Our Team
Dr. Victoria Burns, PhD, RSW
Recovery on Campus (ROC) Founder and Director
Dr. Victoria Burns, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the University of Calgary, director of the UCalgary Recovery Community, and ROC Alberta. As a registered social worker, educator, researcher, and engaged activist she has worked in the homelessness and addiction-recovery sphere for over 15 years. She combines her lived experience of addiction, recovery, and disability with a passion for storytelling and the arts, including documentary film, to raise awareness and combat stigma for marginalized populations in scholarly and mainstream spaces. She lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband Hervé and their sassy cat, Missy.
Chelsie Graham, RSW
Manager, UCalgary Recovery Community, Recovery on Campus Alberta
Chelsie's work history involves disability support and has evolved to other avenues of advocacy for the dignity of people. She encountered Victoria Burns in a Self and Social Care Class during her studies and was introduced to the UCRC in the last year of her studies. This introduction changed the course of her career, her attitudes towards recovery, and problematic substance use, and brought her gladly to this project.
Dr. Renaud Gom, PhD
Research Associate
Dr. Renaud Gom is a Research Associate dedicated to maximizing the impact of community-driven recovery research through his work with the Recovering in Place Lab. His research focused on understanding persistent changes in emotionality resulting from disorders of the brain. Dr. Gom’s current work emphasizes ensuring that recovery initiatives, including Recovery on Campus programs, are evidence-based and effectively meet the needs of diverse communities.
Amrit Kaur Matharoo, MSW, RSW
Specialist, Recovery Support
Amrit's work spans frontline support, systems navigation, and community-based research, with a deep commitment to creating spaces of belonging and dignity for those often pushed to the margins. She brings this lived insight to her role, walking alongside students and staff in their recovery journeys with care, respect, and compassion.
Cole Tosczak
Coordinator, Outreach
Cole is a Métis man with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. As the Outreach Coordinator at the University of Calgary Recovery Community, Cole leverages his lived experience of addiction and recovery to inspire physical, mental, and social well-being in all members of the campus community at the University of Calgary.
Michelle Vetland
Administrative Coordinator
Michelle thrives on colour coated calendars and to-do lists, serving her well as she juggles busy schedules, events, and communications in her role. Michelle takes a people-first approach to her work and loves creating welcoming spaces where students, staff, faculty, and partners feel supported, connected, and set up for success.