Profile Category: <span>Volunteer</span>

Jeff is a Certified Trainer, Educator and Practitioner in Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. Jeff has worked as a therapist for over 24 years, having received his Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from McGill University in 1993. In Collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Centre of Addiction Research, Jeff authored the Problem Substance Use Workbook: a 52 page interactive self-help book on problem substance use.

He has presented internationally on the Neuroscience of Psychodrama and presently enjoys roles as the Coordinator of Clinical Services at the Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center in Squamish, British Columbia; and as a Clinical Supervisor with Watari; an agency serving Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Jeff brings more than “book learning” to the individuals and organizations he works with.

“ I continue to recognize a responsibility to provide support and care irrespective of financial status. It is heartwarming and delightful to connect with well organized projects ACTING to provide necessary care for all!"

Dr. Amestoy is a cultural competent, energetic and compassionate CCAC with over 15 years experience working integrated community support and assistance programs. Maria has extensive training in programming, protocol development, management and implementation of community development strategies. Maria is honoured to be part of an organization that supports individuals who are suffering the impact of addictive behaviours bridging client's identified needs with personalized support services.

Aleeta teaches the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga class and leads meditation. A certified yoga instructor through the Chopra Center, Aleeta infuses her sessions with more than just the “how to” of yoga and meditation. She shares her passion for the positive impact that yoga and meditation bring to daily living. On a personal basis, Aleeta starts and ends her own days with meditation, working a lot with body centred breath techniques so that she can stay close to her feelings and emotions. Her yoga practice supports this too, letting her body guide her in making choices that allow her to grow and open and stay present as she goes through the day.

With a master’s degree in educational practice and a certificate of art from Emily Carr School of Art and Design, Aleeta incorporates art into the healing work. She feels addiction is a disease that creates tremendous suffering for the individual and their family and friends. As a community it is important for us to help each other when we can.