Day Program Counsellors

Christina Hackett

I completed my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology in 2008, and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I began working with youth 8 years ago, as the Head of Kayaking at a boy’s camp in Ontario. I then began working with youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities as well as chronic illnesses, at both the Zajac Ranch in BC, and Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Alberta. I also was involved with programming activities for at-risk youth in the UK, where I completed my undergraduate degree. The day program for me is a wonderful melding of things that I enjoy in the workplace-being part of an excellent staff team which allows for creative and collaborative problem-solving, as well as working with youth in an environment we strive to ensure is designed for success at whatever their goals are or become.

Carol Hardie

Carol began her career in the youth support field in 1991 as a counsellor in a residential adolescent treatment centre, where she worked until her move to the west coast in 1994. Carol continued to develop her skills in youth care while providing youth counseling and advocacy in the Vancouver School Board elementary and secondary special education and alternative programs. In 1999, Carol accepted a position in Richmond as a 1:1 worker for youth involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Gratefully, Carol was offered a contract position with Touchstone Family Association in 2004 as a family preservation counsellor, and years later is still here!! At present time, she is the coordinator of the adolescent day program. What inspires Carol to do the work she does? That’s easy; helping teenagers and more challenging, the better!!! When not at work, you will either find Carol with her dog at the beach, on the curling ice or making friendly bets on the NHL or NFL.

Keith Siddall

Keith Siddall works in the Touchstone school readiness program located in Richmond as a counsellor and teacher. He has been with TFA since 2000 and began his work with them as a counsellor and key worker at Francis House, a treatment centre for youth at risk. After five glorious years he moved to the Richmond site as part of the FPFR team and then subsequently to the Day Program team. Much of Keith’s training comes from direct experience particularly through his time at Francis House but is also backed up by his education in criminology and psychology attained at SFU. Keith lives in Kitsilano with his wife and two children. When not working he can be found on the soccer field with his kids or pouring over his Star Wars collection – go ahead ask him anything.

Lisa Ward

Lisa has a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Lisa joined Touchstone Family Association in 2006 as the Clinical Counsellor for Francis House. Upon returning from maternity leave, she transitioned to the Day Program and the Family Preservation and Family Reunification Teams. Lisa's counselling career has seen her work with children and youth, adults, families, and the developmentally disabled in a variety of social service settings. She has a passion for parenting as she strongly believes that it is the hardest job in the world. Any offer of support she can give to another parent to help them reap the rewards of this amazing gift is a blessing.