OUR TEAM

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 7 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.

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.

Lori joined Thorpe Recovery Centre in November 2017 as Operations Director and comes with an Advanced Certified Professional designation with the International Personnel Management Association and a Bachelors of General Studies from Athabasca University. Lori oversees the operations of the organization to ensure a safe facility and program.

Most of Lori’s work experience over the years has been predominantly with non-profit organizations but Thorpe has a special place in Lori’s heart. As a 2002 TRC Alumnus, Lori has personal experience with addictions and has used the tools she has learned at Thorpe and applies them successfully to all aspects of her life. Lori expresses gratitude to be a part of an organization that helps people help themselves in the recovery of addictions.

Phil joined the Thorpe Recovery Centre as an Addictions 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.

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.

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.