Support Staff

Karin
Programme Assistant

Born into a striving family, Karin eagerly joined the team of care workers at Top of the World Ranch Treatment Centre. After several setbacks in Karin's youthful years she realized that she was in need of guidance. Upon recieving support through AA 12 step program she soon appreciated the encouragement of others and found it possible to make better choices with her new self-discoveries. Karin gained an education involving Critical Incident Management and Lay Counselling for victims of abuse. Through her own experiences and efforts Karin wholeheartedly offers to many the same sincere gift that had once set her free; celebrating 29 years of sobriety December, 2009.

Diana
Programme Assistant

Diana is born and raised in Fort Steele BC. After living and travelling all over the world, she is happy to be back in her home region in order to be closer to her family and to take advantage of the fantastic back-country skiing and hiking. A graduate of UVIC with a history degree, Diana also has seven years experience working with children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. She really enjoys working one-on-one with different people and is planning to pursue her Master's in Counselling. As a certified bee-keeper, avid gardener, and aspiring potter, she has a keen interest in specializing in horticultural and art therapy.

Our Cullinary Team

Chef Joan
Joan is a Certified Journeyman Red Seal Chef.  She attended The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta.  She then apprenticed in a variety of different local restaurants.  Joan brings with her to the kitchen, her creative cooking with a large variety of cuisine and a strong record of achievements.  Joan’s passion for cooking offers our clients a diverse, wholesome dining experience.  She works hard to provide the freshest, finest and healthiest cuisine.  As the amazing staff at Top of the World Ranch help you to fulfill your goals for a new and better life, Joan helps heal the insides with good home-cooked appeal, flavor, and flare that could only come from all her culinary experience.
Having lived most of her life in the shadow of the Rockies, Joan feels drawn to the mountains and hopes the clients will share her love for the area.

Yvonne
Yvonne has been in the cooking business for over twenty years, specializing in all styles of foods with extensive knowledge of our clients unique dietary needs. This knowledge coupled with her caring yet exuberant life energy allows those needs to be met with enthusiasm.
She has worked in a variety of cooking environments including owning and operating her own restaurant, catering, providing a home delivery service for seniors and managing local restaurants.  Yvonne offers her own flare from healthy home style cooking to less traditional cuisine.
A local lady, Yvonne was born and raised in Marysville, BC.  She has a love for the outdoors and has spent many years camping, hiking and kayaking in various areas in BC with her family.  Yvonne likes to be surrounded by her children and pets including horses, cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Ken
Maintenance Supervisor

Ken is in charge of maintaining the functioning of the physical plant of the Ranch facility. Trouble-shooting the mechanical and technical issues that arise is his specialty. Ken is a gentle and approachable individual with previous lengthy and successful careers in retail management. The job at the Ranch holds great appeal in both the challenges and rewards it affords. Directing the maintenance of the landscaping to maximize the beauty of the natural environment while keeping the common grounds clear of ranging deer often involves swiftly snapping a compellingly lovely photograph before encouraging the creatures to move off into wilder territory. Ken ensures that the trails are clear and accessible for nature walks and is a generous source of information about both the flora and fauna that abound on the Ranch lands. He is an experienced wilderness leader with skill in the backcountry on both land and water. He is a naturally skilled problem solver in all arenas of life. His compassion for people in distress and his faith in the power of gentleness and truth make him an exceptionally valuable member of the Top of the World Ranch team.