Renascent is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis James as new Director of Programs, effective August 7, 2012.
In his new role Dennis will be responsible for leading our efforts to become an accredited treatment provider. He will champion our vision of becoming the leading abstinence-based treatment and resource centre for people and families suffering from the impact of alcohol and drug addiction.
Dennis previously held the position of Deputy Clinical Director for the Addictions Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. He brings with him over 30 years of clinical and management experience in the fields of addiction and mental health. He has held positions as a therapist, educator and program director and he earned his Master’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri.
Dennis has been a leader in promoting population specific addiction treatment working with various populations including Women, African Canadian and Caribbean Youth, Aboriginal groups and the LGBT community. He has also consulted with many communities to assist in developing public awareness, volunteer training, and culturally specific substance use services. He is one of the founding members of the Toronto Area Addiction Treatment Coalition, playing a key role in the development of the first residential and culturally specific addiction treatment cycle for adults of African descent.
Our new Director of Programs also led the development of the training manual and video, Substance Abuse and Brain Injury: the Cross Training Advantage, an educational package aimed at capacity development in both the addictions and brain injury fields. At the treatment system level, Dennis has participated in a number of Ministry of Health working groups including Mental Health Reform and the Substance Abuse Bureau Rationalization Project.
We are confident that Dennis will be an excellent fit with the team at Renascent. He is a genuine, wise and compassionate man with integrity. He is a joy to work with and we look forward to welcoming him to Renascent this summer.
