About Us - Our Project Development Team, Board and Advisory |
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The Addiction Recovery Coach Program was made possible with the generous support of Public Safety Canada and the Lex Reynolds Adoption and Permanency Trust Fund.
The concept for Recovery Coaches to support vulnerable mothers was created by Janet Christie and Liza Miles who have provided support groups, training, advocacy and outreach to vulnerable women with addiction and mental health concerns since 2003 in Victoria BC. We are governed by a board who have extensive experience and specialized knowledge regarding issues experienced by the population we serve. We also have a project development team and an expert advisory panel well versed in matters regarding research and best practices. Our Society was incorporated as a non-for-profit agency in B.C. in January 2011. OUR BOARD Marie Fournier Marie Fournier started her financial
career in Quebec and moved to
Sue Simard (Chair) Sue Simard has a degree in psychology/drama, and has worked in the social work field for over 30 years. Sue’s highest and greatest learning, however, comes from her personal experience as a recovering alcoholic for 21 years, and as a mother. Sue has fostered 16 teens and has experienced first-hand the prevalence and implications of FASD. Sue has passion and is compassionate. “I am especially interested in supporting and advocating for women with children because I realize how important it is to try and stop the cycle which causes FASD.”
Lee Smith BSW (bio pending) OUR ADVSIORY:
Since 1994, Deborah Rutman has undertaken research exploring the strengths,
challenges and experiences of (young) adults, women, and families living with
FASD in order to identify supportive policies, programs and practices. Recent
projects focus on: appropriate substance use treatment and care for women with
FASD; parenting; employment; and the legal system’s criminalization of
disability. Deborah also has extensive experience conducting evaluations of
programs for people with FASD, including BC’s Key Worker and Parent Support
program. Deborah is an Adjunct Associate Professor with the Faculty of Human
and Social Development at UVic, a registered psychologist, and a co-founder of
Nota Bene Consulting Group. |
Cynthia Piercey
Cynthia
Piercey brings a wealth of “experiential” experience as an adviser to the
board. Her background working with vulnerable mothers includes being a mentor
with the Moms Mentoring Moms program, and was involved with the development of
the program since its inception. Cynthia
has a strong understanding of the issues that mothers face and, as a mentor
assisted many women and children connect with resources in the community. Her
approach and understanding of women’s issues has facilitated change in many
people’s lives. Cynthia has also facilitated and co-facilitated support groups
for at-risk populations.
Nancy Poole PhD (Bio pending)
Director, Research
and Knowledge Translation
Barb Smith MSW (Bio pending) PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TEAM Janet Christie
Janet Christie is a well-known speaker, presenter and teacher in the area of women’s addiction and FASD. Janet has been at the forefront of numerous programs related to mental health, addiction and FASD including the provincial FASD Key Worker program in BC. She is also involved in national projects including the internationally recognized Knowledge Network video on adults with FASD. Janet has extensive experience and knowledge working with women with addiction and FASD and speaks openly about overcoming her own substance abuse issues and being a mother of a son with FASD. Liza Miles A graduate in theology and social studies and certified expressive arts therapist Liza is passionate about social justice issues, especially the impact of poverty, addiction and violence on w omen and their children. Liza is currently completing family mediation certification. Liza is a published writer and emerging artist. An immigrant from the UK, Liza moved to Victoria in 1996. In the UK, Liza worked as a documentary filmmaker in factual programming, and set up Arts Counseling Trust to provide creative art therapy programs to men and youth in UK prisons and youth custody centres. |
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