I am in my 34th year in the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Correctional Services (a member of the OPS since July 1990). As a Registered Clinical Social Worker (OCSWSSW) I began my professional career as a front-line Social Worker in the provincial adult correctional system. Over the years I have held roles of increased responsibility including: Manager of Social Work and Rehabilitative Services, Deputy Superintendent Programs / Treatment, Deputy Superintendent Administration, Superintendent (Ontario Correctional Institute), Deputy Regional Director (Western and Central Regions) and the Manager of the Mental Health and Addictions Unit in the Health Services Division. I currently support a team of professionals having oversight responsibility for the correctional services mental health and addictions strategy, supporting a continuum of care for individuals under the care and supervision of the provincial correctional system. I'm a passionate advocate regarding the importance of a collaborative approach to mental health and addictions care in the justice system, supported by inter-professional teams, engagement with key community stakeholders and person-centred, specialized care. I champion a service delivery model that is responsive to and reflect the complex needs of the diverse client population.Completely separate from my government / public service role, since 1996 I have facilitated a private counselling practice on Saturdays within my community, providing individual and couple counselling (Life Balance Counselling). I work from a strength-based perspective focusing on stress and anxiety management, trauma, interpersonal conflict, men's issues and assisting individuals in developing personal strategies to create a new sense of balance in their lives. Since obtaining my Master of Social Work degree (1989) I have been engaged in the provision of therapeutic counselling in a variety of settings including Employee and Family Assistance programs, Family Health Teams and community outreach / family service agencies.