Team

Geraldine Manson

Geraldine Manson

Lead Elder

In my role as a VIU Elder-in-Residence, I work directly with students and Faculty/Professors in Health and Human Services programs at VIU and the Shq’apthut/Gathering Place. I share my Traditional Knowledge to work with all programs within the Health & Human Services and within the Shq’apthut programs. I am a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and I am married to Earl Manson. I have worked for my community since 1980 and I must credit my cultural wisdom and education to my Elders, present, and Elders who have passed on. As the Elders’ Coordinator for Snuneymuxw First Nations, I carry many other responsibilities that relate to culture and traditions in the community. I served 12 years as an elected council-member and I continue to be mentored in the traditional cultural practices of the Snuneymuxw people. I am excited to be part of this journey, working with medicines that can provide healing for those who continue to suffer, despite trying traditional treatment methods.

Other Management

Shannon Dames

RN, MPH, EdD

Visioning and Development Lead & Organization Steward

Shannon Dames (maiden Magnus) is a third generation immigrant with mixed ancestry from Britain, Norway, and Germany. She is a descendant of GT Magnus and Lianne Telnes, the proud mother of Piper and Beckett Dames, and the life partner of Phil Dames.  She lives and serves as a Health Professional ...
Phil Dames

Lead of Operations & Organization Steward

Phil Dames is a settler of mixed European descent, incredibly grateful to live, work, and play on the traditional unceded territory of Stz’uminus First Nation. He is the son of George and Leslie Dames, the brother to Amy and Bumper, father to Piper and Beckett , and life partner to Shannon Dames....
Pam Kryskow

MD

Medical Lead and Organization Steward

Dr. Pamela Kryskow is the medical lead for the Roots To Thrive Program.  She is a founding board member of the Psychedelic Association of Canada and the medical chair of the Vancouver Island University Post Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic Medicine assisted Therapy.  Pam is also a a clinical i...

MD, FRCPC

Mental Health (inc. Psychiatry) Lead & Organization Steward

Crosbie completed his MA in Psychology at Lakehead University, prior to completing Medical School at McMaster in 1991. Following medical school, Dr. Watler completed his residency in psychiatry at Dalhousie University. Crosbie relocated to Duncan BC in 2001, working with Island Health in diverse ...

Somatic Energy Modalities Lead & Organization Steward

Helen comes to the team with a background in integrative health delivery. She earned advanced certifications in Eden Energy Medicine and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Her work heightens awareness at the level of body-mind, supporting the innate capacity for healing. Helen is playing a lead ...
Gail Peekeekoot

RN(c), MN, DMin

Medicine Administration Nursing Lead, Facilitator

Gail brings nearly 50 years of nursing experience to Roots to Thrive. Much of her career has been working with and for Indigenous people and communities. Gail promotes awareness of physical, mental, and spiritual health issues associated with past traumas and walks beside people as they reconnect...
Wes Taylor

Development Integrator (focus on curriculum and evaluation)

Wes’s core practice is recognizing the heart and beauty in everyone.  Joining in the early days of the Roots to Thrive community was therefore a no-brainer.  During the ‘80s and ‘90s, he worked as a therapist in addiction and trauma recovery in the US and Australia. He focused on providing advanc...

RPN, BSN, MBA

Intake lead, Nurse Facilitator

Julia comes to the Roots to Thrive team with over twenty years experience as a front-line registered psychiatric nurse. Julia completed her nursing training in New Zealand before becoming certified in California and then Canada. Julia has practiced in a wide variety of clinic areas including inpa...
Todd Haspect

M.Ed., RCC

Lead Therapist, Facilitation and Alumni Lead

Todd is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He entered the field of mental health and substance use as a peer support worker in 1998 and his work since that time, has been focused supporting humans heal impacts of trauma, mental health, substance use challenges.  Todd brings experience in various r...
Krys Sciberras

MA, RCC

Operations Integrator, Facilitator

Krys is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and she has worked in the Mental Health and Substance Use field for 25 years, managing teams in various leadership capacities. This varied experience working in clinical environments offers a thorough understanding of the challenges in health care and a p...