OUR STAFF

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).

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.

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.

D’Anza had the privilege of working in a few different roles at Thorpe from 2011-2013. She returned as a counsellor in 2017 and is now a Registered Provisional Psychologist. She has worked in a variety of settings with adults and youth struggling with addictions, homelessness, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities. D’Anza maintains a positive outlook and is driven by a desire to help people. No matter what struggles you may be facing, D’Anza emphasizes the importance of awareness, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and self-care when it comes to living a healthy life.

Garret Ford has a diverse background with multiple fields of interest including a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre where he wrote and performed plays about addiction and mental health and a Bachelors of Health Sciences with a focus on addictions and mental health disorders, counselling groups, individual counselling, research and development. Also, Garret achieved a Masters of Education on Counselling Psychology where his thesis was on Internet Gaming disorder based on components model. Garret has also taught at university level, ran counselling labs, performed research and development, and ran online surveys.

Garret recently came to Thorpe Recovery Centre with experience in diverse demographics within multiple addictions and mental health fields including crisis intervention, residential treatment, education systems, and social advocacy.

Ivor has had the opportunity to work at all levels of the addiction recovery field. From being a crisis clinician managing intoxicated persons to being a member of a provincial committee tasked with reviewing the Manitoba concurrent disorder initiative. He began working in private practice with people struggling with addictions and other mental health issues in rural Manitoba and went on to work in Winnipeg’s inner city in a substance abuse treatment centre. Ivor has also worked for the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba specializing in Accreditation and Risk Management and with Accreditation Canada as a Surveyor.

Ivor holds a Masters in Counselling from Briercrest Seminary and a certification in Applied Counselling from the University of Manitoba.

Tammy has been working in the field of Human Services for over 25 years. Her passion and journey for helping people to overcome addictions began at the Thorpe in 2005 as support staff and has held many roles throughout her time. Over the years, her main role with the Thorpe Recovery Centre has been predominantly Residential Counsellor. Tammy has worked with the youth program, young adult program, Sober living program, family program and in the current role works with individuals in residential treatment for addictions. Tammy is a Master Therapeutic Counsellor registered in 2018 through the Association of Cooperative Counselling, Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor and is currently working towards a Degree of Professional Arts in Human Service.