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Meet the team at EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia

Dedicated to providing the best evidence-based treatment in Lawrencetown, NS

Acting as caregivers, cheerleaders, and confidants, we provide the expertise and empathy you need beyond our therapy sessions to build the foundation for lasting recovery. Every member of our interprofessional team was handpicked for their experience and commitment to excellent care.

Our staff consists of counsellors, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, registered dieticians, family therapists, and fitness trainers. Their passion drives EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia’s commitment to providing multifaceted, evidence-based treatment for addiction and mental health concerns in Nova Scotia.

Helen Luedee, MSW, RSW

Executive Director

Helen Luedee is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in the field of mental health and addiction. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Community Studies) degree from Cape Breton University, a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Social Work degree from Memorial University. Prior to EHN Canada, she was as the Clinical Manager at TELUS Health, where she brought her expertise to bear in advancing healthcare solutions. She’s also served as the Manager of the Mental Health & Addictions, Opiate Recovery Program for Nova Scotia Health (Eastern Zone) in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Her commitment to public service is evident through her volunteer work including chairing Transition House and the CBRM March 21st Planning Committee.

John Findlater, MSW, RSW

Therapist

Since 2003, John has been involved in the field of recovery and addiction after a 30-year management career with a major retailer. Since achieving a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Windsor, John has worked with adolescents, adults, and families through Children’s Aid, Alzheimer’s Society, London Health Sciences Renal Program, Hospice of Windsor, and most recently, the Intensive Care Unit at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario. John is all about empowerment and truly enjoys helping people figure out how to thrive in their lives. John believes that intervention can be the key to helping people with any self-destructive behaviour, including drug addiction, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, sex, internet, shopping, or eating disorders. He has a passion for helping individuals and families develop a plan for approaching their loved ones and coping with the stresses of an addiction. John loves Indonesian food and if he had a do-over, he would be a golf professional travelling the world on the PGA Tour, but he has no regrets!

Nicole Elsworth

Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor

Although not originally from Nova Scotia, Nicole grew up in the beautiful Annapolis Valley and is proud to call it home with her beloved dog. She joined the EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia team in 2019, where her compassion and appreciation for mental health are invaluable assets. With over ten years of management experience and holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Brunswick with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, Nicole utilizes her vast skill set to help patients with their post-treatment planning. During her free time, she has been continuing her education and has a passion for creating art.

Elena Basevich

Recreation Therapist

Elena came to Canada as a refugee from the Soviet Union when she was 6 years old, before earning an Honours Degree in English and Philosophy from Acadia University. For the last 20 years, she has been practicing and teaching yoga. She received her first 200-hour yoga teacher training at Kripalu in Massachusetts. She has since completed extensive yoga training at Tays (therapeutic approach yoga) in Halifax and completed another 500 hours of training in therapeutic yoga. Elena is also certified in Pranassage (a one-on-one treatment combining yoga and massage). She has worked at EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia and EHN Guardians Atlantic for over 7 years where she has learned a great deal about addiction and recovery through hands-on practice and experience. During her time here, she has created programs combining yoga (the physical practice as well as the philosophy of the 8 limbs of yoga and their connection to the 12 steps), meditation and recovery. Elena is currently taking DBT training to expand her knowledge in the field of mental health in order to better support clients.

Ashley Cadwell

Mental Health and Addictions Treatment Support Worker Team Lead

Ashley is a Mental Health and Addictions professional at EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia. She has a strong passion for helping others, which led her to pursue her dream career. Ashley grew up in a military family and moved to Annapolis Valley in 2008 with her then-partner who was stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood. Although she became a mother to five children after graduating high school, she was determined to continue her education. Ashley graduated with honors in Medical Office Assistant and Computerized Business Management programs. However, her passion for Mental Health and Addictions remained unfulfilled, so she enrolled in the Social Services Program at Kingstec, where she graduated with honors in 2021. Ashley holds numerous certifications, including Non-Violent Intervention, The Mandt System, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. She is currently working towards her DBT certification.

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Meet the team at EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia