Our Team
Erin
Erin is a Registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. She grew up in the Melfort area and is passionate about developing a strong sense of community for individuals and families and making long-lasting connections.
Erin has worked in the field since 2006 in frontline and supervisory positions in both government and First Nation communities. She has significant experience in Child Welfare, is aware of indicators of abuse, and educated in child development. Erin has supported individuals in navigating through Child Protection matters and Family breakdowns. She has vast experience in supporting clients with a variety of mental health concerns, those who have experienced trauma, addictions, grief and loss, and those struggling with relationships. She has experience working with people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientation.
Erin utilizes a strength-based counselling approach that focuses on family relationships and personal strengths. Erin has significant knowledge in the field of crisis intervention and utilizes her skills and training to help provide stability to individuals and families within a holistic framework.
Erin has advanced training in the following:
-
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
-
SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone)
-
Mental Health First Aid
-
ASK (Assessing for Suicide in Kids)
-
Touchstones of Hope and Reconciliation
-
FASD
-
Sexual Abuse: Assessment and Interviewing Training
-
Trauma – Strategies for Resolving the Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
-
Overcoming Conflict Training
-
Motivational Interviewing
-
Play Therapy Training
-
Stress and Coping Strategies
-
Naloxone Training and Overdose Awareness
-
Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment Training
-
Little Warriors Training (youth sexual abuse trauma)
When Erin isn’t working, you will find her travelling, at the lake, and spending time with family and friends.
Mike
Mike is a Registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. Mike has a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Regina. Mike was raised in Melfort, Saskatchewan his entire life and is very knowledgeable about community resources and supports. Mike is passionate about helping individuals and families experience increased wellness and find peace and purpose in their lives.
Mike has worked in the Social Work field since 2008. Mike has worked in frontline and supervisory positions throughout his career and has worked in both government and First Nation communities within Saskatchewan. Mike has significant experience in Child Welfare and is aware of indicators of abuse, and educated in child development. He has supported individuals in navigating through court and justice matters and family breakdowns. Mike has vast experience in supporting clients with a variety of mental health concerns/diagnosis, those who have experienced trauma, addictions, grief and loss, and those struggling with relationships. He has experience in counselling individuals, groups and people in relationship and family counselling settings. Mike has experience working with people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientation.
Mike utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and focuses on calming and re-directing our thoughts and actions to connect and engage with healthy wellness goals. Mike also utilizes narrative therapy and stresses the importance of exploring our own personal story and discovering how that impacts our self-esteem and identity. Mike has significant knowledge in the field of crisis intervention and utilizes his skills and training to help provide stability to individuals and families within a holistic framework. Mike values maintaining a judgement free and confidential environment.
Mike has advanced training in the following:
-
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Master Trainer
-
SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) Facilitator
-
Grief Edu Therapy trained
-
Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner (Tapping)
-
Mental Health First Aid
-
ASK (Assessing for Suicide in Kids)
-
Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
-
Crisis Response Training
-
Sexual Abuse: Assessment and Interviewing Training
-
Trauma – Strategies for Resolving the Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
-
Stress and Coping Strategies
-
Play Therapy Training
-
Naloxone Training and Overdose Awareness
-
Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment Training
-
Little Warriors Training (youth sexual abuse trauma)
When Mike isn’t working, he enjoys playing sports (golf, hockey, and slo-pitch), spending time with his family, and volunteering as Chair for the local KidSport committee. Mike is looking forward to meeting you to assist you in working through your wellness journey.
Briana
Briana is a registered social worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. The northeast is home to her and she currently resides in Nipawin.
Briana has worked in the field since 2011 and has experience supporting clients with a variety of mental health concerns, addictions, trauma, grief, and those struggling with interpersonal skills. She has worked with people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientation. When Briana isn’t working she enjoys being outside, doing yoga or Pilates and reading a good book.
Briana utilizes a strength-based counselling approach, with a focus on goal setting and skill building. She has training and experience in couples and family counselling.
Briana has further training in the following:
-
ASIST
-
Mental Health First Aid
-
Trauma Informed Practice
-
Adverse Childhood Experiences
-
Motivational interviewing
-
Self regulation
-
Stress and coping strategies
-
Managing anxiety
-
Play Therapy Training
-
Little Warriors Training (youth sexual abuse trauma)
When Briana isn’t working she enjoys being outside (gardening, fishing, cross country skiing), doing yoga or Pilates and reading a good book.
Samantha
Sam is a Registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Regina. She was raised in Melfort and currently lives there with her family and two dogs. Living and working in the North East has equipped Sam with a rich understanding of community resources and supports.
Sam has several years of experience and has a background working in Child Welfare, domestic violence support, as well as school-based mental health support with children and youth. Sam has a strong knowledge base in supporting individuals through various mental health concerns, substance use, self-esteem and body image struggles, crisis intervention, grief, trauma, family dynamics, along with setting boundaries. She has experience working with people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientation.
Sam recognizes the uniqueness and individuality of each person and utilizes a trauma informed, strengths-based counselling approach to support and meet each person where they are at. She acknowledges the courage and resilience it takes to attend counselling and works to provide a safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental space for everyone.
Sam has further training in the following:
-
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
-
SafeTALK
-
Mental Health First Aid
-
Psychological First Aid
-
Trauma Informed Practice
-
Domestic Violence
-
Adverse Childhood Experiences
-
Self-Regulation
-
Stress and Coping Strategies
-
Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment Training
-
Little Warriors Training (youth sexual abuse trauma)
When Sam isn’t working, she enjoys going to the gym and yoga, spending quality time in nature, camping at the lake with her family and friends, as well as relaxing with a good cup of tea and a book.
Stacey
Stacey Assie originally hails from Naicam, SK. After living in Saskatoon for many years, she returned to the area for her and her husband to take over her family farm near Lac Vert. Her educational background began in the health and fitness field, and she later obtained a diploma in Recreation and Tourism Management. She has prior experience in facility management, program planning, event management, post secondary instruction, and prevention programming for children and families in a First Nation community.
Following the birth of her two children, she began working on a casual basis for Prairie Hope Wellness after having worked with Erin and Mike at a previous workplace. Stacey’s duties at PHW vary but she helps with whatever is needed to take things off the full plates of the other staff. This can include social media management, website updates, business document creation, designing marketing materials, assisting with special event and campaign planning, and electronic file organization. You may see her in the office when her schedule allows but she also works a bit from home.
Stacey keeps busy with raising her kids, following the activities of her extended family and now also her own daughters, and the occasional farm wife duty. Her hobbies include home renovations and interior design, being a sports enthusiast, and spending time with family and friends. She also volunteers on her daughter’s preschool board and with her local community association when time permits.
Stacey fully believes in the connection between mental health and overall health. She enjoys being able to contribute to a business that provides these services and improves the quality of life for people in the communities she is a part of.
Testimonials
Erin really helped me get through a hard time. She is nice and listens. She gave me strategies that actually helped me deal with my emotions. Erin is a really good counselor.
- Ariana, age 13
Erin is friendly and welcoming. She has helped me a lot since I have been going to see her. She has taught me skills to use with ever day life/school struggles. Erin helps me build my self confidence and makes me believe in myself. I really enjoy spending time with her.
- George, age 16
My experience at Prairie Hope was like walking into a friendly hug. Mike and Erin always greet you with a smile and a warm hello. They are so accommodating, willing to assist you with any and all services that are available. I really liked how easy they are to talk with, the time with them goes by so quickly. I feel like they genuinely care about my family and they want the very best for us. I am so grateful to have them here in Melfort, since I live and work in the area. Our life has changed for the better because of Prairie Hope. I would and do recommend it to anyone who needs some help navigating life’s struggle
- Lynn, age 50
Our son has been meeting with Briana for a few months now. There have been many positive changes in his attitude and behaviour in a short amount of time. When he gets overwhelmed with big emotions; he is recognizing his emotions instead of instantly reacting! Our son describes Briana as helpful, easy to talk to and amazing! Thank you Briana!
- Anonymous
My daughter has been seeing Mike for a year. She was struggling with big emotions and self esteem issues. Prairie Hope & Wellness is a warm and inviting community that embraced us very quickly. Mike supported my daughter and helped her develop healthy coping strategies. She looks forward to going and often asks “when do I get to see Mike next”. She is now a happy confident young lady. I am so happy to see her love herself again! Having the support of Prairie Hope & Wellness in the North East community was a game changer and huge help for our little family!
- Anonymous
We are relatively new to Prairie Hope Wellness but so far, my husband and I are very impressed. I absolutely LOVE the name for branding, it’s what peaked my interest in finding a facility. Erin was so willing, eager and ready to take us on. Great place to bring Emma!
- Anonymous
The staff at Prairie Hope and Wellness are very kind and caring. They go above and beyond to accommodate your family when scheduling for appointments.
- Anonymous
Everybody is always so welcoming! Briana has been absolutely wonderful with our kiddo! He went from hiding in his shell during visits, to being excited to come visit with her! He's learned new coping skills for many emotions! Huge thank you to all the PHW staff!
- Erica S.
Knowledgeable, and welcoming staff. Kids enjoy coming and are comfortable.
- Desirae B.