Meet Our Team

Derek Sienko

Masters of Arts in Military Psychology, B.S.W., Police Chaplain, RTWDM, & CVRP.

Derek Sienko is the President and CEO of Diversified Rehabilitation Group. He has over twenty years of experience in Mental Health and Return-to-Work Services. Derek completed a master’s degree in military psychology at Adler’s University. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Manitoba and is a Certified Vocational Professional with the College of Vocational Professionals. He is the author of the Client Focused Return-to-Work Model: Integrated Approach to Disability Management book.

In 1993, he suffered a work-related accident that resulted in severe physical and psychological injuries. He is a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) survivor. His own experience and a deep understanding of PTSD and PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Injury) inspired him to create, with his team of mental health professionals, a Traumatic Stress Recovery Program for First Responders, Veterans, and General Public. His compassionate heart and perseverance help those who encountered trauma to heal and get their “Lives Back.”

PTSD did not weaken me; it enriched my life.

Paulina Sienko

Bachelor of Social Work

Paulina Sienko has over eight years of experience working with injured workers with various physical and mental health conditions. Paulina’s professional background includes her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UBC Okanagan with expertise in mental health and vocational rehabilitation.

She is continuously exploring moments of stillness and self- awareness in her personal life which greatly complements her work in trauma, mental health, and overall well-being. When Paulina is not working, you will find her somewhere in nature, playing and exploring with her family, including her fur baby, Winston.

Dr. Dave Eveleigh

Clinical Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Eveleigh obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Over the past 25 years, he has worked in a variety of capacities in both the assessment and in the individual and group treatment of injured workers and other individuals in the need of psychological services.

Christina Groth

I am Christina Groth, an esteemed Psychologist registered in the province of Alberta and British Columbia, who has recently set roots in the captivating province of British Columbia. I have a wealth of experience in diverse settings, from educational institutions to residential environments, and have flourished through years of dedicated training and application.

My practice is characterized by an eclectic approach that draws from a rich tapestry of therapeutic methodologies. Grounded in the foundational principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered orientations, my methods are underpinned by evidence-based practices and a commitment to tailored interventions.

What truly sets me apart is my unwavering belief in the significance of therapeutic alliances. Building upon the cornerstones of trust, empathy, and collaboration, I strive to create a safe and open space for transformative growth. My approach is inherently strength-based, encouraging clients to harness their innate capacities for resilience and positive change.

In my journey as a helping professional, I consistently challenge conventional paradigms and embrace innovative ideas. My commitment to excellence and open-minded exploration drives me to continuously seek diverse perspectives and dynamic solutions, all while adhering to the ethical standards set forth by the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists.

While my professional journey is a central focus, my family remains the cornerstone of my life. Their unwavering support fuels my passion for fostering meaningful connections and transformative change.

I am a clinician who is dedicated to facilitating holistic growth and positive change through a rich tapestry of therapeutic experience. It would be an honor to accompany you on your journey toward well-being, empowerment, and lasting transformation.

Dr. Alan Smitton

Psychologist

I haven’t always been a psychologist.  I came into this field later in life compared to my colleagues. As a lad in my early 20’s I pursued a career with the RCMP and thus because a RCMP Auxiliary member in Richmond, BC. In those days, the early mid-seventies, auxiliary members did most things a regular general duty member does including carrying a side-arm, driving police cars, attending autopsies and issuing tickets for moving violations. We also would attend court in support of the regular member with whom we rode with and if the file necessitated us attending by Crown. 

During this time, I was also a paramedic with BC Ambulance or Emergency Health Services (EHS). I did this for a little over seven years. I spent the majority of my “on car time” stationed in and around Vancouver’s east side. We worked four on and four off. In my last year with EHS, I went to dispatch. In those early years, we worked in pairs and dispatched all of the lower mainland via incoming 911 calls as well as arranging and dispatching transfers from hospital to hospital and care homes. 

I started back at UBC in 1981 having picked up a few credits from Douglas College ending up with a degree and diploma in elementary school education (B.Ed & Dip). I taught grade seven at Rocky Mountain elementary for four years in Elkford, BC prior to coming back to UBC to complete a MA in psychology. I then spend five years as an elementary/secondary school counsellor with the Surrey School District mostly in the inner-city schools for Surrey. 

I then returned to UBC and started the PhD program. My father was a pilot during WWII flying Lancaster bombers. After 28 missions, he was shot down with two of his crew being killed in the process. My father bailed out and was subsequently hid by the French Underground in eastern Franch. He was sent home several months later after the US Army liberated that area. Sadly, however, one of the killed crew member’s family blamed my father for his death. My father suffered with PTSD and died early because of it. 

My dissertation was based on my father’s experiences and its effects largely on me. My dissertation addressed the impacts of war trauma on the father’s sons and subsequently, on the family. After graduating, I worked as an institutional psychologist with the Correctional Services of Canada (CSC) at Kent and Mountain Institutions. Our main job was to interview inmates and write reports to the National Parole Board address recidivism threats when inmates became eligible for parole. We also conducted suicide risk and mental health assessments when inmates were placed in segregation. 

I then went from CSC into private practice in Abbotsford. I was fortunate to have made connections with both Abbotsford Police and Fire Department as well as connecting with members of the RCMP who started referring other members to me. Several years into my practice, my wife obtained a position with the RCMP and we were transferred to Ottawa. My wife had made a connection with the then Human Resource Officer (HRO) of E Division. When the HRO was told what profession I was in, she asked if I would take the Division Psychologist position at Green Timbers, RCMP E Division Head Quarters. In 2015, I moved back to BC started with the RCMP. 

When I started in Surrey there were two of us, but shortly after my arrival, my colleague quit the position. I was the only psychologist for over a year. Unfortunately, the job became too much and an offer to move back into private practice in Chilliwack arose. Although I worked in private practice, with the bulk of my clients being both RCMP and Abbotsford PD, I went back on contract with the RCMP reviewing RCMP regular member applicant psychological files and conducting clinical interviews on applicants. In 2020, I received a call from the then HRO asking me if I would return as a Chief Psychologist at E Div HQ. I started this position in May of 2020. 

During my tenure in this position, I formulated and put together the Peer Support Response team with the help of Sergeant Ronda McEwen. This team is comprised of members and employees of the RCMP and response to all critical incidents. The result of this team is that psychologists are no longer needed to conduct critical incident meetings. Through material which I provided to Sgt McEwen, she developed an eight-day training from the material and research I provided to her. This program is the only one of its kind in the RCMP. Sgt McEwen and myself also formulated the Proactive Employee Health Support Unit (PHSEU), again the only one of its kind in Canada. This unit supports all levels of employee within the RCMP on a very wide range of topics and interventions. There were two main goals we were working on addressing; the reintegration of member back to work after a critical incident and extended absences from work, such at maternity leave or five-year care and nurturance leave, and on finding more support and resources for partners/spouses and families. 

I have learned that the fragility of life is constant. There are no manuals on how to prepare for what we witness or experience. I have had the distinct honour of working within the RCMP meeting people who are keen to become RCMP officers. Likewise, I have worked with those who have not fared well as they approach the end of their careers, despite the level of enthusiasm and excitement at the start of their careers. In the first responder world, policing has its own unique set of challenges separate from those of the fire and emergency medical service.  Over the course of my career and my personal background, I have learned to understand and appreciate fully these unique challenges and hope to bring my experiences and insights into the Diversified group. 

Dr. Neru Sidhu, Ph.D.

Dr. Sidhu holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She completed her graduate training in the United Kingdom and United States. She has joined the Diversified team after moving to Kelowna from Vancouver. Her 15 years of experience have involved providing assessment and treatment for youth and adult populations.

She is experienced in various training modalities and tailors’ treatment to individual needs. Her assessment experience is in the areas of cognitive,
vocational, educational, and socioemotional functioning.

Lynne Wiseman

BA Psychology, Master of Education

Lynne joined the Diversified team in 2021. She specializes with individuals with anxiety, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, intellectual disabilities, and acquired brain injuries. Prior to this, she worked as a behaviour consultant in-home and within community settings and was the program director at a private centre. For over a decade, she has passionately worked to improve the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families.

Upon formally embarking on her counselling journey, Lynne engaged in graduate level training from Yorkville University and California Southern University. She utilizes a wide array of healing modalities including crisis prevention, self-regulation therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. The opportunity to be a part of the Diversified Rehabilitation clinical team has allowed her to integrate her experience and expertise into a holistic approach towards supporting each individual’s unique healing journey.

Darcy Kuhl

Masters of Social Work

Darcy Kuhl holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of British Columbia. Over the course of his career, he has developed many clinical programs designed to resolve struggles with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. He has over ten years of clinical experience specifically working in the field of trauma resolution and has been instrumental in the development of Diversified Rehabilitation Group’s traumatic stress recovery program. His training consists of a broad array of healing modalities including traumatic incident reduction therapy, EMDR, self regulation therapy, somatic experiencing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. In terms of clinical approach, he strives to provide a relaxed, emotionally safe, respectful, and compassionate environment where clients can begin to understand, and find relief from, their trauma symptoms.

Tessa Nicholson

Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Tessa is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with Advanced Certification.
Tessa considers herself a foodie first and became fascinated by the profound impact of food choices on human health and vitality. She began her journey of discovery in earnest when a close family member was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and saw firsthand how food and lifestyle choices could have such a huge impact on physical and mental health.
Tessa is a food first advocate and enjoys helping people discover how much power they have over their food choices. “For many it’s like an awakening when they realize small changes in food choices and lifestyle can have such a wonderful impact on their overall health!”
Outside of her love for food, cooking, and learning, she enjoys the outdoor life in the Okanagan region as an avid cross-country skier in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Giving back to the community is central to Tessa and she is the founder of the community based Healthy Living Club, has helped organize and fund raise for the KGH foundation in support of Stroke and Cardiac Care.
Tessa also enjoys staying connected to the land and volunteers with Helen’s Acres, a 24-acre vegetable farm in the heart of Kelowna that grows fresh produce to donate directly to social agencies in our community.

Kasia Kadzielska

Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership

Kasia Kadzielska holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She has over 18 years of experience working in sales, marketing, and business development. Kasia is a Business Development Executive for Diversified Rehabilitation Group (DRG) responsible for connecting DRG with businesses and individuals in the mental health field. She is passionate about getting to know people, building, and maintaining fruitful relationships both professionally and in her personal life. 

When Kasia is not working you will find her spending time with family, in the yoga studio, or enjoying walks by the lake. 

Phil Lancaster

Phil Lancaster’s extensive career in law enforcement combined with a passion for excellence and an aptitude for recognizing opportunity ultimately led to a successful career in business. As a former British police officer, Phil brings years of experience working internationally in VIP close protection, as well as service in British Overseas Territories. Throughout his career, Phil received several notable awards and has been recognized for his efforts in the UK and overseas.

As a result of his tenure in diplomatic protection, he established an extensive and global network of contacts that range from government to law enforcement agencies, and he continues to serve as an Honorary Police Officer. Phil has written several journal articles focused on the future of soft target hardening and innovation.

Vicki Carson

Administration Certification and Level 1 Accounting Certification

Victoria (Vicki) Carson started working for Diversified in 2015 and holds the position of Executive Assistant / Program Liaison Manager.  Vicki is normally the first person people will see when coming to the office or who you will communicate with when you email or call the office.  She completed her Office Administration Certification and Level 1 Accounting Certification through Okanagan University College, at the Penticton and Kelowna campuses. She also holds her Level A CPR/AED First Aid Certificates. Vicki has also participated in many workshops and training groups over the years, directed specifically around Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. Vicki has over 20 years’ experience working in the administration, managerial, bookkeeping, customer service, and quality assurance environments. She has a proven skill set for organizing and creating procedures to structure any environment in a positive manner. She has a passion for communicating and supporting people, and has the natural ability for creating a safe, friendly and healthy environment. 

Vicki’s participation within the programs is to make sure all communications between participants, referral sources, staff members, treatment providers, and family members is arranged, clear and in order.  She takes care of any behind the scenes technology, scheduling, misc. paperwork or projects in order to keep the programs running as smooth as possible for the participants, staff members or anyone else involved within the programs.  

When she is not working you will normally find her outdoors or spending time with her family and fur babies. She is an active individual who loves going on hikes, runs, bike rides, participating in water activities or spending time in the garden; while enjoying all these activities you will often see her faithful dog (Finn) by her side. 

Katie Mondey

Aaron Anthony

CCPCP

Aaron is currently a student pursuing a diploma of applied psychology and counselling specializing in professional counselling. Aaron is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. Post-military, Aaron took up a career in the telecommunications industry. Over the years, he developed a passion for helping others and supporting them in their journey through PTSD.

In Aaron’s spare time, he enjoys many activities in the Okanagan outdoors with his wife, their four children and their dog.

Renata Bednarz

Certified Health Care Aid

My name is Renata and I am the overnight house support worker.

My main concern is that all the residents of the Traumatic Stress Recovery Program are comfortable, safe, and secure during the night. Every morning I make sure that the house is neat, tidy and the coffee is on.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking with my dog Aatto, as well as visiting local farmer’s markets and preparing/preserving food naturally.

Stella Baehring

Sandy Walker

Community Support Worker diploma

Sandy Walker has a Community Support Worker diploma and started out working with adults that have developmental disabilities. She strives to create a safe space for people to overcome trauma and increase their quality of life.

Sandy also has a long history in the communications industry and has become highly attuned to the emotions and needs of those around her.

She loves reading and being creative. Sandy is also a cat whisperer and has volunteered for the Humane Society trapping and rehabilitating stray and feral cats.

Holly Flinkman

Bachelor of Business with major in Human Resources Management

Holly Flinkman is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources with a Bachelor of Business Degree with a major in Human Resources Management. Holly has over 15 years of experience in business management and human resources, including industry experience in local government, travel/tourism, health care, oil & gas, and retail. Moreover, she has over five years of experience in HR consulting, including four years with local government and one year consulting small private businesses.
She has the ability to build culture, guide small businesses, and is passionate about workplace mental health and wellbeing.

Vanessa Markel

Zhila Kroeker

Chris Fredrickson

Property Maintenance Leader

Chris joined the Diversified team in 2021 after moving back from Alberta, where he worked as a welder/pipefitter for over 15 years. When Chris isn’t working on repairs and making sure everything is in working order, he spends his time outside biking, hiking or on his motorcycle.

Viola Grohs

Massage Therapy Diploma – Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

Viola has been working as a mobile RMT in Lake Country for about 13 years, due to the nature of a mobile practice it has given her a wide range of conditions and ages of clients to work with. She also has worked with patients recovering from brain injuries at Connect Lake Country for approximately 12 years.

Viola also regularly volunteers her time teaching Tai Chi at a local Seniors Activity Centre and this probably re-energizes her the most, they laugh and celebrate the progress that is being made. She practiced various forms of martial arts throughout her adult life and Tai Chi exclusively for the last 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking with her dog and experimenting with recipes in the kitchen.

Winston

Winston is a Cambrian Labrador Retriever who was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. After spending almost half his life in Edmonton, Alberta, he decided to make the move to Okanagan with his family. From a young age Winston discovered he had a passion for making people feel good. You will often find Winston at Iremia Lodge greeting people with his full body wiggles (not just tail wags) or keeping participants feet warm as he lays by them during group sessions. Winston is always ready to play but is also very happy to just sit with you and relax.

When he is not at Iremia, you can find him chewing on his favourite dinosaur stuffy, rolling around in the dirt or looking for any body of water to jump into, from lake to muddy puddle.

Iremia Cats

Sam, Susie and Sully – lovely companions and outdoor rodent removal specialists!

Sam was born in September 2014, gray male with white markings. He is very lovable and likes all people, loves to be pet and enjoys interacting with everyone he sees.

Sully and Susie are siblings and were born in April 2018. Susie is the little tabby, Sully is solid grey. They are shy and do not like their heads touched. Both Susie and Sully want some affection but are hesitant.

All the kitties get along very well, Susie adores Sam. They live in the cat house which is very well insulated for summer and winter.