Dr. Alana Holt brings 20 years of experience working in mental health and addictions treatment. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Doctor of Medicine degree with a Specialty in Psychiatry. Dr. Holt works with a team of health professionals at the University of Saskatchewan, Student Wellness Centre. She was a member of the Early Psychosis Intervention Program for a decade. She teaches in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and is involved in physician and student health promotion. Dr Holt is passionate about brain health and wellness and providing education on the interconnection of physical, psychological, social and spiritual components of health.


Chelsea Korpan-Sparks (she/her)
Credentials/Educational Background: BA (Sociology), Professional Addictions (Diploma), BSW student, Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor (CCAC), Prime For Life Educator/Facilitator
Clinical Areas of Interest: Chelsea is a Harm Reduction Counsellor on campus at the Student Wellness Centre. Chelsea offers individual sessions in a non-judgmental space to help reduce risk associated with; alcohol, cannabis, gambling, gaming, nicotine, opioids, pornography, social media, stimulants, vaping, smoking, etc.


Therapy Approach Highlights: The Lifestyle Risk Reduction Model that Chelsea utilizes allows students to understand their personal risk associated with substances and/or behavior patterns. Some of these risk factors we can change and some we cannot. Reducing risk associated with substance use and/or unhealthy behavior patterns is the goal!!
What do you like about your work? I love curious minds! We have to be open to new ideas/information to allow for growth, we don’t know what we don’t know AND nothing changes if nothing changes. Through the process of exploration we create awareness, reflection allows us to understand the why’s and protection sets us up for increased wellness. At what level of risk do you make choices in the areas of substance use and/or behavior patterns? Be curious to learn more! I am here for the conversations to support you in next steps, however difficult they may be.

How do you support your personal wellness? When I’m not working in my Harm Reduction role at the U of S I have an active lifestyle with my family and two energetic labradors. In addition to being a counsellor I am an Advanced Certified Stott Pilates Instructor in the community with an added interest in offering International Pilates & Wellness retreats. We have travelled to Panama, Costa Rica and Bali so far and look forward to many more adventures! I am forever learning and growing as an individual and professional, I see the combination of my roles as a way to practice what I preach in the areas of mental and physical health and wellness.

This event is part of Beyond the Buzz: Explore Your USask Sober Curious Options. Join us for daily Lunch & Learn Sessions all this week.

  • November 25th- One Last Call: A Friendship in Recovery- Curtis Sanderson and Mick Favel will be sharing their stories of friendship and recovery.
  • November 26th –Substance Use and Mental Health: Dr. Cheveldae will be doing a presentation on the relationship between substance use and mental health.
  • November 27th – Dr. Holt and Chelsea Korpan-Sparks will be hosting a conversation on “just because its legal, doesn’t mean it's safe” to include some education on cannabis, alcohol, and vaping.
  • November 28th- Navigating Campus Life When You Don’t Drink: Students Johnny, Tianna, Parker and faculty Rebekha will be exploring how they have navigated their time on campus when they don’t drink alcohol. They will offer their experiences and support for others who may be facing this challenge.
  • November 29th- Doctor: Heal Thyself - Dr. Wendy Gore-Hickman Wendy is a retired Anesthesiologist in recovery, she will be talking about her lived experience and life as a “High Functioning Alcoholic”


Find the full calendar of events and the recordings of past events. 

Event Details

When:
Time:
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM CST
Location:
N/A

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