Meet the clinical care team
AARC’s clinical team are responsible for the well-being of clients at all times, whether they are at the centre or staying in a Recovery Home with a host family.
Since non-clinical peer counsellors are an exceptional feature of AARC’s treatment program, the clinical team is also responsible for the performance of peer staff in overseeing client caseloads. The competency for hire is based on individual experience with addiction and maintained abstinence through active 12 step recovery.
Clinical Directors
Responsible for the leadership and guidance of the AARC treatment team, provide ongoing supervision and evaluation of peer counsellors and clinical support staff, and manage clinical staff meetings with each level of staff four times weekly.
The clinical directors also facilitate group therapy sessions for clients, parents, and families, complete client assessments and admissions, and facilitate individual therapy sessions with parents, siblings, and the client in treatment.
Most importantly, the clinical directors manage a clinical caseload where each client’s treatment planning and progress is monitored including the review of any critical incidents or adaptations to treatment planning.
Dr. Dean Vause is the Senior Advisor of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (“AARC”), a long-term, intensive treatment program for severely addicted youth and their families. AARC is the culmination of Dr. Vause’s over 35 years of research into adolescent addiction. Dr. Vause started his career in high schools where he taught, counselled, and developed programs to help youth in the education system. His master’s dissertation “A School Drug Program” was developed to address the drug issue in the education system. Dr. Vause’s Ph.D. Program (“Adolescent Substance Use Disorders”) focussed on a model and facility for treating addicted youth and their families.
Dr. Vause is considered to be a leading expert in the field of adolescent addiction, and his advice is sought by other professionals and communities. He has provided many presentations on substance use in schools in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, and parts of the United States.
Dr. Vause’s legacy has been AARC’s success in saving youth from the ravages of addiction. Outside research has confirmed that many of AARC’s graduates are sober and are living meaningful and productive lives. [1][2][3][4]
Dr. Vause is the recipient of the Rotary International “Paul Harris Fellowship”, the highest honour in Rotary International. Other awards include Calgary Citizen of the Year award (2004) and the Alberta Centennial Medal. In 2015, Dr. Vause was recognized as a keynote speaker in the Magnificent Men Leadership Lunch Series. In 2017, Dr. Vause and his staff at AARC were recipients of the prestigious Calgary Police Chief’s Award for Exceptional Recognition for Community Service. In 2023, Dr. Vause was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta).
[1] Outcome Evaluation of a 12 Step Long Term Recovery Program for Adolescent Addiction - Dr. Michael Patton et al 2004 study
[2] A Unique Model for Addiction Treatment - Dr. Arria Winters et al study, 2017
[3] Post-Discharge Outcomes of Adolescents Attending a Long-Term Addiction Treatment Program - Dr. Arria Winters et al 2019 study
[4] Effective Approaches to Adolescent Addiction - Dr. Arria Winters et al 2020 study
Donny Serink is currently a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Clinical Director at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC). Donny holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a Bachelor of Communication and Culture (BCC) degree, with a minor in Philosophy, both from the University of Calgary. He also holds an Addiction Studies Extension Certificate from Mount Royal University. Donny is continuing his education as a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Waterloo. Donny’s personal story of addiction and recovery, along with his education, provide him with the tools to positively influence the lives of AARC adolescents and their families.
Kelly's academic background includes a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary, providing her with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the field of social work. As a registered social worker, she adheres to professional standards and ethics, ensuring that her practice at AARC is held to the highest level of competence and integrity. As a dedicated member of the AARC team, Kelly is deeply committed to providing a trauma-informed approach to the adolescents she serves. Understanding the significant impact of trauma on individuals' lives, she brings a compassionate and empathetic lens to her work, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth. Specializing in the 12-step recovery model, Kelly guides young individuals through their journey of addiction recovery, while integrating trauma-informed principles into every aspect of her practice. By acknowledging and addressing the underlying trauma that may have contributed to their substance use, she helps adolescents develop coping mechanisms, resilience, and a renewed sense of self. At AARC, Kelly actively collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, fostering a trauma-informed and supportive environment.
Clinical Counsellor
Primarily responsible for a clinical caseload, facilitating client and family group sessions, and supervising all levels of peer counsellors.
Laura Boyd is currently a Clinical Counsellor at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC). Laura has been employed at AARC since 2006, after graduating from the program herself in 2005. Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, a certificate in Child and Youth Human Rights, and a certificate in International Development. Laura also hopes to further her education with a Master’s of Counseling degree in the near future. She has a passion for helping youth, which in addition to her work at AARC has taken her overseas a number of times to work with street children in Africa. Laura’s diverse experience and commitment to helping vulnerable youth makes her a valuable asset to the AARC program.
Jolene holds a Bachelor of Child Studies degree, majoring in Child and Youth Care Counselling and minoring in Psychology. Her education empowers her to support young people facing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health issues, and trauma. Since 2015, Jolene has worked at AARC, where she is dedicated to helping adolescents recognize their worth beyond a life of drugs and alcohol. By combining her academic background and personal recovery experiences, she employs a trauma-informed approach and strengths-based strategies to guide youth on their path to healing from addiction.
Taylor holds a Certificate in Addictions, a Diploma in Addictions and Child and Youth Counselling. He is also registered through the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation as a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor. Taylor has a passion for helping others succeed and has been employed at the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre since 2019. He is a firm believer of the 12-step model and ensures that each client is provided with the best treatment experience with the goal of success through recovery.
Zaynah holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of social dynamics and mental health. As a clinical counsellor at our organization, Zaynah is dedicated to offering compassionate and evidence-based support to her clients. Drawing from her personal experiences in recovery, she is committed to helping individuals navigate their own recovery journeys. Employing a client-centered approach, she ensures that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing.
Nurses
Primarily responsible for the medical and psychiatric needs of the youth in treatment by coordinating care with affiliated and outside psychiatrists and other medical practitioners. AARC’s nurses are also responsible for training, overseeing and ensuring that medication administration procedures are followed by staff and recovery home parents. In addition, the nurses manage the daily medical needs of the clients, performs baseline assessments on all new clients, including the initiation of detox protocols as prescribed, management and supervision of in-house wellness clinics, which includes medical, naturopathic, psychiatric care, and immunizations.