Treatment Team

Hamish White, C.A.D.C., H.S.C., S.S.W.
(416) 640-1061 ext. 222

Hamish White is a certified alcohol and drug dependency counsellor who has worked in the addiction and mental health fields for the past 35 years. He enjoys a reputation as being a skillful clinician yet “down-to-earth” with common-sense solutions to problems that occur when families and clients are struggling with addiction recovery issues. He is well known in the addiction treatment, health professional and recovery communities.

Hamish is recognized by his colleagues and peers throughout North America for his expertise and is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Peter Armstrong Award of Excellence in recognition of his long standing support, contribution and outstanding dedication to client based and family inclusive counselling in the Toronto community.

Hamish has vast experience working with youth and families and is familiar with many excellent resources all over Canada and the United States. He is certified by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation and is the founder, coordinator and director of Recovery Counselling Services.

Moira Gittens
(416) 640-1061 ext. 224

Not only is Moira an integral part of the Recovery Counselling Services team as our Executive Operations Manager, she’s the warm voice who answers the telephone when you call, and the friendly, smiling face when you first come to the RCS office.  Even the pets that come in as a part of pet therapy are greeted with a hug and easy access to the treat drawer in her desk.

Moira has a background in accounting, however her passion has always been working with people. Moira has volunteered at the Distress Centre providing support on the Suicide Hotline.  She is skilled at diffusing conflict with people in distress.  She has worked with people with disabilities as well as a variety of other people facing life challenges

Moira is the “go to person” for the whole team and has been keeping things running smoothly here since 2011

Christine McNicol
(416) 640-1061 ext. 232

Christine is the most recent and welcome addition to the Recovery Counselling Services team. In addition to her passion for recovery she brings with her more than 15 years experience counselling children, youth and adults. A CACCF Certified Addictions Counsellor and Social Service Worker with a BA from the University of Waterloo. Since 2000 Christine has specialized in the field of addictions, working individually with Adults and Youth as well as counselling groups, creating relapse prevention programs and family care plans. A specialist in how addiction impacts the family unit, Christine developed and facilitated a one of a kind intensive program for Children and Families of alcoholics and addicts. As a public speaker on the topic of addiction Christine has facilitated trainings and educational talks at conferences for law enforcement (RCMP), Drug Endangered Children Conferences and the Children’s Aid Society and other community organizations. Christine’s passion for empowering and supporting individuals, coupled with her commitment to education and best practise, provides clients with a strong, supportive foundation to assist in navigating challenging times for them and loved ones.

David Saxby, C.C.W.
(416) 640-1061 ext. 230

Dave has been with Recovery Counselling Services since 1992 and is the backbone of our youth programme. With over 25 years of experience in the field of helping individuals in a variety of settings, he specializes in working with adolescents and young adults both in the office and the community. Dave did his addiction training at Hazelden, Minnesota and provides assessments, counselling, and facilitates peer groups. While he brings a strong background in the addiction field both academically and in personal experience, it is his enthusiasm for and commitment to his work that sets him apart.

Dawna Alexander  M.S.W R.S.W.
(416) 640-1061 ext. 226

Dawna conducts intake assessments with families and facilitates the Parent Support Groups as well as providing individual, couple, and family counselling at Recovery Counselling Services. She is usually the first person parents see when they are looking for help with a young family member. With extensive training in family counselling, she provides the information, direction, and support families require when dealing with the powerful impact addiction can have on family members.

Dawna has been in the counselling profession for the past 40 years. She has experience in the child protection field and working with people with life threatening illness and their families, has worked in geriatrics with families and their elderly parents experiencing senility and Alzheimer related dementia, expertise in trauma and issues of abuse, crisis intervention, and working with families and addiction. Dawna has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and is a Registered Social Worker.   Dawna is a member of the  Ontario Association of Social Workers, the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation, and the Ontario and American Association of Marital and Family Therapists She has been with RCS since 2006.

Patricia Parker, B.Sc.N., M.A.
(416) 640-1061 ext. 225

As a member of the Recovery Counselling Services team since 2002, Patricia works extensively with families concerned about the drug or alcohol use of a loved one. She also specializes in assessment and ongoing counselling services for adults dealing with the challenges of substance abuse or codependency. Patricia Parker holds a Master of Arts degree in Addiction Counselling from the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies in Minnesota. Patricia is uniquely qualified through her professional experience and personal life journey to counsel people who are seeking freedom from chemical and relationship dependencies, and searching for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.

Annie Schneider M.Psy
Pronouns: She/Her
905-599-8418 ext. 223

Annie joined the RCS team in 2019 and has been working with all age groups, but focusing on young adults and teenagers. Her focus is on recovery from addiction as well as mental health and family issues. Annie did her Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Religion at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, and her Masters in Psychology at Adler Professional Graduate School in Toronto. Annie has experience working in treatment at Trafalgar Residences and Pine River Institute. She has a passion for meditation and mindfulness and uses an Adlerian Psychology framework in her practice.

Jade LaMarche CNP
RPQ, M.Ed. Counselling & Psychotherapy.
416-640-1061 ext. 234

Jade LaMarche is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Registered Psychotherapist.

Jade received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Psychology and a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy, graduating from U of T with High Distinction and Dean’s List excellence. In her final year at U of T, Jade was awarded the Brookfield Bronfman Gold Scholarship for her GPA achievements and her volunteer work in the addictions community. Jade then got her diploma in Applied Clinical Nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition and graduated with First Class Honours. Jade completed her psychotherapy training at Women’s College Hospital in the prestigious Trauma Therapy Program where she became an expert in the field of complex trauma (C-PTSD) and recovery.

Jade joined the team at Recovery Counselling Services in 2021 where specializes in addictions and trauma, conducting the first trauma-based group at RCS called “Transforming Trauma”. Jade also sees clients of all ages to do focused work on trauma, addiction, and general psychotherapy. Jade’s degree in clinical nutrition also allows her to incorporate nutritional counselling into her practice where it is needed, which can work in concert with psychotherapy, offering a symbiotic mind and body healing experience and a more holistic approach to mental health.

Tyler Svadjian
B.A., M.A.
416-640-1061 ext. 228

Tyler received an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Arts: Advanced Practice from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. Tyler received Honour Roll distinctions during his Undergraduate degree for high academic achievement. Tyler also received the Slaymaker Scholar Award during his graduate degree, awarded to distinct true excellence during a student's academic career. Tyler completed his clinical hours at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation's residential treatment facility in Center City, Minnesota.

Tyler joins the team at Recovery Counselling Services in 2022 and specializes in the treatment of co-occurring disorders through various treatment modalities with an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. Tyler sees clients of all ages and works towards helping clients achieve their goals. Tyler's compassionate, caring, and empathetic demeanor, combined with evidence-based practices and strength-based approaches, leads to meaningful and lasting counselling relationships in treating substance use disorders and mental health disorders.

Ted Boyle
M.S.W., R.S.W. 
416-640-1061 ext. 233

Ted Boyle is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Social Work degree in the field of Mental Health & Health, with a Collaborative Graduate Specialization in Addiction Studies. Ted received the Irene and David Shapiro Memorial Award for a special and/or demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the area of depression and suicide. He completed his clinical practicum placement as a student at RCS.

Ted works primarily with men of all ages on addiction recovery, codependency, and healthy expressions masculinity. Major areas of interest in Ted’s work include concurrent disorders, self-harm, suicide, codependent relationships, eating disorders, gender and sexuality, and complex trauma. Ted uses an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach in his work with individuals, families, and groups. His focus is empowering his clients and their loved ones to achieve freedom from addiction.