Ottawa Team
Tracy Nickel
Counselor & Admissions Director (Remote)
Tracy is a highly experienced counselor and admissions director with over 17 years of dedicated service in the addiction and mental health treatment field. A registered counselor with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF),CACC as Canadian Certified Addictions Counselor.
Credentials: – Registered counselor with the CACCF – Professional Life Coach Cert. – Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate – ASSIST Certified – Detox Medication Supervisor/Pharmaceuticals – Sober Living Director – After Care/Family Care Director – CFS (child & family services) Supervisory diploma – Group Home Manager (ages 12-17) – Currently enrolled in the psychology diploma program through Stratford Career Institute – Life experience
Dana Seguin
Program Manager
Dana is a highly skilled Program Manager with a strong foundation in addiction recovery and community support. Holding an Honors Diploma in Addictions and Community Work, along with a Diploma in Business Management, Dana seamlessly combines clinical expertise with leadership, ensuring high-quality care for clients at Valiant Behavioural Health.
Credentials: – Addictions and Community Worker (honors) – Diploma in Business Management – BLS – CPI – nonviolent crisis intervention – ASIST Certified – WHMIS – HACCP – MSDS – Life Coach – Group Home Supervisor – Recovery House Manager – Director of Client Care – Division Leader
Catherine Pepper
Primary Therapist
Catherine is a compassionate and highly skilled Primary Therapist, dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey toward healing and recovery.
Credentials: – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Level II Accreditation 2023 American Psychological Therapies Association. – Community and Justice Services Diploma Program – Bachelor of Arts Specialized Psychology Degree
Sam Adams
Facilitator | Support Worker
Education: Holds an Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma
We must learn to be thankful for what we have before it becomes what we had 💜
Credentials: – Community Services Worker Diploma – Medical Admin Diploma – Group Home Manager – Medical Administrator – CPR / first aid HCP – Prevention of Abuse Cert. – Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Cert. – TCI
Veronica Nzengung
Facilitator | Group Counselor
Education: Holds an Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma.
The Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma equips students with a range of skills essential for supporting individuals dealing with addiction and social challenges.
Credentials: – Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma
Luc LeBlanc
Facilitator | Support Worker
Education: Completed a psychology course at the University of Ottawa.
Experience: Previously worked in a related field, bringing valuable experience to his current role
Credentials: – Psychology course – University of Ottawa – Previous employment in related field
Samantha Gould
Facilitator | Support Worker
Holistic Client Support: Her Community Services Worker Diploma provides her with deep knowledge of counseling techniques and social services, allowing her to engage meaningfully with individuals seeking support.
Credentials: – Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma
Lydia Paulino
Staff Member
Lydia is a live-in staff member with a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary background geared toward holistic wellness and support:
Credentials: – Professional Life Coach Cert – BSC Specialized Nutritional Science – Fitness instructor Specialist / Personal Trainer Specialist – Courses in Addiction Counseling and Support
Karina Praught
Associate Addictions Counsellor
Karina is an Associate Addictions Counsellor with the Canadian Addictions Certification Federation, working towards becoming a Registered Addictions Counsellor.
Credentials: – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Level II Accreditation 2023 American Psychological Therapies Association. – Community and Justice Services Diploma Program – Bachelor of Arts Specialized Psychology Degree