About Our Team
we are ready whenever you are
COMPASSIONATE
ACCESSIBLE
RESPECTFUL
EXPERTISE
Heal@Home Story
Our story begins with a mission – to help one person at a time get the help they need for alcohol use disorder. It’s a mission born from personal experience based on my family’s struggle with alcoholism, the lack of services available, and the stigma attached to it.
Growing up, I witnessed how alcohol use disorder can tear families apart. My loved ones struggled to get the help they needed, but the system was often ill-equipped to provide the support and resources required.
The stigma attached to addiction made it even harder to seek help, leaving many to suffer in silence.
But I refused to let this be the end of the story. I knew there had to be a better way to help those struggling with alcohol use disorder find the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives. This is why I created Heal@Home, a program that provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder in the comfort and privacy of one’s own home.
So, I set out on a mission to do just that – one person at a time.
I’m always looking for new evidence or science-based approaches to improve the help we offer. By staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments, we’re better equipped to provide the most effective and evidence-based support to those struggling with alcohol use disorder.
It hasn’t been an easy journey, with setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. But every time I’ve felt discouraged, I think back to my family’s struggles and those facing similar challenges. That motivation keeps me going, even when the road seems long and difficult.
Today, I’m proud to say that our mission is making a difference. I’ve seen the incredible resilience and strength of the human spirit, even facing the most difficult challenges. I’ve helped countless individuals find the support they need to overcome alcohol use disorder and rebuild their lives. I work to break down the stigma around addiction and empower people to seek help without fear of judgment or shame.
Our story is far from over – countless people out there still need our help, and there is still much work to be done. But I’m committed to staying the course, never giving up on my mission, and helping as many people as possible. Because at the end of the day, we all deserve a chance to live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives, no matter what challenges we face.
AS FEATURED IN
Meet Our Compassionate Team
Sophie Solmini
FOUNDER-DIRECTOR
Sophie Solmini, Founder of Heal@Home, is a renowned international alcohol and drug counselor, medication-assisted treatment specialist, and certified recovery coach. With a passion for helping those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD),
Sophie founded Heal@Home in 2016 to respond to the limited treatment options available. Throughout her career, she has worked in both the private and public sectors, bringing her expertise and compassionate approach to treating AUD.
Sophie challenges the traditional approach to addiction treatment that focuses solely on complete abstinence, which she argues can do more harm than good. Instead, she advocates for a holistic approach that considers each individual’s unique needs and challenges, promoting the concept of “harm reduction,” which focuses on reducing the negative consequences of alcohol use rather than striving for complete abstinence.
This approach can include reducing use frequency, utilizing medication-assisted treatment, or seeking professional help for addiction.
Tragically, Sophie has personally experienced the devastating effects of AUD, having lost both her parents to alcohol, which only fuels her desire to make a positive impact in the addiction field.
She remains unwavering in her belief that AUD is a treatable condition. She dedicates herself to helping others find the support and resources they need to heal and recover.
Sophie recognizes the devastating impact that stigma and shame can have on those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The fear of damaging one’s professional reputation is a significant concern for those who risk having their AUD exposed, leading many to struggle alone without the support they need. As such, Sophie strongly emphasizes privacy and confidentiality in her approach to treating AUD, ensuring that her clients can receive the help they need without fear of losing their careers or facing additional stigma.
In addition to her role as a counselor, Sophie has also been a source of support and guidance for those in early recovery as a recovery coach and sober coach. She focuses on building the skills necessary for long-term sobriety and recognizes that addiction is a complex issue encompassing psychological, social, and neurological factors. Her dedication to helping those struggling with AUD is evident in her unwavering passion and in-depth understanding of the condition.
Her advocacy for those seeking a brighter future has taken her worldwide. She has spoken in front of liver transplant committees, advocating for her clients and helping them receive the help they need to heal and recover.
- Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS)
- Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC)
- Member of the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF)
- Member of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM)
- Member of NAADAC, Association for Addiction Professionals
- International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC)
Joanna Dickinson
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Joanna is a Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of experience, completing a Masters of Science and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification from McMaster University.
For the past 8 years, Joanna has practiced exclusively in mental health and addiction, working in Forensic Mental Health, Addiction Medicine and more recently in family practice in a Psychiatric capacity.
She works within a harm reduction model, helping clients meet their identified goals related to substance use,
She has been described as knowledgeable, compassionate and an advocate for clients.
Chirag Shah
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Chirag is Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience and completed a Master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from D’youville University.
Chirag has experience in Mental health and substance use disorder. He particularly has experience with substance use disorder including alcohol, tobacco, and other street drugs as well. He is very passionate about his work and dedication.
Chirag can help our client in New Brunswick and Ontario
Philip Wong
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Philip is a Nurse Practitioner practicing out of a large Addictions Medicine clinic in Ontario.
He obtained a Master of Nursing with an Adult Nurse Practitioner focus through the University of Toronto and certification for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment through CAMH.
He is passionate about helping those struggling with substance use.
John LLAGUNO
MD, DNP, MN:NP(F)
John is a Family Nurse Practitioner/Medical Provider licensed in British Columbia and Alberta.
He completed his Bachelors’s in Nursing with a specialty in Critical Care at BCIT/Thompson River University in BC. His Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner through Athabasca University in Alberta. He holds two Doctorate degrees. A Doctor of Medicine from USAT – Florida/Montserrat and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Aspen University in Colorado – both with distinction.
Through his own significant critical illness/life event in 2015, resulting in hospitalization for a period of time, John has gained deeper insights into what good likes in healthcare practice and treats others with respect, dignity, empathy and compassion.
He has over 15 years of experience in a wide variety of healthcare fields in primary care, telemedicine, pharma and medical with an emphasis in health promotion and disease prevention.
Monica Mina
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Monica is a nurse practitioner who has been working in the medical industry for 9 years.
She completed her Masters in Nursing at the University of Toronto after completing her undergraduate nursing degree at Trent University.
As a nurse practitioner specializing in acute care of the adult population, she has experience working with mental health, trauma, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and public health. Monica has a passion for helping all those in her care reach their physical and mental health goals.
Monica will serve our clients in BC!
Laura Ann Paul
ADDICTION COUNSELOR
Inspired to help others by her own recover journey, Laura Ann Paul is a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor with the CACCF.
She obtained an Addiction Careworker Diploma from McMaster University and graduated from University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
A lifelong learner, Laura has recently returned to school to study towards a Master of Social Work degree.
With over ten years of experience in the field of addictions, Laura adopts a holistic and person-centred approach
Lisa Denty
ADDICTION COUNSELOR
Lisa is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Registered Nurse (RN) who is passionate about providing her clients with a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space to begin identifying solutions to their challenges.
Her training and experience over the past 17 years make her a great fit to support individuals facing challenges related to addiction, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, compassion fatigue, burnout, grief, chronic pain/illness, and relationship issues. Lisa graduated from Memorial University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Nursing and from Yorkville University in 2023 with a Master’s degree in counselling psychology.
Lisa values education and has participated in various continuing education programs related to supporting individuals affected by concerns related to addiction and trauma. Moreover, she always practices in accordance with evidence-based best practices to ensure her clients receive the best care to date.
Lisa practices from a client-centred, trauma-informed harm reduction approach. She draws from various theories and therapeutic approaches such as solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, strength-based, narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing to best meet each client’s unique needs.
Debbie Hill
CERTIFIED ADDICTION COUNSELOR
Debbie’s dedication in helping others help themselves shines. She is a dedicated and pragmatic individual who often can win the trust and confidence of individuals in her life.
Debbie retired from the Toronto Police Service (civilian) after 36 ½ years of dedicated investigative service. While employed she volunteered at the Renascent Treatment Centre (Munro House-woman) and was an active Peer Counsellor with the Employee and Family Assistance Program. Prior to retiring she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Justice) from Guelph-Humber University. Once retired Debbie obtained her certification as a Substance Abuse Counsellor and is a member in good standing with the Canadian Addictions Counsellor Certificate Federation (CACCF). She acquired an extensive list of education and practical experiences in counselling modules for individuals and groups including CBT, Crisis Intervention, Post Traumatic Stress and addiction recovery. She is trained and continues to be a student in Neuro-Linguistic Program training and is a certified Reflexologist.
Debbie continues to have a curious and empathetic nature. She recently received formal training receiving the designation of a certified trauma counsellor. Debbie’s personal life experiences and subsequently path of recovery from alcohol abuse has proven to be a strong asset in the field of recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.
Sarah Berneche
INTUITIVE EATING COUNSELLING & NUTRITION THERAPY
Sarah is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor, and nutrition therapist specializing in support for disordered eating and body image concerns. Operating from an intersectional, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive lens, she fuses various therapy models and approaches (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, Somatic Experiencing) with non-diet nutrition counselling. She has experience working with folks across the eating disorder spectrum. She is especially knowledgeable about binge eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting cycles, food and body image-related trauma, and body image.
Sarah has experience working at a private eating disorder center and private practice. She has completed several formal training in eating disorders, disordered eating, somatic nutrition, and body image, as well as over 50 hours of group and individual supervision. She is currently a Somatic Experiencing® Student and the author of Enjoy It all: Improve Your Health and Happiness with Intuitive Eating (Fremont Press, 2020.)
Patience Tabi Owan
RSW ADDICTION COUNSELOR
Patience is a Social Worker, registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers authorized in performing psychosocial interventions. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary as well as a Bachelor of Social Work. She has been providing social work services to individuals from diverse backgrounds for over a decade.
She specializes in supporting individuals struggling with various types of addiction.She supports individuals understand the relationship they have with their addiction, work on establishing goals as well as identifying triggers contributing to ongoing substance use and exploring coping strategies that might be beneficial in either reducing or stopping the addiction cycle.
Patience works from a client centered/harm reduction approach using modalities such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Strengths Based, Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
“My goal in sessions is to meet you where you are at and work alongside you to make your experience a fulfilling one”.
