Stacy accumulated over 20 years of business management experience before joining Together We Can as intake coordinator and then director of marketing.
karen hogge
Financial Controller
Karen manages the society’s finances and she enjoys making sure that every dollar goes towards providing the best possible care for the men who seek help from TWC.
steve bull
Intake Manager
Steve oversees the intake department and is often the first point of contact for men and their families. He also works closely with companies, insurance providers and unions when they are referring clients.
daniel maceachern
Operations Manager
Daniel ensures that TWC adheres to all licensing agreements, policies and regulations, oversees the client care department, monitors billing and funding and acts as a mentor to other staff
Marc dube
Operations Manager Auxiliary Programs
Marc is responsible for managing, overseeing, and providing support to the team of Client Care Coordinators, Support Staff, and Volunteers that he leads for our Auxiliary Programs - Elevate, Solid Ground, and Alliance
Trevor Franklin
Operations Manager Vancouver Island
Trevor is a vital part of the team, in charge of our Vancouver Island operations and overseeing our Sober Living Residences in Victoria, as well as providing enhanced services to our residents, who are alumni of Together We Can, or other treatment centers as part of our network of partnerships.
JODY SCHNEBERK
Transitional Housing Manager
Jody is responsible for the oversight and day-to-day operations of the supported sober living residences in the Lower Mainland. According to him, the best part of his job is having clients successfully achieve their goals by utilizing our transitional housing program and continuing to maintain success thereafter
Spencer mcdonald
Intake Supervisor
In Spencer’s role as intake coordinator, he is often the first point of contact for the client or family member. He is responsible for providing confidential advice, options, education and support to individuals, their families and the community at large.
Scott turner
Intake Coordinator
Scott is an intake coordinator at Together We Can. He takes pride in fulfilling the vital role of connecting struggling men to a solution. He uses this firsthand experience to guide families towards making an educated decision when helping a loved one.
andrea gallant
Accounting Administrator
Andrea works in the accounting department at TWC, where she loves interacting with clients and sharing the gifts of recovery with them.
lindsay mcguire
HR Liason & Payroll
As a part of her duties, Lindsay processes and tenders all employee and volunteer hours for the purposes of compensation. Lindsay tracks and submits background checks for all personnel, and is in charge of overseeing CRC clearances.
sharon saarimaki
Office & AR Administrator
Sharon is responsible for office supplies, inventory, machines, vehicles, furniture, décor, and the procurement of goods and services for the society, as well as the timely collection of all accounts receivable from clients.
Keith mcneil
Operations Coordinator
As a result of coming to British Columbia, Keith found his calling; helping alcoholics and addicts in their quest for sobriety. Keith rose through the ranks at Together We Can, starting as a volunteer, quickly moving into the Support Staff, and now in his current role, he manages the flow of information, people and phone traffic.
steven hall
Community Relations Team Lead
Coming from a management and sales background, Steven's experience allows him to excel at coordinating, planning and executing his various tasks and handling important issues whenever they arise. He previously worked for the Interior Crisis Line Network and is partially through a Social Service Worker program.
sonaiya wilson
Marketing & Event Coordinator
Sonaiya is responsible for the execution and participation at various events ranging from community festivals to conferences, fundraising gala’s, parades, sports tournaments and staff parties. She also assists with communications, working alongside the marketing team to create social media posts and content for various platforms.
David penny
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
With a background in visual motion and graphic design, David is responsible for overseeing website and social media management, and creation of live event visual elements, and oversees the technical side of our recorded, live and streaming events.
don symons
Transitional Housing Support
Don has been working with TWC for over 13 years, providing groceries for our second stage residents. He visits with clients on a weekly basis, and shares his journey of recovery in hopes of inspiring others. Having lost his brother, Don recognizes the severity of addiction, and knew that he had to find a life, free from drugs and alcohol
sarah hogge
Accounting Assistant
Sarah is a full time student at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, taking the Law Enforcement studies program. Through her studies, Sarah has gained a greater understanding and passion for the work that TWC does in people’s lives. In the summer of 2019, Sarah left her waitress position to gain new work experience at TWC by assisting the accounts payable section of accounting.
Medical care team
Joel Kailia, MD
General Practitioner
Dr. Joel Kailia has been treating people with chronic pain and addictions for over fifteen years. He believes in an interdisciplinary approach to help his patients learn self-management skills so that they take their health into their own hands. Dr. Kailia has training in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and interdisciplinary pain management.
Basia Hamata, MD
General Practitioner
Dr. Basia Hamata is a family doctor with Addiction medicine specialty at TWC. Basia completed her addiction medicine fellowship through the BC Centre on Substance Use in 2019. Her passion with working with people who use substances has lead her to TWC. She is constantly humbled by everyone’s journey to recovery.
Kim Graham, tcm
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kim heads up the acupuncture program at TWC and loves witnessing the (often) profound shift in a client’s perspective immediately following treatment. She feels privileged to have been part of so many recovery journeys since she began working with TWC in 2002.
Christine fischer, RN
Registered Nurse
Christine’s interest in continued learning as well as passion for mental health, addiction medicine, and recovery has grown. She enjoys the variety in her present nursing career which includes being a Clinical Nursing Instructor, assisting with the computer/online systems development at BC Children's Hospital along with inpatient nursing, and most recently joining the team at Together We Can.
Penny Hyndman, RN
Neurofeedback Practitioner
Penny provides private neurofeedback sessions to reduce the clients’ stress, improve their sleep and regulate their emotions by stabilizing brain functioning. She loves witnessing the personal transformations that are achieved, allowing the men to lead more open, authentic and fulfilling lives.
Taylor bonney
Medical Coordinator
Taylor's favourite part of his position at TWC is building rapport with clients, and seeing their success. He has a diploma in Social Service Work from CDI College.
Taylor’s former life experience gave him the ability to have empathy and understanding for others struggling with addiction.
Monty wood
Medical Assistant
Throughout his life, Monty has volunteered with several groups, especially the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). More recently, his volunteer focus has been geared towards addiction and recovery, which is how he found himself working for Together We Can.
wellness professionals
MAtt Rands, CCAC
Reporting Counsellor
Matt has been working with TWC since 2014, specializing in one-on-one counselling for first-stage clients. He is proficient in helping others work through their trauma and grief while helping them regain their self-worth. Matt enjoys seeing individuals apply themselves and find a healthy new lifestyle.
Courtney nichols, MA, CCC, RCC
Clinical Supervisor
Courtney is the Clinical Supervisor at TWC. Her role includes offering individual sessions to clients addressing their issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, loss and mood management. Courtney also facilitates a weekly veterans/first responders’ group. She is honoured to witness change and growth in both her supervisees and clients.
Georgia Schindler, MA, RCC
Registered Clinical Counselor
Having done her clinical practicum at TWC, Georgia learned the importance of teamwork & community, she finds it inspiring to watch clients grow and evolve throughout their sessions. Georgia’s work in the addiction field over the past five years led her to attain a master’s in clinical counselling and ultimately, to the work she does today.
Sarah Shaw Ross, MCP, RCC
Registered Clinical Counselor
Sarah tailors her individual counselling sessions to each client’s needs. In her twenty years of working with a broad range of clientele, she has developed an ever-growing appreciation for people’s inherent ability to make positive changes in their lives, and the difference that counselling and positive relationships can have on people who are facing multiple barriers to achieving their life goals.
Chelsea lee, RPC-C
Counselor & Group Facilitator
Chelsea is dedicated to an empathetic, client-centred approach in supporting her clients in the areas of trauma, addiction, grief and loss, employment and family support counselling. She is proficient in assisting individuals in uncovering and identifying behavioural blocks by exploring and assessing their overall physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness in the form of one-on-one sessions and group facilitation.
CAROL ANNE TURBITT, B.Psy
Counselor & Group Facilitator
Carol Anne has been part of the TWC family since 2008. She has extensive experience with pre-treatment crisis situations and works as a counsellor in one-on-one sessions, with couples and families, as well as in group settings. Carol Anne has been active in the recovery community for nearly three decades.
mike cain, ccc
Counselor & Group Facilitator
Mike is a counsellor and group facilitator who enjoys connecting with clients, as individuals and in the group setting. He believes that his journey through addiction is one of his greatest assets as it allows him a clear understanding of how clients think and act. His background in the Canadian Forces taught him to be accountable and has proved beneficial when it comes to functioning well in a stressful environment.
Rob hammond, ccac
Counselor & Case Manager
Rob has been with TWC since 2016 and works as a Case Manager and Counsellor. His 10 years of experience in twelve- step recovery, as well as his previous work with recovery facilities in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside have provided him with a broad skill set for working in the addictions field.
Jesse Kiss, ccac
Counselor & Group facilitator
Jesse has worked with TWC as a counsellor since 2010. His primary role is to interact with clients when they first arrive and help them get settled into treatment. He graduated from VCC and has been a CCAC since 2014.
Alex Lekei, CCAC
Counselor, Group Facilitator, & Case Manager
With significant previous experience working in the addiction and treatment industry, Alex brings a plethora of skills and knowledge to the table which allows him to help each person he comes into contact with. An upbeat individual, he delivers passion, care, optimism and wisdom to the table each and every day.
Dwayne Mason, rtc
Counselor
Dwayne is a Counsellor at Together We Can and has worked with people in addictions for over 24yrs. It was through the volunteer work he did building homes for people in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic for 7yrs which is when he realized his fulfilment in life could be realized by service to others.
CLIENT CARE TEAM
sam hall
Client Care Manager
Sam is the Client Care Manager at Together We Can Main Centre. What brings him the most satisfaction is watching people become leaders, helping them learn how to be of service to the clients, and mentoring staff to live up to their full potential in their current roles. Sam truly believes that working with people recovering from the disease of addiction is his calling.
Kevin shaw
Client Care Coordinator
Kevin is a man of integrity, what you see is what you get. He is among the hardest workers TWC has ever had the pleasure of employing and routinely mentors clients who are new to the program. Known for his willingness to help out wherever he can, it’s no surprise that Kevin has seen doors open for him and has a role as both a member of the Intake Services Team, and as a Sober Living Residence Manager
Bert pasqualotto
Program Coordinator Elevate
After spending 5 years working at a local recovery society, followed by 18 months of graveyard shifts on the DTES, Bert decided to change his situation by enrolling in the Addiction Counselling Program at VCC. Shortly after, he was offered a support position at TWC and his life was positively changed forever. Now he's the Program Coordinator at Elevate, supporting clients in their recovery.
max parfitt
Client Care Supervisor Solid Ground
Employed as the Client Care Supervisor at Solid Ground, Max’s duties include staff scheduling, booking client appointments, house management and client care. What he loves most about working at TWC is building connections with men in early recovery and watching them heal and grow in a multitude of ways. Being able to share his journey through addiction and recovery helps him deliver a positive message while providing a sense of understanding and compassion for clients
ron autar
Program Coordinator Alliance
Ron is the Program Coordinator at TWC Alliance. Being here he has been able to grow and learn as a person and someone in recovery. He really likes the one on one connections he gets to build with people and helping them through their journey. He got to experience that we all come from different walks of life but our stories are the same
Doug Wright
Program Coordinator Awakenings
Doug is currently working on the Counselling Certificate Program at Vancouver Community College. Doug has found a new way of living in recovery. His favourite part of his current role is giving back by helping others along their journey.
mike merrick
Program Coordinator All My Relations
Mike enjoys the role he plays in the growth of the clients during their three months with TWC. Going through the All My Relations program in 2017 was a life-changing experience for him. When he left treatment, he was given the opportunity to help others and it has been an inspiration to provide what he can to change our clients’ lives.
Lynne frost
Kitchen Manager
A member of the TWC family since 2015, Lynne is our food service manager who runs the kitchen at the main centre and oversees the other locations. She feels blessed to witness so many people's lives change. It is said that ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ and the kitchens at TWC show how true this can be.
Aliza Camozzi
Chef Main Centre
Aliza has been cooking for over 15 years and is red seal trained. She wanted to try something different in the food industry, something that wasn’t the norm. Aliza is glad she made the choice to come to TWC, where she feels the job is very rewarding plus she has found her second family.
Paulo villalobos
Chef Main Centre
Paulo found his love for cooking 18 years ago, he’s worked in a diverse kitchen environment in Vancouver and his love for food certainly reflects my growing curiosity for flavours and spices. A foundation in organics and whole foods has given Paulo a great understanding of how to nourish the body in a holistic way, not only for himself but for others.
mark oliveira
Chef Elevate
Mark believes in nourishing our clients with delicious, healthy meals in order to keep their morale up which allows them to concentrate on their healing. He has been cooking most of his life, working in various restaurants and hotels. Once he completed treatment at TWC in 2012, he volunteered in the kitchen which led to him becoming the kitchen manager at TWC centre for three years.
Crane Wilson
Chef Solid Ground
Crane started volunteering in the kitchens of TWC. Crane is now working full time as a chef at Solid Ground. Here he is able to combine three very important aspects in his life. His love for cooking in a recovery environment while supporting others on their journey to a new life.
Kelly Demsky
Group Facilitator
Kelly started out as an overnight volunteer at InnerVisions. Here he quickly found that he enjoyed helping others. Kelly then went back to school to become a front line worker during his 6 years at Innervisions. He continued his education as an Addiction counsellor at VCC, and then moved onto the Leadership and Team Management through the Justice Institute. Kelly has joined the TWC family with the goal of helping others find their way.
Joey mcgeough
Group Facilitator
Joey is one of our group facilitators at Together We Can. He enjoys co-operating in large groups, working towards a shared goal of recovery. His battle with addiction and work background in customer service help him relate to the struggle clients are experiencing and to communicate the solution effectively.
Calen ebbels
Group Facilitator
Calen is a group facilitator where his focus is on the twelve-step model of recovery. He enjoys helping clients develop their continuing care (post-treatment) plans and educating them on different styles of meditation and various self-care practices. Calen’s previous work in a homeless shelter and at a group home for youth gave him valuable experience.
Vince pirozzi
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Vince Pirozzi has been a group facilitator and counsellor at TWC since 2015. He loves the profound connections he forms with the clients and witnessing their transformations. Being in long-term recovery himself, Vince is a living example of the amazing possibilities of recovery.
Kevin sheane
Counsellor
Kevin Sheane is a man who strives to show compassion and empathy to anyone that he comes into contact with. Kevin’s own battle with addiction has afforded him the unique ability of being able to connect with and support others who may be struggling.
Doug snow
Intake Services Worker
Doug is one of our Intake Services Workers, and is often one of the first people to meet new residents and introduce them to their new life in recovery. Doug enjoys supporting clients who are new to the program and gets a great deal of joy through seeing recovery in progress.
Jay zanki
Intake Services Worker
Jay is one of our Intake Services Workers, and prides himself on being able to welcome and support new residents to Together We Can as they begin their journey of recovery. Jay's caring, positive attitude is seen and felt by everyone he comes in contact with.
Adam ledwidge
Personal Trainer
Adam is a certified personal trainer, and supports clients of our main center as they work to regain strength and mobility in our on-site fitness centre. Adam's dedication to fitness has been a passion for years, and he enjoys sharing that passion with newcomers to recovery.
scott comrie
Senior Support Worker
Scott works at the Elevate program as a support worker, step coach and also runs run the fitness program. He enjoys working with clients to help improve their lives through exercise and the application of spiritual principles. Scott brings the knowledge he has amassed and the life experiences he has had into working with clients.
Nicholas Randell
Senior Support Worker
Nick particularly enjoys connecting with the clients who are fresh in recovery and witnessing them get back on their feet and resume control of their life. Nick has a background working in the Alberta oilsands and throughout his career worked with many troubled men; even before starting a career in the recovery industry, he had learned to connect and relate to men from all walks of life.
David Asham
Senior Support Worker
David Asham is the weekend Senior Support Worker at Together We Can’s Main Centre and has been with the organization since 2010. His main responsibilities are medication dispensation and ensuring that there is a safe and welcoming environment for all of the clients in our care.
Julian harmel
Senior Support Worker
Julian is a Senior Support Staff member at the Together We Can Main Centre. His duties include medication dispensation, conducting progress reports, monitoring behaviour, checking in with clients and leading the junior staff on his shift. Julian is a keen musician and leads a Music Therapy group every Friday.
Walter bailey
Senior Support Worker
Walter’s wealth of knowledge surrounding the 12-steps plays a vital role in his daily interactions with the residents of the All My Relations program. His compassion, empathy, and care are displayed every day in his role as Senior Support Worker.
Support Staff
Justin bournon
Support Staff
Justin is one of our support staff at the Awakenings program. Justin works hard at his recovery and enjoys guiding the newcomers along their journey.
John fronterre
Support Staff
John who is originally from Toronto Ontario came to Together We Can as a client in January 2020. After completing the Elevate program John started volunteering at solid ground and this lead to his full time employment as a Support Worker.
brad kazakoff
Support Staff
Brad is a Senior Support Worker at Solid Ground and manages our Sober Living Residence, Oceanside. He is a strong believer in helping new residents by showing compassion, empathy and understanding. Brad is an avid long-distance runner and is the proud owner of two dogs.
Adam Morrison
Support Staff
Adam enjoys support work, working with the Maintence team, and co-managing a 1.5 stage house. In school with NVIT to learn how to best help others, in need of support.
