Our Amazing Staff

Mike brings over 30 years of business management experience to his position as director of Andy’s House Treatment Centre. His acumen is one of integrity and fairness which has earned him respect in business and professional circles. He co-founded Andy’s House Treatment Centre with the intention of filling a need for more heart centred care in the recovery world. Mike’s tireless personal commitment to improving care standards and access to treatment is a testament to his dedication and resolve to create a more compassionate environment for those suffering from addiction. Mike has been in personal recovery for over 24 years and has completed the Addiction Studies Program at McMaster University.

Glenn, a member with the CACCF (Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation), has over 30 years of counselling experience, helping people who are struggling with addiction. With strong morals, beliefs and values, Glenn’s honest and straightforward approach to recovery has helped hundreds of people achieve and maintain sobriety. Glenn leads and facilitates group therapy, individual counselling, aftercare alumni groups, as well as family counselling sessions. Past experience includes leading a family support group, acting as a liaison between Corrections Canada and Addiction Treatment services, as well as living a program of sobriety himself for over 33 years. Glenn has completed the Addiction Studies Program at McMaster University. He is always available to help and truly dedicated to his position, clients will attest to his invaluable insight, knowledge and experience.

Dr. Luckow is a family physician and a medical review officer (MRO). In addition to working at Andy’s house as an addictions physician and as a medical consultant, he also works at the CIUSSS-Ouest-de-l’ile-de-Montreal and at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Addiction medicine and a fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and he has worked in addiction medicine since 2003. Since 2007, as an MRO, doctor Luckow reviews drug tests which are mandated by third parties, including employers. He also does independent medical evaluations for addiction medicine and disability claim evaluations. He is the component director for the second-year medical school course Transition to Clinical Practice at McGill University.

Andrea graduated from John Abbott College in Correctional Intervention Technology and went on to Concordia University to obtain a B.A. in Applied Social Science. She has worked in the field of addiction since her first CEGEP stage in 1992 and has extensive experience with government systems at both the Federal and Provincial level. Her compassion and lengthy experience with group therapy, individual counselling, family systems in addiction, and family support group facilitation is an asset to the team. Andrea has extensive training in addictions related assessments, such as NiD-EP, IGT, Suicide and Homicide Risk. Andrea has obtained the Addictions Care Workers certificate at McMaster University’s Professional Addiction Studies Program and was the recipient of the award of academic excellence.

As co-founder of Andy’s House, Liz brings her love of clean eating to it’s kitchen, providing nutritious options for the residents. Having grown up in a house where the books of Adele Davis, considered to be the most recognized nutritionist of the early 20th century, were a mainstay at the kitchen table and topic of much discussion, Liz aims to pass along the thinking that healthy eating can be simple, delicious and healing.
She home schooled her two sons through to University and advocates for a humanistic approach to education. Her background is in textile design having run her own design business while teaching at the Centre du L’Impression Textile in Montreal.

Varainja Stock is the Social Worker at Andy’s House. She is a member of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des therapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du (’OTSTCFQ). Varainja is an individual case worker as well as group facilitator for the residential program and leads the Intensive Outpatient Program.
Varainja has a PhD in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in social work from Lakehead University and a psychology degree from York University. She is also trained in the Matrix Model of addiction treatment and has completed the Addiction Care and Treatment online certificate through University of British Comumbia. Varainja brings her background in social work, psychology and education together in how she approaches individual and group therapy; helping people to understand where their behaviours originate, the processes behind them and how to move forward productively so that they are able to build their life in sobriety from a place of understanding. Her approach is compassionate and non-judgmental and based on the understanding that each individual is doing their best based on where they are emotionally, spiritually, physically and psychologically.

Joanne is a graduate of John Abbott College in the Youth and Adult Correctional Intervention program as well as Addiction Studies program at Wilfrid Laurier University. Joanne has training in specialized addictions related assessments, such as NiD-EP, IGT, Suicide and Homicide Risk. She facilitates group therapy sessions at Andy’s House and works as an individual case worker. Joanne is very passionate about working in the field of addiction. She prides herself on being kind, approachable, compassionate and respectful to everyone.

Tara is a psychotherapist licensed with the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ) and the Registre des personnes formées en criminologie tenu par l’Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec. She has been providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents experiencing difficulties in their lives, professional careers and relationships for more than 15 years.
Tara’s academic training is in the field of Social Sciences. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Criminology from the University of Ottawa in Ontario. She has also completed her post graduate training in Individual Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy from the Argyle Institute of Human Relations in Montreal, Quebec.
Tara’s approach is based on acceptance and kindness. She holds a strong belief that there is no room for judgment in productive psychotherapy.

Emily is the yoga instructor at Andy’s House. She received her training from Happy Tree Yoga in Montreal. She also brings with her a FIT fitness instructor certificate from the YMCA and a positive, upbeat personality. Emily’s love of exercise is infectious, making learning yoga easy and fun, yet challenging for those that are already yoga enthusiasts. Emily is a genuine teacher – her awareness of everyone’s differences allows her to truly tailor the client’s sessions to fit their needs. Emily’s generous spirit has her volunteering in schools with kids of all ages, and participating at numerous fundraising events related to fitness such as the walk for cancer.

Laird has worked at Andy’s House as a Support Team Member since 2015. He has a BA in History from Concordia University in Montreal, and a Bachelor of Journalism, Honours, from Carleton University in Ottawa, as well as an Addictions Certificate from Wilfrid Laurier University. Laird has a diverse business background with more than 35 years experience in journalism, communications and marketing. He continues to provide communications and marketing consulting to various organizations. Laird takes it upon himself to compose a lighthearted personalised “ Bedtime Story” for each graduate of our program, a testament to his heartfelt dedication.

Alexis has a Bachelor’s degree in Honours Psychology from Concordia University. She is very passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves. During her free time she enjoys volunteering and helping people in the community, particularly those struggling with mental health issues.

Laurence has a Masters in Art Therapy from Concordia University and is a professional member of the Quebec Art Therapy Association (ATTQ). She has been helping people through the arts for over a decade, by creating collaborative spaces of expression to help clients find deeper self-knowledge through the creative process.

Brian joined Andy’s House Treatment Centre as a Support Team Member following an extensive career in the Department of Youth Protection as a Resident Supervisor, Educator, Social Worker, Social Work Supervisor and Program Manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Native Studies from the University of Saskatchewan as well as a Masters degree of Social Work from McGill University and is a member of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des therapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du (OTSTCFQ). Brian’s kind and gentle demeanor has allowed him to build a strong connection with the residents of Andy’s house. He employs a non-shaming, strengths-based approach, and considers it a privilege to work with these residents who demonstrate remarkable courage and bravery on their recovery journey.

Dave has been a part of Andy’s House since its inception. As a skilled craftsman, musician, spirit lifter and holder of the World Record for the largest carved shillelagh, Dave brings a broad range of expertise while lending his time and spirit to the upkeep of our house and gardens.