Speaker Name: Brian Hamel
Session Description:
Across Alberta’s recovery-oriented systems of care, new roles and services are expanding quickly, but shared standards, consistent training, and a common language have not always kept pace. The Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA) was created to close that gap by providing accessible, evidence-informed education and professional development that strengthens the workforce and supports organizations delivering recovery-oriented care.
In this session, Brian Hamel will introduce RTIA’s approach to workforce development and how it helps align operators, teams, and practitioners around best practices that are practical, culturally responsive, and adaptable to real-world settings. RTIA offers flexible learning options, including in-person, virtual, and on-site delivery, and is designed to support both experienced professionals and those newly entering the field.
Participants will explore how RTIA builds capacity through programs that promote a shared vision and common language for recovery-oriented care, including fully funded, self-paced learning opportunities such as Empower Pathways, as well as ongoing knowledge-sharing through events and webinars.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of RTIA’s role as a community resource and practical next steps for strengthening recovery-oriented care through training that meets the needs of today’s workforce.
Learning Objectives:
Describe RTIA’s role in Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of care- Identify what RTIA does, who it serves, and how its training supports organizations and practitioners across the province.
Explain why shared standards and a common language matter- Summarize how consistent training strengthens service quality, staff confidence, and alignment across diverse teams and settings.
Identify practical ways to apply RTIA training in workplaces-List high-level strategies for integrating training into onboarding, professional development, and day-to-day practice in recovery-oriented care.
BIO
Brian Hamel is the Executive Director of the Recovery Training Institute of Alberta (RTIA), where he leads the development of accessible, evidence-informed training that strengthens Alberta’s recovery-oriented workforce. He brings lived recovery experience, systems insight, and a facilitative style known for clarity, care, and bold authenticity. Brian’s work focuses on advancing ethical practice, shared language, and practical skill-building that helps individuals and organizations deliver compassionate, person-centred recovery-oriented care. RTIA’s learning model emphasizes flexible, culturally sensitive education and real-world application, supporting people to grow, learn, and lead in community.