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. The newest addition to the Westminster House team, 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 special projects coordinator at Westminster House.

Cass Matheuszik Facilitator cass@westminsterhouse.ca
Cass has been working in the social services field since 2002. She was first employed as a Youth Support Worker at Urban Native Youth Hostel, a temporary shelter for youth ages 18 to 24 struggling with issues of homelessness. From there she went on to work in the addictions field at Westminster House as a Supportive Care Worker, but also spent time as a Youth Worker at Family Services of Greater Vancouver’s Safe House, offering advocacy and support to youth ages 16 to 18. For the past six years, Cass has been working at Westminster House, experiencing a number of different roles within the program. Currently she holds the position of group facilitator. Cass’ personal philosophy is that women both can and do recover from chemical dependency. She believes strongly that through supportive and honest feedback, and solution based programming, women can gain both the knowledge and awareness necessary to recover from addiction. The 12-step and therapeutic community models provide both an opportunity to learn important life skills and coping mechanisms that will help clients develop a strong foundation of recovery they can carry with them as they reintegrate back into society. As part of the Westminster House team, it is Cass’ goal to help create a safe and loving environment that supports women in learning the necessary skills needed to successfully maintain their post-treatment recovery.

Marylyn Kuilboer marylyn@westminsterhouse.ca
Marylyn works closely with the Westminster House facilitator and administrator to ensure that the clients are safe and feel at home. Armed with her strong communication and organizational skills, Marylyn works hard to facilitate the daily operations of the house hold keeping it clean and organized. She is committed to recovery and is a big part of the New Westminster recovery community. Educated in counselling, she is able to help the clients with their day to day recovery program including assisting in their 12 step process. Her mediation and conflict resolution skills aid the resolution of the day to day conflicts between clients. Marylyn is committed to the Westminster House team and the programs if offers.

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.