Joanne has been working in the field of addictions and mental health since 1998 and her experience over the years includes working with people struggling with substance abuse, problem gambling, sex addiction, eating disorders, trauma, grief and loss, relapse prevention, recovery planning, and Family Program Intensives. Joanne is also trained in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
The Thorpe Recovery Centre’s commitment to the success of the programs is reflected in the high standard of work, and adherence to the core values. The Staff place a premium on the ethics, education, and training that will serve to provide clients with the best path to recovery. Professional and volunteer experience is only augmented by the fact that a significant number of us are in recovery ourselves, and are proud to serve as examples that change is possible.
The Thorpe Recovery Centre’s commitment to the success of the programs is reflected in the high standard of work, and adherence to the core values. The Staff place a premium on the ethics, education, and training that will serve to provide clients with the best path to recovery. Professional and volunteer experience is only augmented by the fact that a significant number of us are in recovery ourselves, and are proud to serve as examples that change is possible.
Teressa Krueckl
Chief Executive Officer
Teressa began her role as CEO in September 2013 after serving as Director of Operations during a time of organizational transition in 2012. Prior to her time at Thorpe, she worked in community and fund development, executive leadership, and other various community initiative-working groups. Teressa is an active Rotarian and enjoys giving back to the community.
In her role as CEO, she works closely with the governing board of directors to set strategic direction, the vision and mission, all the while ensuring there is a client-centered focus on program delivery. We have come a long way over the last 8 years. It is exciting to be able to guide development so that we may offer a community atmosphere to those struggling with addiction. It is truly a privilege to work with a fantastic team of individuals who all play a part in touching the lives of our clients and their families.
Learn more about Teressa
Chantal Bishara
Health & Wellness Director | MN
With vast experience in nursing and clinical management, Chantal Bishara joined the senior leadership team at Thorpe Recovery Centre in the Fall of 2018. She joins the team with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Lethbridge and Masters of Nursing: Nurse Practitioner from the Athabasca University—a dream she has had since she was a little girl.
Living the dream, Chantal prides herself in helping others and has a special interest in the field of addiction and mental health. She attributes some of her best career moments to be at Thorpe, where she has witnessed the transformation of lives over 42 days and is an active role in that transformation. When not at work Chantal loves to spend time with her family and friends as well as travelling the globe to her favourite places including Egypt, Los Cabos, and Cuba.
Learn more about ChantalEmmy Kuypers
Clinical Director | BSW, RSW
Emmy has lived in Lloydminster for the past four years, after living in Northern Saskatchewan for six. Her history was in business management and finance but when she relocated to the North she decided to go back to school for something she had always been passionate about.
She completed her BSW with the University of Regina while working full time as a school counsellor and part-time with the Ministry of Social Services. She has volunteered with Victim Services for the Northern Region for four years and was also on the board for their local daycare as well as our youth development group. Upon moving to Lloydminster she worked again in a school counselling role as well as beginning to work in private practice in a clinical setting where she developed an electric therapeutic style that is rooted in attachment and person-centred approaches. Emmy is enrolled in the University of Calgary with a clinical focus on trauma-informed practice and has been a part of the Lloydminster Rotary Club, sat on the Board for the United Way, and is currently on the board for Lloydminster FCSS, and cohosts the local annual Terry Fox Run.
Learn more about EmmyJoanne Wright
Program Manager | CACII, CCAC, ATCA
Joanne’s desire to help others embrace recovery comes from her own journey in recovery and how addiction has impacted family and loved ones. Joanne enjoys spending time with family and her pets, making time to laugh every day, fishing and camping, yoga, singing, and listening to music. Joanne is certified with the Canadian Society of Counselors and Therapists and with the Canadian Addictions Counselors Certificate Federation.
Learn more about JoanneHaley Gyug
Community Counsellor | Dip. Addictions Counselling
Haley is a graduate of Medicine Hat College with a diploma in Addictions Counselling. She enjoys working with people from all walks of life and is currently our Continuing Care Program facilitator, connecting with Alumni and providing support in their recovery.
Haley enjoys reading, crocheting, cuddling with her kitten, and being outdoors.
Learn more about HaleyVera Koster
Community Counsellor | CCAC, ATCA
Vera joined the Thorpe team in 2016, at which time she was primarily responsible for the development and facilitation of TRC’s Continuing Care Program. In 2017 Vera transitioned into the position of Detox Counsellor, a role that allows Vera to channel her considerable energy, passion and dedication into helping people find their start in recovery.
She is also strongly committed to supporting clients who present with eating disorders as well as those who identify with less specific, but unhealthy relationships with food. Vera’s commitment is driven by her struggles with substance abuse and anorexia/bulimia; she has been in recovery since 2011. Vera is certified by the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Learn more about VeraJenna Lapointe
Community Counsellor | BA
Jenna has always been drawn to the field of human services, with a keen interest in addiction and recovery. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Jenna joined the team in 2019 as a Community Support Worker but quickly advanced into the role of Community Counsellor.
Jenna balances her time working at Thorpe and being a mother to a little girl whom she adores.
Learn more about JennaJason Patterson
Community Counsellor | BHSc.
Jason completed his junior practicum with Thorpe in 2018 and was hired on to be the Continuing Care Counsellor until he returned to school at the University of Lethbridge to finish his bachelor of health sciences degree, majoring in Addiction Counselling.
Originally from Calgary, Jason also has his diploma in addiction counselling from Medicine Hat College and diploma in Business Administration through the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Jason has previous experience working with vulnerable populations through Fresh Start Recovery Centre in Calgary, South Country Treatment Centre in Lethbridge and ARCHES safe consumption site in Lethbridge. Jason’s passion for the field of addiction began with his own recovery from alcoholism which he began in January 2014. Jason is excited to be back in Lloydminster working with the Thorpe team. His hobbies include a variety of sports and spending summer weekends at his family cabin.
Learn more about JasonDebbie Roberts
Community Counsellor | A-SAT, CCAC, BA (Hons)
Debbie has been working in the addiction field for over 8 years holding various positions throughout her career. Debbie is a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor as well as an Associate Sex Addiction Therapist.
She is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Christian Counselling through Briercrest in Caronport, SK. Debbie also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Debbie’s education and experience is an asset to the Thorpe Recovery Centre where she helps facilitate not only the Residential Addictions Program but the Sex Addiction and Family Program Intensives as well. Debbie’s passion for recovery has grown significantly during her time in the field where a spiritual approach is used to address attachment issues. Debbie is passionate about helping individuals who struggle with their addiction find a life of recovery that will connect them to self, others and their Higher Power.
Learn more about DebbiePhil Wohlend
Community Counsellor | MC
Phil joined the Thorpe Recovery Centre as a Community Counsellor in the fall of 2019 and is excited to be a new part of the team. He has extensive background working in residential programs with children and adolescents living with complex needs.
Recently Phil has worked with youth in schools facilitating healthy relationship groups, as well as providing group and individual counselling for men services. Phil has also recently graduated with his Masters in Counselling Psychology, and is interested in Solution-focused and Narrative approaches to therapy. Phil is optimistic about his new venture into the field of addictions, a life-long interest of his, and see, feels understands how invaluable the experience will be with our agency. His hobbies include travelling to the mountains and playing music.
Learn more about PhilJordan Sharp
Social Worker | BSW, RSW
Jordan has been working in the human service industry for over four years while completing her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at MacEwan University. Prior to joining the Thorpe Recovery Centre team, Jordan spent her summers working for the Lloydminster Interval Home Society where she developed a passion for supporting others.
In July of 2016, Jordan began volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster as a mentor and describes it as one of her most life-changing opportunities. She obtained her BSW in the spring of 2020 and is a Registered Social Worker through the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Jordan employs a person-centered approach and aims to offer a safe space for individuals to uncover their own strengths. While recognizing the multitude of social barriers within society, Jordan is dedicated to the pursuit of social justice and advocating for equality and equitable access to resources and services for all.
Learn more about JordanChelsea Ault
Clinical Manager | BA
Chelsea has worked in the non-profit world, specifically in the mental health field, since graduating from the University of Ottawa in 2007. Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology and a minoring in Criminology and is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration.
Chelsea has experience with individuals processing trauma, children who have experienced trauma, youth with complex mental health issues, trained in the treatment of eating disorders and is trained in CBT. Chelsea brings with her a passion for art and recreation, with a long history of various sports and creative endeavours. Chelsea plays an instrumental role in helping our clients during their recovery by providing a program in which our clients can discover the joy in recreational hobbies. Chelsea values integrity, innovation, and perseverance in her staff and strives to embody those values in her day to day life. Chelsea’s goal is to positively impact the lives of the staff and clients who enter our Thorpe community. Chelsea also enjoys time with her three young children, walking her dog, practicing yoga, painting, reading, and spending time with her friends.
Learn more about ChelseaMegan Tomkins
Recreation Therapist | BTR, CTRS
Megan completed her Therapeutic Recreation diploma at Lethbridge College, and then finished her Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Lethbridge in 2019.
She completed her internship in Halifax, NS on a restorative care unit for seniors and in August of 2019, she received the credentials required to be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Megan joined the Thorpe team in June of 2019 as a Community Support Worker and found a passion for working in the field of addictions and mental health. Megan finds opportunity in the challenges she faces and seeks growth in adversity.
Learn more about MeganMorgan Peeters
Charge Nurse | RPN
Morgan graduated from Brandon University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing in 2020. She is originally from Calgary but has lived in various cities in Canada. She really enjoys reading and crocheting.
Jenice Ward
Charge Nurse | RPN
Psychiatric Nurse Graduate from MacEwan University in 2000. Over the years worked and volunteered in areas of child/youth mental health, alternative education programming, patient advocacy and long-term care.
Passionate about creating compassionate and innovative ways to support people’s physical and mental wellness. Married with 4 sons, 2 dogs and 1 gecko and can often be found at a hockey rink where she enjoys watching her sons play. Her happy place is with a book, in the sunshine, by the water.
Learn more about JeniceKim Applegate
Office Manager | Dip. Accounting
Kim joined the Thorpe Team as Office Manager in 2017 to which she has found the role very rewarding. Although she looks after accounting and payroll related items and not a direct report to the clinical team, she enjoys being part of the overall team that is dedicated to helping people overcome their addictions.
Sara Fox
Development Coordinator | BA
Raised on the West Coast, Sara found herself settling on the prairies after graduating from the University of Victoria in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Sara has worn many hats at the Centre since starting in 2013 and now finds herself advocating for addiction treatment through awareness and fundraising campaigns as the Development Coordinator.
She is passionate about helping others and improving the wellness of the community. When not at Thorpe, Sara is spending time with her family on their acreage.
Learn more about SaraEvelyn Hummelle
HR Administrator
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
Abraham Lincoln
Louis Mavridis
Kitchen Manager
Where we fall are the stepping-stones for our journey.
Lolly Daskal
Tim Van Staden
Facility Manager | BSc., RSE, CME
Tim was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where he completed a degree in Kinesiology before heading to Lloydminster in 2003. Tim is now a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter and Master Electrician.
Tim joined Thorpe with over 20 years of experience in construction repair and maintenance. Projects he has worked on include Stoney Trail Bridgework in Calgary, Calgary Zoo Elephant Exhibit and the Lloydminster Servus Sports Centre. Dedicated to the community, Tim is also an active member of the Blackfoot Fire Department.
Learn more about Tim
