Dr. Karen Wang
Dr. Wang serves as an Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatrist at Sunnybrook. Dr. Wang is also as a Psychiatry Consultant with Tyndale Counselling Services at Tyndale University College & Seminar. http://tyndale.ca/wellness/practitioners/karen-wang

Grace Van Ankum, has been supporting individuals with addictions for several years. Her work has included walking alongside women exiting human trafficking, the sex trade and addictions here in Canada. Currently, Grace provides individual and group addictions counselling in various residential programs. Through these various settings it became apparent that addiction impacts individuals and families from every race, gender and socio-economic status. Grace has witnessed individuals courageously begin new lives of recovery; inspiring her to become an Addictions Counsellor and help others move towards positive life changes. Grace holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology degree from Redeemer University and a Professional Studies Certificate in Addictions Counselling from Emmanuel Bible College. Grace is a member of the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation. http://graceaddictioncounselling.ca

Aaron White is the Resident Theologian at Jacob’s Well, a Teacher at Westminster Theological Centre and the Communities Director for 24-7 Prayer Canada. Aaron has been a pastor, missioner, justice worker and prayer instigator in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver for the past 18 years, working with people who struggle with addictions. In his book “Recovering: From Brokenness and Addiction to Blessedness and Community”, Aaron shares with readers how Jesus invites everyone into His creation and encourages people to learn from Jesus’ example how they, today, can create and foster beatitude communities where they live and work. These beatitude communities create environments where all people can find healing and shalom through Jesus’ love. http://tjacobswell.ca

Celesta Stevenson
Police across the Prairie Provinces say crystal meth is a key factor driving crime rates. Dwayne Cameron, an addictions specialist says “It’s all over Saskatchewan….I don’t think anyone’s community is immune to it ... we’re seeing it really hit in the rural and First Nations communities.” Known for being cheap and easily accessible – crystal meth users get a quick rush of euphoria that can last for 12 hours or more. However, it’s also known as the silent killer. Celesta Stevenson, and her husband Jonathan, know this all too well. Drug addiction is often a constant struggle and not something easily overcome overnight. It’s a process and a journey. Gratefully, Celesta and Jonathan’s story is one of victory and overcoming.

Maggie Baratto
Beauty for Ashes Transformation House (BATH) is a residence for women exiting human trafficking, the sex trade and addiction. BATH provides a sanctuary for women to be encountered and transformed by the love of God and to re-discover their true worth and value. Programming has been designed to change the course of individual destinies and to see brokenness and despair transformed into wholeness and hope. Our core mission is to empower women to experience peace and receive vision for a new beginning! http://fhhm.org http://fhhm.org/beauty-for-ashes-transformation-house