Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Cindy Staniforth

Eckville,AB

Summary

Leader with extensive work experience in addiction and mental health services across Recovery Alberta, Alberta Health Services, and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. Proven track record in managing operations in both community and acute inpatient settings, achieving significant improvements in team collaboration and operational efficiency. Skilled in program management and strategic planning, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and change management. Consistently meets project deadlines while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Director

Recovery Alberta
Red Deer, Alberta
06.2019 - Current

In this Director position, I am accountable for the addiction and mental health services offered in the community of Red Deer, including:

  • Addiction and Mental Health Clinic
  • Opioid Dependency and Narcotic Transition Services.
  • Mobile Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic
  • Street Connect and Assertive Outreach Clinic.
  • Contracts with providers delivering addiction, bed-based addiction, and medical detox services.
  • Two 16-bed inpatient acute psychiatry units at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

Achievements include:

  • Designing and implementing several new clinics and programs under extremely tight timelines to address client needs and to meet government priorities.
  • Developing high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhancing team collaboration through regular communication, goal-setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Improving project efficiency by utilizing strategic planning, change management strategies, resource allocation, and time management practices.
  • Establishing a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Building strong relationships with cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and streamlining decision-making through change initiatives.
  • Overseeing strategic planning and implementation to ensure organizational goals are met.
  • Cultivating relationships with stakeholders to secure support and funding for key initiatives.
  • Coordinating activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.

Manager

Alberta Health Services
South Central Zone, AB
08.2017 - 06.2019

In this Manager position, I was responsible for the operations, human resources, finances, and strategic planning for all addiction and mental health clinics in the South-Central Zone, including Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, Olds, Sundre, Drumheller, Stettler, Three Hills, and Hanna.

Achievements included:

  • Championing process improvements within the programs by identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions, and leading change initiatives.
  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with clients, families, and community partners to coordinate services to meet client needs.
  • Achieving project deadlines consistently by closely monitoring progress and proactively addressing any potential roadblocks.
  • Boosting employee morale and satisfaction through regular performance reviews, constructive feedback, and personal development plans.
  • Coordinating cross-departmental projects to ensure timely and successful completion.

Program Manager

Alberta Health Services
Edmonton, Alberta
09.2016 - 08.2017

In this Manager position I was responsible for the administrative and program oversight of six addiction and mental health clinics, including suburban integrated AMH clinics in Sherwood Park, Ft. Saskatchewan, and Leduc, Addiction Services Edmonton, the Opioid Dependency Program, and the Operational Stress Injury Clinic.

Accomplishments included:

  • Implementing several new initiatives within deadlines and budgets.
  • Fostering a collaborative program environment, promoting teamwork and cross-functional cooperation
  • Developing strategic plans, setting clear objectives, and achievable milestones for the teams.
  • Championing best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Program Manager

Alberta Health Services
Edmonton, Alberta
09.2014 - 09.2016

In this Manager position, I was responsible for the administrative and program oversight of four addiction and mental health clinics, including: Addiction Services Edmonton, the Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Opioid Dependency Program, and the Edmonton Community Mental Health Clinic.

Accomplishments included:

  • Managing cross-functional teams for successful project completion within timelines and budgets.
  • Championing best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Leading change management efforts, supporting staff through transitions, and promoting buy-in for new initiatives.

Area Manager

Alberta Health Services
Edmonton, Alberta
01.2007 - 09.2014

In this Manager position I was responsible for the clinics and program management of Addiction Services Edmonton and the suburban sites in Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Stony Plain.

Accomplishments:

  • Accountability for the oversight of operations and programming, including intake/assessment, individual, family, and group counseling, and the three-week outpatient day program to address alcohol, other drug, sex, and gambling concerns.
  • Improving overall efficiency in operations by focusing on process improvement, the implementation of best practices, and outcome measures.
  • Achieving high employee retention rates by creating an inclusive work environment, where staff feel valued and supported in their daily work.

Addiction Counselling and Prevention Supervisor

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
Edmonton, Alberta
06.2005 - 01.2007
  • Responsible for the operational management of the clinic, including clinical supervision of staff, program design and delivery, community capacity building, and project management.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear priorities and expectations for staff.
  • Participated in several provincial committees, including the Prevention Advisory Committee and the Concurrent Disordered Enhanced Services Committee, and also represented AADAC on the City of Edmonton Community Drug Strategy.

Addiction Counsellor/Prevention Consultant

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
Edmonton, Alberta
01.2003 - 06.2005
  • Improved client outcomes by conducting comprehensive addiction assessments and developing tailored treatment plans.
  • Developed and delivered in-services, training, education sessions, and presentations on addiction to clients, families, staff, and allied professionals.
  • Responsible for providing addiction screenings, assessments, and counseling to individuals and families with substance use concerns.
  • Developed client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and client histories.
  • Development and delivery of presentations to individuals and communities to increase awareness of substance use.

Addiction Counsellor

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
Whitecourt, Alberta
09.2001 - 01.2003
  • Responsible for providing addiction screenings, assessments, and counseling to individuals and families with substance use concerns.
  • Developed client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and client histories.
  • Development and delivery of presentations to individuals and communities to increase awareness of substance use.

Education

Master of Counselling - Counselling Psychology

University of Calgary
Calgary, AB
06-2007

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology-with Distinction

University of Victoria
Victoria, BC

Skills

  • Mid-Level Leaders Certificate from University of Alberta
  • Prosci Change Management certification
  • Yellow Belt in Improvement Way from Alberta Health Services
  • Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) - former designation
  • Business planning and program management
  • Organizational development in human resources
  • Financial oversight and budget management
  • Analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution strategies
  • Communication effectiveness

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director

Recovery Alberta
06.2019 - Current

Manager

Alberta Health Services
08.2017 - 06.2019

Program Manager

Alberta Health Services
09.2016 - 08.2017

Program Manager

Alberta Health Services
09.2014 - 09.2016

Area Manager

Alberta Health Services
01.2007 - 09.2014

Addiction Counselling and Prevention Supervisor

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
06.2005 - 01.2007

Addiction Counsellor/Prevention Consultant

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
01.2003 - 06.2005

Addiction Counsellor

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
09.2001 - 01.2003

Master of Counselling - Counselling Psychology

University of Calgary

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology-with Distinction

University of Victoria
Cindy Staniforth