Home / Facilities / Recovery Ranch / Recovery Ranch Team

Recovery Ranch Team

Giving patients the best care during their addiction recovery.

Our philosophy of care involves equal parts expertise and empathy. Every member of our interprofessional team was handpicked for their experience and commitment to excellent care.

Recovery Ranch’s team consists of physicians, nurses, counsellors and family therapists. Our full-time, on-site doctors and counsellors are certified addiction medicine experts. Our doctors understand your struggle and know best practices in treating mental health and addiction disorders.

When you turn to the Recovery Ranch, we become your caregivers, confidants, and cheerleaders. We show you how to leverage your strengths to build the skills you need to be the hero of your story and steer your addiction recovery.

Dr. Christina Basedow

RCC, CSAT, CMAT; Chief Operations Officer

Dr. Christina Basedow leads EHN Canada and is responsible for overseeing operations, clinical program development, and the building and expansion of new facilities. In her previous roles with EHN Canada, she served as Clinical Director, Manager of Outpatient Programming, and Supervisor of Extended Care. Her initial work within Edgewood Treatment Centre was as a Clinical Counselor. She also worked within corrections, eating disorders for adults and youth, and sexual abuse intervention services for children and youth. Christina has also worked as an Instructor at Vancouver Island University, and she runs a small private practice. Christina holds a PhD in Psychology, a Masters in Psychology, and a BHSc in Addictions Counseling. She is also a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) in B.C., a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and a Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist (CMAT).

Kelly Hughston-Bulmer, BPA, BSS

Operations Manager

Kelly has worked in the health care industry for over 25 years, both in the public and private sector. She holds a Bachelor of Professional Arts, Bachelor of Social Sciences/Human Services. Prior to working in the addiction recovery realm, Kelly owned and operated a successful health and wellness centre. Kelly was employed with Top of the World Recovery Centre for eight years, prior to working for EHN Canada’s Recovery Ranch. She is passionate about the addiction and mental health community. Kelly finds solace in spending time with her family and her garden and centres herself with yoga and long wilderness walks.

Dr. Andre Duguay, MD

Ranch Physician

After practicing for several years, wanting to expand his medical knowledge, he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences, followed by a Medical Degree through the University of Alberta. Andre conducted his residency training through the University of Calgary, in the Rural Family Medicine Program. Since arriving in Cranbrook, he has developed an interest in addictions medicine. He obtained his methadone prescribing license and is a member of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine. In addition to conventional medicine, Andre is pleased to offer Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments at the Ranch as well. He is very passionate and excited about being part of the life-changing program at Top of The World Ranch, and assisting in the recovery of the clients.

Dr. Tim Ayas

Psychiatrist

Dr. Tim Ayas is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Calgary. He completed his Master’s Degree in Public Health, specializing in Hospital Administration, at the University of Alberta and then worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Misericordia Hospital. He completed medical school at the University of Calgary in 2003. He then completed a residency in rural family medicine at the University of Alberta in 2005 and then a fellowship in Psychiatry at the University of Calgary in 2011. He was Chief Resident of the University of Calgary Department of Psychiatry in 2010. Over the past decade he has worked at the Claresholm Centre for Mental Health and Addictions (CCMHA) as the past Clinical Medical Director, Carnat Centre psychosis day hospital, and a variety of outpatient mental health clinics. He has ample experience treating patients with concurrent mental health disorders and addictions. He is currently on the board of the University of Calgary Department of Psychiatry as the Section Chief responsible for Addictions, Claresholm Centre, and south outpatient services for the Calgary zone. He teaches psychopharmacology often at the medical school, to psychiatrists in training, and to physician colleagues on a provincial and national level; and has been blessed to have been granted multiple teaching awards. He is also the Psychiatry Clerkship Director at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and the Scientific Co-chair of the annual Alberta Psychiatric Association Conference.

Brittany Becker, LPN

Nursing Supervisor

Brittany joined the Recovery Ranch family in the fall of 2022 as the Nursing Supervisor. She enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program right after high school and graduated from the College of the Rockies. From there, she has been working in acute care on the Medical/Palliative unit at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. Throughout Brittany's five years of nursing in the medical field, she has had many opportunities, experiences, and educational opportunities that have helped shape her into the nurse she is today. Some of Brittany's nursing background includes detox in acute care setting, palliative care, delirium/dementia care, mental health, stroke care, and pre/post-op care. She has also mentored and led three wonderful nursing students in their final placements before completing their education in the Practical Nursing Program. When Brittany is not working, you can find her with her two beautiful big dogs enjoying walks in the bush, camping, side-by-siding, skating, travelling or with friends.

Donna Atherton

Support Staff Supervisor

Originally from Treaty 5, the traditional lands of the Ininew people, Donna is Métis on her mom’s side, with family names of Ross, Short, Malboeuf, tracing back to the Red-River Settlement. She currently lives on the traditional and unceded lands of the Ktunaxa Nation in what is colonially known as Cranbrook. Donna has lived experience with mental health, suicide, and substance use, and has supported many people in their journeys, including family, friends, and clients at work. Donna has a counselling diploma and is currently working at a treatment recovery centre. Prior to this, she has worked in the healthcare field for 23 years, working with seniors, Elders, and individuals who are neurodivergent of all ages. Donna comes to this work with a deep sense of care for others. She hopes that no one would have to feel alone and wishes to keep people safe. Donna wants to empower other Métis people to live life to the fullest. In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs Max and Ruby. Donna also finds calmness being near water and grounded by her faith.

Dana Kistemaker

Clinical Supervisor

With over two decades of dedicated experience in the addictions field, Dana is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals seeking positive change. Her journey along the continuum of care reflects a deep understanding of the complexities within the field. With a Master's in Counseling, Dana possesses a unique blend of academic knowledge and extensive practical expertise. Dana's unwavering passion lies in assisting individuals on their transformative journey, helping them rediscover their sense of self and reestablish purpose and meaning in their lives. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dana's creative pursuits mirror her belief in the transformative power of expression. She also finds solace in the company of animals of all kinds, and she frequently immerses herself in the serenity of nature.

Niall Curley

Clinical Counsellor

Niall is living out his dream of being a counsellor, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, which he earned in his home city of Galway, Ireland. Niall moved to Canada at age 24 to pursue a life of adventure and meaning. Niall is currently earning his Master's of Counselling Psychology, which he is working on in conjunction with his role at Recovery Ranch. He began his own journey of healing in 2014 and since then has devoted his life to learning about mental and physical health so that he can implement for himself and pass it on to the next willing individual. Niall loves to travel and continues to explore countries and cultures in which he can learn from. He is a lover of the outdoors and believes that reconnecting with nature and spirituality generates healthy healing and can yield lasting results of wellness.

Brenda Fernandes

Clinical Counsellor

Recently moved to Cranbrook from Toronto to work as an addictions counsellor. Prior to this, she completed an Honors Bachelor of Science with a specialist in mental health at the University of Toronto. Currently she is completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Brenda has always had a passion for helping people regain their spark , reconnect with their true and authentic selves and learn how to love themselves wholeheartedly. Brenda works from a trauma-informed lens and has experience working with a plethora of issues including addiction, self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and depression. When not at work Brenda has a passion for art, painting and other forms creative expression.

Will Latta

Clinical Counsellor

Will has been working at Recovery Ranch since the spring of 2016 when he started working part time with the maintenance team. Even then, he had his sights set on deepening his integration with the Ranch and its purpose. The uniqueness of what the Ranch delivered and how we went about it struck a chord within him, one which played a significant role in his own journey of growth. Presently, he runs the Fortification Program, Facilitating Clearing Circle, alongside his friends and fellow clinicians, and he serves as an addictions counsellor – all with the unequivocal aid and companionship of his dog Milo by my side.

Joseph Petriccione, MA

Clinical Counsellor

He received Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education through Trenton State College in his home state of New Jersey. In 1974, he starting working in the clinical field as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. In 1978, he attended The George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. and received a Master’s in Education and Human Development (M.Ed.). He also attended Southwest Texas State University, earning the necessary credits for his license as a professional counselor (LPC), which he received in 1996. He has worked with various populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For the first 23 years of his career, he worked in psychiatric centres. He has also worked in the field of adolescent sex offenders. He has personal and professional experience in First Nation's sweat lodges, fire keeping and drumming, as well as Equestrian Therapy. He moved to Canada in 2007 to pursue a career as an addiction counselor, which continues to this day. He has been in personal recovery for 39 years. He enjoys fishing, painting, horseback riding and photography.

Individuals & Families

Professional Referrals

Get Help Now

Have more questions about our programs?

Recovery Ranch Team