Michelle A.
Michelle identifies as a settler with mixed European ancestry and is originally from Vancouver Island, BC. She says Creator brought her to the East in 2022, and has lived in Miramichi since.
With a background in Community Health Nursing alongside BC’s indigenous communities and as a Harm Reduction/Street Nurse, she knows kindness is the best medicine. She continues to give gratitude for the journey she has had that led her to territory of the Mi’kmaq.
Michelle is honored and humbled as the Executive Director since 2023. She encourages circular leadership and celebrates partnerships that support community in that good way.
On her downtime, she enjoys being on the land, practicing yoga, and spending time with her partner and “the people’s puppy” Zoey.
Tim M.
Tim is originally from Natoaganeg.
In 1999 Chief George Ginnish requested that Tim come mow the lawns at Rising Sun weekly. Soon after, in 2000, he gained employment at Rising Sun as a maintenance worker and in the following years proved himself as a great asset to the organization and was promoted to the position of Maintenance Manager in 2006.
In his spare time Tim enjoys hunting, fishing, walking in the woods, and wood working.
A quote he often says would have to be “how’s she going?”
Colleen N.
Colleen is originally from Miramichi but has lived in Natoaganeg with her family the last 23 years
Colleen has worked for Rising Sun for over 15 years – starting out at an entry level position and growing her skills and capacity overtime to take on the mantle of Outreach Counsellor, as well as Intake Counsellor.
On top of her regular duties, Colleen is also the AMIS Coordinator for Rising Sun.
She will be the first voice you connect with during the intake process and she prides herself on being the first point of contact, ensuring safety and comfort throughout.
On her downtime, she enjoys crafting, spending time camping and volunteering.
Ryan ``Naguset`` W.
Ryan is from Natoaganeg First Nation and started at Rising Sun in 2022 as a Treatment Attendant, and has been growing his skills to become a fully certified addictions counsellor.
In his role as the Continuing Care Counsellor, he will follow relations post-treatment up to 6 months, ensuring there are no gaps in their aftercare journey.
On top of his aftercare duties, Ryan also lends his skills to our traditional arts and craft sessions within the centre; Ryan also runs our in-house 12-Step Wellbriety meeting on Monday nights.
On his off time, Ryan enjoys spending time with family, crafting, traveling and volunteering.
Michael P.
Mike is Wabanaki from the Wolastoqwey Nation in New Brunswick.
Mike is a cultural practitioner and facilitates our in-house ceremonies and cultural teachings; Mike is also a Pipe Carrier and pours our in-house sweat lodge ceremonies held at Rising Sun.
Mike enjoys quality time with friends, family and community.
He is a firm believer as well as a supporter of healing and wellness.
“The voice of the land is in our language, which encourages me to keep that ceremony we know as life strong.”
All My Relations.
Velma W.
Velma is originally from Gray Rapids, but lives in Metepenagiag First Nation.
Velma is witty, funny and caring; she has an endless well of love and compassion she freely draws from.
Her love to cook and care for folks through food brought her to Rising Sun over 10 years ago.
In her spare time Velma enjoys camping, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Her favorite quote is “When cardinals appear, angels are near.”
Jon M.
Jonathan is originally from Blacks Harbour and moved to Natoaganeg First Nation 7 years ago with his family.
With a background in commercial fishing and automotive, he knew something was missing until he found it when he began at the Rising Sun in the fall of 2023.
Some of his favorite hobbies are being outside, hunting, fishing, camping, motorsports and being with his family.
Never forget, “Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday, and here you are, worried about tomorrow while you make it through today. Be here, be there tomorrow, just let whatever happens happen and do your best to stay strong.”
Erin A.
Erin is from Natoaganeg First Nation
She started working at the Rising Sun due to having the opportunity to help her people and communities.
Some of her favorite hobbies include sewing, spending time with her family, cooking and being outdoors.
Her favorite quote is ” It’s okay to not be okay”
Andrea W.
Andrea is from Natoaganeg First Nation.
She started at Rising Sun in 2022 and has brought a steady and dependable hand to the centre since joining the team.
Andrea went to post-secondary at Mount Allison and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, although her background is science based, she has since found a love for giving back to community through her role at Rising Sun.
On her downtime, Andrea likes to spend time on the land, traveling, and reading.
Emily C.
Emily is from Gray Rapids, NB.
She has been working at the Rising Sun Treatment Centre since June 2022. Emily is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for growth and healing.
Working in a drug and alcohol treatment centre has strengthened her empathy, resilience, and commitment to helping others overcome challenges.
Emily values building trust, encouraging positive change, and being a steady source of support for those working toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
She is eager and looks forward to meeting you to build a lifelong connection with each of you.
Mallory P.
Mallory is from Metepenagiag First Nation.
She is passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. With lived experience in her own recovery journey, she brings empathy, understanding, and a genuine passion for helping others.
She values connection, growth, and sharing knowledge to support lasting change. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and staying connected to nature.
River W.
Duane A.
Duane is from Natoaganeg First Nation.
He is retired from the Public Safety sector. For the last 40 years, he has worked with Eel Ground Police, RCMP, and the Province of N.B, holding positions such as Emergency Management Coordinator and Coroner.
Duanes favorite pastime is traveling.
Duane has a passion for helping people, and loves being of service to his community.
Christin W.
Christin is from Natoaganeg First Nation.
She graduated from NBCC in 2025, taking the Corrections course at Miramichi Campus.
Her favorite pastime is crafting, spending a lot of time beading, but she also enjoys reading, spending time with family and traveling for concerts.
Christin is shy, but loves working with people, she is a wonderful listener and has a great desire to help.
Tracy C.
Tracy is a nurse and social service worker with a passion for supporting individuals on their journey toward recovery.
She is committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental, and person-centered care, and she values building relationships that support healing and growth.
Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, being with her dogs, and continuing to learn and grown both personally and professionally.
Olivia J.
Olivia is from Gray Rapids, NB.
She started at Rising Sun in 2026 when we were in need of a cook to support our program.
Olivia is a kind, gentle and easy going person that enjoys cooking for our folks coming into treatment.
On her downtime, Olivia likes to spend time with her partner and children, and attending/volunteering at community events in her community of Gray Rapids.