Melinda Hynes
I.C.A.D.C., C.E.A.P., Lead Coordinator
Melinda Hynes decided to change her drinking and drugging lifestyle in September 1990 at the age of 26 years old. Melinda could clearly see that she was headed for a future of self destruction much like her mother’s journey of alcohol and drug abuse. Melinda began her personal recovery journey and education in 12 Step Recovery in 1990 and has continued to learn and grow to be the best loving and forgiving human soul, exactly the person her Higher Power designed her to be. Through her recovery Melinda knows that she was been guided every step of the way for health and healing.
After one year in recovery, Melinda went to college in 1991 and started her educational journey for the sole purpose and intention of helping others successfully recover from addiction and codependency.
Melinda put her heart and soul into her studies and successfully completed:
• Corrections Worker Program at Centennial College in1994
• Addictions and Family Program at Centennial College in 1995
• Teacher of Adults Program at Centennial College in 2000
Melinda became Internationally Certified as Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC) in 1996 which she has continued to update her knowledge with 40 hours of ongoing education every two years.
Melinda’s first placement was in the Bail Program at Just for Today Addictions/ Outpatient Program in 1992. One of her most rewarding employment experiences was teaching the Professional Ethics in the Addictions Studies Program at Centennial College for twelve years.
Melinda loved her work in the Salvation Army Addictions Program from 1994 – 1996 as Supervisor and then moved forward in 1996 to help others in the Probation and Parole Services as the addiction counselor on different parole sites until 1998.
In the meantime, in 1996 Melinda began employment at the Renascent where she was instrumental in the development of the outpatient program and the initial development of the “Manual for the Continuing Care” program. While Melinda was employed as a Counsellor at the Renascent Women’s’ Treatment Centre she opened her own private practice in 2000. Melinda was actively involved providing support and guidance to clients in the aftercare program for West-Over Treatment Center for several years.
Because of her profound impact of knowledge, education, skills, and experience at Centennial College and in throughout her career, Melinda was invited and honoured to teach the Addictions Course in 2018 to Psychology Counsellors in China.
Melinda Hynes was the founder and co-ordinator of the Park Road South Sober Community Home in Oshawa operating from 2006 -2016. This transition home provided supportive and safe housing for men after graduating from residential treatment programs.
In this endeavour Melinda worked collaboratively with a team of volunteers and students as well as a Board of Directors for success, leading many students during their education placements as well as co-ordination of all programs and operations of the treatment home.
Melinda also served twice for two-year terms on the CACCF Board of Directors as Chair of the Certification Committee.
Melinda prides herself in her role as a mother of two grown sons and “Nana” of four grandchildren that live in Ottawa, enjoys nature and reading, and loves spending time at her cottage with her husband Kirk.
Melinda humbly does not take ALL the credit for her opportunities, successes, blessings, and accomplishments in life. She knows that because of her faith and trust in a Higher Power, her belief in the angels sent along the path to encourage and teach her, and as a result of practising the tools of the 12 Step Recovery Programs for 30 years she has much to add to the programs at the Addiction Rehab Toronto.