Brent O’Connor is the Program Coordinator of Oskayak Treatment Centre & O'Pimacihowin. Brent has worked for Heritage since October of 1993.  Brent has a Diploma in Social Work and is a registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers.  He has held various positions within Heritage such as: Night Attendant, Team Leader and Program Coordinator.  In his spare time, Brent canvasses to help raise money for the Heart and Lung Association, enjoys fishing, camping and outdoor activities along with spending time with his grandchildren.  Brent has been married to his wife Cathy for 31 years and has three daughters. 

Beverly Keeshig-Soonias, R. Psych. is the Program Therapist at Oskayak Treatment Centre, the Aboriginal/Diversity Instructor and Psychologist Supervisor at River’s Edge Learning Centre.  Beverly has been with Heritage since November 1995 in a variety of positions.  She has been a family therapist in Home Based Treatment and the Program Therapist at both Twin Oaks Group Home and Oskayak Treatment Centre.  She has a B.A. from University of Toronto, L.L.B., University of Saskatchewan and has a M.Sc., Loma Linda University.  Currently Beverly is a registered member or the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Canadian Psychologists Association.

Beverly Keeshig-Soonias has a unique combination of life experience, theoretical background and personal attributes.  She an aboriginal woman and a member of

the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.  She is married to Rod Soonias, L.L.B., a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation.  Her parents and spouse are survivors of residential schools.

She has extensive knowledge about the inter-generational and systemic effects of the residential school experience, family systems, adolescents, addictions, and the power of healing.
Over the years she has been involved in the Aboriginal community and in the multi-cultural community in Central Alberta serving on community boards such as the Red Deer Friendship Centre, Central Alberta Diversity Association and the Community Housing Advisory Committee, and as an ongoing volunteer.  Her work at a treatment centre has given her many occasions to interface with diverse groups and government bodies.

Heritage Family Services has utilized her services as an Aboriginal/Diversity Awareness instructor for the last 5 years.  In this role she has been able to share a rich Aboriginal heritage, Aboriginal history since European contact and her experience as an Aboriginal woman at this time in history. Her goal has been to build relationship between those directly affected by these factors and those who work with the complex issues which have arisen as a result.

“Nurture the Heart, Respect the Spirit, Empower the Community”

Oskayak Treatment Centre Staff

Oskayak Treatment Centre

Mission Statement
Our purpose is to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
This environment will facilitate in guiding and directing Oskayak and when possible, the extended family, through a critical period in their lives. We accomplish this by maintaining a professional team which is committed to the ideals of client-focused: treatment, education, structure, advocacy, and empowerment.  Above all, we respect the youths’ relationship with their family, culture and community.

Client Profile

•     12- 21 Years of Age
•     Emergency Receiving (14 Days)
•     Stabilization (14 Days)
•     Assessment (45 Days)
•     Residential Treatment
•     Behavior Assessment
•     Exclusive to Native Clientele

Admission Requirements
Upon intake we will request:

•     Information Consolidation
•     Delegation of Powers
•     Reason for Referral
•     Client Demographics
•     Highlighted Client Special Needs
•     Service Plan
•     Consent for Services
•     Intake Conference

Schooling

•     In House School

Recreation

•      Community Recreational Outings
•      Cultural Outings

                  
Therapy

•     Individual
•     Family
•     Group
•     Suicide Risk Available at Request 

Reporting

•     Critical Incidents Within 24 Hours
•     Monthly Progress Reports
•     Treatment Plan Updated Quarterly

Staff Training

•     PACE (Behaviour Management)
•     ASIST (Suicide Intervention)
•     Aboriginal Awareness
•     First Aid

Links to Community

•     AADAC
•     School Division
•     Library
•     Metis Links
•     Mental Health

On Call Support
24 Hour On Call Support

H.O.M.E.S

•     Outcome Monitoring
•     Case Planning
•     Goal Creation and Attainment Scaling

Cultural

•     All Staff Take Aboriginal Training
•     Client Specific Cultural Awareness

Family Involvement

•     Family Counseling
•     Family Mediation
•     Involvement in Case Planning
•     Family Therapy

Program Coordinator
Brent O’Connor
brent@heritagefamilyservices.com

Therapist
Beverly Keeshig-Soonias
beverly@heritagefamilyservices.com

Program Costs*

Per Diem Covers: For per diem rates, please contact
the program coordinator or Central Referral

•     Transportation to 400 km/month
•     Program Related Recreation & Travel
•     Clothing
•     Educational Costs
•     School Supplies

Extra billing for:

•     Any Required One on One Coverage
•     Travel Beyond 400 km

*NOTE: Contractual Agreements may supersede this cost.

Contact:

Office................ 1-403-340-2555
Fax…………… 1-403-346-9698

E-Mail: otc@heritagefamilyservices.com

74 Denovan Cres.
Red Deer, AB
T4R 1W2