awareness, clients can begin implementing new behaviours and cultivating new core beliefs that may better serve their own unique circumstances.

Laura Cocksedge
Psychotherapist | MC, RCC

Laura Cocksedge

Psychotherapist | MC, RCC

Laura is a psychotherapist with experience in supporting individuals, families, and groups navigate the language of behaviour from developmental disabilities to trauma to daring to do differently. When we can make sense of our responses to our social world we gain an understanding of how we find dignity, meaning and purpose. Our behaviour is understandable when we can put it into a relational, or social, context. Laura will often incorporate approaches such as narrative, existential, response-based, and brief therapies. Essentially, Laura’s is a practice built on feminist ideology that reveals strengths and resilience. Counselling is a personal, individual process, or journey, built on what is important to the client.

 Laura holds a Bachelors of Child and Youth Care and a Masters in Counselling. She has experience working with children living with complex developmental disabilities, including teaching in the field of early childhood education, as well as working with marginalized families.  Laura’s work experience in Air Traffic Control introduced her to the complex understandings of systems thinking and the inter-connectedness of the human experience.

Lisa Shatzky
Psychotherapist | BA, BSW, MSW, RCC, ACS

Lisa Shatzky

Psychotherapist | BA, BSW, MSW, RCC, ACS

I have been working as a psychotherapist for almost  30 years,  specializing in childhood and adult trauma, complex trauma, loss and grief, addictions,  life transitions, and crises of meaning. During this time I have also taught psychology courses for many years at City University and at the Justice Institute of BC where I helped develop the original  SAIP program and bring it to remote communities across the province. My work has its roots in humanistic and existential psychology, as well as family systems theory and Jungian process psychology. I have studied meditation with Thich Nhat Hanh in France over the years and have done some dream work training in Zurich at the C.G Jung Institute.
For me, therapy is a journey to rediscover oneself with greater authenticity and compassion while at the same time bringing these qualities to all our relationships.  I believe therapy allows us to transform loss and trauma into hope and create a new vision for ourselves as we find more joy, meaning, and presence in each new day. I feel an immense privilege to be involved in this work.
Emmett Martyniuk
Psychotherapist | RPC

Emmett Martyniuk

Psychotherapist | RPC

Clare Liggett
PSYCHOTHERAPIST | MA

Clare Liggett

PSYCHOTHERAPIST | MA

Sarah Quibell
Psychotherapist | MA, RCC

Sarah Quibell

Psychotherapist | MA, RCC

Deanna Ishawk
Hakomi Practitioner

Deanna Ishawk

Hakomi Practitioner

Deanna is originally from Ontario and settled in Powell River over 18 years ago to raise her son.  
She is an RN of 20 years but her passion lies in helping others in a more holistic and nourishing way. She discovered Hakomi during her own healing journey and has been hooked ever since. She is also a Yoga Instructor and loves guiding others to discover themselves through breath and movement.  
Deanna has a private practice in town where she offers Thai Yoga Massage, Reiki, and Hakomi Counselling.
She is an avid gardener, traveller, a lover of nature and loves anything that involves being on the water. She loves being active and will often be out hiking or snowboarding whenever there’s snow.  
Nicolas Marius
Clay Field & Writing Therapist

Nicolas Marius

Clay Field & Writing Therapist

Catherine Calder
Case Manager | BHE, BSW, RSW

Catherine Calder

Case Manager | BHE, BSW, RSW

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Human Ecology degree and a Bachelor of Social Work degree and is a registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers. With over 20 years of experience supporting people in various social service organizations, Catherine is passionate about continued learning and supporting people to reach their potential. She works from a strengths-based, person-centred, trauma-informed and inclusive approach. Catherine moved to qathet in 2020 (won over by its natural beauty and people) and her most recent employment has been as a mental health worker, family services social worker (MCFD) and a pregnancy harm reduction outreach worker.

Amanda Beardmore
CASE MANAGER | RPN

Amanda Beardmore

CASE MANAGER | RPN

Heidi Bastien
CASE MANAGER | RPN

Heidi Bastien

CASE MANAGER | RPN

Theo Rosenfeld
Case Manager | BSc, RPN

Theo Rosenfeld

Case Manager | BSc, RPN

Theo provided mental health support in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for over 10 years before earning a degree in cognitive neuroscience and then becoming a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. In his role as Case Manager, Theo provides small-group therapy and delivers workshops for clients in both the GSWC and SCHC programs.

Health & Wellness

Kye Taylor
Kinesiologist | BSc(Kin)

Kye Taylor

Kinesiologist | BSc(Kin)

Kye has been an employee at Sunshine Coast Health Center since 2008. Kye enjoys the challenge of working with a diverse spectrum of clients and has enjoyed working in a program that values physical fitness as part of an overall focus on wellness. Kye is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University in the field of Exercise Science and has worked in both Washington State and British Columbia in a variety of outpatient clinical settings.

fitness addiction recovery
Bianca Hoppe
Fitness Consultant

Bianca Hoppe

Fitness Consultant

Bianca has a professional background in the medical field and is a certified BCRPA Group Fitness, Aqua, Weight and Personal Trainer. Her focus is to coach and motivate people to achieve their individual fitness goals. Her fitness motto is: “Not the beginning will be rewarded, but the will to follow-through”.

addiction nutrition
Sarah Hooff
Nutritionist

Sarah Hooff

Nutritionist

Sarah has been working as a nutritionist since 2012. She first earned her certification as a Sports nutrition consultant and later went on to become a registered nutritionist. She has worked in a variety of health care settings, from fitness studios to family health care programs. As a hands-on person, Sarah loves an opportunity to host cooking classes. Sarah is also the author of two health and wellness cookbooks and in the past owned and operated a cafe for two years. Passionate about health and nutrition, Sarah believes good food is one of the very best ways to support our wellbeing, add some fun to our daily routines, and most importantly helps bring people together.

Chelsea Keays
Registered Massage Therapist

Chelsea Keays

Registered Massage Therapist

Eli Schweitzer
Registered Massage Therapist

Eli Schweitzer

Registered Massage Therapist

Leanna Moorman
Bodyworker

Leanna Moorman

Bodyworker

Rachelle Letkeman
Bodyworker

Rachelle Letkeman

Bodyworker

Tazim Ismael
Bodyworker

Tazim Ismael

Bodyworker

Administration

Melanie Jordan Alsager
CEO | MBA

Melanie Jordan Alsager

CEO | MBA

Melanie has led our efforts to run a one of a kind facility since 2005. She has an extensive history in residential healthcare having worked in multiple positions providing services to clients.  Melanie has personally led the development of 5 new residential mental health facilities since 1991 including Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic. She is unique in the addiction treatment field as one of the only facility administrators who has a professional health administration background. 

Daniel Jordan
Director of Strategic Development | MA

Daniel Jordan

Director of Strategic Development | MA

Daniel is a co-founder of Sunshine Coast Health Centre. His current responsibilities include identifying opportunities for quality improvement and working with external organizations that refer clients. His academic research has focused on clients who self-reported having had transformative experiences while attending Sunshine Coast Health Centre.

Casey Jordan
Administrative Director | MA

Casey Jordan

Administrative Director | MA

Casey oversees all marketing and communications at Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic and Sunshine Coast Health Centre. She explores new ways to reach and engage with people online, coordinates content marketing, and develops ways to help SCHC maintain a visible and helpful online presence. Casey completed a Masters’ Degree in Professional Communication in 2015.

Paige Tuba
Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Paige Tuba

Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Paige has been an employee at Sunshine Coast Health Centre since 2018. She spends her days engaging with our online community through various social media platforms as well as supporting our communications and marketing department. She enjoys the challenge that comes with the ever-changing digital world, exploring different daily ways to share SCHC and GSWC with the world.

Kaila Auger
Client Scheduling Coordinator

Kaila Auger

Client Scheduling Coordinator

As an employee with Sunshine Coast Health Centre since January 2020, Kaila spends her days leading program scheduling. She enjoys working in a team environment. She has a background in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. The skills she gained from ECE transfer over well for her current role, with an emphasis on creativity and patience. Working with the Clinical team to create autonomy in their schedules while ensuring the client’s treatment journeys are fine-tuned and successful.

Kaila is also the Manager for Sunshine Coast Health Centre/Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic’s on-site staff childcare centre.

Jen Warren
HUMAN RESOURCES SUPERVISOR

Jen Warren

HUMAN RESOURCES SUPERVISOR

Sherry Appleyard
Staff Scheduling Coordinator

Sherry Appleyard

Staff Scheduling Coordinator

Patricia Shepherd
Admissions Supervisor

Patricia Shepherd

Admissions Supervisor

Oriana Corradetti
Admissions Coordinator

Oriana Corradetti

Admissions Coordinator

Oriana has experience working as a business communicator in a variety of non-profit organizations before arriving at SCHC. She was happy to discover that the pieces she enjoyed most about her previous roles, like community engagement and advocating for vulnerable groups, translated well to her current position in Admissions at the centre. Oriana completed her Bachelor of Communication degree in 2017.

Hannah Adams
Admissions Coordinator

Hannah Adams

Admissions Coordinator

Mandy Schneider
Admissions Coordinator

Mandy Schneider

Admissions Coordinator

Mandy moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast in the summer of 2016 seeking the slower pace of life that Powell River offers with spectacular precision.  This idyllic setting is home to the healing of countless individuals at Sunshine Coast Health Centre and she is proud to be part of that.

Since starting her journey in the fall of 2020, Mandy has been integrating into the team of incredible professionals, who have cemented her passion for helping others and connecting with people from all walks of life.  The personal rewards from this meaningful endeavour are priceless and something she will always be bound to.

It’s a constant learning experience spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It has contributed to her growth and continues to provide invaluable lessons. She is grateful to work with a team full of compassionate and loving people.

Client & Alumni Services

Megan White
CLIENT SERVICES SUPERVISOR | LPN

Megan White

CLIENT SERVICES SUPERVISOR | LPN

Megan has lived in Powell River most of her life and has always had a passion for helping individuals.  She’s been an active volunteer with the Air Cadet progam since 2004, prior to which she was a cadet herself. Megan obtained her LPN license in 2010 and joined our team in 2014 as part of the nursing department. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Client Services Supervisor. Watching clients transform from the first day they arrive to when they’re getting ready to leave fuels her drive and passion for her work. 

Amanda Scholtens
Alumni Services Coordinator

Amanda Scholtens

Alumni Services Coordinator

Amanda has been with SCHC/GSWC since January of 2021. She started in our Frontline department supporting our clients at GSWC and has since transitioned into the role of Admissions Coordinator. Amanda is a trained SMART facilitator and is continuing her education by obtaining her Addiction and Community Health Diploma. She has a true passion for helping people develop and grow into the truest version of themselves.

Craig Moore
Client Services

Craig Moore

Client Services

Craig has been with Sunshine Coast Health Centre for over 15 years. He has taken on a variety of different roles around SCHC, including working in the kitchen, frontline, and now as a client services team member. Craig has a love for plants and animals, having graduated as a Veterinary Assistant from Sheridan college. As a trained SMART facilitator, he has a passion for helping people through their recovery journey and is committed to helping people find their true selves.

Justin Johansen
Client Services

Justin Johansen

Client Services

Paul Bennett
Client Services

Paul Bennett

Client Services

Jessica Wilcox
Client Services

Jessica Wilcox

Client Services

Operations

Tristan Walls
Operations Manager
Nancy Lecerf
Frontline Manager