About us

Who We Are &
What We Stand For

(Mission)

At Atlantic Human Services Inc. (AHS), our mission is to foster economic inclusion, community empowerment, and individual self-sufficiency through innovative and culturally inclusive human services programs. We provide holistic support in employment services, correctional programs, and community development. Through initiatives such as Colleen Ermen House, Diversified Employment Solutions (DES), and AHS Community Industries (AHSCI), we offer tailored services that support reintegration, job placement, and skills training. Our commitment is to create meaningful opportunities that build resilience, dignity, and long-term success for individuals facing social and economic challenges.

(Vision)

Our vision is to be the premier social management organization in Atlantic Canada, transforming lives through innovative, inclusive, and community-driven solutions. We aspire to create a future where every individual—regardless of background or barriers—has access to employment opportunities, reintegration support, and culturally relevant wellness services. Through collaboration with diverse communities, businesses, and Indigenous leaders, we aim to foster sustainable economic independence, promote healing, and cultivate environments where all individuals can thrive.

(History)

Atlantic Human Services Inc. (AHS), established in 1996, is a management and consulting company specializing in the design, delivery, support, and operation of contracted employment, human services, and correctional programs in Canada's Atlantic Provinces.

Professionalism, Integrity & Accountability

We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring professionalism, transparency, and responsibility in all our interactions. Our commitment to excellence fosters trust and reliability in service delivery and community partnerships.

Diversity, Inclusivity &  Community Engagement

We celebrate diverse perspectives and cultures, ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all individuals. By fostering strong community connections, we create meaningful, inclusive, and culturally responsive programs.

Empowerment, Self-Sufficiency & Well-Being

We equip individuals with the skills, resources, and support they need to achieve long-term success, resilience, and holistic well-being.

Collaboration, Reintegration & Social Impact

We believe in the power of partnerships and community-driven solutions to foster sustainable change, support reintegration, and create meaningful economic and social impact.

Innovation, Adaptability & Continuous Growth

We embrace creative and forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities, ensuring impactful and sustainable service delivery.

Meet Our Executive Team

Meet the dedicated professionals behind AHS Group.

Joffre Theriault is the President/CEO of AHSCI and a leading authority on entrepreneurship in public sector . He has extensive background in criminology, correctional, human service program administration and delivery, political science, human motivational training and privatization of government services.

He works as a consultant, trainer, and advisor to government, private industry, and communities on criminal justice and related issues.

Mr. Theriault oversees all AHS Community Industries projects, managing resources and schedules. Within this project, he will serve as the main liaison with government funders, handle contracts and financial controls, and act as a ressource person to CORCAN and other partners in promoting and coordinating work projects.

Joffre Theriault

President/CEO

Dick Daigle is an accomplished entrepreneur, business owner, consultant, and CPA with over 25 years in diverse industries. He holds a B.Sc. from Mount Allison and an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. As owner of the Pizza Hut franchise in Saint John, NB, and a fractional CFO, he’s worked across construction, retail, tech, and audiovisual sectors globally.

A partner at Atlantic Human Services, he leads finance and strategic planning. Dick has held leadership roles with the Canadian Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association, Greater Saint John Chamber of Commerce, Uptown Saint John, and Ski NB, and currently serves on boards like Saint John Non-Profit Housing and the Rothesay Yacht Club.

Richard Daigle

Chief Financial Officer

Krista Leger is the Director of Colleen Ermen House and brings over 25 years of experience in the correctional justice system through various roles in both federal and provincial, community and correctional settings in the private and not for profit sector. Her expertise lies in working within the offender population who have diverse needs. Her experience is an asset in ensuring public safety while ensuring a safe and structured environment for the residents that we work with.

Krista Leger

Director - Colleen Ermen House

Michel La Frenière is an experienced manager and security professional with a strong background in corrections, law enforcement, and human resources. With over two decades of experience, he has held key leadership roles in correctional institutions, the United Nations, and government agencies. Fluent in English and French, Michel excels in personnel evaluation, security operations, and crisis management. He currently serves as a Manager at Atlantic Human Services Inc., overseeing payroll, purchasing, and office operations.

Michel Lafrenière

Manager - Diversified  
Employment Solutions

Heather Johnson is the Operations Manager of Colleen Ermen House and has been with AHS Inc for over 15 years in various roles. Her expertise is in the management of daily operations along with the supervision and risk management of our clients who are under various forms of parole and supervised by Correctional Services Canada.  Heather holds many tools and approaches to successfully challenge and monitor the participants’ success.

Heather Johnson

Operations Manager

Colleen Ermen House

Mandi Lawson is a psychology graduate from Crandall University with over 15 years of experience supporting families, children, youth, and individuals with disabilities. A career development practitioner and team leader for 3.5 years, she’s passionate about supporting others and fostering community impact. Mandi also volunteers for a health charity and local schools. As a mom to two teenage boys, she’s mastered negotiation and multitasking at home and work. When not making a difference, she’s perfecting a yoga pose or singing every word to a Taylor Swift song—because balance is everything!

Mandi Lawson

Program Manager
- Job Coach Services

Emily Couturier is the Senior Case Manager at Colleen Ermen House, helping our residents navigate through the various stages of parole. She is a graduate of St.Thomas University with a major in criminology who is passionate about the work that she does and uses her experience to assist our residents in their integration process.

Emily Couturier

Senior Case Manager

Colleen Ermen House

Suzelle is a bilingual team lead with a diploma in Business Administration and over 10 years of experience in healthcare, administration, and client service. Known for her “we’ll make it work” attitude, she brings a practical, people-first approach to leadership. Suzelle thrives in fast-paced environments, guiding her team with empathy, efficiency, and a strong commitment to helping others succeed.

Suzelle Gauvin

Team Leader

Career & Employment Centre

Company
Achievements & Milestones

Cannell House Operation

Since 1997

AHS has managed Colleen Ermen House, formally Cannell House, a 20-bed Community Residential Facility (CRF) for offenders concluding federal incarceration, providing a structured environment to aid their reintegration.

AHS Community Industries Program

In 2004

AHS took over the management of a fully operational furniture manufacturing facility employing federal parolees and individuals on work release, offering them employment skills training.

Diversified Employment Solutions:

AHS developed this proprietary program to customize service delivery for various job seekers, including newcomers to Canada, individuals on Employment Insurance or Income Assistance, ex-offenders, persons with disabilities, and clients of addiction services.

Career Transition Services

AHS has provided outplacement services to companies undergoing restructuring, downsizing, or closure, assisting employees in transitioning back into the workforce. Notably, they supported Maple Leaf Foods and Co-op Atlantic during significant operational changes.

2024: Colleen Ermen House

Colleen Ermen House was formerly known as Cannell House until an official name changing ceremony was held in April 2024 to honour Colleen Ermen, long time and valued employee who passed away in November 2023. Her knowledge, passion, and dedication to Atlantic Human Services Inc. is deeply felt and the renaming of Cannell House to Colleen Ermen House is a small tribute for a lifetime of work.

Atlantic Human Services Inc.

Who We Are &
What We Stand For

(Mission)

(Vision)

(History)

Our Core Values

Professionalism, Integrity & Accountability

Diversity, Inclusivity &  Community Engagement

Empowerment, Self-Sufficiency & Well-Being

Collaboration, Reintegration & Social Impact

Innovation, Adaptability & Continuous Growth