Meet our Team

As Managing Director, Carson is responsible for all operations at Cedars Cobble Hill and Acorn Recovery ensuring all patients receive high quality, evidence based, patient-centred care. Carson holds a Doctor…

With 17 years of experience in the addiction and recovery field, Elizabeth has had a lengthy clinical career working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to joining the team…

As the Director of Operations, Lisa is responsible for ensuring quality, safety and efficiency at all operational levels of the organization. Lisa is excited about the possibilities of a center…

Ethan showcases his enthusiasm for recovery and provides genuine compassion for individuals and families suffering from addiction disorders. Ethan is grateful for the opportunity to support patients taking their first steps on…

Bill is the Director of Community Care at Cedars and has been working in residential treatment for more than 14 years. This experience has included being a counsellor and supervisor…

Dr. Azar, is a physician specializing in psychiatry and addiction medicine. He attended medical school at University of British Columbia where he also completed his psychiatry residency. He subsequently completed…

Dr. Crosbie Watler completed his MA in Psychology at Lakehead University, before going to Medical School at McMaster in 1988. Following medical school, Dr. Watler completed his residency in psychiatry…

Dr. Ian Forster, is a key member of the Cedars team as well is a consultant for Addiction Medicine at Edmonton’s Life Mark Health Institute. Currently a member of the…

In addition to his prominent role at Cedars, Gerrit is an Addiction Medicine Research Fellow with the BC Centre on Substance Use and a UBC Clinical Instructor on the Addiction…

Jackie Muth is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has dedicated her career to providing an integrated health care with a holistic approach. She dedicated 10 years to academia: from earning…

In addition to being a nurse and certified life coach, Meghan is a Kundalini Yoga and meditation instructor. She has always been extremely passionate about mental health and addiction recovery…

Marnee is a lifelong resident of the Cowichan Valley. She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma at Discovery College in Nanaimo and continues to pursue training in mental health…

Jo comes to Cedars with three generations of recovery in her family, including her own. She worked as an adult educator, paramedic, and first aid trainer for 25 years until…

Leah grew up in Bamfield, a small remote community on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She spent time living in both Northern Alberta and Yukon as a heavy duty…

Asheleigh comes to Cedars with a diverse background in nursing, has a Diploma in Counseling, and Certification in Addiction. She plays an instrumental role in helping individuals during their recovery…

Bruce grew up in central Alberta in a small rural town. He completed his Red Seal Apprenticeship in Electronics at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. He has…

Nigerian born and Vancouver Island raised, Mohammed brings a breadth of skills and compassion to his work at Cedars. Mohammed’s varied career began in professional sports including time in both…

Jeff grew up in the Cowichan valley on Vancouver Island and now lives in Nanaimo with his partner and two beautiful children. Jeff attended Vancouver Island University where he studied…

Stephanie grew up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and was overjoyed to move to Vancouver Island to further her career here at Cedars. Stephanie holds a Baccalaureate in…

Rebecca was drawn to Cedars after seeing many of her personal and professional values reflected in Cedar’s work and philosophies. Rebecca brings 20 plus years of experience in the field…

Karen was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. She moved to the island 12 years ago in order to be closer to friends and family. Karen’s passion for spirituality drove…

Devon grew up on Vancouver Island and lived as far afield as Alert Bay (home of the world’s tallest totem pole) and Dawson Creek before returning to the Island recently.…

Charis was born and originally from BC, but spent her childhood growing up in Central Asia. She returned to Canada to continue schooling and eventually moved to the island in…

Amanda joined Cedars in the first year of operation as a Support Staff team member. In February 2007, she became an integral member of the Cedars Discovery Family Practice and…

As one of Cedars' spiritual advisors, workshop facilitators, and lecturers, Greg creates a safe container for our patients to explore their spirituality. He is an ordained minister in the United…

Tim is Cedars' one and only personal trainer and group fitness instructor. With over 20 years of involvement in the fitness industry, he teaches patients about the importance of physical…

Rev. Pierre Leroux is an Ordained Minister with the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada and holds a certification of Addiction Counseling (CACII) with the Canadian Council of Professional Certification. For…

Robert grew up in the Duncan area where he mentors youth in his community and participates in cross cultural workshops. He joined the Cedars team after assisting his brother who…

Brandon is our Executive Chef and Food Services Manager. Brandon has 15 years of professional experience with his most recent role as a Culinary Director for Amica Mature Lifestyles, which…

Glenn was born in Ontario and grew up in sunny Tsawwassen before moving to Victoria. Glenn attended the University of Victoria and Camosun college before completing his Culinary Red Seal…

With nearly 20 years of experience in the culinary field, Patrick says that Cedars is by far the job he has enjoyed the most. He brings creativity, humour, responsibility, and…

Chrissy may be new to the staff at Cedars but she quickly became a treasured member of the team with her compassionate and humanistic nature. With ten years of experience…

Gracie grew up in the Cowichan Valley and currently lives right by Cedars Campus here in Cobble Hill. Kelsey graduated from Frances Kelsey Secondary School in 2019 and is planning…

Lucie grew up right here on Vancouver Island in Victoria, BC. Lucie graduated from Victor Brodeur Secondary School the Capital Regional District’s all french language school.  Lucie began her career…

MacKenna was born and raised right here in the Cowichan Valley, originally hailing from Duncan. MacKenna is currently working towards completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Calgary,…

Jeanine was born in Ottawa, Ontario attending Rideau Secondary School through Grade 13. Jeanine’s diverse career started in bartending, before working as a Teacher’s Aide, in Carnival Exhibitions, owning her…

Patrick grew up in Edmonton, followed a girl to Vancouver in 2009, married her in 2011, and settled with her and his two wonderful kids in Chemainus in 2017.  He…

After the overdose-related loss of his twin brother, Aidan decided to attend Cedars as a patient in 2014 and has since applied his personal experiences to connect with patients. As…

Aaron began his own recovery from addiction through our programs at Cedars. Before joining the staff, he was a very active member of the Cedars Alumni network and volunteered on…

Terrace born and Nanaimo raised, Jonelle’s family immigrated from South Africa prior to her birth. Jonelle holds a BHM degree from VIU and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from…

Born and raised in Ireland, Maria moved to Canada in 2012 and currently resides in Cobble Hill. She attended school in Ireland in the healthcare and special needs fields. Before…

Meaghan was born and raised in Calgary, AB and moved to Victoria to pursue her undergrad in psychology, where she graduated in 2016, then moved up island, to Duncan. Meaghan’s…

Hailing from Southern Vancouver Island, Chelse was born in Victoria, and spent most of her life in Deep Cove before settling into the Cowichan Valley. Chelse spent time attending Camosun…

Annelies has been caring for Cedars since it opened, over 10 years ago. Her role has evolved from housekeeping to managing Cedars’ ongoing maintenance operations. Annelies can often be found…

Louise has an educational background in Criminology and has worked as an outreach worker with high-risk teenagers for many years. Louise brings empathy and compassion to Cedars and truly believes…

Sheila has been a lead housekeeping with Cedars since early 2013. She enjoys seeing the positive transformation of patients as they gain ground in their personal recovery. Sheila is grateful…

Colin obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology-Psychology in 2018 from the University of Victoria. Originally from Edmonton, Colin considers working at Cedars the perfect fit for his future career goals.…

Maia started her journey at Cedars as a volunteer driving female patients to meeting. After teaching in the community for 35 years, she applied for the Support Staff position with…

She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Born in North Vancouver, Joanna has lived in Haida Gwaii, Kitimat, Vancouver, and Victoria…

As a current student at the University of Victoria, John is continuing his undergraduate studies in visual arts and is a member of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council. John is…

Don began working at Cedars in the fall of 2006 and has since become a chief member of the Support Staff team. For a short period of time, he was…

Before becoming a part of the Cedars team, Barb was employed by BC Ferries and has been in the housekeeping industry for over 24 years. With her easygoing and zany…

 Born and raised in Ditidaht, BC, Deanna has always been passionate about her culture and the different aspects of First Nations. In her role as Support Staff, Deanna brings with…

Emma has always had a passion for working with people, and in 2014, after completing the Community Mental Health and Addiction Worker Certificate Program at Vancouver Island University, she began…

Jamie was born in Comox, raised in Nanaimo, and currently resides in Victoria, BC. Throughout his time at the University of Victoria, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and…

Courtney grew up in Cowichan Lake and now resides in Duncan. She received her BA in Psychology and Certificate in Addiction Studies at Vancouver Island University. She joined Cedars after…

Glen comes to Cedars with an extensive working knowledge of recovery and addiction, bringing over 5 years experience working with marginalized populations, addiction and the homeless. Glen is passionate about…

Brittany was born and raised in Ontario and recently moved to Vancouver Island. She attended college and studied support work that focused on nursing homes and the educational system and…

Michael was born in California but has called British Columbia home since the age of 6. With education in a variety of sciences, Michael joins the Cedars team with versatility,…

Amber divides her time at Cedars working as Support Staff and as Administrative Support. Her career at Cedars began through a practicum offered by Camosun College in the Mental Health…

Peter was born in Calgary but moved to Victoria to get his degree in sports management which he has since completed. Peter is a Cedars alumni who is passionate in…

Aleesha was born and raised on Vancouver island and grew up locally in the Cowichan Valley. She recently graduated from Camosun College’s Mental Health and Addiction program and hopes to…

Jenner is as local as it gets! He grew up in Duncan BC, but spent most of his teenage years in Shawnigan Lake; and is currently living downtown Victoria, where…

Teresa came to Cedars from Nelson BC where she worked as a somatic massage therapist. She began her own recovery journey in 1991 and enjoys seeing the miracle happen as…

Amanda was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, and currently resides in Shawnigan Lake. Amanda has travelled extensively but always returns to her home on Vancouver Island. Amanda is…

Kara originally hails from the Cariboo/Chilcotin region of British Columbia and is currently a resident of the Cowichan Valley. She holds a certificate in Community Mental Health & Addictions From…

Bronwen grew up in the Cowichan Valley and recently returned home after 25 years abroad. Along with a loving and calm demeanor, Bronwen brings her own endeavours in recovery into…

Annette grew up on the North Island in Gold River and currently resides in Nanaimo. Annette brings a diversity of training and lived experience to her role as a Continuing…