Our Team

Program Director, Ecotherapist, Reiki Master

Andrea brings 35 years of self-employed business background in holistic and energy healing, workshop facilitation and nature therapy to VW. She is a Reiki Master (2002), an eco-therapist and certified in permaculture.  She is passionate about providing VW clients a well-grounded, evidence-based healing program that inspires and challenges clients to experience life with a greater sense of wonder and curiosity with the whole of their being.

Andrea endeavours to create an atmosphere at Victoria Wellness that supports clients with excellence, integrity and mindful awareness. Andrea’s job is to keep VW running as smoothly as possible. She is dedicated to bringing best practices, time-proven modalities and the most current insights in mental health treatment to our residents. Her insight and understanding, coupled with her calm and grounded nature, support all the goings on at VW.  Andrea’s attentiveness to clients, staff and programming ensures that your concerns are met face to face with compassion and due diligence.

Andrea is a firm believer in providing service for others as a life value and has volunteered for various community not-for-profit organizations for many years.

Social Media Coordinator

Shaelene is a valued member of the team at Victoria Wellness, where she brings a unique blend of business expertise, compassionate leadership, and strategic communication to support the centre’s mission.

After leaving the corporate world in 2008, Shaelene built a successful career as a business owner, coach, published author, and podcaster, becoming a trusted advisor to thousands of businesses across Canada. Her work has focused on education, practical strategy, and long-term sustainability.

Shaelene is deeply committed to helping individuals rebuild independence and confidence, including survivors of abuse whom she has supported through financial literacy and empowerment initiatives.

At Victoria Wellness, she applies her strengths in social media marketing, outreach, and communications to help ensure the centre’s message of trauma-informed, compassionate care reaches those who need it most. Her work supports both community connection and professional collaboration, helping Victoria Wellness continue to grow with integrity and purpose.

Registered Practical Nurse, Nurse Coordinator

Ksenia has been practicing nursing in medical rehabilitation, perioperative care, and, most recently, in mental health across both government and private settings since 2007. She is empathetic, compassionate, gentle, detail and goal oriented, accepting, and creative. She believes that active participation in caring for clients is key to achieving and sustaining individual health goals.

Ksenia joined the VW team 3 years ago and is the friendly face at the door. She welcomes and treats all clients with unconditional positive regard and believes that recovery is possible — she is here to support every step of your healing journey. Ksenia manages the medical room and your medical records for the duration of your stay. Her efficient and meticulous attention to detail ensures the clients receive appropriate medical oversight as needed. Ksenia is also certified in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and facilitates the CBT classes in the program.

She practices trauma-informed care and relies on relational inquiry that encompasses the person, the environment, and the nurse. Ksenia is passionate about nature, learning, music, and, of course, the art of nursing. She is in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and is a member of WeRPN and the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association.

Registered Psychotherapist

Catherine is a trauma-informed registered psychotherapist who believes therapy should feel human, collaborative, and maybe even a little bit comforting to walk into. She works through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, supporting clients in understanding their brains with curiosity instead of criticism. Her practice focuses on trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, identity, and life transitions, using evidence-based, client-centred approaches tailored to each person’s needs.

With experience across community settings, inpatient addiction treatment, and private practice, she brings both clinical depth and genuine warmth to the work. She values authenticity, gentle humour, and creating space where clients can unmask safely and feel truly seen. Her hope is to help people build insight, practical tools, and self-trust so they can move toward lives that feel more regulated, meaningful, and aligned with who they really are.

Registered Psychotherapist

Ruth practices Guided Imagery Music Therapy(GIM); a unique type of psychotherapy using classical curated music and art, guiding clients to key moments in their history and helping them uncover the value of those moments in their growth and healing.

Ruth retired from 22 working with GIM at Sick Kids Hospital and now uses this therapy to help the clients at VW access their trauma and rebuild their healing vision of themselves. Through Ruth’s guidance and gentle prompts during their sessions, clients often reconnect to a transformative sense of the sacred within.

Primary Counsellor

Jennie Robertson is the Primary Counsellor at Victoria Wellness Mental Health Centre, where she works closely with residents and their families to support emotional healing, communication, and recovery. Drawing from a 30 year background in psychology, counselling, and creative therapeutic practices, Jennie integrates evidence-informed approaches such as CBT and DBT with experiential tools like reflective journalling and music-based exploration. Her work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and respect for each person’s unique story, helping families build understanding, resilience, and healthier ways of connecting.

Her rich experience working with couples and family therapy, community liaison work, family and community co-ordinator for the schizophrenia society for Peterborough and Durham regions, family and community education and support for the LYNX early psychosis intervention team for city of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Northumberland counties, perfectly positions Jennie to support clients in their healing journey through establishing better relationships.

Jennie is a member in good standing with OAMHP (The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals)

Mental Health & Addiction Support Counsellor, Yoga Instructor, Thai Massage

Tara is an addiction counsellor with over 5 years of clinical experience supporting individuals in recovery. With more that 15 years of yoga practice, she integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities and somatic awareness to promote holistic wellness.

Tara’s offers an exceptional ability to relate to her clients and offers a sound no-nonsense approach to addressing issues and planning. She meets clients where they are at without judgement. As well as doing one-on-one supportive counselling, Tara also facilitates many aspects of our holistic program.

Maintaining 6 years of personal sobriety, Tara brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her client-centered approach. She has received specialized training in human trafficking, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and indigenous studies, further enhancing her ability to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed care to diverse populations.

Yoga Instructor, Reiki & Somatic Experience Practitioner

Rebecca Medcalf is a trauma-informed yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, and Somatic Experiencing practitioner with a background in education and mental health. She integrates mindful movement, breathwork, and energy healing to help clients reconnect with their bodies and release stored tension.

In her trauma-informed yoga classes, Rebecca emphasizes nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and self-awareness, guiding participants to cultivate presence through gentle, intentional movement. She also offers 1:1 Reiki sessions, supporting clients in releasing energetic blockages and restoring inner balance.

Rebecca’s approach is rooted in compassion and the belief that healing begins with self-connection. Her classes and sessions provide a grounding, nurturing space for individuals to slow down, listen to their bodies, and experience a deeper sense of calm and wholeness.

Wellness Support Worker

Kim provides consistent and compassionate support to clients at Victoria Wellness Centre as part of the 24-hour care team. Her role includes preparing welcoming spaces, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, and offering grounding support during group programming. She is someone clients can rely on for encouragement, understanding, and kindness.

Kim is often present during casual, everyday moments—watching TV with clients, talking, laughing, or simply sharing quiet company. These small, meaningful interactions often help clients feel safe and connected. Her dedication to service also extends into her community through ongoing volunteer involvement.