OUR TEAM

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 Administration 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.

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Emmy 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.

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Tim Van Staden

Director of Operations | | 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.

In 2018 Tim joined Thorpe with over 20 years of experience in construction repair and maintenance and as of Fall 2020, moved into the role of Operations Director. 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.

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Joanne Wright

Counselling 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 Counsellors Certificate Federation.

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Haley 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.

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Sherry Huculak

Community Counsellor | BAAJS

Originating from Drumheller, Alberta, Sherry moved to Lloydminster in 2020 where she joined the team at Thorpe. She has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies from the Lethbridge College and has extensive experience with counselling and group facilitation in a residential substance abuse treatment setting.

She is passionate about helping people to move forward, and utilize a strength-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach. Her passion for helping others comes partly as a result of her own personal journey of recovery, which began in 2008. Her hobbies include reading, music, and exercise.

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Vera 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 role of Detox Counsellor and in 2018 Vera took a position on the residential counselling team.

Shehas been in recovery from addiction since June, 2011, and has a considerable amount of compassion and understanding for people in early recovery. Vera is certified by the Canadian Addiction Counselling Certification Federation as well as the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta; she holds a diploma in Addiction Counselling and is currently in the process of completing her Bachelor’s degree in psychology.

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Jenna 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.

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Jason 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.

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Debbie 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.

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Molly Spinney

Community Counsellor | BA

Originally from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Molly completed a Bachelor of Arts at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. Looking forward to new adventures she boarded a train and headed out west.

Her background is that of working with children with special needs and previous to her role as Evening & Weekend Community Counsellor, Molly worked as an Addiction Administrator and then a Community Support Worker before being drawn to this unique position. An insatiable learner and avid podcast enthusiast; the field of human services has always been magnetic for her.

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Jordan 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.

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Chelsea Ault

CSW 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.

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Melissa Noeth

Detox Mentor

Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into “those who offer help” and “those who need help.” The truth is that we are both.

Brené Brown

Victoria Poirier

Detox Mentor

After working in the restaurant industry for a number of years, Victoria decided to change her focus to helping others on a deeper level. Victoria joined the team as a Community Support Worker, but her interest and dedication quickly saw her take on the Detox Mentor Role.

Here, she helps those in the initial stages of their recovery journey set goals and begin the work to achieve those goals. She looks forward to completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Women's Studies so she may continue to develop her ability to help others. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys time at the cabin with loved ones and a good book.

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Megan 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.

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Ashley Schlosser

Nurse Supervisor | LPN

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

—Mahatma Ghandi

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 Sara