How I Got Here

Rennie F. Genaille is a person of mixed ancestry, Saulteaux and Metis originally from the Keeseekoose First Nations reserve near Kamsack Saskatchewan. Rennie has a strong background in cultural teachings and traditional ceremonies, including drumming, singing, and is a competent Native American flute player. Rennie holds a MSW degree from the University of British Columbia; a BSW degree from Thompson Rivers University; a diploma from the College of New Caledonia, and a Substance Abuse Counselling Certificate from the University College of the Fraser Valley.

Mr Genaille is a registered member in good standing with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW #9484), the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (R.C.C.#10993), and holds an Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist Level III (ICAS III #0067) with First Nations Wellness/Addictions Counsellor Certification Board. Rennie is also a registered service provider with the Crime Victims Assistance Program, and Veteran Affairs Canada.

Mr Genaille was a member of the counselling team at Round Lake Treatment Centre from April 2006-July 2013. Through out his tenure at Round Lake, Rennie has continually expanded his skill sets and knowledge of evidenced-based paradigms. Rennie is adept with integrating traditional forms of healing with mainstream modalities. Bridging the void between academia and cultural sensitive practices, is one of Rennie’s greatest strength.

During his tenure with Round Lake, Rennie joined the faculty with the School of Social Work at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops BC. As a Sessional faculty, Rennie instructed HUMS 1770 Introduction to First Nations Studies in Human Service Practice, SOCW 3540 Introduction to First Nations Issues and Human Services, SOCW-3530 Social Work Practice with Individuals, and SOCW-3590 Advanced Social work Practice with Individuals. This experience has truly enhanced Rennie’s knowledge of evidenced-based mainstream modalities, particularly how these approaches can be adapted to an Aboriginal world view. Rennie practices from a Holistic Strength based, Client Centred approach, and strongly holds the philosophy that “Culture is Treatment”.

Rennie resides with his wife Valerie on the Okanagan Indian Band, along with two feisty cats— Austin-Chalupa and Akando.

EDUCATION:

Masters of Social Work   (MSW)                                                                                                                                    

University of British Columbia – Okanagan, Kelowna BC.  

Bachelor of Social Work      (BSW)                                                                                                                            

With Child Welfare Specialization

Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC.

Social Service – Pre-BSW Diploma Program                                                                                                             

College of New Caledonia, Prince George, BC.

Substance Abuse Counselling Certificate                                                                                                           

University of the Fraser Valley

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)                      

Session One: Saskatoon, Sask.                                                                                                                          

Session Two: Victoria, BC                                                                                                                                       

Vancouver CBT & DBT Clinical Skills Conference                                                                                               

Vancouver BC (Facilitated by Jack Hirose and Associates)  

Vancouver Conference: Children & Adolescents: Overcoming                                                                                

Behavioural, Emotional & Learning Challenges

Vancouver BC     (Facilitated by Jack Hirose and Associates)                                   

Calgary Fall Conference: Healing & Treating Trauma,                                                                               

Addictions & Related Disorders Conference

Calgary Alberta      (Facilitated by Jack Hirose and Associates)                                                                                                                     

How to Become a Better Manager of People                                                                                                       

Canadian Professional Management Services

Vancouver, BC.

Clinical Hypnosis Training                                                                                                                      

CSCH, Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Vancouver, BC

Beyond Fear: Working with Trauma Survivors                                                                                                 

DR. Darien Thira Ph.D  Vancouver, BC.

New Frontiers in Trauma Treatment                                                                                                     

Dr Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Edmonton, Alberta

Advanced Innovative Practices in Clinical Supervision                                                                             

Justice Institute of British Columbia

New Westminster BC

Additional Professional Training:

- Violence against women in Relationships- Elizabeth Fry Society  

- Healthy Sexuality in Relationships

- Train the trainer HIV/AIDS Education

- Motivational Interviewing – Corrections Services Canada/Crises Line training

- Certified Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

- Non-Violent Communications

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

British Columbia College of Social workers                                                                                                            

In good standing, registration R.S.W. #9484

British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors                                                                                              

In good standing, registration R.C.C. # 10993

SUMMARY OF SKILLS:

• Conducts Traditional Healing circles/ therapy sessions / therapy groups / ceremonies.

• Competent Traditional Flute Player/Traditional Drummer and Healing Songs

• In-depth experience with group facilitation / one to one counselling.

• Experienced in intake & assessment / documentation / record-keeping / case management / consultation

• Educator/Teacher; Sessional Faculty Thompson Rivers University

• Wealth of experience accessing appropriate community resources.

• Excellent team player with great communication and interpersonal skills.

• Open minded and creative in problem solving / effective case conferencing.

• Clinical Supervision and Peer support services

• Informed with Tele-Health technologies

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

In Private Practice: Counselling services

Vernon BC                                                                                     

Splatsin First Nations Health Centre

Mental Health Clinician/Clinical Supervisor                                                                                               

Thompson Rivers University

Kamloops BC                                                                                      

School of Social work – Continuing Sessional-Faculty

Round Late Treatment Centre                                                                                                                  

Armstrong, BC.                                                         

Conference Coordinator                                                                                                                    

PG Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Assoc.

Prince George, BC.