John Stob:

Professional Experiences: John Stob has over 37 years experience in the social service field. Prior to the initiation of Lidkea, Stob, Venema & Associates, he worked in a mental health organization, hospital, penitentiary system, and C.A.S., doing front-line service in the areas of individual, marital, family and group. John has significant experience and training in the modes of stress, corporate mediation, abuse, depression and relationship therapy.

Thomas Venema:

Professional Experiences: Thomas Venema has over 33 years experience in the social service field. Before joining John in private practice, he worked in front-line and management roles with a variety of agencies such as FACS, adult mental health clinics and adolescent services. Tom has significant training and experience in the areas of relationships (marital, individual and family), sexual abuse, adolescence and executive coaching.

The following are the requirements for our associates

• Minimum Education – Masters Degree
• Minimum work experience – 5 years supervised training working with a wide range of populations
• Registration with recognized professional association / college
• Liability Insurance
• Minimum attendance of 3 professional training sessions per calendar year

 

List of Associates:

Lorraine Arbuckle:

Education/Certification: Masters of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 15 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 2008

Lorraine Arbuckle MSW, RSW has practiced as a social worker for fifteen years. She has worked with individuals, families and groups. Lorraine has worked in child protection, hospital and community mental health settings. She is experienced in working with a variety of mental health concerns, and emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, stress, issues of loss and self esteem.

Alice (Alex) Carter:

Education/Certification: BA, Masters of Social Work

Total Social Work Experience: 39 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 2001

Alice Carter (Alex) BA, MSW has been a social worker since 1972. She has lived and worked in Niagara for most of her life. Alice has worked with Family and Children’s Services in Toronto and in Niagara as a child protection officer, trainer and as a caseworker. She works with individuals, couples and provides family counselling for Lidkea, Stob, Venema & Associates. Her training includes Hypnosis, Sexual Abuse Counselling, Neurolinguistic Programming, E.M.D.R., and various other therapies including Brief Solution Focused. Since 2001 Alice has been working with LSVA as a counsellor at our Pelham Road site offering sessions for individual, couple and family counselling.

Catherine Doan

Education/Certification: Masters of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 16 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 2005

Catherine Doan MSW, RSW has been a social worker since 1995. Catherine comes from the Kingston area and now lives here in Niagara with her husband and daughter. Catherine has worked with Children Aid Society as a Child and Youth Social Worker, and a Social Worker. She is skilled in assessments, problem solving, case management and case planning. She has experience with individuals, couples, families and groups and provides counseling for Brock University students through Lidkea, Stob, Venema & Associates. Catherine has training in assisting persons with special needs and disabilities, youth, suicide prevention, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.

Len Dykstra:

Education/Certification: Masters of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 29 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 1999

Len Dykstra MSW, RSW has been a social worker for over twenty-nine years. He was born and raised in Thunder Bay Ontario and has lived in Niagara for the last twenty-seven years. He has been employed as a social worker with various agencies specializing in health, mental health and disability. More recently, Len was the education coordinator and social worker for a Niagara based brain injury service. Since 1999, he has been a counselor with Lidkea, Stob, Venema and Associates Family Counselling Services providing individual marital and family counselling. In his many roles here, Len also provides counselling for students at Brock University and is he is a frequent presenter/speaker at workshops and conferences. He has both a personal and professional interest in health and wellness

Kimberley Gunning:

Education/Certification: Masters of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 12 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 2006

Kimberley Gunning, MSW, RSW has been a social worker since 1999. She lives and works in Niagara with her husband. Kimberley has worked with Ontario Brain Injury, YWCA, Family and Children’s Services, NewPort Centre Addiction Counselling and Ministry of Corrections all in the Niagara Region. Since 2006 Kimberley has worked as an associate with Lidkea, Stob, Venema & Associates in many of our Niagara offices. Kimberley has extensive training in dealing with persons with brain injuries, suicide intervention, addictions, family violence, employment issues, depression/anxiety, self-image issues, stress management and overall wellness. Kimberley has experience with individuals, families, couples and groups.

Diane Keenan:

Education/Certification: Masters of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 23 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 1998

Diane Keenan, MSW, RSW has been in the mental health field since 1988. Prior to this she worked in the field of education. Diane works with individuals, couples and families. Her training and interests include management of stress and anxiety, issues of life cycle changes and transition in individuals, families and couples, depression, panic disorder, and communication issues. She is also certified in Critical Incident Stress debriefing..

George Nicolaidi:

Education/Certification: BA, MEd, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 25 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 1986

George Nicolaidi, BA, MEd, RSW has been in social work since 1986. He lives in rural Niagara with his family. George has experience working with emotionally disturbed children, adolescents and their families. George works with individuals, couples and families. George has extensive training in Behaviour Management, Life Skills Training and Brief Solution Therapy.

Ruth Beekhuis (exclusive to Brock Personal Counselling):

Education/Certification: Masters of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Total Social Work Experience: 22 years

Started with Lidkea, Stob Venema: 2002