Alison is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has two decades of experience in the field and has had the opportunity to practice social work in three different countries. Alison is a Community Crisis Worker at the Gerstein Crisis Centre and is a certified LivingWorks ASIST trainer. She is experienced in developing and facilitating workshops relating to topics such as suicide prevention, crisis intervention, case management and mental health awareness.

Butch Snider has over thirty five years of experience teaching courses like Crisis Intervention, Stress, Health and Wellness programs, and Personal and Subject Protection skills, Subject Control skills, martial arts and physical fitness. Butch was National Master trainer for verbal and physical crisis intervention training programs at Correctional Services Canada.

John Sawdon has extensive experience in providing training to human service and criminal justice-based agencies throughout Canada. He teaches Team Building, Organizational Development (OD), Basic Skills Training for Residential and Human Service Workers, Crisis Intervention and Prevention and Cross-Cultural Awareness. He is a member of the (SEITAR) International Society for Intercultural Training and Research and the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioural Sciences OD network.

Dr. Lynne Campbell is a Forensic Specialist and Adult Educator from Toronto, Canada, with more than 15 years of experience in Mental Health and Addictions. Dr. Campbell has helped others through both direct service work in hospitals such as CAMH, open and closed custody settings through The Ministry of Health, outreach work for the National Rehabilitation Institute Of Ontario, Private Practices, and has been a long-time Volunteer for The Assaulted Women’s Help Line. She has taught Psychology, Risk Assessment, Environmental Auditing, Defusing Hostility, Trauma Informed Care, the Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviour (PMAB), and Forensics (Serial Crime, The Personality Disorders, and The Paraphillias), for students of George Brown College, York University, and The University Of Toronto. Dr. Campbell created and piloted the first Addictions Worker College Diploma Program for CDI College’s Toronto Campus, comprised of 15 courses, mock scenarios and counselling sessions, and a mix of interactive learning activities, lectures, and required practicum. Her program was then CCACB approved in 2004. Lynne has been a trainer with CTI in the past for its violence prevention and community worker safety programs, and became a Certified Trainer in PMAB, trained by Robert “Butch” Schneider. She taught PMAB, CAMH wide, for several years beginning in 2007, as well as at their numerous satellites and partners/affiliates, in conjunction with CTI. She also enjoys playing with her cat, Muse, Golfing, Cycling, Billiards, Darts, Abstract Painting, Writing, Films, and performing as a Musician/Songwriter.

Margo Van Honsberger is an adult educator who currently works as the intake coordinator for Brain Injury Community Re-entry (Niagara) Inc., where she works directly with individuals who have sustained a brain injury and their family members. Margo is active in facilitating sessions for staff in a variety of topics including Neuro-Anatomy, Areas of Rehabilitation, Defusing Angry, Resistance and Hostility, and ABI and Substance Use.

Maureen Pangan holds a Master of Social Work Diploma from Arizona State University. She is currently a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Maureen has over 10 years of experience working with various age groups and cultural demographics addressing violence, sexual assault, healthy relationships, immigration, newcomers, and relationship concerns. Maureen has worked for such agencies as Women of Color Network, St. Vincent de Paul, Child and Family Support Services, and the Sojourner Centre. She also has her own private practice where she provides hope and inspiration in a safe environment so individuals can become a positive agent of change in their lives.

She has also contributed to the Social Work community by way of being a Field Instructor for Arizona State University, York University, University of Toronto, Humber College, Centennial College, Seneca College and George Brown College. She currently is the Co-Chair for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Gang Prevention and Intervention Program Community of Practice Working Group.

Maureen works from a strengths-based approach and is experienced in several therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). She facilitates workshops on Anger Management, Intervention and Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Case Notes Writing, and Presentation Skills.

Dr. Obadia is a MINT certified Motivational Interviewing trainer with extensive experience teaching Motivational Interviewing, Behaviour Change, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She teaches research methodology and health behaviour change at the University of Toronto.

Nicki Casseres has worked in the mental health community for over 30 years, providing crisis counselling, support and education. Nicki is the Coordinator of Training and Community Education at the Gerstein Crisis Centre in Toronto and coordinator for the Learning Exchange Program for Newcomers (in collaboration with Ryerson University) Nicki is a certified ASIST trainer and facilitates training in the areas of defusing anger, crisis intervention, resiliency and self-care, and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Tom Fulgosi is a certified addictions counselor who has worked in the social service field for over fifteen years. Tom’s background is in addictions and harm reduction. Tom facilitates a Criminal Justice and Addiction course for Centennial College and provides training to Seaton House front-line staff.

Patrina currently works as a Field Facilitator in the MSW for Working Professionals Program at the University of Windsor. Patrina also provides training for Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) International which is designed to prevent and treat behavioural and emotional problems in children and teenagers. Patrina specializes in the topics of defusing anger, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, stress management, resiliency & self-care, dealing with difficult customers, motivational interviewing, criminal justice, domestic violence and intimate partner abuse.

Sukaina holds a Master’s in Education and M. Phil in counselling. She has 8 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy and is a registered Psychotherapist for the College of Registered Psychotherapist. She specializes in working with people struggling with mental health concerns and addictions. Sukaina has developed and delivered workshops on counselling skills, mental health, addictions and conflict resolution. As well as given numerous presentations in the community to raise awareness about addictions and mental health. Sukaina currently works at Durham Mental Health Services as a Community Mental Health worker. She has previously worked in the Crisis program as well.