PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Sarah Franklen
Executive Director
sarah@westminsterhouse.ca
With over nine years of professional experience in addiction services, Executive Director, Sarah Franklen, has set a high standard for quality of service in the delivery of addiction programs to the clients of Westminster House. Sarah is educated in Substance Misuse and Addiction and has gained hands on experience working on the front line with recovering addicts. Her passion for her work, coupled with the dynamic programs offered by Westminster House is creating opportunities for women trapped in addiction, to heal and recover, by accessing the programs offered at Westminster House. Through the strong leadership of her team, Westminster House is able to demonstrate a standard of service proving that women have a strong sense that life in recovery is both possible and desirable. Drawing from her professional experience in business development and marketing, Sarah has put the Westminster House program of recovery on the cutting edge of services to addicts and their families. For three years as Executive Director of Westminster House, Sarah believes in the statement, “Women Do Recover” as she has seen it with her own eyes. Sarah is determined to ensure that any women seeking a new way of life have the opportunity to find recovery through Westminster House. Sarah Franklen believes in this program. It engages both her heart and mind. Sarah feels inspired when women become physically and emotionally healthy and can return to their families, employers and communities free from addiction.

Susan Hogarth
Development Assistant
susan@westminsterhouse.ca
Susan Hogarth has over 20 years of experience in the corporate sector specializing in project management, account management, and sales and marketing. Susan’s ability to organize and manage special events and fundraisers has contributed to the growth of the organization. Susan’s commitment to recovery accompanied by her vast experience make her a perfect fit for the position of Development Assistant at Westminster House.

Alexia Smith
DCACCF- Program Manager/A&D Counsellor
alexia@westminsterhouse.ca
Alexia Smith has over 10 years experience working in the addiction field with 8 of those working at Westminster House Recovery Centre for Women. Through her experience working with women and youth, Alexia has developed a passion for helping and believes that with guidance and a solution based program, women can and do recover from drugs and alcohol. Alexia’s clinical skills as a counsellor provide her with the ability to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure. Alexia is responsible for implementing and facilitating group process, providing counselling as well as educational groups. The 12 step based community and the involvement with families, community and friends is what provides women with a strong foundation of recovery that they can carry with them as they reintegrate back into society. Alexia strongly believes in the power of recovery and with that any women seeking treatment and wants to change can and will in a safe supportive environment that encourages change.

Sarah Nadeau
Facility Manager
info@westminsterhouse.ca

Tanis Maurice
Support Care Worker
scw@westminsterhouse.ca

Tara-Lea Twizell
Support Care Worker
scw@westminsterhouse.ca
Tara-lea has been a valuable member of the support team at Westminster House since 2008. She brings her expertise with addiction issues and believes that women do recover with the right set of coping skills. Tara-lea deals with current client challenges or difficulties, treatment planning and assignments. Tara-lea is a firm believer that with direct and honest support women can stand up and start living their lives.

Fedra Mirhashemy
scw@westminsterhouse.ca
Fedra has joined our team in the capacity of Support Care Worker. Educated in counselling, she bring integrity into the delivery of our program here at Westminster House. Fedra has a background in nursing and strives to continue educating herself while employed with our agency.

Fedra strongly believes that working on our personal freedom is the greatest gift we can give to humanity.

Lola
Therapy Dog
Lola is one of the many animals that visit the women at Westminster House on a regular basis, providing theraputic playtimes and lots of love. Research has shown that pets reduce stress-induced symptoms; petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure. Bringing a pet into a home can boost mood and enhance social interaction. Pets, such as dogs like Lola, provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love and affection, and pets can shift our narrow focus beyond ourselves, helping us to feel connected to a larger world.