About Us

At Forest City Healing Centre, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction through a holistic approach to recovery. Our team brings together decades of experience, personal insights, and professional expertise.

Key Staff Members

Staffing is a key component of our organization as our goal is to ensure top-tier care and treatment for all clients. Our team members bring the right mix of experience, education, and personal dedication to support our facility and its mandate of helping people on their recovery journey.

Our Collective Expertise

Forest City Healing Centre brings together an exceptional team with a combined 50+ years of specialized experience in addiction treatment. Our staff includes:

Academic Excellence

  • University of Toronto alumni
  • Schulich School of Medicine affiliation
  • McMaster University certification

Professional Certifications

  • International & Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine
  • Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling
  • American Academy of Pain Management
  • Certified Professional Counsellor

Our team combines academic knowledge, clinical excellence, extensive business acumen, and—most importantly—personal lived experience with recovery. This unique blend of expertise ensures we deliver comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of addiction and recovery.

Drew Weir

Drew Weir

Chief Executive Officer

Drew Weir, after years of struggling with opiates, found recovery through Renaissance Recovery Centre and Cocaine Anonymous. A serious car accident in his 20s became a turning point, leading him to embrace sobriety. After rebuilding his career as a powerline technician and his life based upon spiritual principles, a second car accident caused him to be faced with many extreme injuries. With injuries overcoming his personal life and professional career, he found himself at a turning point where he could no longer continue in his profession. Drew lives by the principle "You can't keep it without giving it away." This principle is the foundation of his efforts in sponsoring others and guiding them through the 12 steps.

Seven years ago, he envisioned opening a facility to help those battling addictions. At this turning point in his life, the calling came to transform the old detox center on Queen Street into a healing center. Drew felt compelled by this calling and was all in. His mission is to create a place that offers the best care and education for addicts, driven by his own experiences and passion. Now, as the city needs this center more than ever, Drew is ready to make it a reality.

Alek Kontic

Alek Kontic

Director of Administration

Alek Kontic's journey through recovery, spanning 17 years, has not only transformed his personal life but has also led to remarkable entrepreneurial success. After seeking help at various treatment centers across the country, Alek found lasting change through the principles of the 12-Step Fellowship and a deep sense of purpose. These values became the foundation upon which he rebuilt his life.

Since then, Alek has founded and grown several thriving businesses, all of which provide employment opportunities to people in recovery, embodying his commitment to giving back. He also owns multiple properties in the city of London and has created a loving home with his wife and three children, who have shared in his journey of recovery and success.

Alek's approach to business is rooted in the principles of fairness and integrity that he embraced during his recovery, values that now shape all aspects of his life. His entrepreneurial achievements reflect his dedication to doing the next right thing, not only for himself but for those around him, as he continues to make a positive impact on his community.

Dean Anderson

Dean Anderson

Program Director

Dean Anderson is Certified through the CPCA as an RPC & MPCC (Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling) from London, ON. He specializes in addiction and substance use disorders and currently wears many hats in the addiction and recovery communities, including being a Private Practice Counsellor, MAP Service Provider, Consultant, and NRT Practitioner. His experience includes withdrawal management, residential treatment, peer support, residential trauma, private care, and several volunteering ventures. His dedication to the field is reflected in the multiple committees, programs, and community events, including formerly chairing the Community of Practice for the CACCF. He also uses his knowledge and experience as a Clinical Supervisor to help grow the addiction counselling profession. In addition, Dean uses his lived experience to be an advocate for addiction recovery and the removal of stigma through public speaking, educational workshops, and hosting a local TV show about stigma and addiction.

Credentials
  • McMaster University, Professional Addiction Studies Diploma
  • RPC, MPCC, Registered Professional Counsellor, Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling with the CPCA
  • Member of the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Certificate in Intensive Smoking Cessation Counselling, CBT Accreditation, and DBT Accreditation
  • Chestnut Health Systems, GAIN Q3 MI Assessment Certified
  • Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Certificates in Smoking Protection, Evaluation, Cessation, and Prevention
  • Mental Health First Aid Certificate, Mental Health Commission of Canada
  • LivingWorks, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certified
  • The Red Cross, First Aid, and CPR Certified
  • Crisis Prevention Institute, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certified
Dr. Janel Gracey

Dr. Janel Gracey

Medical Consultant

Dr. Gracey is an International and Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine Certified physician with a specialized background in addressing chronic pain and addiction challenges. Able to develop state-of-the-art addiction clinics leveraging the talents of physicians, specialists, and community resources in improving the lives diverse patient populations. American Academy of Pain Management Certified. Medical Examiner for the Medical Council of Canada and Adjunct Professor at Schulich School of Medicine at the University of Western Ontario.

Credentials
  • CCFP (2008-Present)
  • Methadone for Pain Exemption (2009-Present)
  • Methadone for Addiction Exemption (2010-Present)
  • International and Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine Certification (2013-Present)
  • American Academy of Pain Management Certification (2014-Present)
  • Certificate in International Medicine (2007-Present)

Our Mission

At Forest City Healing Centre, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of each individual on their recovery journey. We believe in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to create lasting change.

We are committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can heal, learn, and grow, developing the skills and resilience needed for long-term recovery and wellness.