Our Program Staff
Currently, our recovery centre has registered Addictions Counsellors / Group Facilitators, Social Workers available that work directly with all clients on a day-to-day basis, providing instruction in program materials, general support and one on one counselling.
We are very fortunate to have such strong support for our centre. Each brings with them a unique perspective, varied education, skills and experiences. Together they provide a well-rounded team of expertise.
Additional supports may include Peer Counsellors, Student Counsellors, and a Consulting Clinician that meet with clients by appointment.
We have several Volunteers and part time Addiction Support Workers (male and female) available to assist clients during their leisure time, during peer interaction and assist with life skills development and outings. These support workers assist the program team as each client discovers their individual path of recovery. Combined, our organization has many members with lived experience and almost 100 years of combined sobriety and Recovery.
Our Management Staff:
Ardyth Wilson (June 8, 1952-July 12, 2023)
Ardyth began her journey years before opening Leipzig Serenity Retreat (now Prairie Sky Recovery Centre Inc) by serving her community and others in need through her belief in the fellowship of AA. Having housed, counselled, and held many hands over the years of people needing treatment, Ardyth and her partner Dan, along with friend Gary, purchased the old former convent in 2008 and went to work. After renovations and program development, they welcomed their first paying client in 2009.
Years of blood sweat, and tears transformed the old, derelict building into a welcoming home for suffering addicts and alcoholics to heal. Their motto “Healing Happens Here” came to life, and in 2016 after a brief illness, Ardyth retired and happily resided across the street from the centre, often coming over to share a meal, a meeting and words of encouragement.
Ardyth passed in July of 2023, surrounded by family. She left an incredible legacy behind for her two daughters to take up. Before she passed, Ardyth saw the main building be named Ardyth House in her honor at her retirement gala, celebrated 38 years of sobriety, was present at the opening of Starlight House, and witnessed many of her grandchildren scrub dishes in commercial kitchen- marking three generations of helpers in the centre she created.
She was loved and admired for her wit and wisdom, but mostly, we are grateful to have a place of healing created by this incredible, brave woman. You will be missed.
Jacqueline Hoffman
Public Speaker and Addictions Advocate Jacqueline Hoffman is the CEO and co-owner of Prairie Sky Recovery Centre Inc. Jacqueline’s experience with addictions comes from the lived experience of having a parent in recovery.
Jacqueline worked for her mother Ardyth during the early years of Leipzig Serenity Retreat- starting out in kitchen & housekeeping, finally moving into Admin. Believing fully in her mother’s dream, she dedicated her professional career to assisting her mother in creating a home like environment with professional services to serve those struggling with addiction.
Jacqueline took over as CEO in 2016 – wanting to expand on her mothers dream. Focusing on program development, accreditation and facility expansion, Jacqueline hopes to continue to serve those seeking help with evidence -based, cutting edge, holistic programming.
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Ms. Hoffman and PSR have been recognized many times for this important work. In 2018 she won the prestigious CBC Future 40 award and a Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethical Business Practices. Also, in 2018, The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce made her and Prairie Sky Recovery an ABEX Award finalist in the category of Priority focus, recognizing her excellence in business. She was made an ABEX Award finalist again in 2019 in the category of community involvement for bringing attention to the health crisis of addiction in our province. She recently has been nominated for an RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award- the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading female entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of Women of Influence, an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing women globally.
Jacqueline provides inspiration to many through her tireless efforts advocating for the healing of others and leadership. Her Leadership has grown it into a successful business that exemplifies the dignity and respect that all deserve. Jacqueline uses her experience and speaking platform to advocate for changes in addictions service, break barriers and end stigma associated with addictions.
Melanie Brown, R.S.W
Melanie is the C.A.O and co-owner of Prairie Sky Recovery Centre. She is a Registered Social Worker in the Province of Sask. Melanie has both lived experience with addiction, as well as an educational and professional background in Correctional Services, Mental Health studies, Social Work, Trauma Counselling and Addictions. Melanie is currently working on her B.P.A in Criminal Justice and has a long-term goal of achieving her Masters.
Melanie has shared in her mother Ardyth’s dream to bring experience, strength and hope to those suffering in addiction. It is Melanie’s goal to employ effective, eclectic, evidenced based programs to Prairie Sky Recovery Centre to support healing and peaceful wellbeing.
Joe Rempel
Joe is a nature lover with a soft heart who likes to help others. As a child, Joe was raised in a house with alcohol abuse, so he understands how addictions can negatively impact people and is happy to be a part of so many people’s recovery journey here at PSR.
Joe’s background in concrete, construction, plumbing, welding and superintendent of a golf course has led to him being a jack of all trades. His patience, wisdom and can-do attitude has made him the perfect fit for overseeing our Operations Departments.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Ken Francis
President/Chairman
Ken was born and raised on a family farm in the West Central area of Saskatchewan. He attended Olds College Land Agent program from 1985-87 and began his land agent working for crown utility projects, oil & gas land and mineral leasing acquisitions.
He was employed at SaskPower in Saskatoon from 1991-1995. It was at this time Ken had the opportunity to return home to farm with his parents and start his land & farming co. Palliser Land Ltd.
In 2018 He divested his shares in his land and corporate holdings to his partners and successfully ran for the Saskatchewan Party nomination eventually becoming the MLA for Kindersley from 2018-2024. As MLA he served as legislative secretary for the minister of trade and export, deputy caucus chair, sat on Treasury, Cabinet Economy, Sask Builds and Procurement Boards and was also advisor to the ministers of energy & resources and agriculture.
Ken returned to municipal council (the post he left in 2018 to be the MLA for Kindersley) winning the Mayoral election in Kindersley in the fall of 2024. He also continues to do land consulting work in the west central Sask oil patch.
Ken and Karen (his wife of 33 years) have 3 grown children who all reside in the west central SK area. Ken has been a strong advocate for PSRC during his time as MLA and is excited to continue those efforts as our president/chairman of the PSRC board. His maternal grandmother was raised at Leipzig and his mother was raised at Scott so he has strong family/sentimental ties to the facility and the area.
Bernadette Garrett
Director
Bernadette is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has provided accounting services since 1996. She has retired from her full time practice in 2023.
She is currently serving as a director on the Biggar & District Credit Union board and her Church board. Previously she served as a director on Landis Credit Union Board, Landis Co-op Board and other local boards.
Bernadette is actively involved with their family ranch where they run purebred and commercial Horned Hereford cattle along with grain production. She has a wonderful family that now includes one grand-daughter. She enjoys taking pictures to create calendars and a website for their cattle operation. She plays piano and organ, sings in a 4-part choir in Landis, curls and plays slow-pitch.
Deanna Chowns
Board Member
Deanna is an administrative professional and bookkeeper with a strong background in organization, finance, and behind-the-scenes operations. With over 20 years of experience in office management and bookkeeping, she brings practical skills and a steady hand to the board.
As an alum of Prairie Sky Recovery Center, Deanna is deeply connected to the center’s mission and the community it serves. She is a passionate advocate for sobriety and believes in creating safe, supportive spaces for people at every stage of their recovery journey.
This is her first board role, but Deanna has been actively involved in alumni programs, peer support, and community outreach. She brings both lived experience and professional know-how to the table, and is especially interested in helping the center grow sustainably while staying grounded in compassion and care.
Outside of work, Deanna enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking/baking, staying active and practicing yoga. She continues to support others in recovery through mentorship and service.