Meet Our Practitioners
Ken Collett
Founder and Addiction Specialist
At the heart of every journey is a story, and Ken’s is one of profound transformation, resilience and unwavering dedication. From the vibrant nightlife of the hospitality industry to the compassionate world of addiction recovery, Ken’s path has been anything but ordinary.
Fresh out of University, Ken ventured into the world of Entrepreneurship in the Entertainment and Service Industry. With over 35 years of experience and numerous successful nightclubs and restaurants to his credit, he has navigated the highs and lows of life.
In his mid-30’s, what started as an indulgence in the nightlife culture, turned into a struggle with addiction. By his 40’s, the consequences of his lifestyle became dire, nearly costing him his life. In 2009, after battling substance abuse for 10 years, Ken found the courage to embark on a journey of recovery that would reshape his life. He entered the world of recovery, the first four years were marked by relapse and struggle, but ultimately, surrendering to the process brought about a profound change. Ken achieved sobriety in May of 2013, finding strength in his community, spirituality, physical wellness, and mental health.
For over a decade, Ken has been a beacon of hope at the Hamilton Men’s Withdrawal Centre, Volunteering and sharing his story with patients. Just 9 months sober, he started and initiated a dedicated meeting for men from the detox facility. That meeting celebrates 12 years in February. He became a respected public speaker, sharing the trials and triumphs of his addiction and recovery journey. Ken’s dedication extends beyond those in recovery, as he has counselled parents, wives, and other family members offering guidance and options for their loved ones. His efforts in coordinating interventions have successfully guided numerous individuals into detox facilities and subsequently into treatment centres.
In 2021, Ken was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a challenge he faced head-on. Now, three years cancer-free, he continues to thrive and inspire others with his resilience.
In July 2023, Ken’s nightclub fell victim to an arson attack, putting his place in the hospitality industry at risk. Instead of letting the setback define him, Ken chose to transform adversity into opportunity. Fueled by a deep desire to help others, he pursued a new path as an addiction specialist. He enrolled at Wilfrid Laurier University, becoming a certified professional in addiction recovery.
Ken launched a health and wellness practice focused on supporting individuals struggling with addiction. Drawing on their extensive personal and professional experience, they are dedicated to helping clients reclaim their lives and navigate their recovery journeys with compassion and expertise.
Today, Ken is happily married with 2 stepchildren. He is physically active, going to the gym regularly, and enjoys playing baseball and golf. He continues to inspire and support those battling addiction, demonstrating that it’s never too late to change and that the most rewarding experiences often come from the most challenging journeys.
Bachelor in Economics McMaster University
Certified Addiction Professional Wilfred Laurier University
Kristen Parselias
MSW, RSW, Addiction Therapist
Kristen has been drawn to helping others for as long as she can remember. Growing up active in her church community, she spent her teenage years volunteering in soup kitchens, women’s shelters, and youth shelters — experiences that shaped her values early on and sparked her commitment to social work. Even then, she understood that people often carry far more than what the world sees, and she felt called to be someone who could meet others with compassion rather than judgment
Alongside her academic journey, Kristen worked in the restaurant industry from a young age. The fast‑paced, high‑stress environment exposed her to the realities of burnout, unhealthy coping, and the ways people try to manage emotional pain. In her early twenties, Kristen faced her own struggles with addiction. It was a period marked by fear, uncertainty, and the painful recognition that she needed help. With the support of family, friends, and her faith, she found her way into recovery.
That experience changed her. It deepened her empathy, sharpened her intuition, and gave her a profound understanding of what courage looks like — not in perfection, but in the willingness to try again. Kristen’s lived experience allows her to sit with clients in a way that feels safe, grounded, and real. She knows what it’s like to feel lost, and she knows what it takes to rebuild. This personal insight informs her work every day and strengthens her ability to connect with clients who feel misunderstood or alone.
Kristen believes that no one should have to navigate pain, uncertainty, or change by themselves. What inspires her most about this work is witnessing growth in real time — the subtle shifts in confidence, the moments of clarity, the rebuilding of self‑trust. She is continually moved by the bravery it takes for people to show up, be vulnerable, and choose healing, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
Her therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, practical skill‑building, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. Kristen is committed to helping clients develop healthier relationships, stronger coping strategies, and a renewed sense of identity. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside people as they move toward the life they want and deserve.
When she’s not supporting clients, Kristen enjoys cooking, going to the gym, staying active, reading, and spending time with her family. These parts of her life reflect the same values she brings to her work — balance, curiosity, and connection. She believes deeply that growth and healing are always possible, and she carries that belief into every session with warmth and unwavering support.
Masters Of Social Work - University of Toronto
Registered Social Worker - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
“Experience is the thing of supreme value".
— Henry Ford