Venture Academy

Description

Chris received his Bachelors degree in Psychology and Substance Use Disorder Counseling license from the University of Utah. Chris has 16 years of experience working with well over 1,000 youth and families in wilderness, residential and in-home settings. Chris began his career working with troubled teens as a primary counselor at a therapeutic youth ranch program in a remote wilderness setting. For 12 years Chris served as an Admissions Director, Program Developer and Community Liaison for a leading residential dual diagnoses treatment program specializing in the "therapeutic community" model of care for substance abusing clients. Chris went on to open an in-home therapeutic program providing interventions, assessment, treatment, case management, court services and consultation. These experiences have provided Chris with first hand knowledge of the multitude of challenges families experience in dealing with struggling teens as well as the solutions that bring lasting positive change.

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.

Gordon received his Bachelors Degree from Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba majoring in both Psychology and Physical Education. Gordon has twenty six 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.

Leanne obtained her undergraduate degree in Honours Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. She then went on to Nipissing University for her Bachelor of Education in Intermediate/Senior Education with teachable subjects Health and Physical Education and Science - Biology along with extra courses in Outdoor Education and Mental Health. Leanne pursued additional qualifications in Special Education from York University as well as expanding to Junior Education, qualifying her to teach grades 4 - 12. She has experience teaching various levels of science, mathematics, geography, drama, health and physical education. Leanne has taught in small towns and big cities working with youth who are experiencing challenges with learning, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, Leanne is experienced working with youth who are struggling for various other reasons including addictions, anxiety, depression and behavioural challenges. She is skilled at assisting students to implement new learning strategies, increase motivation and overcome challenges.

Throughout my 23 years working with youth and families I have literally spoken with thousands of parents who have told me heartbreaking stories of their child's behaviours and difficulties and resulting family struggles. I founded Venture Academy for families in need - loving and caring families, families who want to intervene and get help for their child before things get even worse. My goal was to develop the best possible services for troubled teens in Canada - an all encompassing and clinically comprehensive assessment service and treatment program that would actually meet the needs of youth and families.

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