Richard Piekarczyk-Vacca served as a Combat Engineer in the Canadian Armed Forces for eight (08) years. Despite his best efforts, he was medically released after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Complimenting his education with experiences from service, he became a Registered Psychotherapist with a clinical focus in First Responder therapy and Veteran counseling.

Richard became a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). He completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts at McMaster University. During his undergraduate, he served in a variety of extra circular and administrative positions as well. Richard then completed graduate studies in psychotherapy at OISE at the University of Toronto. Aside from university, he has completed several certificates in order to compliment his degrees and learn additional, practical theory during various types of interventions.

Serving those who have served or still with boots on the ground involves not only clinical but cultural competency. Richard recognizes First Responders and Veterans belong to cultures of service and applies this in his approaches to treatment. Richard has navigated the healthcare system from his own injuries, giving him an uncommon ability to understand healthcare from the perspectives of First Responders and Veterans.