Staff

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 Chief Executive Officer, 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.

Ryan has 12 years of service with the Canadian Forces, mostly working within the Cadet Instructor’s Cadre Branch as a flight instructor for the Canadian Cadet Program. Shortly after going Reserve, he joined the R.C.M.P. as an Auxiliary Constable and the Vancouver Police Department as a Victim Services Worker. More recently Ryan was the Director of Operations and Public Safety Initiatives at E-Comm 9-1-1. In his downtime Ryan is a passionate RV’er and enjoys hitting the road whenever possible.

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.

Lauren holds a master’s degree in social work and has been in the helping profession since 2011. She has experience facilitating individual and group therapy and has worked closely with veterans, RCMP, and other first responders throughout her career. Beyond her clinical practice, she also has extensive experience in peer training and management, workshop facilitation, program development, and volunteer coordination. Passionate about fostering meaningful connections, Lauren strongly believes in the power of peer support within VTN programs.

Ashley is responsible for managing VTN’s communications and online presence. She holds degrees in English, Communications, and Journalism, bringing over a decade of experience in digital communications for national organizations. She loves reading, concert photography and has travelled to over 40 countries.

Sara completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology under the supervision of VTN founder Dr. Marv Westwood in 2015. Her thesis was on the role of peer support in VTN programs. Her PhD, completed in 2025, is in Psychology from Carleton University.  Sara has extensive experience in mental-health related research and clinical work including military and veterans health, bipolar disorder, forensic mental health, and communities impacted by natural disaster. Sara loves music, long walks, reading history and herbal medicine.

Farah studied Political Science, Religious and Feminist Studies. She had been working in the healthcare sector for 13 years. Since 2022, she has been actively supporting the well-being of active military and RCMP members, veterans, and their families. As the partner of a serving military member for over 16 years, she brings both professional dedication and personal insight to her work. In her free time, Farah enjoys travelling, training, and afternoon teas with loved ones.

Dan is a proud CAF veteran who served with the Military Police. The duty, leadership, and camaraderie he built in uniform continue to guide him long after service. Since transitioning from the military, Dan has dedicated himself to volunteer work supporting veterans, first responders, and his community in Cold Lake, AB. His involvement in national and local initiatives reflects his belief that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. A father of 3 and lifelong dog lover, Dan believes in the healing power of connection, purpose, and humour (even the dark kind).