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Meet the Team at the Atlantic Centre for Trauma

Bringing compassion and expertise to treatment for military, veterans, and first responders

When it comes to overcoming addiction or trauma, you’re not in it alone. At the Atlantic Centre for Trauma, we have a team that combines the knowledge and care needed to help you recover. Our staff consists of physicians, nurses, counsellors, nutritionists, occupational and family therapists, and fitness trainers. But we are also your confidants and cheerleaders. Meet the team at the Atlantic Centre for Trauma.

Helen Luedee, MSW, RSW

Executive Director

Helen Luedee is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in the field of mental health and addiction. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Community Studies) degree from Cape Breton University, a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Social Work degree from Memorial University. Prior to EHN Canada, she was as the Clinical Manager at TELUS Health, where she brought her expertise to bear in advancing healthcare solutions. She’s also served as the Manager of the Mental Health & Addictions, Opiate Recovery Program for Nova Scotia Health (Eastern Zone) in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Her commitment to public service is evident through her volunteer work including chairing Transition House and the CBRM March 21st Planning Committee.

Dr. Luke Napier MD FRCP ABPN

Psychiatric Medical Director

Dr. Napier attended Dalhousie University for undergraduate studies and medical school, and then completed psychiatry residency training in New York (Beth Israel), where he was chief resident. He has been practising psychiatry since 1990 and has held various clinical and academic roles. For the past 10 years, his private practice in Halifax has been focused on the care of Canadian Forces and RCMP members and veterans. A proud Newfoundlander, he is very happy to be part of the evolution of veteran’s care services in the Atlantic region, as the new medical director for the Atlantic Centre for Trauma.

Elena Basevich

Recreation Therapist

Elena came to Canada as a refugee from the Soviet Union when she was 6 years old, before earning an Honours Degree in English and Philosophy from Acadia University. For the last 20 years, she has been practicing and teaching yoga. She received her first 200-hour yoga teacher training at Kripalu in Massachusetts. She has since completed extensive yoga training at Tays (therapeutic approach yoga) in Halifax and completed another 500 hours of training in therapeutic yoga. Elena is also certified in Pranassage (a one-on-one treatment combining yoga and massage). She has worked at Ledgehill Rehab Centre for over 7 years where she has learned a great deal about addiction and recovery through hands-on practice and experience. During her time at Ledgehill, she has created programs combining yoga (the physical practice as well as the philosophy of the 8limbs of yoga and their connection to the 12 steps), meditation and recovery. Elena is currently taking DBT training to expand her knowledge in the field of mental health in order to better support clients.

Sarah Bell, M.S., MTA, RCT-C

Clinical Therapist

Sarah is a music therapist (MTA) and registered counselling therapist candidate (RCT-C). Sarah achieved her Masters at Concordia University in Montréal. She worked with Indigenous women and homeless men while living in the city and has experience working with adults in acute and recovery type mental health settings. Sarah is passionate about using creative interventions to support her patients and shares her love of music by providing weekly group music therapy sessions at Ledgehill and Atlantic Centre for Trauma.

Lesley Finch, MSW, RSW

Clinica Therapist/Team Lead

Lesley is very passionate and dedicated to the work she does at Atlantic Centre for Trauma. She believes in an anti-oppressive, client-centred and holistic approach, combining both cognitive and somatic therapies in her work. She is a life-long learner, constantly honing her skills and consulting research for new, evidence-based approaches and treatments. She has a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Dalhousie and Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from King’s University College at Western University, and many years' experience working in addiction and mental health.

Shannon MacDonald, MBA

Behavioral Analyst

Shannon MacDonald is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and a certification in trauma professionalism. With over a decade of experience, Shannon specializes in assisting individuals struggling with life stressors, mental health issues, and disabilities, alongside frontline staff like healthcare workers and law enforcement, to develop coping strategies, emotion regulation, and essential community skills. Initially focused on early intervention for autism and developmental disabilities, she has also contributed significantly in psychiatric rehabilitation centers, addressing PTSD and emotional dysregulation among various clients. Shannon integrates approaches from ABA, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed practices to offer a unique method for emotion regulation suitable for a broad audience. In 2019, she expanded her reach by providing online services to first responders dealing with anxiety, burnout, and PTSD, and has recently applied her expertise to support healthcare professionals in managing job-related stress.

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Meet the Team at the Atlantic Centre for Trauma