Melissa Petersen has spent the last 16 years building and leading successful non-profit organizations in the field of addictions and mental health. She is passionate about walking alongside families as they heal from the painful impacts of prolonged substance use. Her professional career started in the private sector, later transitioning to the non-profit sector, making her an asset to every organization she’s spent time with. She carries a range of knowledge spanning from operations, development, change management, communications, and marketing – she is a ninja at growing capacity, efficiencies while nurturing an emotionally intelligent workspace for all. She is a trained interventionist and certified recovery coach – which allows her to utilize her years of experience in residential treatment, crisis support and her own journey in long-term recovery. She is thrilled to have joined the Cedars’ team on Vancouver Island and put her passion and dedication for recovery to work. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family (near and far), walking with her pup Gracie or exploring her new home on the island!