Executive Director
Amanda DeVries

Amanda leads the Eagles Nest team and works with our Board of Directors to set future objectives. She says, 

I love that we are a small organization, allowing us to individualize programming to best meet the needs of the people and families we support.  I think the most valuable things we offer is our time to listen without judgement. Everyone deserves to be heard. I am inspired and motivated by the countless stories of hope I encounter every day at Eagles Nest and I am encouraged by our community that believes in what we do.  

Apart from her role at Eagles Nest, Amanda loves spending time with family and friends over a good cup of coffee or while exploring a new hiking trail.

Amanda has worked in the charitable sector for over 15 years, with a focus on mental health and family trauma. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Bachelor of Education and is certified in Trauma & Loss for Children and Children’s Mental Health.  

Program Coordinator

Melissa Abraham

Melissa coordinates all programming at Eagles Nest. She says,

I love working with an amazing team who are passionate about helping others and doing it in love. I’m encouraged by hearing the stories of individuals and families and seeing the courage they have as they bring us on their journey.

In her spare time, Melissa loves reading, getting outside with her family, and watching hockey.

 

Program Assistant

Ruth Daly

Ruth helps create and facilitate programs at Eagles Nest.  She says,

Eagles Nest is a wonderful place to work. It is amazing to be part of an organization that helps give people hope and the tools to move forward in their lives.  I love being part of a team that is compassionate, empathetic, spiritual as well as fun. 

She also loves coffee, water skiing, biking and archery. 

Ruth has over 30 years teaching experience and has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Business Administration.

Office Administrator
Yolanda Battiston

Yolanda processes donations and manages internal processes at Eagles Nest. She says,

It is a privilege to be part of an organization that creates a safe and supportive environment for people to find hope and healing.  I love knowing that my daily work supports a team that is dedicated to compassionately helping others. 

Outside of work, Yolanda loves anything that lets her be creative: drawing, painting, knitting, house decorating and more.

 

Communication and Volunteer Manager
Jennifer Stevens

Jennifer is responsible for communication at Eagles Nest and also recruits and coordinates volunteers. She says,

I love working for an organization that gives hope. We have all faced situations that were overwhelming and you just didn’t have the tools to cope. Eagles Nest gives new ways of thinking, new perspectives and new tools. It is inspiring to know that you are working for an organization that helps people not only when they first come, but also spreads that hope to others as people continue to use what they have learned.

Jennifer loves strong coffee and good books.

Social Media Administrator
Roberta Miedema

Roberta manages social media for Eagles Nest and is part of the Rescued & Restored team. She says,

It is a privilege to work at a place that provides a supportive environment for people seeking help. Inclusion is something that I am passionate about and Eagles Nest works hard at creating a space where people feel safe and accepted. I love working at Eagles Nest because I know that I am contributing to a place that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Outside of work, you can find Roberta in the great outdoors camping and hiking, or cozied up inside with a good book and hot drink in hand.

Counselling Team Lead
Judy Emmerson (MA Counselling, RP)

Judy ensures clients are receiving appropriate care and works closely with Eagles Nest therapists to provide support, identify solutions and encourage professional development. She says,

I am passionate about helping others find freedom and joy, as well as assisting them in discovering new and healthy ways of managing the stresses of life. The compassion and genuine care displayed and modeled at Eagle's Nest is inspiring and the desire to see others live out their best lives in freedom and safety is encouraging.

Judy enjoys gardening, biking and travel.

Judy is a Registered Psychotherapist and is registered with The College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO). She has a Master’s degree in Counselling.

Therapist

Bella Reis (MA Counselling, RP {Qualifying})

Bella provides counselling at Eagles Nest.  She shares,

Life can meet us with many challenges and choosing to seek help is no small act of courage. Relief in a broken world is possible. I’m passionate about helping others find relational and emotional health while providing a safe space for change and transformation. Trustworthiness, dignity and respect are the foundational values of Eagles Nest that inspire me to provide the best care to everyone who meets with me.

Bella has lived in different countries, has cross-cultural experience and enjoys waterfall hikes, film analysis, stargazing and road trips.

Bella has a Master’s degree in Counselling and uses a trauma-informed care perspective. She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with The College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO). She uses an integrative approach and draws from modalities such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP).

Therapist

Candice Chiu (M.Ed Counselling and Psychotherapy, RP {Qualifying})

Candice provides therapy at Eagles Nest.

She says,
I’m passionate about making sure individuals seeking therapy feel seen, heard, listened to without judgement, and understand that they are valued. It’s important for me to offer accessible mental health care from a place of love and compassion and Eagle’s Nest does just that. I love that our team not only proclaims our central values but also lives them out, especially with individuals accessing services.

In her spare time, Candice likes watching movies, playing video games and card games and enjoys getting creative with paint and art when she can.

Candice has a Master’s of Education degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She uses an integrative approach that draws from focusing-oriented therapy, polyvagal theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Therapist
Wendy Shippam (RP)

Wendy provides counselling at Eagles Nest. She says,

Years ago, before I became a therapist, my husband and I had a bad marriage. Health insurance plans rarely covered marriage counselling and we didn’t have the money to pay for counselling ourselves. After that experience I am passionate about helping people that find themselves in that place because it is like being in a deep hole that you just can’t climb out of. I am grateful to the people who helped us and working at Eagles Nest is a way that I can give back.

Outside of work, Wendy enjoys playing badminton and is grateful for her marriage of over 40 years and her family.

Wendy is a Registered Psychotherapist and is registered with The College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO). She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) and Adlerian Therapy in her sessions.

Therapist
Kat Giles (BSW, MSW, RSW)

Kat shares,  

I like being part of an organization whose values align with my own. I’m especially drawn to Eagles Nest's value of compassion. Often individuals entering the counselling room are filled with shame around who they are or what they have done, entrapped in the ways that others see them. I am honoured to be in a space where individuals can be seen without shame and judgement. 

Kat loves coffee, hikes and rock climbing. 

Kat works for By Peaceful Waters Counselling Agency (BPW).  BPW has partnered with Eagles Nest to provide programs and therapy.  Kat has a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) and is registered with both the Ontario College of Social Work (OCSW) and Ontario Association of Social Work (OASW).  Kat works from an attachment based, trauma informed model to guide her work. She takes an eclectic approach, drawing from theories and therapy models such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Narrative therapy, and Solution Focused therapies. She integrates creativity and play into her work with children and adolescents. 

Facilitator (Volunteer)

Wilma Lobbezoo

Wilma facilitates programs and support groups at the HOPE Centre.  She also volunteers at Rescued & Restored.  She says,

I enjoy working with Eagles Nest as it provides a positive, friendly environment, supporting people who are seeking help to get through difficult circumstances in life.  Coming from my own brokenness, it has been a relief to know there are places like Eagles Nest where healing is promoted.  

Besides volunteering, Wilma enjoys gardening and has created a small garden that is a pleasure to sit in with friends, family or a good book.

Facilitator (Volunteer)

Kim Mlekuz

Kim created and facilitates a number of programs for Eagles Nest. She shares,

I am dedicated and passionate about helping others, with a special place in my heart for children and their families. I believe in creating a safe space for parents to learn and ask questions without fear of judgment or shame. I love how everyone is treated with compassion and respect at Eagles Nest.

Apart from teaching, Kim loves gardening, nature and spending time with her family. She is also a professional photographer.

Kim (CPD, ECE, RHN, RIHR) is a Parenting Educator and Postpartum Doula with an educational background in Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Infant Mental Health, Maternal Mental Health, Attachment Parenting, Nutrition and Holistic Health.

Rescued & Restored Store Manager
Shealah Wysocki

Shealah leads the team at Rescued & Restored and sets direction for the store. She says,

I am passionate about hope. As long as we humans have even a tiny flicker of hope, amazing things can happen. I love that my position at Rescued & Restored directly benefits clients and can positively change someone’s life.

Outside of work Shealah loves to play tennis and hike. She is also a voracious reader and loves the internet.

Rescued & Restored Sales Associate
Sandy Anderson

Sandy works at Rescued & Restored, helping to lead our volunteer team, along with providing sales and customer service support. She says,

I believe in our mission statement so it’s very easy to explain our organization to customers, community and friends and family. It is easy to convey our message when you believe in it.

Sandy loves to thrift, make something out of nothing and meet new people.

Rescued & Restored Sales Associate
Francine Winger

Francine works at Rescued & Restored, providing sales and customer service support. She says,

I love working for a non-profit that gives back and helps those that need help with love, compassion and no judgment.

Outside of her work at Rescued & Restored, Francine loves being a grandmother.

Rescued & Rescued Sales Associate
Rita Bognar

Rita works at Rescued & Restored, providing sales and customer service support. She says,

I'm motivated to make sure the store not only looks great but also has great items to sell.  We have great customers who are passionate about our store and they love shopping with us.  It makes me happy when sales are doing well because I know it helps families access more programs.

Apart from her work at Rescued & Restored, Rita is a member of a dance group that works to dispel stereotypes around aging and fitness.