Our team

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After completing a doctorate degree, Susie worked in the public mental healthcare system for almost ten years. From forensic services to inpatient psychiatry to community mental health, it was clear that the institutional environment was not conducive to anyone's health. By 2017, working in a dysfunctional organisational culture, compassion fatigue, along with the pressures of motherhood, and lack of emotional support lead to a turning point. Surfing became an integral part of rebuilding a life based around self-care and living her values. Work would no longer be the focal point. Resurface North is part of a paradigm shift away from the medical model and designed to help participants reconnect to themselves and nature as a means to live a full and meaningful life. 

A 17-year veteran of the Canadian Army, Brian moved to the east coast following his medical release in 2016. He discovered the healing power of surfing while following a childhood dream to learn to surf. After 11 years surfing and 3 years operating a surf shop in the south west, he is committed to sharing the tremendous benefits of wave-time with other veterans and first responders. Brian was instrumental in the establishment of surf therapy in Nova Scotia and we are honoured to have him as a trauma-informed volunteer with Resurface North.

Darrell is an avid surfer logging nearly 200 sessions a year. Out of the ocean you may find him sanding and glassing in the Sunset Board Shack. With almost 30 years of service as a paramedic, Darrell is uniquely qualified to provide peer support at Resurface North. In addition to his formal training in critical incident debriefing, he is a survivor of OSI / PTSD.  Darrell is passionate about nature-based and ocean healing. He is committed to sharing the stoke with others, especially when they need it most. Darrell recently completed training with the Groundswell Community Project  and we are thrilled he is joining our team as a Trauma Informed Volunteer!

Kevin Theriault is a former member of the Canadian Forces, he completed tours in Cyprus, Croatia, and Bosnia. His varied career has included working on Sea King helicopters and Canadian Naval ships. He earned the  the Commander’s Commendation  from General Vance for his efforts with the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan. Having successfully transitioned to civilian life, Kevin now lives in the Annapolis Valley. He and his family  enjoy hiking, dirt biking, and walking along Nova Scotia’s famous coastline. Gardening has recently become a cherished form of self-care. Kevin is dedicated to supporting others to achieve a life of balance and meaning using yoga and transcendental meditation (TM) among a variety of other healing modalities.