CJ Wilneff
Nanaimo,BC
Summary
Compassionate professional with a proven track record in peer support and group facilitation. Expertise in creating safe spaces for sharing experiences, enhancing community connections, and providing crisis intervention services. Committed to empowering individuals on their recovery journeys.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Veterans Transition Network
Nanaimo, British Columbia
11.2022 - Current
- Facilitated peer support sessions for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
- Coordinated workshops on mental health and wellness for veterans.
- Provided one-on-one support to help veterans navigate challenges.
- Established a safe space for veterans to share experiences and build connections, enhancing peer support.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance support strategies for veterans.
- Trained new peer supporters on best practices and program guidelines.
- Assisted clients with developing healthy coping skills to manage stressors.
- Actively listened and responded empathetically when interacting with clients.
- Educated clients on available community resources that could enhance their quality of life.
- Shared details regarding recovery and wellness principles focused on helping others struggling to stay focused on personal recovery journeys.
- Instilled hope by promoting positive self-disclosure and actively listening to client needs.
- Supported individuals in overcoming discrimination, stigma, and trauma by offering encouragement and connecting them to community resources.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals in need of emotional and mental support.
- Attended trainings focused on best practices for working with individuals experiencing mental health issues.
- Monitored client activities in order to assess the effectiveness of treatment plans.
Public Speaker
Self Employed (Contracted)
Nanaimo, British Columbia
06.2017 - Current
- Engaged audiences through compelling storytelling and relatable experiences.
- Coordinated with event organizers to execute logistics that enhanced audience experience.
- Leveraged social media platforms to promote speaking events and engage followers.
- Networked with professionals to create partnerships for future speaking opportunities.
- Adjusted messaging in real-time based on audience feedback to maximize engagement.
- Delivered speeches to groups, explaining company mission, position and services.
- Developed speech content incorporating relevant facts, stories, and anecdotes to resonate with audiences.
- Created customized presentations tailored to specific audiences and events.
- Traveled nationwide to deliver keynote speeches at various conferences.
- Analyzed past performances in order to identify areas where improvements could be made in future presentations.
- Designed and delivered presentations to educate, inform, and motivate audiences.
- Spoke about personal life experiences to inspire, motivate and benefit listeners.
Recovery Mentor
12 Step Programs
Nanaimo, British Columbia
06.2016 - Current
- Developed recovery plans tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
- Provided guidance on coping strategies for addiction challenges.
- Assisted individuals in navigating resources for ongoing support services.
- Mentored peers on maintaining motivation and accountability in recovery.
- Educated participants about the principles of 12-step programs for effective recovery.
- Conducted outreach activities to raise awareness of community services available for recovery support.
- Assisted sponsees in developing strategies for managing their mental health symptoms.
- Encouraged sponsees to participate in activities that promote physical, psychological, social, spiritual, vocational, and educational well-being.
- Educated family members on recovery process, empowering them to support their loved one's journey effectively.
- Delivered emotional support, crisis intervention, and advocacy services to enhance sponsees' recovery experiences.
Sober Living House Manager
Skookum House
Nanaimo, British Columbia
08.2024 - 03.2026
- Managed daily operations of sober living facility for residents' well-being.
- Coordinated house meetings to discuss rules, schedules, and community support.
- Facilitated group activities to promote community engagement and personal growth.
- Monitored safety protocols, ensuring drug-free environment for all residents.
- Oversaw admissions process by conducting initial assessments of new applicants prior to acceptance into program.
- Enforced consequences for violations of house rules in accordance with policies set forth by management.
- Coordinated activities that promoted positive behavior change among residents in sober living environment.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with outside resources such as community partners, local agencies, mental health providers.
- Facilitated weekly group therapy sessions, supporting residents in navigating addiction recovery challenges.
Group Facilitator
Talbot House Recovery Center
Sydney, Nova Scotia
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Facilitated group discussions to promote healing and recovery among participants.
- Developed and implemented engaging activities to encourage positive interactions.
- Provided emotional support to clients during challenging moments in their recovery journey.
- Fostered open communication and experience sharing among group members to enhance collective support.
- Guided clients in establishing personal recovery goals to promote accountability and progress.
- Assisted in organizing workshops that focused on life skills and coping strategies.
- Monitored group dynamics to maintain respectful and constructive dialogue, ensuring a safe space for all participants.
- Provided case management services and referrals to individuals requiring additional assistance.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while conducting activities with the team.
Sober Living House Manager
Pine House Recovery
Nanaimo, British Columbia
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Managed daily operations of sober living facility for residents' well-being.
- Coordinated house meetings to reinforce rules, schedules, and foster community support.
- Developed individualized recovery plans in collaboration with residents and staff.
- Facilitated group activities that enhanced community engagement and supported personal growth.
- Assisted residents with life skills training and job readiness programs.
- Monitored safety protocols and maintained a drug-free environment for all residents.
- Collaborated with external agencies to provide resources and support services for residents.
- Oversaw admissions process by conducting initial assessments of new applicants prior to acceptance into program.
- Enforced consequences for violations of house rules in accordance with policies set forth by management.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with outside resources such as community partners, local agencies, mental health providers.
- Facilitated weekly group therapy sessions to help residents work through issues related to addiction recovery process.
- Provided crisis intervention to de-escalate conflicts between residents or staff, ensuring a safe environment.
- Developed and implemented house rules and regulations to ensure safety, order, and adherence to the facility's mission statement.
- Maintained communication with families of residents to provide updates on their loved ones' progress.
- Created an atmosphere of respect in the home by providing a safe environment for all individuals living there.
- Assisted in developing individual service plans for each resident based on their needs.
- Served as a mentor and role model for all individuals living in the sober living home.
Sober Living House Manager
Skookum House
Nanaimo, British Columbia
04.2019 - 02.2022
- Managed daily operations of sober living facility for residents' well-being.
- Coordinated house meetings to discuss rules, schedules, and community support.
- Facilitated group activities to promote community engagement and personal growth.
- Assisted residents with life skills training and job readiness programs.
- Monitored safety protocols and maintained a drug-free environment for all residents.
- Oversaw admissions process by conducting initial assessments of new applicants prior to acceptance into the program.
- Enforced consequences for violations of house rules in accordance with policies set forth by management.
- Coordinated activities in sober living environment to foster positive behavior change among residents.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with outside resources such as community partners, local agencies, mental health providers.
- Facilitated weekly group therapy sessions to support residents in addressing challenges related to addiction recovery.
- Provided crisis intervention services to de-escalate conflicts between residents or staff members.
- Assisted residents with transportation for medical appointments and 12 step meetings offsite.
- Developed and implemented house rules and regulations to ensure safety, order, and adherence to the facility's mission statement.
- Maintained communication with families of residents to provide updates on their loved ones' progress.
- Created an atmosphere of respect in the home by providing a safe environment for all individuals living there.
- Served as a mentor and role model for all individuals living in the sober living home.
- Conducted random drug screenings on site per facility policy guidelines.
- Offered positive reinforcement and taught life skills regarding chores and cooking techniques.
Group Facilitator (volunteer)
Edgewood Health Network
Nanaimo, British Columbia
06.2017 - 11.2021
- Facilitated group discussions to promote mental health awareness and education.
- Developed engaging activities to enhance participant interaction and collaboration.
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals to tailor programs for diverse populations.
- Managed logistics for group sessions, ensuring smooth operations and accessibility.
- Established supportive environments that fostered open dialogue among participants, enhancing trust and communication.
- Analyzed participant feedback to refine group facilitation strategies, ensuring alignment with participant needs and preferences.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex client needs effectively.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop comprehensive program of therapy, evaluation and treatment.
- Facilitated weekly sessions in community using designated curriculum.
- Moderated debates between opposing sides in order to foster understanding among different perspectives.
- Facilitated development of mutual support networks among clients, promoting ongoing peer connections beyond group sessions.
- Provided advocacy specified by program and contract guidelines.
- Assisted with conflict resolution within the group by providing constructive criticism when needed.
- Analyzed feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement and growth opportunities.
- Participated in conferences, trainings and meetings related to areas of assigned responsibility.
- Supported individuals within the group who were struggling emotionally or psychologically.
- Provided encouragement and motivation when needed in order to keep morale high throughout each session.
- Encouraged participation and provided focus and guidance for discussions within group.
- Created an environment that is conducive to open dialogue between all members of the group.
- Informed site staff of issues that violated or jeopardized service operations.
- Coordinated resources necessary for successful completion of projects assigned to the team.
- Maintained a positive attitude while facilitating sessions with the intention of encouraging engagement from all participants.
Infantryman
Canadian Armed Forces
Gagetown, New Brunswick
06.2006 - 04.2014
- Conducted reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence and assess enemy positions.
- Conducted ground reconnaissance, providing critical intelligence to leadership for informed strategic planning.
- Defended country against threats by capturing, destroying and repelling enemy forces during combat.
- Engaged in physical training programs to maintain peak fitness levels and readiness.
- Trained new recruits on infantry tactics and field operations procedures.
- Collaborated with team members to execute tactical maneuvers during training exercises.
- Led detailed trainings on weapons systems for subordinates, enhancing overall team safety and cohesion.
- Implemented safety protocols during live-fire exercises, enhancing personnel safety and operational effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures.
- Maintained accountability of assigned personnel, weapons, equipment and supplies.
- Maintained rifles, machine guns, mortars and hand grenades, verifying weapon locations and supporting magazine operations.
- Operated various types of military vehicles including tanks and armored personnel carriers.
- Utilized night vision devices to monitor activity at night.
- Constructed fortifications such as foxholes, trenches, bunkers and fighting positions.
- Provided security for convoys, installations and personnel in hostile areas.
- Assessed terrain features to determine optimal routes for movement of personnel and equipment.
- Participated in tactical planning sessions, contributing to the development of clear and actionable mission objectives.
- Coordinated fire support activities with other units on the battlefield.
- Moved quickly on foot to reinforce formations and carry out attacks.
- Operated successfully under wide range of lighting, weather and stress conditions to complete missions.
- Participated in airborne operations including parachute training and jumps.
- Employed ground weapons such as howitzers and vehicle-mounted guns to support combat operations.
- Set up combat positions and deployed forward weaponry in support of overall combat mission.
- Destroyed enemy positions to eliminate threats from troops, artillery and long-range missile systems.
- Set up combat positions and deployed forward weaponry in support of overall combat mission.
- Destroyed enemy positions to eliminate threats from troops, artillery and long-range missile systems.
Education
First Aid CPR/AED Level C
Canadian Red Cross
Nanaimo, BC06-2026
Naloxone 101 Training Course
BCCDC Harm Reduction Services
Nanaimo, BC06-2026
Peer Support Training
Atlantic Group Trauma Training Center
Wolfville, NS05-2024
Skills
- Peer support
- Crisis intervention
- Recovery guidance
- Mental health education
- Group facilitation
- Recovery planning
- Relapse prevention
- Community outreach
- Mental health advocacy
- Emotional support
- Stress reduction techniques
- Boundary setting
- Public speaking
- Leadership skills
- Relationship building skills
- Communication
Accomplishments
- 2022 DoD Warrior Games - Heart of the team award for team Canada.
Timeline
Sober Living House Manager
Skookum House
08.2024 - 03.2026
Group Facilitator
Talbot House Recovery Center
01.2023 - 06.2023
Peer Support Specialist
Veterans Transition Network
11.2022 - Current
Sober Living House Manager
Pine House Recovery
08.2020 - 06.2022
Sober Living House Manager
Skookum House
04.2019 - 02.2022
Public Speaker
Self Employed (Contracted)
06.2017 - Current
Group Facilitator (volunteer)
Edgewood Health Network
06.2017 - 11.2021
Recovery Mentor
12 Step Programs
06.2016 - Current
Infantryman
Canadian Armed Forces
06.2006 - 04.2014
First Aid CPR/AED Level C
Canadian Red Cross
Naloxone 101 Training Course
BCCDC Harm Reduction Services
Peer Support Training
Atlantic Group Trauma Training Center