Tom Walker runs the peer support program for Ornge. The focus is to mitigate the frontline developing compassion fatigue, making us susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder. Tom's work also includes therapeutic interventions on the continuum of supporting staff and their families after traumatic incidents to those suffering from trauma, addictions, mental health/illness, family work, and conflict mediation.
Before coming to Ornge, Tom worked in frontline, management, and senior leadership roles for 25 years in addiction and mental health. He was Director of Business Development and Training with the Canadian Training Institute (CTI). Tom also led the Youth Worker Training Initiative and the Breaking the Cycle program (Youth Gang Exit Strategy). Tom has a master’s in social work and is a trained Clinical Traumatologist & Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist, associate trainer, board member and consultant through the Traumatology Institute. Tom is also a lead trainer and consultant for the Crisis Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI). He is also finishing a parenting book, Parenting in the 21st Century – Strategies for Getting on Track.