Atlantic Centre for Trauma

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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.

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.

Michael Hathaway

Executive Director

Michael was born and raised in southern Ontario and received his Bachelors of Musical Arts from the University of Western Ontario. He taught 15 years of private practice before completing a Masters of Theological Studies at the Ontario Theological Seminary. Michael began Chaplain duties at the Kitchener Home for the Aged for seven years. He then joined Edgewood in Nanaimo, B.C. first as a Chaplain, then as supervising the Extended Care program, and then Director of Continuing Care. In June 2014, he moved back to Ontario to become the National Director of Continuing Care. While in Toronto, he spent six months at Bellwood Health Services as Acting Clinical Director (then lead Program Development and Integration) where he assisted in facilitating program improvements. He was also General Manager at Clinique Nouveau Depart in Montreal, Quebec for two years. Now he is at Ledgehill Treatment Centre in beautiful Nova Scotia. He feels it is an honour to be part of EHN Canada and is excited to see what the future holds. When not working, Michael enjoys being part of a worship band, playing music, reading, hiking, and kayaking.

Robin Gregory

Cook

Shannon Farley

Support Counsellor Manager

Shannon brings years of work and personal experience in the field of addiction. Born and raised in the Annapolis Valley, she enjoys adventures with her husband of 10 years. Shannon is the proud grandmother of a beautiful grandson who is her pride and joy. She also loves animals and has two cats, two dogs and 56 chickens.

Elena Basevich

Counsellor, Fitness and Nutrition

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.

Amanda Ricks

Therapist

Amanda is an experienced Mental Health Counsellor and Creative Arts Therapist. She takes pride in communication and is dedicated to improving the well-being of her clients. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Drama degree and a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology and Drama Therapy degree, she furthered her education and received a PhD (All but Thesis) in Human and Social Development at the University of Victoria. Amanda has years of experience working as a counsellor for establishments dedicated to mental health.

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

Music 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

Social Worker

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.