Venture Academy helps teens who could benefit from academic support and clinical treatment. Our treatment programs for troubled teens employ staff that have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges faced by today’s teens and students. Our staff members have a proven record of proficiency in working with students who may be struggling for many reasons or would benefit from some extra support. Venture Academy employees are carefully screened and selected for their integrity, compassion, and ability to help school-aged adolescents make real changes. We help teens overcome their challenges while teaching them how to develop and maintain healthy and productive lifestyles and relationships.
Our students benefit from the support of a skilled Education and Clinical Team and dedicated frontline workers. We believe in a direct, one-to-one, hands-on approach. For example, students benefit from direct support from a Behavioural Therapist or Counsellor “on the floor” – meaning in the classroom setting, in a social learning environment or while out engaging in a fitness and recreation activity! This is critical for transfer of skills and real-life results.
Jeff has been advising, advocating, guiding and mentoring parents and their children throughout his 26-year career. He has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is a certified trauma specialist and a certified educational planner. Jeff has extensive clinical and administrative leadership experience in a variety of residential settings and has worked with both adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health, substance use, developmental and behavioral issues.
Amanda graduated with honours in Community Outreach and Development from Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. She has worked closely for over a decade with mental health professionals, treatment programs, families and clients to assure quality collaboration and treatment for adolescents and their families who have experienced struggles and challenges in their lives.
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 20 years, Louise has worked in diverse environments including the Department of National Defence and youth services programs. Louise achieves success with clients through a client-centered approach, focusing on developmental assets and attachment styles. Louise works closely with Venture Academy youth and families and others to ensure success for all. Louise is a dedicated, energetic, empathic and skilled counsellor and leader. Through assessment, Louise identifies client issues/challenges and provides empathetic emotional support as well as focused addiction and mental health interventions. Louise has been instrumental in leadership and management and has demonstrated excellence in working with community professionals and governing authorities including licensing and professional referral sources
Formally trained in business management and administration Teresa has seventeen years of management and front line experience working with youth presenting emotional difficulties, addictions issues 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 extensive experience makes her a valuable resource and support for staff and families alike.
Nancy obtained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Burman University. With much experience working with teens in both school and community settlings, Nancy focuses on client-orientated approaches allowing her to build therapeutic relationships and assist in positive changes. Over the last few years, Nancy has supported youth in learning coping mechanisms, supporting youth in decision making skills as well as assisting in the mending of family relationships. Nancy is both passionate and dedicated to collaboratively work with youth and their families to help them progress, both emotionally and behaviorally.
Joseph received his Masters and Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University, and a B.A. in Sociology and Social Anthropology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Joseph’s background includes working in Children’s Mental Health, as well as providing clinical therapy within the health care sector to children, youth, adults and with vulnerable populations. Experienced as a Clinical Therapist and as a part of a Family Health Team, Joseph is skilled in developing intervention plans based upon the needs of each individual and their identified treatment goals. He has aided others in various roles, to learn the coping strategies needed to navigate their experiences, including crisis situations and mental health diagnosis. With extensive training and experience, Joseph possess the tools crucial in aiding youth to understand and work through their struggles, supporting them on the path towards positive change.
Terri has BA in Speech Communications at Wheaton College in Illinois and her graduate studies in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Portland State University in Oregon. After working as a speech/language pathologist with children in both the public school and private practice settings, Terri shifted her focus and began studies at the Neufeld Institute. Terri earned authorization as a course facilitator and has since offered numerous parenting courses in British Columbia. In 2013, Terri completed her program of advanced studies at the Neufeld Institute, which provides training in parent education and consultation.
Naomi obtained a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ryerson University followed by a Master of Social Work from University of Windsor. She has also received certification in brief and narrative therapy with Hincks Dellcrest Centre in Toronto.
Maxine has completed a Master’s Degree in Psychology with extensive training in Attachment-Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapies. She has years of experience working with and counselling families and youth in both residential and outreach settings. She also enjoys animal-assisted therapy and some of our Venture Academy students and families have had the pleasure of meeting Sasha, Maxine’s therapy dog. She is passionate about building strong, non-judgemental relationships, and assisting youth and families as they take the next steps in their lives. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new and interesting cultures, the variety and beauty of art, and the physical and mental heath benefits of yoga and outdoor activities.
Gary obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work (MSW) both from University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. Gary is a member of British Columbia Association of Social Workers and registered as a social worker with British Columbia College of Social Workers. Gary has received training in many areas of clinical social work, including crisis intervention, suicide assessment, substance misuse, and trauma-informed practice. Gary is passionate about fostering healthy relationships between youth and their families. Gary is experienced in treat youth with emotional and behavioral issues. As a mental health clinician, Gary had previously worked with youth and their families doing clinical assessment and interventions to address various mental health concerns. Gary’s range of experience with youth has led him to focus on individual and family strengths and working towards positives outcomes and changes.
Janelle obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary at the Lethbridge, Alberta campus. Since this time, Janelle has supported individuals and families struggling due to mental health issues, trauma, addiction, developmental disabilities and learning challenges, in positions of Youth Mentor, Family Support Counsellor and In-Home Support Worker. Her experience includes working with families to reduce conflict and develop greater cohesiveness, as well as supporting high-risk youth to develop better decision making skills and attain personal goals. Janelle thoroughly enjoys working collaboratively with youth and their families to facilitate positive change. Her positive energy, sense of humour and compassionate nature contribute to her ability to address difficult situations while maintaining positive working connections. She has a love for the outdoors and hiking in particular, and enthusiastically shares her commitment to a healthy lifestyle in the work she does with the Venture Academy clients in our BC location.
Khalida obtained her Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice Honours at Mount Royal University and her Emergency Medical Responder Certificate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. She is currently in progress of completing her Masters in Social Work at the University of British Columbia. Khalida holds multiple certificates in mental health including anxiety disorders, psychiatric presentations, suicide intervention and trauma and gender informed practice. Her passion for clinical counselling derived from being a mental health clinician working with youth using CBT, DBT, and ACT. Khalida’s professional commitment focuses around a strengths-based and solution-focused approach centred on the child and family’s goal(s).
Kelsey graduated with a Bachelor of Profession Arts in Human Services at Athabasca University. Prior to obtaining her degree, Kelsey obtained a Corrections Diploma at Lethbridge College. Through her experience working in roles including Crisis Intervention, Youth Care and Community Support Worker, Kelsey has worked in both outreach and residential treatment settings, supporting youth with various learning, behavioural and mental health diagnosis including ADD, ADHD, FASD, RAD. Kelsey’s training includes crisis intervention, suicide / self-harm assessment and various other mental health courses and certificates. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys playing sports, being active outside and spending time with her family.
Alexandria (Ali) obtained her Advanced Child and Youth Worker Diploma with Honours from Georgian College at the Orillia, Ontario campus. Ali has supported individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, learning challenges, and those who have suffered from traumatic events, in the positions of Child and Youth Worker, Family Support Worker, Respite Care Worker and personal mentor. Her experience includes working with children in the foster care system, assisting individuals with physical disabilities, as well as supporting high-risk youth to develop better self-regulation, problem solving and decision-making skills. She thoroughly enjoys working alongside youth and their families to create goals, promote positive change, and develop and maintain healthy relationships. Ali has dedicated her personal time to different programs that reach at-risk youth, including a Christian based Family Circle program, volunteering at a drop-in centre and participating in a street walk in downtown Toronto to be educated on homelessness. Her outgoing personality, sense of humour and empathy, contribute to her ability to create a positive rapport, promote resiliency and support youth to reduce risk factors. Ali is passionate about helping the youth at Venture Academy attain their greatest potential.
Kimberley has a diploma in Native Counselling, Community Care and Development from Mohawk College with advance studies in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. She spent 3 years living on the Six Nations Reserve immersing in the culture. While living there, she developed an appreciation for an Indigenous lifestyle.
Jodi attained her Bachelor of Education as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Creative and Critical Studies and Sociology from the University of British Columbia. Her education specialization is at the secondary level and her teaching experiences range from grades seven through to twelve. Jodi is trained in crisis intervention and non-violent conflict resolution and her diverse teaching background includes working with high-risk youth, including those with learning challenges and special needs. Jodi strives not only to assess, identify and support students’ educational strengths, but also to assist students to recognize their own educational abilities. As an avid outdoors excursionist, Jodi embraces a holistic view of education which incorporates community-based teaching opportunities with classroom learning.
Chris obtained his Bachelor of Education at California University of Pennsylvania and has his teaching certification for intermediate and senior levels through Ontario. Chris is currently completing his Masters in Education out of Argosy University. Chris began his career in 1999 as a public High School Social Studies teacher, and in 2005, Chris began specializing in the highly dynamic realm of educating “at-risk” and “troubled” youth. Chris is experienced in implementing behaviour modification programs to address student cognitive distortions to enhance the educational climate of the classroom. Through positive role modeling and meaningful interactions, Chris works to instil compassion, decency, good manners, insight, and into the youth, who will inevitably become tomorrow’s leaders. He uses his worldly experiences as a military veteran, years of coaching baseball and rugby, coupled with his positive personal growth oriented perspective to connect, coordinate, and improve the lives of those he interacts. Chris understands his enthusiasm for life, and supportive teaching methods have a tremendous influence on a child and their future, and is passionate about helping youth at Venture Academy.
Jordan obtained his Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Prior to, and throughout, his schooling Jordan has worked as a director of, and a counsellor for, a local youth group and summer camp. He has been working with children and youth in various groups, camps and classrooms for the past decade. Jordan is a relationship-driven educator who is passionate about cultivating a learning environment in which youth feel encouraged, supported and valued. Further, he is a skilled communicator who aims at using quality, holistic education as a tool for equipping young people to be successful citizens in an ever-changing world.
Jenna received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Guelph in 2009. While majoring in Child, Youth, and Family, she worked with troubled teens at a school that assists adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioural challenges. It was here that she became interested in teaching and helping struggling youth as a career. Following her bachelor’s degree, Jenna obtained her Graduate Diploma of Education from LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Austrailia and later her Certificate in Behaviour Science from Humber College in Ontario.
Maria graduated from Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada in 2016 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree with Honours standing. Throughout her undergraduate degree, Maria had the opportunity to work with, advocate for, and teach children and adolescents with a variety of developmental differences. Upon the completion of Maria finishing her undergraduate degree, she obtained a Research-Based Masters of Education, specializing in Teaching, Learning, and Development from Brock University. Maria’s research allowed her to develop a handbook on Mindfulness as a Therapeutic Intervention for Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders.
Mackenzie attained his Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of Alberta with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Drama. Following graduation, Mackenzie has worked both in the classroom and as a personal tutor for a variety of individuals ranging from elementary through university level.
Brandee obtained her Bachelor of Education with honours degree through Union College at Canadian Union College in Lacombe, Alberta. She has over 15 years of experience in education and administration which involves teaching and curriculum development from preschool through adult education and serving administratively in post-secondary education in the areas of student services and employment.
LoAnne brings to the team, years of experience in the health care sector, and a business diploma with a specialty in Human Resource Management. In 2005, she began her employment in the field as a family support worker for adults with developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses and learning challenges, both in the community and in their home. After many years of working front line, she then moved into a supervisory role of different day programs for those with disabilities in a daily educational, physical activities and skill building environment. In addition, LoAnne and her family have opened their home to individuals with disabilities to join their family over the last 4 years on a continuous basis. She thoroughly enjoys working with individuals towards personal goals, such as building healthy relationships and then seeing them succeed and build confidence within themselves.
As the Office Administrator, Karen is involved with many aspects of the agency including scheduling of daily activities, accounting, data management, human resources. Karen’s organizational skills, leadership abilities and background in upper administration and management contribute to the high standards of service delivery that are provided to Venture Academy youth and families. In addition to the managing the diverse administrative responsibilities of a youth treatment program, Karen is one of the friendly voices that our families have grown accustomed to hearing when calling in to our office and she takes great pleasure in making sure they are each taken care of.
Dana came to Venture Academy with a Business Diploma from Okanagan College specializing in Marketing, and a history of volunteering with youth groups such as; her high school student counsel, and Youth in Action. Dana has always had a passion for creating a positive impact among her community and today’s youth. Her experience performing administrative duties in a law firm, such as drafting legal documents, corresponding with legal counsel and court services will be an asset to the Venture Academy Admission Team. As an Admissions Assistant, Dana assists the admissions team by preparing admissions, scheduling appointments, managing records, and assisting with a variety of other day to day tasks in the administrative office.
Nancy’s is the friendly voice that greets the Venture Academy families calling into our head office. As Receptionist with Venture Academy, Nancy is involved in a wide range of administrative tasks including scheduling family calls and visits, youth appointments, recreational activities and overall contributing to the administrative team and tending to the needs of the Venture Academy families. Graphic design and marketing formed the backbone of her professional life, until Nancy realized she wanted to be a part of something deeper and more meaningful on a human level. That journey led her to Venture Academy, where she is delighted to be interacting with youth and their families on a daily basis, and thrilled to be providing support to a team of passionate professionals who are working with these families to make a positive difference.
As Receptionist / Administrator with Venture Academy, Renée provides administrative support to the team in many of the day-to-day tasks. Renée has worked in diverse environments, coupled with her bilingualism has provided her with a solid foundation of transferable skills to support the Venture Academy team. As a mother of a teenage daughter, Renée enjoys spending time with her family and friends in the beautiful Ottawa Valley.
As a receptionist for Venture Academy, Kris is often the first point of contact in welcoming families to the Venture Academy Ontario location. Kris provides a variety of clerical tasks, supporting the Academy’s team in their administrative needs.
In 2013, Chris was introduced to the latest developments in immersive technologies which, fueled by billions of dollars of investment from major tech players such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft and others, has facilitated an evolution in virtual and augmented hardware and software. Immersive technologies are poised to profoundly disrupt the way humans learn, play, work and socialize. Chris, already addressing gaming/internet addiction, jumped into the global development community to better understand, prepare and help shape the impact that that these powerful technologies will have on individuals, families and communities at large.
Gordon received his Bachelors Degree from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba majoring in both Psychology and Physical Education. Gordon has thirty 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 President of the Venture Academy group of troubled teen treatment programs, 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.