Dr. Chuck Geddes has worked extensively in the fields of Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare over the past 15 years, serving in various clinical roles including supervision of staff and interns. He completed his PhD at Colorado State University and 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 Child Trauma Academy, Dan Siegel, and others. He developed the Complex Care and Intervention (CCI) program as a way to embed a trauma-focused therapeutic perspective into the care of children in the foster system. Dr. Geddes provides education and training to social workers, foster parents, and mental health clinicians across the province of British Columbia. Helping adoptive parents who adopt children from traumatic backgrounds is another area of growing interest. Chuck and his wife have three adult sons and 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.”

Dr. Kirk Austin is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and is actively involved in the development of CTR training materials, and trains therapists throughout British Columbia in the effective use of the CCI model. He is a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and The Canadian Center for Applied Research in Cancer Control. Dr. Austin completed his B.A. in Psychology at Trinity Western University prior to completing his M.A at Liberty University. He received his doctoral degree in the field of psychology at the University of South Africa and has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate level psychology courses at Lower Mainland universities in British Columbia as well as providing clinical supervision to MA level counselling students, and publishing several peer-reviewed research articles. In 2012, Dr. Austin served as the Clinical Director of an award-winning human resource management company prior to joining Complex Trauma Resources (CTR).

Interest in complex trauma:

“Neuroplasticity: It’s a funny word with tremendous implications. Knowing that the brain can change energizes my interest in helping children grow and develop in healthy ways despite their trauma-filled beginnings. Seeing adults learn, use, and see the benefits of the CCI model in action energizes my desire to train educators, foster parents, and care teams that support children impacted by trauma.”

Angela Murphy is an author, school psychologist and Complex Trauma Resource’s 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. degree 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, and the past 5 years working from a trauma focused lens. She has a profound respect for delivering safe and caring practices, is a life-long 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.

Nicole has worked extensively with children at risk in SE Asia for over 13 years providing educational and mentoring support, facilitating counseling seminars & training opportunities & engaging in international collaboration for the welfare of disadvantaged youth and children. She directed a cross cultural counseling program in Australia prior to moving to Thailand. She completed her Masters of Counselling at Gonzaga University and has been known to build strong rapport with individuals and children. She often infuses a trauma-informed approach in her practice, while working with individuals (children and adults) that struggle with anxiety, depression, and loss. Nicole and her husband now live in Canada and love the adventures and craziness that having four children bring into their lives.

Interest in Complex Trauma:

My interest in trauma began while I was living in Asia and facing difficult situations with at risk children and youth. Since this time, I have been cultivating an understanding of the complexities and associated challenges that trauma brings to an individual: neurologically, emotionally & developmentally which might sound disparaging and it can be. Yet, neuroscience has proven that the plasticity of the brain coupled with effective interventions alongside nurturing caregivers can enhance healing and a changed way of life. I love the holistic approach and a caring team that I am able to work alongside in order to better the lives of children and youth.

Renae is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and holds a Masters 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 and parents and caregivers to ensure their children have a bright future. She considers it a great privilege to work collaboratively with the important people in a child’s life to help the child heal, grow, and become more fully themselves.

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 her young, her other interests have been tailored to playing 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 framework of the CCI. As every parent says, “I wish I knew the information I know now, back then” – I believe the CCI provides education and a framework in a very helpful way to support not just the child, but everyone involved, to become the family that they want to be.”