Somerset recovery Organization

Our Vision
To support mental health & recovery through music, film, the arts, retreats, workshops, panels, and presentations. To provide education and raise vital awareness on mental health, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention in schools and institutions.

Meet the Team

Director of Program Development
Robin Fraser
Robin is an Indigenous Mohawk woman from Six Nations who serves as a vital bridge between traditional wisdom and modern healing. As a certified addiction specialist with a social work diploma, she specializes in trauma embodiment and somatic work, focusing on the profound connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Through her practice, she facilitates the release of stored tension and trauma, empowering individuals to restore their nervous systems, cultivate deep resilience, and reclaim their authentic vitality.

Advisory Director
Dr. Angela Carol
Dr. Carol is a Family Physician who practices inner city medicine in the heart of Hamilton. She has worked on inter- professional health care and legal teams for the past twenty years and is committed to advancing collaboration and harmonization to enhance health care delivery in Ontario. Dr. Carol is the Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine in McMaster University, since joining the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, she has filled several roles including co-chair of the Quality Assurance Committee and a member of the ICRC Panel. Dr. Carol was a former Medical Advisor of the Colleges Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

Healing Practioner - Addictions Specialist
Melanie Fraser
Melanie Fraser - TEHONWATISINEI, meaning "she takes care of the people" is a Mohawk woman from Six Nations and dedicated Healing Practitioner with over 25 years of experience. Certified by the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada as an addiction specialist, she integrates her expertise as a Reiki Master and trauma-informed specialist to offer deeply holistic care. Living out the true purpose of her traditional name, Melanie creates a safe, transformative space for individuals to process trauma, overcome addiction, and restore their well-being.

Advisory Director
Shivana Ramsingh
Shivana is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Her work is founded on integrating ancient and ancestral wisdom with contemporary clinical practices, including anti-oppression, Shamanic Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, trauma therapy, CBT, harm reduction and recovery approaches. Shivana is passionate about being of service for and with marginalized communities, and has extensive experience working with 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC, newcomer and (dis)abled youth and adults. Her professional roles have included Psychotherapist, Educator, Project Coordinator and Manager of Community-Based Mental Health in the non-profit mental health sector. Shivana currently offers private holistic psychotherapy services for individuals, couples and families in Ontario. As a queer, racialized, (dis)abled Indo-Caribbean settler on Turtle Island, Shivana draws on her lived experiences as well as professional training and experience to provide safer, compassionate, inclusive and affirming services for the communities she is honoured to work with and serve.

Board Member/Director
Diane King Vandenhoven
Diane brings over 25 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and special events within the non-profit sector, coupled with a wealth of knowledge and a strong dedication to community impact. With a background in social work, she is deeply committed to supporting individuals in need, driven by a passion for helping others feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Her own journey through emotional challenges and trauma has shaped her belief in the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where women can find connection and strength. Diane is especially committed to walking alongside women who are struggling, helping them build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence as they grow into the best versions of themselves.
An active and engaged volunteer in the Hamilton community, Diane coaches youth volleyball, supports her children’s school parent council and teachers, and contributes her time and energy to her local church. As a mother of three teenagers, she trys to lead by example—instilling the values of kindness, empathy, caring about the individual and the importance of giving back to their community.

Advisory Director
Catherine Harrison
Catherine Harrison, M.A. Psych, P.C.C., is a Canadian musician, mental health strategy consultant, leadership expert, author, speaker, certified executive coach, and advocate for inclusive and equitable well-being. As the founder and president of Revelios, she aims to improve our collective mental health literacy and social fitness through education, reducing stigma, and facilitating open, courageous conversations. Over the past several years, Catherine has been active in illuminating the unique mental health challenges that musicians and crew experience. She is a trusted advisor to several national and international non-profit music organizations and provides non-clinical mental health support to Canadian music industry professionals.

Values
Our core values are spiritual in nature, if practiced, are a way of life.
01
Honesty
We believe the first step towards recovery is the ability to be honest with yourself and others.
02
Hope
To restore hope in the lives of others.
03
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Though our experience, strength and hope - we recover in order to help others recover.
To embrace and respect differences in gender, sexual idenity, ethnicity, education, ability, age, race, and faith among all people.
04
Community Commitment
05
To facilitate safer, affirming spaces celebrating the arts and allowing voices to be heard, focusing on resources and direct supports for mental health and addiction within each community.
Action
06
Love & Compassion
Love and compassion for others is our code.
07
Humility
Humility as a value at its highest, allows selflessness and dignity for a better world.
