spacer
 spacer
Home Our Team
James Keats, M.A. (Psych) PhD - CEO

Dr. Keats is the founder of New Horizon's Professional Support Services Incorporated. He specializes in functional assessments, community integration, clinical counselling, and rehabilitation support. Dr. Keats is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), a Registered Rehabilitation Practitioner (RRP), a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (NACPT), and a Hypnotherapist. (CCHA)

Dr. Keats educational background includes a Master's Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis, & Clinical Psychology, as well as a PhD in Medical Sociology focusing on community care, deinstitutionalization, and the role of normalization in adaptive functioning of individuals experiencing disabilities. 

Jim's consulting work with the provincial government and private and nonprofit community care agencies contributed to the development of the best practice guidelines for behavior management within the least restrictive treatment model. These guidelines involve training and supervising positive behavioral support plans, which enable individuals with extreme challenging behaviors to live safely and productively in community settings.

Dr. Keats is an industry leader in training community care givers, in areas of behaviour management and nonviolent crisis intervention; establishing day programs, creating support services, and developing community integration models.

 
Louise Bick, BA (Psych) MSc (Educ. Psych.) (ABT) - Counsellor

For over two decades, Louise Bick has been working on behalf of people with developmental disabilities. Ms. Bick has a B.A. in Psychology, and a Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology and Rehabilitation at the University of Calgary.

Since her professional career as a licensed school teacher, Ms. Bick has brought her skills to the New Horizons team to support day programs, residential, and vocational services, in developing positive empowering programs for adults in care.

Ms. Bick provides one-on-one and group counselling and skill building support to adults experiencing a wide spectrum of socio-emotional problems, such as grief, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.

Ms. Bick is an established and respected consultant to caregivers of adults in care, and provides ongoing training in non-aversive behavioural management and crisis intervention.
 
Debbie Thom, MSW - Community Care Counsellor


Mrs. Thom received both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master's of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Mrs. Thom's focus is in clinical social work, as a Registered Clinical Social Worker with the Province of BC. She is also experienced in crisis counselling and conflict resolution, group facilitation, and employment counselling, as well as talented in the use of strength and solution focused therapies with multi-barriered clients.

For the New Horizons team, Mrs.Thom brings a wealth of experience: as a child welfare worker, a family support worker, an independent living support counsellor, a contract social worker, a private counsellor, and an employment consultant.
 
Donna Bishop, BSW - Counsellor

Mrs. Bishop is a counsellor, therapist, social worker, and life coach - facilitating change with people through individual as well as group work and community education.

In her expansive experience, Mrs. Bishop has worked in numerous fields, such as: addiction and mental health, acute care, persons with disabilities, supporting people through assessments, advocacy, education, and counselling, with the Ministry for Children and Families, and in private practice.

With New Horizons, Mrs. Bishop provides assessment, counselling, caregiver support and education, as well as “Life Story Counselling”.  Life Story Counselling is an effective therapeutic method which uses photos, artwork, positive memories, and stories to create a "Life Book".  The process of talking through personal issues while creating a Life Book, supports people in identifying their strengths and goals, builds self-esteem and confidence, as well as connects people with their roots, history, and future goals. 
 
Janet Keats, Behaviour Support Counsellor

Ms. Keats has worked supporting adults with developmental disabilities in various settings since 1992.  Her work focuses on behavioural support that encompasses a recognition of an individual's history, values, and needs, as well as advocating for adult rights, dignity and opportunities to contribute to society. She provides direct counselling to individuals with developmental disabilities who experience complex barriers to achieving their  personal goals.

Ms. Keats specializes in developing and implementing supportive, non-restrictive behaviour programs for individuals who present life-long challenging behaviours.  She provides on-going education to service-providers in applying best practices and the least restrictive methods of support. Ms. Keats has training in Applied Behaviour Analyses, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
 
Kim Niemela, Program Coordinator

 

In twenty years with New Horizons, Mrs. Niemela has held a leadership role in ensuring the planning of supports and services meet the needs of individuals, and assists in making key decisions concerning the services and support our clients receive.

Mrs. Niemela's professional management ensures our support and services are delivered in the most cost effective, timely, and appropriate manner, through coordination of the New Horizons team. She has an extensive background in services to individuals with developmental disabilities, team leading, contract management, and financial accountability.