Kelly Gabriel, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kelly is a mother to an adult daughter. She was born and raised in the Mohawk community of Kanehsatake. She has worked in Addictions and Mental Health for over 22 years both in residential and community settings. These experiences allow her to have a greater sense of connection and understanding of the challenges and the rewards that the members of ICBOC experience in the work they do. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Moncton and the University of Chicoutimi in addiction related programs.
Kelly is a certified First Nations Health Manager, a Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist level III with ICBOC, a Canadian Clinical Supervisor-Addiction Counsellor, a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor both with the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation and a member of the International Association of Counselors & Therapists.
It is her goal to be supportive during the process of certification and recertification. Also, when needed to guide ICBOC members to a multitude of learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge.
Tess Kawisohtha Benedict, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Wanda Smith has been the Executive Director for the Native Horizons Treatment Centre for the past 32 years.
Wanda’s extensive career in the field of First Nations addictions has spanned 42 years in various positions from Community Youth Counsellor; Native Addictions Program Teaching Master; Ontario Zone & Regional NNADAP Consultant and Executive Director for a Youth as well as Adult Treatment Programs.
Wanda is the proud mother of a 25-year-old son, who continues to be the driving force behind her own healing. She strongly believes in the importance of all community workers continuing their personal on-going healing and wellness in order to deliver the best possible quality of care and service to our clients, families & communities.
Angela Gabriel, PRE-ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATOR
Tansi I am Marlene Swears. I am of Metis lineage; my family has historical family ties to Louis Riel our traditional founder of the Metis Nation. I am a mother, grandmother, and a Metis activist. I take great pride in what our people can accomplish but especially feel pride for the success of those who take on the achievement of higher academics. I am honored to serve as a board member of the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada. (ICBOC).
I currently sit as president of the Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association and was a founding member of this organization 26 years ago. My focus at that time was seeking out training for our people. It was this passion for betterment for Métis people that I met the current staff and board of ICBOC. I look forward to future endeavors and new undertakings of ICBOC to better enhance indigenous peoples in the education and workforce fields of Canada and abroad.