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Traumatic Stress Recovery Program

Annual Symposium June 25 – 26, 2025

PRESENTERS

Jessica Brown - Police officer

Jessica Brown

Cst. Jessica Brown is a currently serving member of the RCMP. She has 9 years of service, having worked most of her career in rural Alberta. In addition to being a Police Officer, she has also served as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder working on an ambulance. She coaches multiple youth sports and has a love of all-things Broadway. Persevering through a series of traumatic events, Jessica shares her story of resilience and the power of positive psychology.
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Steve Farina

Steve is a VP for the BC Professional Firefighters Association and is the vice-chair of the BCPFFA’s Mental Health Taskforce, as well as their Occupational Health & Safety Committee. He has over 30 years of experience in the fire service and was hired as a full-time firefighter in Coquitlam in 1997. 

Steve is currently a Captain in the Fire Suppression Division on Engine 1. He also represents the BCPFFA on the BC First Responder Mental Health committee that is chaired by WorkSafeBC, and is the 6th District rep for the IAFF’s Behavioural Health Committee. Steve is also a CISM and Peer support team member for Coquitlam Fire

Mark Bouchard

Mark Bouchard

Mark Bouchard has 17 years of law enforcement experience in Canada, where he has primarily worked patrol (general duty) and the Emergency Response Team. He recently received a promotion into a full-time role in the RCMP’s National Tactical Medicine Program. Mark has also been an advanced care tactical medic for the past 10 years. He also has many years of experience instructing mental health (R2MR), as a peer to peer support member, and as part of BC’s proactive support response team.

Mark has also completed a master’s degree from Royal Roads University in leadership, with a research project focused on police culture and police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind. It is a combination of his experiences with his PTSD diagnosis, and the research that helped him to heal from his psychological injury. Mark speaks publicly about policing and mental health in an attempt to reduce mental health stigma and to shift policing culture for the better.

Dr. Garry Hawryluk

Dr. Garry Hawryluk

Dr. Hawryluk is a Psychologist registered in both Manitoba and Ontario, practicing in the areas of Clinical Psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba, having completed his Internship at the University of Manitoba Health Sciences Centre, as well as a Post-Doctoral residency in Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology.

He was initially employed at the Grace Hospital Department of Psychiatry, after which he assumed the Directorship of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology at the Health Sciences Centre. Academic appointments included Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Rehabilitation Medicine) and Adjunct Professor in Psychology. During this time had also served on a number of professional boards and advisory committees on both provincial and national levels.

In 1990, he had entered full time independent Private Practice in both Manitoba and Ontario, providing assessments and treatment to a variety of clinical populations, with a particular emphasis in dealing with individuals with neurological illness or injury, and psychological and physical trauma. He has undertaken independent evaluations for a variety of private companies and private agencies, with heavy emphasis upon fitness for work and related issues, and has also served as program consultant to corporations and agencies regarding program development in areas related to rehabilitation, psychological fitness and occupational return. Dr. Hawryluk has also served as an expert witness in cases pertaining to diagnosis, disability determination, functional disability, workplace accommodation, and occupational fitness. He has been involved with the diagnosis and treatment of First Responders, particularly military and police, and has a 30 year history of services to the RCMP, in person and via telehealth, and frequently provides direct on site services to Members serving in remote northern Detachments in Manitoba, as well as Critical Incident Stress Debriefings across the Province.

Recreationally, Dr. Hawryluk is an active Private Pilot, currently training for his Instrument Rating, who enjoys construction projects and spending time with his family at his cottage at Lake of the Woods, Ontario.

Christina Groth

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.

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.

FEW WORDS FROM SYMPOSIUM 2025 PRESENTERS

Mark Bouchard

Police Officer/Author

Steven Farina

Firefighter Captain / VP - BC Professional Firefighters Association
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REGISTRATIONS