About Us
Our Staff
Dr. Densmore M.D. (Physician)
Dr. Densmore is a strong family man who has been in Family Medical Practice in the North Okanagan region and he has published two books on FASD. He is a strong advocate for patients and especially those touched by FASD. He is a recognized leader in the field of FASD and research in Canada and the UK. Dr. Densmore was a member of eight Canadian FASD Medical Experts who designed the pharmaceutical guidelines for individuals with FASD.
Dr. Kim McGuire Ph.D (Neuro-psychologist)
Dr. Kimberly McGuire is a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia. She has a Master’s Degree in developmental psychology and a doctorate in clinical neuropsychology. She has been practicing in neuropsychological, vocational, learning disabilities, and general clinical diagnostic assessment, as well as rehabilitation planning for 30 years. Dr. McGuire is currently part of a Head Injury Assessment and Treatment Services (HIATS) team in Kelowna. She has a private practice that addresses appropriate training and vocational supports for individuals with learning disorders, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities.
Bernadette O’Donnell B.Ed., M.Ed. (Educational Consultant and Clinic Coordinator)
Bernadette has a Master’s Degree in Leadership. She was a school administrator and Resource Teacher who specialized in assessment, program design for youth with disabilities and professional development for instructional staff. She taught at the post-secondary level and coordinated the Adult FASD Support Program for the Calgary John Howard Society. She has published and has extensive international experience in training professional communities.
Visiting Experts
Other Professionals that we access for the assessment, on an as need basis, include: an Occupational Therapist; Speech and Language Therapist and a Neurologist.
Aboriginal Elders
We have access to the spiritual healing of Elders in different regions of the interior of B.C.. If a client would like to have an Elder they have already connected with, they are encouraged to include them during the reporting out process after diagnosis.
Meet Our Board Members
Heather Hansen M.S.W. – Board Chair
Janice Spechlet – Vice Chair
Sandra Leer M.S.W. – Finance
Amanda ., Secretary
Iris Brooke – Parent Director
Kim O’Neill – S.W.– Aboriginal Director
We are looking for new members to the board. The AGM will be held October 4, 2019. If you are someone or know of someone who would like to be a board member, please contact the office at 250 938 5022.
Board Meetings are held on the Third Thursday of each month, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at “The People Place” #104 3402 27 Ave Vernon.
What We Do
Assessment and Diagnosis
We use the Canadian Standards of FASD Diagnosis to assess and confirm a diagnosis of FASD. The assessment team will provide a report featuring the clients strengths and recommendations on how to support the client. This report will be shared with their support team through an interactive process.
After the diagnosis, we stay connected with our client’s for one year, supporting them and their community support team. During this time, the clinic revisits part of the assessment (Life Skills Star) to affirm the client is experiencing success in achieving the goals that were set. As the client’s needs change, the support team will include different members. There will be opportunities to celebrate the changes and accomplishments made.
We work with:
- [Young] Adults over 15 years of age across all diverse cultural sectors, gender and social status.
- Individuals, held in remand, suspected of having FASD and need a diagnosis for support in the criminal justice system.
- Individuals in federal correctional institutions who are suspected of having FASD and are in the process of developing a re-integration program.
Support Groups:
Adult Action Hall (a non-traditional adult support group for those with FASD)
We offer a weekly, non-traditional support group called an “Action Hall” that focuses on developing the participant’s self advocacy and independent living life skills. We sponsor an Action Hall in Kelowna and in Vernon.
This group will meet weekly for 2 hours and focuses on learning about how FASD impacts their life. Participants also learn and how to advocate for themselves to receive the help they need as they achieve their goals. Certificates are awarded to those who attend each 10 weeks session.
Participants will learn how to live with FASD rather the becoming victims of FASD. They will learn how to:
- use their voice and access their strengths as they develop life skills
- address addictions,
- build healthy relationships,
- obtain, maintain and keep housing,
- find and keep employment,
- experience healthy living,
- live within a budgeting and more.
There is no cost to attend this group. Participants will receive Certificates of Achievement at the completion of each 10 week term. The clients allies are encouraged to attend the group meetings as well.
Sessions are led by Myles Himmelreich and Bernadette O’Donnell.
Please call the office to register for the group supports.
Care giver Support Groups
Support Groups for Moms, Dads and Caregivers will be available soon. Please stay connected with us to learn more.
Education and Training:
Workshops, consultations, mentoring and “Train the Trainer” programs are available to the communities in the interior of BC.
Each workshop is designed to meet the needs of the participants. We can design workshops that are half day interaction sessions, to 4 day training sessions. Contact the office to learn more on how we can support your staff and your learning needs.
Train the Trainer
If your support agency/ community is wanting to deliver an “Action Hall Support Group”, we will provide training, curriculum, resources and the leadership skills to lead a group of adults through the lens of FASD. Please contact the office to learn more about this 3 day training.
Prevention:
We respond to communities, providing them with information and delivery of local and provincial initiative prevention and awareness campaigns.
This is the FASD knot. The chord is tied in the knot known as a reef knot or Canadian knot. The knot is worn on your chest to support and inform the world about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and as a sign that the person wearing the knot is in support of the FASD prevention message.
Educational Posters, brochures and resources are available at the office.
Research
We are part of a CanFASD Research Team composed of experienced professionals in various fields related to FASD. The team consists of researchers from across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North West Territories and the Yukon who are carrying out a variety of research endeavours that are relevant to FASD pre-screening and diagnosis in correctional facilities.