Staff
Oliver Thorne
Executive Director
Oliver joined the VTN in 2013 as Operations Director and oversaw the initial expansion of VTN’s programs across Canada with a focus on accessibility, regardless of geography, gender or language. He coordinated inaugural programs in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Quebec, and helped to establish a national network of clinical and operational staff to scale up program delivery. As Executive Director, Oliver works with the Clinical Director and the board to develop and execute the VTN’s strategic plan, with the goal of improving veterans’ mental health, well-being, and relationships.
Dr. Paul Whitehead
National Clinical Director
Ph.D., CCC, R.Psych
Dr. Whitehead’s history with the VTN is significant, including an involvement in some of the earliest programs, to helping to develop the VTP to its current 10 day format. As a VTN Clinician, Clinical Supervisor for the BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine at UBC, Dr. Whitehead has broad expertise in treatment of traumatic and vicarious traumatic stress, work-related stress and compassion fatigue.
Carrie West
Manager of Grant Writing and Communications
Sgt. (Ret.) Doug Allen
Ops/Recruitment Coordinator (Atlantic)
Doug Allen was a career soldier with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He has conducted Peace support operations in Bosnia, combat operations in Afghanistan and various domestic operations here in Canada. Since 2009 Doug has been assisting soldiers with Case Management, crisis intervention, suicide awareness and trauma care. In addition to coordinating programs in Atlantic Canada, Doug is a member of our clinical team with his own private practice outside of the VTN.
Patrick Thomas
Ops Coordinator (Ontario)
A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Patrick is a successful businessman in Quebec’s fashion industry. He coordinates programs in Ontario and can field program inquiries in English and French.
Marion Turmine
coordonnatrice Québec
Depuis avril 2018 Marion Turmine a rejoint l’équipe de VTN à titre de coordonnatrice des opérations pour la province de Québec .
Auparavant, Marion était directrice des programmes chez Oxfam-Québec.
Anthropologue, Marion possède une vaste expérience de plus de 30 ans dans le milieu de la coopération internationale et en entreprise privée dans des contextes variés.
Dan McDonald
Ops Coordinator (Western Canada)
Dan coordinates programs from BC to Manitoba. His history includes working with people experiencing addictions, mental health, suicide and homelessness in Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Southern Alberta with people from all backgrounds and circumstances. Dan’s service in the Canadian Forces ended after injury. His role with VTN enables him to continue to support and work with those that served.
Jenna Bind - On Leave
Ops Coordinator (Western Canada)
Jenna coordinates our programs from BC to Manitoba. She holds degrees in Psychology, Geography and International Project Management. Jenna has managed non-profit programs in Canada and internationally, including WASH, Food Security and Conflict Mitigation projects. Two years were spent based in South Sudan, both post and during conflict, traveling much of the central region by motorcycle.
Stephanie Heynes
Finance & Admin Coordinator
Stephanie Heynes joined the VTN to pursue her passions for making sense of numbers and providing compassionate care to clients. Stephanie has an extensive educational background in Finance and is prepared to make sure that the VTN’s goals are met and our money is spent as efficiently as possible. Stephanie is a certified rescue diver and loves to catch up with a good book.
Ashley Orzel
Digital Communications Coordinator
