Our Team

Rob has worked in mental health and substance use treatment since 1998.  Rob began in Kamloops working at the Kiwanis House as a support worker and eventually as a counsellor in the organization.  He graduated with his bachelors of social work degree from University College of the Cariboo in 2004.  Rob then attended Carleton University and completed his Masters in Social Work in 2006.

The opportunity to develop his first treatment centre came in 2006 when he was brought on to be a part of the implementation team at Cedars at Cobble Hill.  Spending 11 years there he would eventually leave Cedars as the Vice President of Clinical Services.  In 2017, Rob was hired by Homewood Health to develop and the implement the opening of Homewood Ravensview.  It was here that Rob was able to learn a great deal about concurrent disorder treatment and how to incorporate trauma informed treatment in the inpatient environment.

In March of 2023, Rob decided it was time to open a centre that reflected his years of experience and reflected his values in treatment and staff culture.  Rob is currently the owner and executive director of The Healing Institute at Forbidden Plateau.  A small treatment centre in the Comox Valley that focuses on treating Addiction, Trauma, Anxiety and Depression.

During the times that he was working with these inpatient treatment centres Rob worked closely with many organizations and government agencies to provide them with assistance in creating clear pathways to find recovery.  Rob also found time to be the assistant coach with the Cowichan Valley Capitals from 2010 to 2015.  He worked closely with the British Columbia Hockey Association and the Canadian Mental Health Association to develop and implement the Talk Today program.  A program focused on assisting hockey players with pathways to finding support in mental health and substance use.

In spite of the countless lives impacted by Rob’s work, he is the most proud of creating staff cultures within the health care field that have thrived.  His goal has been to create environments where staff are better off for working in the mental health and substance use fields rather than burning out.

Aidan Toal is a highly dedicated and compassionate mental health and addiction professional with a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of individuals facing these challenges. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and addiction issues, Aidan has dedicated his career to providing support, guidance, and hope to those in need. Born with a natural empathy and a strong desire to make a positive impact, Aidan pursued a career in the field of mental health and addiction. His personal experience years of hands-on experience have equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address these critical issues. Aidan's work extends beyond his professional responsibilities. He is an advocate for reducing the stigma associated with mental health and addiction, tirelessly working to raise awareness and promote access to essential services. His unwavering dedication to this cause has made him a respected figure in the field and a source of inspiration for those he serves. In an ever-evolving landscape of mental health and addiction care, Aidan Toal stands out as a compassionate and tireless advocate for those in need, bringing hope and healing to countless lives.

Dr. Ian Forster is the medical director of The Healing Institute and is also a consultant for Addiction Medicine at Edmonton’s Life Mark Health Institute. Currently a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, he has seen all types of addiction treatment put into practice and is an expert in the field of addiction and chronic pain. Forster subscribes to the idea of individualized treatment, in which each patient is handled with extreme care and the focus is on attention to detail.

Kelsey is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years experience in the field. She began my career at the local hospital, here in the Comox Valley, where she was also born and raised. In 2016, Kelsey completed her Critical Care Specialty through BCIT in Victoria, B.C. This education allowed her to work in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units across BC and Alberta. After many years of service in hospitals, Kelsey gained a vast amount of experience working with mental health and addictions in the Acute care setting, and now she is excited to be working with this population in a new capacity. She believes in taking a holistic approach to nursing; caring for the mind, body and spirit as one and feels this is in alignment with her role at The Healing Institute at Forbidden Plateau. Kelsey is an outdoor enthusiast, she loves swimming, trail running and skateboarding and when she can not be outside, she is usually found at her home studio making ceramics.

Heather has a great deal of experience in the hospitality industry and has played a vital role in the mental health community, by carefully and thoughtfully conducting client intakes for inpatient treatment centres. Heather is efficient, offers structure, support and compassionate care through the entire intake process.

Heather feels incredibly fortunate to be able to offer guidance to those on their healing journey. It is, and will continue to be her goal to help alleviate stress that individuals and families face when entering treatment. Her ability to make clients feel safe and supported, makes us proud to have her as our client liaison.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health and substance use, Angela is deeply committed to fostering positive change and empowerment within individuals and communities. Angela holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University and an undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria. 

Angela’s professional path has led her through diverse landscapes, from traditional clinical settings to immersive engagements within First Nations communities.  This enriching experience has allowed her to cultivate a unique perspective that combines clinical expertise with a profound respect for cultural sensitivity and indigenous knowledge.  

Angela aims to create a safe and inclusive space where transformation can occur, one rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored interventions. Whether through therapeutic counselling, community outreach, or advocacy, she is dedicated to fostering well-being and helping individuals and communities harness their innate resilience. Angela’s lived experience informs her professional practice, and she understands firsthand the transformative power of recovery.

Liam is a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. He holds undergraduate degrees in Justice Studies and Social Work, in addition to master’s degrees in both Counselling Psychology and Clinical Social Work. Liam’s training within addiction education includes his completion of the Addiction Medicine Diploma through the BC Centre on Substance Use and an Addiction Studies diploma from Mount Royal University.

Liam has spent the last 18 years developing and nurturing his passion for supporting the wholistic well-being of clients and working with others to find a manner of recovery that is best suited to the individual. He has provided therapeutic support for people across the lifespan in many professional roles and has gained extensive training and experience in supporting recovery for those who have lived through significant life adversity and trauma.

Liam recently relocated to the Comox Valley to be closer to his immediate family and to focus on building a life around their own health and well-being.

Born in Iran and immigrating to Canada at age 10, Sepideh brings a rich cultural perspective and deep empathy to her role as an Associate Counsellor. Her diverse professional background includes roles as a pharmacy technician, sales representative, and care-aide, each experience sharpening her ability to connect with and support individuals from all walks of life.

Driven by genuine curiosity and a passion for helping others, Sepideh moved to the island to volunteer with the Bahá'í community. There, she further developed her skills in compassionate care and community service. Since 2022, she has dedicated herself to supporting individuals struggling with addiction. Leveraging her natural talent for interpersonal interactions, she provides compassionate care and guidance to help individuals on their journey to recovery.

Vicki has been a practicing Kinesiologist since 1993, having obtainer her Sports Science degree in the UK. Since that time, she has focused her time and energy on providing therapeutic support to individuals afflicted with neurological disorders, physical injury and chronic pain conditions. Vicki has also provided support to those who suffer from addiction, trauma, depression and anxiety at various locations in the Comox Valley. Vicki has recently joined the wonderful team at the Healing Institute and will be providing a service for assessing and creating individual exercise programs for each client, overseeing cardiovascular and strengthening group programs and organizing/leading group outings on a weekly basis. Vicki’s aim is to provide a welcome and enjoyable experience to physical activity and to encourage the continuation of exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle for life.

Dr. Ian Forster is the medical director of The Healing Institute and is also a consultant for Addiction Medicine at Edmonton’s Life Mark Health Institute. Currently a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, he has seen all types of addiction treatment put into practice and is an expert in the field of addiction and chronic pain. Forster subscribes to the idea of individualized treatment, in which each patient is handled with extreme care and the focus is on attention to detail.

Kelsey is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years experience in the field. She began my career at the local hospital, here in the Comox Valley, where she was also born and raised. In 2016, Kelsey completed her Critical Care Specialty through BCIT in Victoria, B.C. This education allowed her to work in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units across BC and Alberta. After many years of service in hospitals, Kelsey gained a vast amount of experience working with mental health and addictions in the Acute care setting, and now she is excited to be working with this population in a new capacity. She believes in taking a holistic approach to nursing; caring for the mind, body and spirit as one and feels this is in alignment with her role at The Healing Institute at Forbidden Plateau. Kelsey is an outdoor enthusiast, she loves swimming, trail running and skateboarding and when she can not be outside, she is usually found at her home studio making ceramics.

Nina, a passionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), seamlessly merges her intrinsic compassion with a profound commitment to client welfare. With over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Nina embarked on a transformative journey by putting herself through nursing school, achieving graduation from the LPN program in 2016. Her nursing expertise spans a diverse range of healthcare settings, encompassing hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community healthcare. At The Healing Institute, Nina finds her true calling, driven by the profound opportunity to positively influence clients' paths towards recovery. Beyond her nursing duties, Nina is an avid explorer of nature's wonders, infusing her love for adventure into her holistic approach to healthcare, which resonates in every aspect of her practice.

With over 8 years of experience in the field, Anna is a dedicated and highly organized professional specializing in supporting the smooth operation of inpatient mental health and addiction treatment services. Known for a keen attention to detail and a deep commitment to providing efficient, compassionate, and responsive support, Anna plays a key role in ensuring optimal workflow and compliance within THI.

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health and substance use, Angela is deeply committed to fostering positive change and empowerment within individuals and communities. Angela holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University and an undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Victoria. 

Angela’s professional path has led her through diverse landscapes, from traditional clinical settings to immersive engagements within First Nations communities.  This enriching experience has allowed her to cultivate a unique perspective that combines clinical expertise with a profound respect for cultural sensitivity and indigenous knowledge.  

Angela aims to create a safe and inclusive space where transformation can occur, one rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored interventions. Whether through therapeutic counselling, community outreach, or advocacy, she is dedicated to fostering well-being and helping individuals and communities harness their innate resilience. Angela’s lived experience informs her professional practice, and she understands firsthand the transformative power of recovery.

Hayden is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and he holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. 

For several years Hayden has worked with adults with moderate to severe substance use and mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma) in inpatient treatment. He also has experience counselling in private practice, high school, and non-profit settings. Hayden has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy, as well as conducting case management services and facilitating psychoeducational workshops on healthy relationships and emotional regulation. 

Hayden is a trauma-informed and person-centred practitioner meeting individuals where they are with empathy and non-judgment, and he understands that the alliance he has with those he helps is fundamental to their healing and growth. He believes individuals hold the keys to their own transformation, and he uses a combination of cognitive-behavioural, existential-humanistic and mindfulness-based therapies to help guide his clients to uncover their inner-wisdom leading them to greater life fulfilment.

Steph is a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is a Certified Trauma Professional and Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional. She has completed advanced training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) and is in the final stage of completing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology.

Steph’s calm, non-judgemental nature allows her clients to share their stories in a way that leaves them feeling heard and understood. She helps her client’s to better understand the interconnectedness of their experiences, emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. She has an innate ability to champion people’s resiliency with empathy and warmth, helping them to create deeper personal insight and implement positive changes.

Steph’s person-centred approach is informed by two decades of experience in human services. In addition to her work as a counsellor she has facilitated self-inquiry programs, designed and lead group meditations and mindfulness practices, and supported individuals as mindset coach.

Alexis is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) with a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing Advanced Practice (MPN) and is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). With over 10 years of experience in mental health and addictions, she is trained in several therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels I and II, and Cognitive Behavioral Couples Counselling (CBCT).

Alexis has extensive experience working with first responders, healthcare workers, and the general public, addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and moral distress. She has also worked with adolescents, teens, and adults dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), as well as difficulties related to emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and coping. Additionally, Alexis has experience working with couples facing relationship challenges, whether they are seeking to repair their relationships or considering separation.

Caroline is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is currently expanding her skillset to become an IFS informed counsellor, as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

Caroline has an incredible ability to make her clients feel comfortable and safe as she guides them through the process of healing, welcoming deeper insight, clarity, and a profound understanding of the self. She offers her clients the feeling of empowerment, proving the space needed to make positive changes on their recovery journey. Informed by over a decade of experience in the community mental health and substance use field, she has facilitated expressive arts, intentional creativity and has been a teacher for trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth programs. Caroline is also experienced in holistic health and wellness coaching.  Her warming and welcoming energy is felt by all those she serves.

Dee is dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to lasting well-being. With a Bachelor of Science, ongoing studies towards a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Project Management certificate, she brings a unique blend of structure, analytical insight, and compassion to her approach. A background in high-pressure remote industries, combined with her experience in mental health and addiction support, allows her to offer evidence-based strategies and tailored guidance. Passionate about resilience and personal growth, she is dedicated to empowering individuals with the tools and support needed to thrive.

Phil's journey began with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served from the spring of 1983 until the fall of 1989. Following his military service, he transitioned to the Department of Justice (Corrections) in Saskatchewan. Over the years, he held roles in various correctional facilities across western provinces. In 2000, he accepted a position in British Columbia, working at Vancouver Pre-trial and later at Wilkinson Road until 2006.

Subsequently, he decided to further his education and became a "Registered Care Aide." In the Comox Valley, he dedicated his efforts to caring for clients primarily in cognitively challenged units and Dementia Units. His journey then took a turn towards working in Hospice, driven by the recommendations of some coworkers who introduced him to the Healing Institute. The rest, as they say, is history.

Having grappled with his own personal challenges throughout his life, Phil found that transitioning to the realm of mental health has not only been a remarkable change but has also proven to be more fulfilling than he could have ever imagined.

Brighton entered recovery at a young age and will be celebrating 8 years of sobriety in June. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Brighton loves spending time in nature, often taking long walks with the dog along scenic logging roads. Recovery has brought many blessings, including the joy of his first baby. Brighton's journey is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the new beginnings it can bring.

With 23 years of experience in the field of addiction, Mike brings a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face during their recovery journeys. Known for his ability to create a calm and compassionate environment, he fosters trust and safety for those seeking help. His approach is rooted in care and empathy, with a genuine desire to guide and support individuals toward positive transformation. Dedicated to making a meaningful difference, Mike is committed to assisting others in navigating their path to recovery, always focusing on empowering people to take positive steps forward. Outside of his professional life, Mike enjoys fishing, kayaking, puttering in the garden, and cherishing time spent with his family.

Heather has a great deal of experience in the hospitality industry and has played a vital role in the mental health community, by carefully and thoughtfully conducting client intakes for inpatient treatment centres. Heather is efficient, offers structure, support and compassionate care through the entire intake process.

Heather feels incredibly fortunate to be able to offer guidance to those on their healing journey. It is, and will continue to be her goal to help alleviate stress that individuals and families face when entering treatment. Her ability to make clients feel safe and supported, makes us proud to have her as our client liaison.

Amy is a talented and passionate chef; she has been classically trained at George Brown College. Her career has taken her all over the world from Australia to Guatemala and beyond. She has a gift for flavors and whips up delicious and nutritious creations. She loves to work with all kinds of cuisines from Mexico to Thailand and the Mediterranean.

Chef Andrew is a seasoned culinary professional with a love for all things food. He brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to every dish he creates. With years of experience and a genuine passion for cooking, Chef Andrew delights palates and brings joy through his culinary creations.