Tessa Small
RPN, BScPN
Founder
- Director of Operations
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse
- Mental Health Therapist
Tess holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and has committed her career to Mental Health and Wellness, focusing on Addictions, Substance Use Disorders, and Harm Reduction. She spent several years at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, starting as a community addictions counsellor and later becoming a Mental Health Therapist in First Nations communities. Tess has also worked in psychiatric units, high schools, the 7th Street Health Access Centre, and provided counselling at the Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, gaining a diverse range of experiences. In 2021, she co-founded Home Counselling and Wellness, a private therapy centre with a group of like-minded therapists, where she continues to practice while also overseeing operations at Otter Home, showing deep commitment to both.
Tess combines her light-hearted energy with her expertise to inspire hope and possibility in recovery. She is driven by the vision of creating a more innovative, personalized approach that keeps families together in a supervised, safe environment. This model honors the unique bonds between mothers and their children, fostering resilience and healing through their connection. Her strategic vision and commitment to the centre help build strong community partnerships and sustainable healing initiatives.
Tess believes that recognizing and celebrating the beauty in others is a powerful catalyst for healing, inspiring those around her to embrace their potential for change. Her compassionate presence and unwavering support reflect this philosophy, making a profound impact on the lives of many.
OTTER Home Inc. now serves as a sanctuary for mothers and children to stay together. Here, they receive tailored mental health support, parenting education, and life skills training, all aimed at achieving lasting family unity.