Welcome,  

Understanding "my why" is one of the biggest reasons that my clients choose me. Thank you for taking the time to visit this page while learning about my journey and my passion for helping people with their addiction recovery. 

I am also on my own journey of recovery every day.

McMaster University Graduation. Never too late for change.

Click the image below to see Dean on Rogers TV as the Host of,

Invisible: Breaking Through the Stigma of Addiction

Invisible; Breaking through the stigma of addiciton, available on rogers tv.

Invisible; Breaking through the stigma of addiciton, available on rogers tv.

Education and Certifications:

McMaster University, Professional Addiction Studies Diploma

Canadian Professional Counsellors Association: Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling, Registered Professional Counsellor

University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Certificate in Intensive Smoking Cessation Counselling, CBT Accreditation, and DBT Accreditation

Chestnut Health Systems, GAIN Q3 MI Assessment Certified

Certified Coaches Federation, Certified Coach Practitioner

Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Certificates in Smoking Protection, Evaluation, Cessation, and Prevention.

Mental Health First Aid Certificate, Mental Health Commission of Canada

Livingworks, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certified

The Red Cross, First Aid, and CPR Certified.

Crisis Prevention Institute, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certified.

PROUD MEMBER OF THE

My Personal Story

My life has unfolded in ways I never could have imagined. While it’s been filled with both deep challenges and meaningful growth, I wouldn’t change any of it. Every step—both painful and purposeful—has brought me to where I am today: a clinical professional in addiction recovery, living a life of purpose rooted in service, healing, and connection.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, I’ve spent most of my life in the city’s south end. In fact, I recently had the privilege of purchasing the family home my father built before I was born—a full-circle moment that speaks to my deep ties to this place. As the stereotypical middle child of three, I was attention-seeking, overactive, and full of energy, always trying to find my place between my older brother and younger sister. Raised in the 70s by baby boomer parents who instilled in us the values of hard work, respect, honesty, and integrity, I’ve carried those lessons with me ever since.

I’m a father to four amazing, intelligent, and loving children—my greatest motivation for the work I do today. Rebuilding our relationships has been a major part of my ongoing recovery. We are actively healing, reconnecting, and strengthening our family bond through shared effort and vulnerability.

For much of my professional life, I worked in leadership and management roles in the service industry. My extroverted nature made it easy to connect with others, but it also made it easy to overindulge. Alcohol and drugs were a regular part of my life, and I lived in a cycle—abstaining for periods, then swinging back into heavy use. During my 30th year, after marrying my now ex-wife, I chose to quit psychoactive substances altogether. I remained sober for six years, climbed the corporate ladder, made money, raised a family, and lived what appeared to be the "perfect life." But underneath, anxiety and depression crept in. I felt increasingly disconnected and uncertain of my purpose. Eventually, I relapsed, and the fallout was devastating—my career, marriage, finances, and health all deteriorated, bringing me to the edge of collapse.

My four amazing and beautiful children.

“Humility is the ability to give up your pride and still retain your dignity.”
— Vanna Bonta

That rock-bottom moment introduced me to the recovery community, and everything changed. I immersed myself in everything recovery had to offer:

  • Mutual aid groups.

  • Cognitive therapy programs.

  • Relapse prevention classes.

  • University and institutional seminars.

  • Chaired recovery based social events.

  • Webinars and online classes.

  • Became active in many recovery based social activities.

  • Attended < hundreds of 12 step meetings.

Through this journey, I found a new foundation in abstinence, self-care, emotional wellness, and holistic healing. I returned to school and earned a university education in Addictions at McMaster University, along with certifications in self-care and personal development from institutions like CMHA, the University of Toronto, and the Certified Coaches Federation. These experiences helped me realize my calling: to help others walk their own path toward recovery.

Today, I serve as the CEO of EPIC Recovery and Clinical Director at Forest City Healing Centre. With over a decade of experience, I provide compassionate, client-centred care that goes far beyond helping people stop using substances—it's about helping them build fulfilling, emotionally resilient lives. I also host Stirring Strength, a television show on addiction and mental health that has aired for five years, where I aim to reduce stigma and foster honest, open conversations about recovery.

My life today is rooted in service and gratitude. I still face challenges—life doesn’t stop being life—but I navigate them using the emotional regulation, self-compassion, and resilience I’ve learned in recovery. I’m deeply grateful to the recovery community and the people who helped me along the way. It’s truly an honour to share what I’ve learned and to help others find healing, hope, and the life they deserve.

If you would like to learn more about me or my journey please feel free to contact me with any questions.