Our People

Founder, Registered Nurse

Eric Eligh is a Registered Nurse who has specialized in substance use and mental health since 2015. He comes to this work with a deep understanding of harm reduction, relational and person-centred healing, cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and profound respect for the relationship between people and psychedelic medicines.

Eric has extensive training and experience in the safe and legal administration of Psychedelic Therapies. This includes the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) MDMA Therapy Training and a Graduate Certificate from Vancouver Island University’s first Cohort in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

His experience working directly with Ketamine began in 2020 with Roots to Thrive and later with Numinus Wellness. Eric also completed an Addictions Nursing Fellowship with the BC Center on Substance Use, where he first observed the healing potential of psychedelic medicine for substance use disorders.

Having seen and experienced healing in community, Eric founded Understory Wellness in the spring of 2023 with the goal of bringing safe and legal Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy to Rural British Columbia.

Physician

Dr. Joel Kailia was born in Montreal, Quebec and grew up in Toronto. He received a Bachelor of Science from McGill University in physiology and psychology and a master’s degree from the University of Toronto in neuroscience and the study of pain. He trained in family medicine at UBC and shortly afterward moved to Nelson.

Dr. Kailia started Community First Medical Clinic in 2008 with a mandate to help those who had been marginalized by our current healthcare system. He has also helped to start two other medical clinics — the Mend Clinic for students at L.V. Rogers High School and the 10th Street Clinic for Opiate Replacement in Castlegar. In 2013 Dr. Kailia opened the KPAC Clinic (Kootenay Pain and Addiction Clinic, now called RISE).

Dr. Kailia has been treating patients with pain, addictions, and mental health conditions since he graduated in 2002. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional anti-depressants, he trained in and began treating clients using ketamine for treatment-resistant depression in 2018. Since then, he has overseen the treatment of hundreds of patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. He is a co-author of the document "Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders" written to aid the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC in the implementation of an evidence-based practice guideline.

When not in the clinic Dr. Kailia can be found riding his bicycle, doing yoga, skiing and enjoying the great outdoors in the Kootenays.

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Jacqui Manley is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with expertise in Expressive Arts Therapy and Relational Somatic Therapy. Through her trauma-informed practice, she creates a safe and supportive environment for clients to show up authentically and navigate personal challenges. Jacqui holds additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ASIST Suicide Prevention, and has received a number of specialized trainings that center Justice, Equity, and Diversity, which are core pillars of her work.

Recognizing the power of group work and healing in community, Jacqui has facilitated various groups, including Expressive Arts Therapy workshops and Yoga Asana classes, and understands the importance of community in supporting individual transformations and creating spaces that foster collective growth. Jacqui also works with the Psychedelic Coaching Institute, supporting curriculum development and education.

With diverse qualifications and experiences, Jacqui is committed to supporting individuals on their healing journey and offers a holistic approach toward wellbeing.

Physician

Dr. Ivan Gerlitz is a family physician currently working in the Kootenays and Washington State as a Hospitalist and Emergency Room provider. Born and raised in Nelson, BC, he feels a deep sense of fulfillment in serving his community.

Ivan brings a strong relational approach to his work and believes in supporting his clients to achieve wellness. His initial exposure to mental health and substance use came during his time as a Registered Nurse, where he dedicated himself to these areas in both Nelson and Vancouver. By working closely with his clients, Ivan has fostered stability through a harm-reduction lens, providing compassionate and client-centred care.

Ivan's passion for Ketamine-Assisted Therapy stems from the growing body of evidence showcasing the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine. His experience administering Ketamine in Emergency Settings and supporting the facilitation of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in the Kootenays uniquely positions him to partner with Understory Wellness. Through his work Ivan aims to enhance the lives of individuals seeking treatment within a safe a supportive environment.

Registered Nurse

Jen Preston is a Registered Nurse and Nursing Instructor, teaching clinical and theory in Nursing at Selkirk College. Jen has pursued many additional professional development courses in Nursing, counselling techniques, and antiracism approaches to ensure her practice remains current. She has participated in research initiatives and been involved healthcare start ups and is continuously seeking to expand her knowledge and skills. She is passionate about facilitating groups and believes in creating a safe and supportive environment for participants.

Jen has valuable experience in both community and acute care settings, focusing on providing up-to-date and compassionate care to individuals. With a background in harm reduction and substance use educational programming, Jen has developed a deep understanding of the various challenges we face as a community and is an advocate for individualized healthcare choices and resources that empower people to make informed decisions about their well-being.

With a goal of providing a therapeutic and safe space for participants to experience Psychedelic Therapy and integrate the benefits into their lives, Jen approaches each person with respect, open-mindedness, and collaboration. She values diverse perspectives and believes in fostering an inclusive and empathetic environment for individuals to embark on their healing journey.

Registered Psychologist

Dr. Megan Sawatsky is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of BC. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa and currently provides psychological treatment and assessment services in Nelson, BC. Megan feels incredibly grateful to live, work, and play in the unceded lands of the Ktunaxa, the Syilx, and the Sinixt peoples and to serve peoples of diverse cultural and spiritual heritages and identities.

In her clinical practice, Megan works with adults, couples, and youth to heal mental health and interpersonal challenges and build meaningful and fulfilling lives. She is experienced in supporting individuals to work through trauma and its psychological, physical, and relational impacts. A portion of her practice is dedicated to first responder and veteran mental health and wellness.

Megan brings her experience working with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns and her diverse training background to her work with Understory—including her training with ATMA’s Advanced Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Program. As a scientist-practitioner, Megan thoughtfully merges her training and knowledge of evidence-based treatment with her person-centred approach. She recognizes the inner wisdom of each person and believes in the healing potential of community.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Hubertus van der Lugt, or "UB" as we call him, is a Registered Psychiatrist. Through his 20+ year career practicing Psychiatry in BC's interior, UB recognized the need for new treatments and ideas that address the root causes of mental health challenges and don't only focus on symptom relief. This led him to expand his knowledge into other potential treatments and approaches, including completing his Psychedelic Assisted Therapy certificate through Vancouver Island University, training in psilocybin treatment through Therapsil, qualifying to work therapeutically with MDMA through MAPS, and studying to become a certified Holotropic breath worker through Grof Legacy Training.

UB is particularly interested in addressing trauma using low-dose ketamine combined with therapy and is actively pursuing further studies in this fascinating area of psycholytic medicine.

UB moved to BC's interior from South Africa over 20 years ago, but in 2022, he moved to Victoria to spearhead novel programs in mental health with the Royal Jubilee Hospital Psychiatry Department. In these programs, he is involved weekly with ketamine treatment, about which he says, "I am witnessing the significant improvement in people's lives and am passionate about providing this to others as I see the significant impact on their wellness and quality of life."

Registered Nurse

Cat MacLean is a Registered Nurse with seven years of experience specializing in mental health and substance use. Alongside her work with Understory Wellness, she serves as a Street Outreach nurse in Nelson, bringing care directly to those in need. Cat has also been a Nurse Prescriber for the Opioid Agonist Therapy program and has experience in both Home Health and Public Health. Her dynamic approach to nursing enriches her understanding of the diverse health challenges her community faces daily. Cat is committed to providing compassionate care that is culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered.

Cat is deeply passionate about her community and dedicates herself to nurturing positive and connective experiences for vulnerable individuals who have faced significant barriers throughout their lives. Her commitment is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to uplift and support those who have slipped through the cracks and encountered numerous obstacles in their journey to wellness.

In her role within Psychedelic Therapy, Cat strives to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients. She believes that feeling safe and supported is essential for healing, and she works diligently to ensure that her clients experience this. Her approach will be one of warmth, respect, collaboration, and empathy. Cat values building trust and rapport, understanding that these elements are crucial for effective therapeutic relationships, and she offers the understanding and support her clients need to navigate their healing journeys.

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Julia Gerlitz is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She has a wealth of experience as a relationship therapist focusing on supporting individuals navigating fertility journeys, parenthood transitions, mental health challenges, and trauma.

Rooted in a client-centred philosophy, Julia's approach is a powerful blend of social justice and community engagement. She believes that mental wellness is deeply interconnected with our relationships and social bonds. Her engagement with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy shows her commitment to embracing innovative therapies that allow individuals to transform their life narratives.

Julia's passion for the great outdoors mirrors her professional journey—whether skiing, rock climbing, or camping, she finds rejuvenation in nature alongside her daughter, partners, friends, and family. Born and raised in Nelson, Julia has returned after eight years in the US, ready to explore how narrative therapy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies can merge to support our community.