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OUR TEAM

Odanokiig

Leadership
Gaa-niigaanishkang

Sherri Thomas

Executive Health Director

Sherri Thomas is the Executive Director of the Ginew Wellness Center located on Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation in Manitoba. Sherri graduated in 2009 from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Sherri has been in the health field for over 16 years and employed with the Ginew Wellness Center for over 15 years.  She has extensive experience in Human Resources, Strategic Planning, Critical Incident and Emergency Response, and Program Management. Sherri received the Certified First Nations Health Manager designation in April 2017. 

Heath Holden

Assistant Health Director

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Heath Holden has been the Assistant Health Director at Ginew since May 1, 2023. Heath works tirelessly at bringing positive change. to the Wellness Center. Heath's wisdom and  critical decision making; ensures the many directives of GWC achieve success.

Administration Odanokiig

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Executive Assistant

Tammy Blask works with senior management as an Executive Assistant helping with the day to day operations of the Ginew Wellness Center.  She has previously worked with the Jordan’s Principle team for 5 years and before that as an Early Childhood Educator III working in daycares and as an Educational Assistant at Roseau Valley School. 

Tammy Blask

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Janelle Pierre-Folster

Administrative Assistant

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Finance/Human Resources
Zhooniyaa/Odanokiig Gaa-naagajiyaad

Lori Henry

Human Resources/Finance

Lori Henry has been with the Ginew Wellness Center since 2006. Her role as Finance Manager is invaluable; Lori brings years of experience that she applies daily while working on the finances of the Center. Outside of work she is married and has a daughter. She enjoys spending time relaxing being at home.

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Kirstyn Roberts

Administrative & Finance Assistant

Kirstyn Roberts has been with Ginew Wellness Center for over a year in the Finance Department. She enjoys the gym & being outside, as well as spending time with her son. Kirstyn's main role as the finance assistant to provide support to the finance & administrative team, also bring smiles to all that she encounters

Sanitization & Maintenance
Obegichige chigwa Gaa-Nana’ichiged

Velma Alexander

Velma has worked at the Wellness Center since 2004. Her area's of responsibility include custodial duties as well as security. Outside of work, she can be found spending time with her family, including 2 children, and grandchildren. 

Sanitization

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Hope Gabriel

Sanitization

For almost 4 years, Hope has been working at the Center. As part of the Janitorial staff; she has been tasked with care of the offices and medical center. She also is a part of security for the community. She also has taken on the task of maintenance, and offers her many skills in different duties across the center to help things run smoothly.

Administration

Child Development & Family Services

Child Development & Family Services
Abinoojii Odanokiig chigwa & Ndinawemaaganag Odanokiig

Maternal Child Health & STAR Program
Gaa-gishkiwaawasod Mino-ayaawin chigwa STAR Anokiiwin

Cindy Buhler, RN BN

Supervisor

Cindy Buhler, RN BN has been a Nurse Supervisor for the Strengthening Families-Maternal Child Health (SF-MCH) & the Success Through Advocacy & Role Modeling (STAR) Programs since November, 2011.  She co-hosts the Parenting Group, Prenatal classes, Baby food Making,  and Cooking/Nutrition classes. On occasion, you will find her assisting the other Nurses in the GWC clinic. The services that she provides are family support, information on parenting, pre/post natal care, healthy lifestyles, child growth and development and referral and access to other services. Cindy is honoured to be working in Roseau River First Nation.

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Faye Nelson

Home Visitor

Faye Nelson is one of the Home Visitors with the Maternal Child Health Program. She has been with the program for 9 years and continues to deliver the curriculum in her own unique way to help each family understand and absorb the helpful information to enhance their parenting skills. She enjoys working in her home community and with the families enrolled in the MCH Program. Faye has completed many trainings that will benefit her role as a home visitor, she is most proud of her Indigenous Full Spectrum Doula Training she has completed twice with Zaagi’idiwin.

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Home Visitor

Angelina graduated High School in 2014 with a Childhood Development Certificate and two years later graduated from the Health Care Aide program at Robertson College.  She worked over a year in a Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. She enjoys spending time with her children and being outdoors as much as possible when the weather is nice.  Angelina is new to the Maternal Child Health Team and looks forward to adventures and challenges her new career will bring.

Angelina Zacharias

Chantal Seenie

Mentor

Chantal Seenie is the STAR Mentor at the Ginew Wellness Center. She has multiple certificates on knowledge of FASD from University of British Columbia, CTRI and Community Works. When working with Clients, Chantal tries her best to help them with making their own decisions in what they want to be doing or working on, rather than dictating to them what they need or should be doing. She helps to support her clients by making schedules, goal planning, helping them discover hobbies and teaching them new craft ideas that they can in turn do with their children at home.

Aboriginal Head Start​​

Abinoojii Giizhiitaawin

Alvina Gegwetch

Supervisor

Alvina Gegwetch has been part of the Aboriginal Head Start team since August 2014 as the program Supervisor. She enjoys working with our Aboriginal Head Start children and their families. She brings many years experience working in the educational field, including working with additional support needs children.

Vanessa Henry

Teacher

Vanessa Henry is working in the Aboriginal Head Start Program. She is a certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE II) with many years experience.

TBD

Teacher

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Jordan's Principle

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Heather Thomas

Administrative Assistant

Heather Thomas from Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation and is currently working in the Jordan’s Principle program since September 2020.

Heather enjoys working for her community and connecting with the children and families. On her free time she enjoys going for nature walks with her children and visiting with family and friends.

Carly Becker

Case Manager

Meet Carly, a dedicated Case Manager at Ginew Wellness Center in the Jordan’s Principle Program. With a tenure of 7 years at the Ginew Wellness Center, Carly’s passion for her work is evident in her commitment and enthusiasm. 

Starting her journey as a Youth Worker, Carly has since transitioned into the role of a Case Manager, a position that she thoroughly enjoys. Her love for land-based activities not only aligns with her personal interests but also enhances her role at Jordan’s Principle. Carly often lends her expertise in assisting with program facilitation, further demonstrating her versatility and dedication.

 Currently, Carly is expanding her knowledge and skills by pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. This endeavor reflects her continuous drive to learn and her commitment to her profession and the community. 

Carly’s journey is a testament to her dedication and love for her job, making her an invaluable member of the Jordan’s Principle team. Her story continues to inspire and we look forward to her future contributions.

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Program Manager

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Lynn Pierre

Assistant Case Manager

Tricia Higheagle, a dedicated Case Assistant at Jordan’s Principle. Tricia has been a part of the Ginew Wellness Center for 9 years, contributing to various programs and making a significant impact. Since 2023, she has found her calling with Jordan’s Principle, where she continues to make a difference every day. 

Tricia’s interests are as diverse as her skills. She enjoys biking, volleyball, and family-oriented activities, and cherishes spending quality time with her family. These interests not only enrich her personal life but also bring a unique perspective to her professional role. 

In addition to her work, Tricia is an active member of the Wellness Planning Committee. She also volunteers at different events in the community, further demonstrating her commitment to wellness and community engagement. 

Tricia’s journey at the Ginew Wellness Center and Jordan’s Principle is a story of dedication, passion, and continuous growth. Her contributions are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to her continued involvement in the future.

Tricia Higheagle

Anne Dyck, LPN

Case Manager

Anne Dyck is a Case Manager for the Jordan's Principle program.  She has worked at Ginew Wellness Center since July 2017 and has been a nurse for 12 years.  Previously, Anne worked in a variety of settings (ER, Personal Care Home, Rural clinic in Sudan, Medical Units, etc). 

Children and Youth Service Navigator/Respite Coordinator

Boozhoo! Veronica is from the Keeseekoowenin First Nation, She was hired at Ginew in 2020 and has moved to different positions through the center, She has now been hired as the Navigator/Respite coordinator to support the families of Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation who face barriers and gaps in service. The Child & Youth Service Navigator works closely with the Case Managers to deliver the services needed.

She loves that she can continue to learn about the community through her job.

Miigwetch!

Veronica Berg

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Genny Henry-Mckay

Assistant Case Manager

Allow us to introduce you to Genny McKay, a valued member of the Jordan’s Principle team. Genny has been serving the Ginew Wellness Center for an impressive 18 years, dedicating 7 years to the Jordan’s Principle program. 

For 13 years, Genny worked with the children and youth of the Roseau River First Nation through the Aboriginal Headstart Program. This experience has enriched her understanding and approach towards her work at Jordan’s Principle. 

Recently, Genny embraced a new challenge by transitioning from a Rehabilitation Assistant to a Case Assistant. This change showcases her adaptability and eagerness to grow within her profession. 

Outside of work, Genny enjoys a variety of hobbies. She loves trying out new restaurants, travelling to different places, and cheering on her daughter at volleyball games. These interests bring a unique and personal touch to her role at Jordan’s Principle. 

Genny is also an active participant in the Wellness Committee, reflecting her commitment to promoting wellness within the community. 

Genny’s journey, marked by dedication, passion, and continuous growth, is a testament to her invaluable contribution to the Ginew Wellness Center and Jordan’s Principle. We are grateful for her service and look forward to her future endeavors.

Greg Seenie

Rehabilitation Assistant

Greg Seenie is from Roseau River First Nation. He is currently working in the Jordan’s Principle Program since April of 2017 in partnership with Ginew Wellness Center. Greg enjoys working with our children and youth of Roseau River, and also working with our Jordan’s Principle team. He also likes to play hockey ,golfing and other outdoor activities as well as spending time with his five sons and two grandsons.

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Speech Language Pathologist

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Kristen Giesbrecht

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Physiotherapist

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Carla Peters

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Occupational Therapist

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Kelli Krause

Wellness & Holistic Health Services
Mino-ayaa-win Anokiiwin

Mental Health, Wellness & Addictions Services
Mino-naagadendamowin

Bonnie Gamble

Mental Health Professional

Bonnie has a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling. Bonnie has worked at GWC for nine years all together. She works with all age groups male and female. If there are questions or concerns feel free to come in and speak to Bonnie or give her a call.

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Mental Health Professional

Brooke Steinke graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelors of Social Work. She has a previous degree in Sociology and Developmental Studies. Brooke is a new member of the Mental Health Team, providing confidential service and support to individuals and families of all ages. Brooke has a passion for assisting others through life’s journey and is excited to be providing mental health and wellness support to the people of Roseau River First Nation.

Brooke Isenschmid

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Mental Health Professional/Team Lead

Heather Johnson is a Mental Health Therapist who works with Ginew Wellness Centre to provide wellness supports for Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation.

Heather believes that all people would do well working on their healing journey, both for their own life and for the lives of those around them.

Heather has had the privilege of teaching lay counselling throughout the northern parts of our world and has seen that all hearts beat and bleed the same.

Heather  holds a Master’s of Arts in Counselling from Providence University College & Theological Seminary

Heather Johnson

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Mental Health Professional

Tom is a Registered Psychotherapist who loves to work with individuals and couples. He moves people toward healthy emotion so they can be well and thriving. A favourite Moto of his is “Caring cannot be optional".

Tom Peters

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Mental Health Professional

Debra Henry

Debra has her B.S.W., through the University of Manitoba. She studied with the Prairie Region Centre for Focusing, and Complex Trauma, “Focused Oriented Therapy and Trauma Informed Practice”. Debra has studied with New Careers early in her life obtaining a Diploma working with Families, Child Welfare related. She has worked in Post Secondary through Ginew School,: and worked at West Region’s original ‘Repatriation’ program dealing with 60’s Scoop related cases. She has also completed the ‘4 year’ Traditional Medicine Program through Peguis First Nation’s Traditional Medicine and Western Medicine World teacher Kathy Bird. She is a grandmother of 10 grandchildren, mother of 3, and Aunty to numerous nieces, nephews traditionally related and western world related. Debra believes in a Anishinabe Traditional, Christian Approach, and Western Education within her delivery of counselling.

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Job TItle

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Sample

Maternal Child Health
Aboriginal Head Start
Jordan's Principle
Wellness & Holistic Health Services
Mental Health, Wellness & Addictions Services
Traditional Healing

Traditional Healing
Anishinaabewi-Nanaandawewin

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Kirby Nelson

Cultural Coordinator

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Zongiday Nelson

Traditional Healing and Cultural Worker

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IT & Media/Events
Mazinaatebijigan Wiindamaagewin

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Jason Toews

I.T. Administrator & Support

Jason Toews is our network and EMR administrator. He loves to serve and you will find him assisting employee's/community members or working on equipment to leverage technology in helping people.

TBD

Media Editor/Event Coordinator

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Physical Fitness

Wiiyo Mino-ayaawin

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Alex Hartin

Fitness Worker

Alex Hartin is the fitness worker at the Ginew Wellness Center. Alex is also a part of the Jordan's Principle team. 

Physical Fitness
Primary Care & Community Health Services
Primary Care Clinic

Primary Care & Community Health Services
Onji-kanawaabamiwin & Gaa-mamawi’mino-ayaawin

Primary Care Clinic
Onji Kanawaabamiwin

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Nicole Solnes, RN

Nurse in Charge

Nicole Solnes, is a Registered Nurse and Nurse in Charge at Ginew Wellness Center in area known as the Primary care clinic  (Onji-kanawaabami-wigamig). Nicole has 15 years of Nursing experience in a variety of fields such as Intensive Care, Emergency, Medicine, Primary Care and Community Health. She has been with GWC for 3 years, she enjoys seeing clients on a daily basis, providing care and assessments to those that present. 

Community Health & Immunizations
Mamawi-mino-ayaawin zhigo mashkiki-bajiishkowinan

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Kelly Johnson

Community Health Nurse

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Medical Clinic Services
Mashkiki-wigamig Anokiiwin

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Dominique Gagnon

Nurse Practitioner

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Marie Roddy

Nurse Practitioner

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Jennifer Verrier

Medical Clerk

Jennifer Verrier is the Medical Clerk at Ginew Wellness Center. She works within the administration team and works alongside the nursing team as well. Jennifer loves helping others and feels that within her job she is able to be an assisting hand and a listening ear to both clients and co-workers.

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Lydia Alexander

Medical Clerk

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Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative
Anishinaabewi-ziizibaakwa-daapinewin

Debbie Alexander

ADI/Community Health Representative

Debbie Alexander is the Community Health Representative.  She works with all health care team to improve and maintain the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and emotional well being of individuals, families and the community. Debbie also oversees the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative program.  The main objective of ADI is to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes through a range of health promotion, prevention, screening and treatment services, delivered by trained service providers and community diabetes prevention workers.

Kim Knott

Dietitian

Kim Knott lives in Winkler, Manitoba for 36 years and has worked as a registered dietician in Southern Manitoba in 11 different institutions.  She has worked at Ginew Wellness Center for 20 years doing nutritional counselling and diabetes education. Kim believes health is more than just medical knowledge and tries to help people with the practical application of nutrition in their lives.

Water Quality Testing
Nibi Gaa-waabanjigaadeg

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Aleron Alexander

Water Quality Technician

Aleron Alexander has been employed with the GWC since the fall of 2012. As the CBWM, he ensures the quality of drinking water in the community is up to standards and in good health on a weekly basis.

Community Health & Immunizations
Medical Clinic Services
Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative
Water Quality Testing
Foot Care Program
Medical Transportation Services

Foot Care Program
Gi-zidan Onji-ganawaabandawin

Foot Care Nurse

Rhonda Hall, LPN

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Medical Transportation Services

Medical Transportation Services

Mashkikiwi-odaabaan wiiji’iwewin

Medical Transportation

Henry Hayden

Medical Transportation Coordinator

Henry has been employed with the Ginew Wellness Centre for 16 years in the Medical Transportation Program.  He was promoted over two years ago to Transportation Coordinator and has found this current position a very difficult but welcoming challenge in his career.  Henry’s main duties as Transportation Coordinator consists of organizing medical trips for band members to several communities in the area including Winnipeg and accommodations to those who require it.  Other duties include working closely with other staff members and medical facilities to assure band members arrive to there required appointments in a safe and timely manner.

Susan Powers

Driver

Susan has been employed at the Wellness Centre for 10 years as a full time Medical Driver. Susan is also a part-time cook at the local restaurant Barney's. When she is not working - Susan enjoys spending time with her 2 children and 5 grandchildren. In her spare time she also enjoys reading and solving puzzles. 

Myra Littlejohn

Driver

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Darcy Thomas

Driver

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Home & Community Care

Home & Community Care

Gichi-ayaa ganawaabamigoo’iziwin

Home Care
Mino-ayaawin anokiiwin

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Margaret McGregor, RN BN

Home Care Nurse Supervisor

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Jennifer Shepit

Jennifer has been with the Home Care Program for 16 years and now works as Support Services Supervisor.  Her duties includes managing financial matters for the In Home Care Program and Ginew Seniors Lodge. and Activity Planning for the program.  She loves "treasure hunting", by going to garage sales and thrift stores.  Her passion is spending time with her family. and grandchildren.

Support Services Supervisor

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Rhonda Hall, LPN

Home Care Nurse

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Shirley Hayden

Shirley Hayden is a Health Care Aide and has been employed at the Ginew Wellness Center for the past 17 years. Her role includes but is not limited to conducting home visits with clients, doing safety checks, medication checks, taking vital signs, and assisting with bath and showers.  Shirley frequently works alongside the Home Care Nurse.  Outside of work, Shirley enjoys spending time with her grand kids, taking them to the park, swimming, for ice cream and to Sunday School.

Health Care Aide

Annette Laroque

Cook

Annette Laroque is the chef for the Home and Community Program as well as the Meals on Wheels program.  Her duties include preparing nutritious, health conscious and colourful meals.  She also organizes an "Exercise with Annette" program, which is done daily for clients, elders and any community members who would like to participate.  Annette’s pastimes include BINGO, watching home and garden as well as cooking shows on TV, computer games and researching new recipes and BINGO.  Her newest passion at work is to help develop new activities, while maintaining successful ones.

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Crystal Cardinal

HCC Admin Assistant/Driver

Crystal is the Admin Assistant / Driver for the HCC program. She has been employed at the Ginew Wellness Center since 2019. Before she became employed at the Wellness Center, Crystal worked as a Health Care Aide for Southern Health up until she was forced to quit due to health reasons. Crystal enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies ( 2 dogs and 1 cat ) and on her spare time, she loves camping, quadding, going to the beach, hunting and spending time with friends.

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TBD

HCC Health Care Aide

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Nancy Murdock

HCC Homemaker

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TBD

HCC Health Care Aide

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Renee Seymour

Seniors Activity Worker

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Home Care
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