Venture Academy staff have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges faced by struggling teens with substance abuse and behavioural problems. Our staff has a proven record of proficiency in working with students, youth and young adults. Venture Academy employees are carefully screened and selected for their integrity, compassion, and ability to contribute in helping young people overcome their challenges and develop and maintain healthy lifestyles and relationships. The organization benefits from the support of the Executive Director, Clinical Team and frontline staff.

Clinical Team

Venture Academy utilizes the knowledge and experience of an identified Clinical Team in terms of support to Venture Academy clients and staff in each operating region. The Clinical Team members provide hands on client intervention, case consultation and program development support. Each team member demonstrates a prominent level of expertise pertaining to youth issues in their identified field of practice.

Gordon Hay, B.G.S.
Executive Director / Founder
Gordon received his Bachelors Degree from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba majoring in both Psychology and Physical Education. Gordon has twenty years of frontline training and experience working with troubled teens in British Columbia and Manitoba in both outpatient and residential treatment settings. Gordon originally held positions as a Youth Counsellor and Youth Justice Support Worker including working with struggling teens and young offenders with multiple risk factors and youth with clinical diagnoses. Gordon was also an independent contractor with British Columbia's Ministry for Children and Families providing residential care and supported semi-independent and independent living services for "high-risk" youth. Simultaneous to the above work, Gordon and his wife Teresa opened up their own home to struggling teens for nine years. Gordon not only comes from a clinical and organizational development background, he also knows what it takes to provide the "round the clock" perseverance and dedication needed to support troubled teens in overcoming their challenges in order to make positive behavioural changes. As the Executive Director of Venture Academy, Gordon oversees agency direction, policy and program development, quality assurance, outcome evaluation and other organizational leadership tasks. Gordon is the principal founder of Venture Academy.

Connie Buckle, M.S.W., R.S.W., R.C.C
Therapist / Clinical Director
Connie obtained her Master's degree in Social Work at Memorial University of Newfoundland after completing her Bachelors in the same discipline at the same university. She has extensive experience in working with troubled teens in Canada in a myriad of roles, including child protection, foster care, youth corrections, adoptions and out-patient addictions. While in these positions, Connie has provided counselling to youth, parents, foster parents, and facilitated youth groups for high risk female teens with a focus on risky and self destructive behaviours. She has developed and facilitated addictions workshops for other counsellors as well as for parents in both Newfoundland and British Columbia. Connie graduated RCMP training at Depot, Regina and worked as a police officer with the RCMP for more than five years. For 2 of the 5 years, she worked as a school liaison officer using a multidisciplinary approach with high risk youth. Connie has co-facilitated a crystal meth discussion which was captured by a National Television Program. She was instrumental in having a BC school district trained in Threat Assessment and subsequently became a member of the district Threat Assessment Team responsible for assessing threats of violence involving weapons, suicidal and homicidal ideations. Connie has worked as a clinical therapist in private practice providing therapy to individuals, families, couples and youth encountering a variety of issues. She has provided clinical supervision and consultation to other therapists and taught at the university level. Connie is committed to continuous learning and initiates efforts to further her knowledge to better help Venture Academy youth and families clients. Connie uses a strengths based approach in her practice, moving away from pathology focusing on growth to assist youth and famil ies towards achieving and maintaining closer attachments and a healthier more positive state of functioning. Connie has great success in establishing a strong and effective therapeutic relationship with both adolescents and parents alike.

Dr. Brian Martin, M.D.
Consulting Medical Director
Dr. Martin worked through his undergraduate years at both Washington State University as well as
the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta where he graduated from medical school. Dr. Martin completed the Family Practice Residency Program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia and has since practiced Emergency Medicine, Family Practice Medicine and Addictive Counselling for troubled teens. Dr. Martin has many years experience working with youth with drug problems and has served in a medical consultant role for various substance abuse treatment agencies.

Tavi Nicholson, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Consulting Psychologist - Child & Youth Assessment Specialist
Dr. Nicholson completed a Bachelor of Arts degree (Psychology Honours) at the University of Calgary before obtaining both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Victoria.  She specializes in assessment and diagnosis of children and youth with complex presenting problems including learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and mood/anxiety disorders.  Dr. Nicholson recognizes the importance of uncovering strengths as well as areas of challenge, and she works carefully with young people and their families to develop strategies designed to help realize potential and maximize success.

Andrea Welder, Ph.D., R.Psych.
Consulting Psychologist – Child & Youth Assessment Specialist
Dr. Welder completed a Bachelor of Arts degree (Psychology Honours) at Simon Fraser University and then received both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary. She completed her clinical internship at B.C.’s Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children specializing in assessment of children and adolescents. She has worked as an assistant professor in the psychology department at the former Okanagan University College (now UBC Okanagan). She currently works full time as a registered psychologist who specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of children and youth with a variety of developmental and learning challenges and social-emotional issues. Dr. Welder views the goal of the psychology assessment as the opportunity to offer additional insights into the client’s specific areas of psychological strength and weakness and provide key recommendations to help him/her reach full potential.

Dr. Peter Marshall, Ph. D.
Consulting Psychologist
Born in England, Dr. Marshall lived for two years in the Far and Middle East and moved to Canada in 1973. Today, he has his own practice, as well as consulting to children's mental health agencies, family court clinics, and boards of education. He is the author of four books and speaks internationally to a wide variety of professional and lay audiences.

In the course of his career, Dr. Marshall has been a consultant psychologist for sexual abuse programs, an early intervention program for youth gangs, an intensive family therapy unit, and university student counselling and teaching effectiveness programs. He has served on the Board of Directors for divisions of the Elizabeth Fry Society and the Children's Aid Society. Academically, Dr. Marshall has lectured for undergraduate and graduate courses including social and abnormal psychology, psychometrics, statistics, human growth and development, behaviour modification, personality, and human sexuality. Before entering private practice, Dr. Marshall held positions as an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology and Psychiatry Departments at Queen's University, a psychologist in the Kingston General Hospital, and a clinical consultant to the Frontenac County Board of Education and Kingston's Prison for Women. He has been widely published on issues including blended families, criminal behaviour in children, anxiety and assertiveness training. He has also been a researcher and educator in the field of sexual dysfunction.

A regular presenter, workshop leader and keynote speaker, Dr. Marshall has spoken to both professional and lay audiences on topics including What's the Matter with Kids Today? A Perspective on Canadian Youth; Two Jobs - No Life? Balancing Work and Home; Resilience and Stress Management; Positive Trends in Education, The Child's Experience of Spousal Violence; Sexual Exploitation via the Internet; Parenting Styles; Teenagers and Their Parents; The Impact of Separation and Divorce on Children; Sexual Abuse of Children; and Assessment of Learning Disabilities. A father of five, Dr. Marshall lives with his wife and family in Barrie, Ontario.

Susan McKendry, M.S.W., R.S.W.
Clinical Therapist
Susan obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Laurentian University in 1992 and her Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Toronto in 1993. She has been a Social Worker in Simcoe County for twenty years working with children, youth, and families. She has worked in a variety of different roles including providing counselling and crisis support in children's and adult mental health facilities in hospitals (Royal Victoria Hospital, Sudbury General Hospital) and with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board supporting "at risk" secondary students, as well as, being a member of the crisis response team. While in these positions, Susan has provided strength based counselling to youth, parents and families with the intention of promoting a higher degree of mental health and emotional well being. She was instrumental in bringing restorative practises into local schools as means of helping staff, students and families develop alternatives to suspensions and resolving conflicts. She has implemented programming to address bullying in secondary schools. In 2008, she became a trained Restorative Justice facilitator through the RCMP/Elizabeth Fry Society. Susan comes from a solution focused, strength based, holistic and cognitive approach with the intention of identifying assets as opposed to focusing solely on deficits.

Susan Kenney
Director of Admissions
Susan brings a wealth of expertise and compassion as the Director of Venture Academy’s Admission team. Susan has experience in admissions with a preeminent private school in Western Canada and is passionate about positively impacting youth and young adults. She has worked with adolescents for a number of years in a classroom setting as well as serving as a youth mentor and coach – helping teens develop their gifts and empowerment through personal leadership. Susan believes in and has dedicated her professional development to helping youth and young adults realize their greatness. She is a life-long learner, a fourth generation entrepreneur, a wife and mother, a Certified BodyMind Nutritionist, a Master Graduate with Rapport Leadership International, and is completing her International Coaching Federation Certification. Susan is an exceptional communicator. She has an uplifting spirit, and is able to bring personal and professional expertise to families in a time of need.
Please call her at 1-866-762-2211

Sean Elliott, BTh., ECDP
Agency Director
Sean received his Bachelors Degree from Tyndale University College in Toronto, Ontario and a graduate certificate at George Brown College, Toronto as a Experienced Career Development Practitioner. Soon after his post secondary education, Sean moved into work in social services, pastoral ministry and counselling while continuing in his studies in counselling, career development and leadership. For several years, Sean provided leadership for a youth services a community Outreach Centre working with youth with behavioural, emotional and substance use issues. Sean successfully led a team of counsellors and youth workers that provided outreach counselling services for Youth Justice services and employment programs for "at risk" youth. Sean's leadership over the past 20 years has included work with municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, work with private and public school boards, employment, career and counselling centres, and work with non-profit organizations as well as business. As the Agency Director for Venture Academy in Ontario, Sean is passionate about leading a qualified team of professionals that strengthens families, restores hope and supports youth themselves in making positive changes.

Nigel Barker, B.A., BCCT
Education Director
Nigel graduated from the University of Victoria with a major in English and also has his British Columbia K-12 teaching certification.  Nigel has certified training and experience working with children with social and emotional and learning challenges and clinically diagnosed disorders including ADD, Autism, Conduct Disorder, anxiety, depression etc. Nigel has benefited from nine years of experience working as a high – risk residential youth counsellor, foster parent, school board special needs assistant, and youth and family worker.  Nigel’s direct experience with youth at risk, both in residential and educational settings, is highlighted by a professional, engaging and humorous approach to working with adolescent youth.  Nigel's personal mission is to support Venture Academy students in experiencing success in an academic setting that fosters and nurtures achievement resulting in youth being excited about learning.

Gary Cuddihy, B.A., PDP., M.A. Candidate
Special Education Counsellor – Certified Teacher
As a specialized educator, Gary has several degrees and certificates while continuing his quest for further knowledge as it pertains youth, psychology and learning. Gary has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Okanagan University College, a Masters Degree in International Relations from Carleton University, and a Professional Diploma in Applied Psychology from the University of Calgary. Gary is currently completing his Masters in Child Psychology out of the University of Calgary which will deepen his understanding of Learning & Behaviour disorders. 
Gary has worked as a teacher in schools with students who have been identified as having learning challenges such as ADHD as well as social and behaviour problems and clinical diagnoses. Gary has worked for the Ministry for Children and Families in British Columbia,  RCMP, Anger Management Services, social workers and foster parents.
His role as the Special Education Counsellor with Venture Academy is an exciting challenge and Gary brings with him a wide range of skills to ensure student success. Gary strives to develop genuine connections with his students and expand this concept of student “connectedness” with their peers, family, school and the community at large.
Gary’s experience is with students diagnosed with academic, emotional, behavioural and social challenges and he enjoys developing personalized learning plans for such students, so they can learn at their rate and academic level ensuring success and a sense of achievement in the classroom setting.  Gary implements Ongoing Assessment and Differentiated Instruction as part of his teaching process. Gary’s focus, enthusiasm and skill with the students make Gary a valuable part of the students’ lives at Venture Academy. Gary is also a Parent Counsellor with Venture Academy.

Anthony Lalonde, B.A. B.Ed.
Teacher / Crisis Intervention Trainer
Anthony completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University in North Bay. Since graduation, Anthony has taught in Australia and England and Ontario. Anthony has been trained in crisis intervention and non violent conflict resolution. Anthony's role with Venture Academy is to support students in identifying their educational strengths in order to use the strengths to work through and complete course materials resulting in measurable success, a sense of achievement and renewed interest education. Anthony's demeanour and supportive way of interacting with students provides youth with an environment that enables them to succeed in our setting with a sense of confidence and hope as it pertains to their education. Anthony is also an avid sport and outdoors enthusiast, and incorporates his enjoyment of these activities into the program whenever possible. These experiences along with his extensive background in teaching have given Anthony a solid foundation in the field of education and counselling.

Louise Beard
Youth Treatment Counsellor
Louise has extensive training and education in Trauma and Addiction counselling, receiving certifications from University of Alberta, Hincks Dellcrest Institute, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, and is a certified Life Skills Mentor and Coach. For over 15 years Louise has worked in diverse environments including the Department of National Defence and youth services programs. Through assessment, Louise identifies client issues/challenges and provides empathetic emotional support as well as focused addiction and mental health interventions. Louise achieves success with resistant youth through a client-centered approach, focusing on developmental assets and attachment styles leading to positive changes for the youth. Louise works closely with Venture Academy youth and families to ensure measurable success for all. Louise is an energetic, empathic and skilled counsellor.

Melanie Bennett
Parent Counsellor Coordinator, B.A. - fourth year
Melanie has found working with youth to be one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. The ability to help redirect youth by being a positive role model is a wonderful calling, which she is honored to be a part of. Having worked with a variety of youth in the past, and pulling on personal experience, Melanie strives to create genuine attachment to youth as one way of helping them achieve their goals. With a firm belief in cultivating principles such as understanding, respect, and appreciation, Melanie endeavors to instill a change in perspective for youth who are struggling. Melanie has been a National Alpine Ski Coach for Special Olympics and has been a Venture Academy Parent Counsellor for struggling teens. Melanie's bright smile and positive attitude helps her build instant connections with youth in the program.

Teresa Hay
Director of Services
Teresa has twelve years of combined management and front line experience working with youth presenting emotional difficulties, addictions and severe behavioural challenges. Teresa has provided a safe, supportive and behaviourally managed home care environment for youth, assisting them in making positive behavioural changes as well as developing warm and helpful relationships with parents of youth in her care.
Teresa's role as Director of Services with Venture Academy is the coordination of "in house" Venture Academy services and resources, assisting and monitoring parent counsellor homes, linking clients
to program protocol and procedures, as well as administration and parent liaison. Teresa's extensive experience makes her a valuable resource and support for staff and families alike.

David Daley
Crisis Intervention Trainer, Behaviour Specialist
Dave has an educational background in Criminology, and for the past 20 years has provided consultation and support services to foster parents, parent counsellors other frontline staff and management.  Dave provides youth counselling support to resistant and out of control teens with exceptional social, emotional, and behavioural needs, and has a history of working extensively with other community professionals, such as school districts and mental health clinicians, to develop comprehensive intervention programs to support clients in their homes and in the community. 
Dave responds to emerging crisis, and works with adolescents and families to develop behaviour programs and other strategies to manage difficult behaviour; he also enhances the skills that will assist families and young people to problem solve more collaboratively and effectively. Dave is  a Master’s Level Certified Trainer in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, a program delivered through the Crisis Prevention Institute that emphasizes a proactive approach to managing anxious, defensive, and/or acting out children and adolescents in a safe and respectful manner.  His calm demeanour, insight, and extensive knowledge and experience make Dave a very valuable member of the Venture Academy team. 

Troy Brad
Youth Counsellor
Throughout the past eight years, Troy has been employed as a support worker assisting individuals diagnosed with long term mental illness, behavioural issues, addictions and concurrent disorders.
Troy has extensive experience working in both a residential setting and in an outreach capacity assisting clients with various needs, such as social skills enhancement, employment, educational coaching and life skills training etc. Through ongoing training, Troy has acquired several relevant certifications, such as drug and alcohol certification, non-violent crisis intervention, suicide intervention, Reality Therapy and Choice Theory (Advanced) from the William Glasser Institute.
Troy has attended the University of Regina and is continuing with his studies working towards BA in Psychology and Aboriginal Studies. Troy brings professionalism and a caring and sensitive approach to his work for the overall benefit of youth requiring assistance.

Barry Singular R.P.N.
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Barry has over 20 years experience as a psychiatric nurse in a variety of settings supporting youth in crisis, assessment, and treatment related psychiatric environments. Barry has worked with troubled teens in a youth detention home, a youth residential alcohol and drug treatment center, an emergency psychiatric intensive care unit and short stay unit in a hospital setting as well as working on a chemical dependency team at a provincial hospital. Barry works with Venture Academy youth whom are identified to have extraordinary mental health or psychiatric needs as identified by clinical team members. Barry provides support through supplementary mental health nursing assessments, medication monitoring and evaluation and concurrent disorder evaluation and reporting.

Advisory Board
Venture Academy employs trusted and highly knowledgeable youth and family service professionals for increased quality assurance, organizational support and specialized projects. Senior board members are thoughtfully chosen for their exceptional insight and superior understanding of youth and families in need,
as well their extraordinary expertise in their specified field. Their integrity and contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

Bill Scott B.S.W., M.B.A.
Bill’s academic background includes undergraduate degrees in sociology (UBC, 1980) and social work (University of Victoria, 1988) as well as an MBA earned through Simon Fraser University in 1994.
He has also completed all of the core training in conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation through the Justice Institute of BC Bill practiced in the field of services to children, youth and families for 22 years. He worked as a front line youth counsellor, team leader, mediator and coordinator and, for nine years, he served as executive director of a medium size not-for-profit organization serving children, youth, and families. Currently, Bill is providing consulting services to government departments, not-for-profit organizations and family service businesses. His services primarily focus on organizational development, training, research and writing, developing and maintaining effective teams, conflict resolution on multi-disciplinary teams, communication skills, decision making processes, and change management.

Wouter van der Hall B.S.W., M.S.W.
(management, education and personal coaching)
Wouter brings a unique 30 year combination of social service agency, management and organizational development experience to Venture Academy. Wouter has worked with youth and staff in child welfare, child and youth mental health, youth addictions, youth justice, public health, foster care and residential services. He has worked in group homes for teens with emotional and behavioural problems, was and is a family coach/counsellor, worked as a team leader in treatment centers, managed a combination of a family resource center and child protection agency and was a regional manager for the Ministry of Children and Family Development, in British Columbia.
Wouter has trained and coached frontline staff, executives in multinationals, the US government as well as small organizations and non-profits. Wouter is a workshop presenter and is also the author of The Parent Program, a 15 week on-line parenting program. Wouter is skilled at “brining out the best” in people he works with including families, management and frontline staff.

John Armstrong, B.S.W., R.S.W.
John obtained his Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba and is now a registered Social Worker in the Province of British Columbia. He began teaching at Okanagan University College in 1994 and continues to teach the Addictions course on a part-time basis in the School of Social Work. John has worked in the field of addictions for over 25 years in the capacities of Clinical Counsellor and Clinic Director for Alcohol and Drug Services. He has an extensive background in group facilitation as well as training others in the latest ‘Best Practice’ approaches in addictions.
Another area of specialty for John is the Family Intervention approach where he has worked extensively with families and significant others in the recovery process. John has a tremendous capacity to develop rapport with youth and assist them through the various stages of change. Methodologies include motivational interviewing and solution based treatment, while building on the assets of the client to create and sustain positive change. Since 1979 John has worked with clinical staff, other service providers and the target population developing a wide range of innovative programs and services within the Clinic setting as well as outreach services into the community.

Affiliated Professionals