OakesSatir Collaborative
Our Team
“Let it begin with me’
Our collaborative team includes those who have been practicing the Satir Methods with great success for many years, as well as, co-facilitators who are training and participating as a result of their more recent learning and participating. We are all actively participating in our own journey of learning, living and practicing what we have gained through the Satir Models, teachings and other modalities.
Key members of our facilitation team are well versed to treat the life threatening dis-ease that is addiction. 'We understand this disease from the perspective of the struggling addict, the family, friends and extended family and have utilized the Satir Growth Models with many clients over the years'. Judi Oakes
We can, will and do offer to serve those who have a desire to learn, live and practice Satir teachings. We are proud to offer in-person (when possible), Zoom and/or Hybrid formats, including daytime evenings and weekend workshops. Our programs focus on encouraging, motivating, supporting people who want to make change in their lives = Embracing Possibilities.
LEARNING. LIVING. PRACTICING.
Our Founding Member
Judi Oakes
MA. CCC, RCC
Judi has facilitated workshops for over 35 years in the areas of family of origin, addictions, grief, and trauma. Working internationally as well as partnering with many community organizations, Judi inspires personal and professional development and transformational opportunities. Passionate about creating transformational opportunities, Judi is committed to encouraging, motivating, and challenging people to be the change they want to see in the world.
Jim Edwards
Jim has been helping people with Addictions and Mental Health issues for over thirty-five years. As a gifted facilitator, Jim demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for helping people change. Jim brings a depth of understanding and compassion to his facilitation style, his presence supports people in their change process. In recovery from addiction himself, he brings skills and expertise “from walking both sides of the path.”
Maria Gomori
We are honoured to have been supported by Maria Gomori as our team’s teacher, colleague and mentor. Maria, a pioneer in the field of Family Systems therapy, worked directly with Virginia Satir for many years. Maria introduced us to many innovative and ground-breaking pioneers in the field of Psychology. Through personal stories and videos we were privileged to meet people like Victor Frankl, Milton Erikson, Fritz Perls, as well as, many more of her friends.
Maria was renowned for her skillfulness in family reconstruction and demonstration of the transformational processes of the Satir model. Many of us are privileged to have been taught, mentored and encouraged to develop our own proficiencies, resources and practice with Maria.
Born in Budapest, Hungary on May 25,1920. Maria faced numerous challenges throughout her life, escaping death on several occasions. Drawing upon her strength and courage to survive, her passion for life and freedom, as well as her determination to protect her family, gave her the will to push through each of her life's challenges.
In addition to being the Founder of the Manitoba Satir Institute and Co-founder of the Hong Kong Satir Institute, Maria's legacy includes being an Emeritus Faculty member at The Haven Institute, B.C. Canada, a faculty member of the 2017 Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference (Clinical member and retired), an approved supervisor with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and University of Winnipeg in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Maria's written works include co-authoring The Satir Model and authoring her autobiography Passion for Freedom. Her professional books include Personal Alchemy (with Adaskin), and Satir Family Therapy in Action.
On Dec 10, 2021, we along with the world, lost an influential and truly special woman who touched the lives of many people during her life’s journey. Those of us who knew Maria certainly share our deep gratitude for having had the privilege of learning with Maria.
OakesSatir Collaborative will continue to develop utilizing the guidance, consultation, mentorship, as well as the encouragement and ongoing support Maria Gomori offered to our practice over many years.
I met Maria Gomori for the first time when she was 99 years young, and that was just over a year ago on the Zoom Video Format. She was excited about participating in this new mode of sharing Satir with the world. What a beautiful example of 'no excuses'. Tammy Mickelson (Workshop Participant)
Jennifer Oakes
Jennifer has been embracing professional and personal development for over 30 years; actively participating in training opportunities from a wide variety of teachers including: Pema Chödrön, Non-Violent Communication (CNVC), Virtues Project, Hakomi Training, Brene Brown, Virginia Satir and many others.
An avid life-long learner, Jennifer is a facilitator, presenter and motivator. With an MA in Educational Psychology and Leadership, she has a full time career in post-secondary education supporting students.
Jennifer’s training, education and experience informs her practice and enthusiastic approach which includes a personal interest in engaging with, encouraging and advocating for others. Evident in her interactions, Jennifer finds inspiration through supporting others.
Virginia Satir’s teachings support Jennifer’s values and she is pleased to be in service to Oakes Satir Collaborative in support of delivering programs in Canada and around the world.
Nicky Hadwell,
Nicky embraced the Satir Model as a way of life and applies it to her professional practice. She is enthusiastic about facilitating workshops, groups and programs to support the ongoing development of people becoming more fully human. Nicky has trained in the STST model of family therapy, has engaged with many teachers, mentors and persons committed to supporting the amazing strength and hope within people's spirits. Nicky brings her many years of experience to our facilitation team.
Victoria Creighton,
Dr. Victoria Creighton, Clinical Director at Pine River Institute, brings 25 years of experience in the field of family, individual and group therapy. She completed her master’s degree in 1996 and her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2000. Victoria has been training in family systems therapy for many years, embracing the STST Model of Family Therapy in her practice.
Mentored by Maria Gomori, Victoria has been teaching and living the values and principles of the Satir Approach in all aspects of her life. Victoria demonstrates her passion for helping individuals & families grow and heal. She generates a practice of empowering them to find themselves and to communicate in all relationships more effectively. When she is not teaching, training, and guiding others in how to be more whole and true to themselves, you can find her on her farm nurturing her menagerie of animals (horses, sheep, chickens and her donkey, Gus). Victoria is a wonderful addition to our team.
Emmanuel Gaillot,
Passionate about Systems theory, Emmanuel has studied with many teachers engaging with various systems. His experience with systems has encouraged him to seek a greater understanding of human psychology and development. Utilizing both virtual and in-person spaces, Emmanuel eagerly shares his knowledge in both English and French with personal and professional groups.
Emmanuel’s interest in developing his knowledge of systems in human development led him to begin his studies with Maria Gomori. While Emmanuel has expertise in many areas of psychology, his work with Satir under Maria’s mentorship has been extensive since 2010. Emmanuel treasures the Satir Model for the respect it instills for self and others; along with, the kindness with which it invites profound changes within. He continues to marvel at the the depth of this model which remains easily graspable to audiences with little knowledge of therapeutic practices. A model that is deceptively simple.
Emmanuel works in various roles such as: trainer, workshop facilitator, counsellor, theatre translator, and software programmer. He strives to help others to feel better about themselves, become more confident in their choices and feel prouder of what they accomplish. Following in the footsteps of Virginia Satir, Maria Gomori and others, Emmanuel is passionate about supporting others to become more fully who they yearn to be.
