Unpacking Addiction Trainers

Our Unpacking Addiction trainers are certified professionals from Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services.

Lisa Boulay

Lisa has worked in the Family Program at Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services since 2000. As an addiction and family counsellor, she has developed an effective interactive educational/counselling model that she has adapted for training with the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society, School Boards, Ottawa Police Services, NAV Canada, The Canadian Friends of Somalia, and many more. Lisa’s practice informed interactive approach to training makes her one of Rideauwood’s strongest and most sought after trainers. Lisa is also a Reiki Master and Yoga teacher and incorporates aspects of each of these disciplines into her practices. Prior to 2000, Lisa worked in the corporate environment and brings a background in training and course design, leadership and communications to her current practice.

Amanda Neilson

Amanda is a Harm Reduction Consultant and addiction counsellor from Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services with specializations in the areas of community engagement and harm reduction framework design. She possesses a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University and a Child and Youth Worker diploma from Fanshawe College and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers. Amanda has more than 17 years’ experience working with youth, adults and their families within the addiction and mental health sector, including within residential, outpatient and community-based settings. In addition to her work with individuals and groups, Amanda is a sought-after community speaker, trainer and educator.