Dr. Chuck Geddes is the Executive and Clinical Director of Complex Trauma Resources. He has worked extensively in the fields of Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare in BC. He completed his PhD at Colorado State University and his MA at California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Geddes became interested in the role of complex trauma in children's neurological development through the work of The ChildTrauma Academy, Dr. Dan Siegel, and others. He developed the Complex Care and Intervention (CCI) program to embed a trauma-focused therapeutic perspective into the care of children in foster care, residential care, and adoption. He provides education and training to social workers, foster parents, and mental health clinicians across British Columbia.

Chuck and his wife have three adult sons, one of whom has special needs. In his spare time, Chuck will often be found hiking, biking, or playing old-timer hockey.

Interest in complex trauma

"I love how the last 10 years of developmental brain science has shed light on what we once saw as absolutely intractable problems in children. I get excited to see a team of caregivers around a child begin to understand trauma principles, apply them in a creative fashion, and rejoice as they see children and youth respond, grow, and heal."

Angela Chiasson is an author, school psychologist, and Complex Trauma Resources' Director of School Programs. She wholeheartedly believes that ALL students can learn and that no child is intrinsically bad. It is her life's work to support teams of students who've experienced hard things via a collaborative and trauma-focused approach.

She completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University, and later completed a B.Ed. from the University of Calgary (U of C). Next, she completed a Master's degree in Child and Applied Psychology from the U of C. Angela brings expansive knowledge from her work over the past decade in Indigenous communities. She has a profound respect for delivering safe and caring practices, and is a lifelong learner and an educator at heart.

Interest in complex trauma

"My interest in complex trauma began with my work as a school psychologist when I noticed that many of the students I was seeing had a list of diagnoses, without taking into consideration the effects of complex and intergenerational trauma. It seemed that the recommended interventions based on the diagnoses didn't match the child's complex needs. Since I have implemented the CTR framework in schools, I have seen positive, life-changing outcomes. These experiences have given me a great sense of hope for children and families who have struggled with complex trauma."

Haley Salvador is a Complex Trauma Clinician, Continuing Education Instructor, and speaker who is deeply committed to supporting children, youth, and the systems that care for them. With a Master's degree in Child Study and Education from the University of Toronto and additional coursework in complex trauma and psychosocial care, Haley brings a relational, developmentally aware, trauma-sensitive approach.

Her career spans clinical (hospital and rehabilitation), educational, and community settings. Her experiences have shaped her desire to build capacity in educators and caregivers through practical, sustainable, relationship-based strategies. Known for her warm, collaborative style, Haley is passionate about translating theory into meaningful practice that empowers both children and the adults who support them.

Joanna Nicholson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and holds a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. In addition to working with the Complex Trauma Resources (CTR) team, Joanna provides clinical counselling within an interdisciplinary health care setting. This position involves providing emotional and practical support to patients and their family members in the midst of significant illness. She co-facilitates a children's group which focuses on psychosocial support for children with cancer in their family. Joanna has also volunteered with police-based victim services to provide emotional support to victims of crime and tragedy.

Joanna and her husband have three children. As a mother, she is familiar with the challenges and joys of raising children.

Interest in complex trauma

"Throughout my career, I have seen the effects that adverse early childhood experiences have on people's mental well-being and physical health. Because early childhood trauma changes the developmental trajectory of those who have experienced trauma, it is exciting to be a part of a team that provides early intervention to children. It is a privilege to walk alongside children and caregivers as they experience growth and development as a result of the Complex Care and Intervention (CCI) program."

Josh Lockhart is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and completed his Master's in Counselling from Gonzaga University. He works with children, youth, adults, and families, with a particular focus on trauma, attachment, emotional regulation, and caregiver-child relationships. He is especially interested in helping caregivers and professionals understand behaviour with greater compassion, through the lens of nervous system development, attachment, and developmental needs.

Josh is also a dad, bonus-dad (aka stepdad), and foster dad, so he doesn't just practise the work in psychotherapy, he also lives it.

Kim Hetherington brings more than 33 years of professional social work experience supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families. She has developed specialized expertise in complex trauma, brain development, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences through more than 15 years of training and professional affiliation with internationally renowned trauma specialist Dr. Bruce D. Perry at The ChildTrauma Academy and Neurosequential Network. In 2014, she received her certification as a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Clinician.

Kim specializes in working with children and youth with complex developmental and care needs. In recognition of her expertise in brain science and trauma-informed practice, Kim was invited by the National Judicial Institute to present "Brain Science, ACEs and the Judicial System" at the BC Supreme Court in June 2021 and at the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench Education Sessions in December 2021.

Interest in complex trauma

"My interest in complex trauma began as advances in brain science provided me with a deeper understanding of how toxic stress and adversity can affect the developing brain, particularly during sensitive periods of development. This knowledge continues to fuel my passion for helping children and youth achieve more positive developmental outcomes. It has been a privilege to witness profound and lasting positive changes in children and youth as the adults supporting them develop a deeper understanding of their experiences and implement approaches that promote healing and healthy development."

Krista Stafford joined the team at Complex Trauma Resources after retiring from the BC Public Service. She is passionate about supporting children and youth who have experienced hard things in their childhood. Krista brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her time working as a social worker, both in the child welfare and school systems. She takes a collaborative, team-based approach to support children, youth, and their caregivers. She believes that interventions need to be focused on the developmental needs of children.

Krista has a Master of Education degree in School Counselling and a Bachelor of Social Work, both from the University of Victoria, and ten years of trauma-informed work supporting children with complex trauma. Providing education, encouragement, and practical ideas based on complex trauma intervention principles is the foundation of her work with Complex Trauma Resources.

Rachel Grolman is a Complex Trauma Clinician with extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families impacted by complex trauma, attachment disruptions, and experiences within the care system. Her background includes working as a Youth and Family Counsellor within group homes and supporting children and youth in care across residential, community, and school-based settings.

Rachel brings a strong understanding of school systems through her background in teaching and her current role as a Helping Teacher on a district trauma-focused team. Her experience allows her to bridge the gap between home, school, and community while supporting the adults surrounding a child to better understand and respond to their individual needs. Rachel is passionate about providing practical, relationship-based support directly within the environments where children and families need it most.

Renae Regehr is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She has experience working with children, youth, and families who have been impacted by trauma and attachment disruptions. As a mother to three children of her own, biological and adoptive, Renae is passionate about child development and supporting parents and caregivers to ensure their children have a bright future.

Renae is also the founder of Free To Be Talks, a non-profit organization that promotes positive body image, and co-founder of Care For Women, a non-profit organization that supports and resources women in the complex and challenging first weeks of motherhood. While her kids are young, her other interests have been tailored to playing with playdough, building in the sandbox, and running around outside.

Interest in complex trauma

"My interest in complex trauma stems from my personal life and helping my own child who had experienced complex trauma. I experienced profound positive changes in my own family after I began parenting from a trauma-informed perspective. Everything that I had been reading and studying for the last number of years came together in a comprehensive, accessible model when I was introduced to the framework of the CCI."

Jennifer Morden has spent over 35 years supporting children, youth, caregivers, and professionals through compassionate, trauma-informed care. She discovered her passion for child and youth care, where she progressed from frontline group home support to Team Lead, Program Coordinator, and Program Manager, supporting children and youth with complex needs in staffed specialized home settings.

While she has enjoyed leadership roles, Jennifer has always been drawn to the direct work of supporting children and the caregivers who care for them. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach and enjoys helping families discover strategies that fit the unique child in front of them.

Outside of her work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, their adult children, their spouses, and their grandchildren.

Interest in complex trauma

"My interest in complex trauma has grown from many years of sitting alongside children and families and trying to understand what is underneath the behaviour we see. I have learned that children are not their behaviours, and that when we take the time to understand their experiences, we can respond in ways that create safety and connection. I find hope in seeing caregivers gain a new understanding of the children they support and watching relationships begin to heal and grow."