Hope and support for all
Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island (formerly BC Schizophrenia Society, South Island) has been a proud and accomplished member of the mental health and substance use sector for almost 40 years. MHRP is a recovery oriented, charitable non-profit society whose objective is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges. We are committed to hope and support for all experiencing mental health challenges with or without substance use. Our many programs and services provide help to people living with anxiety & depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia and other disorders.
Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island provides services and programs for people with mental health challenges and/or substance use challenges regardless of their diagnosis.
To support members of the community that struggle with mental health and/or substance use challenges with a recovery oriented approach. Living recovery is living a hopeful journey and doing your best despite adversity.
Since 2013 Janine has worked in progressive leadership positions in the homelessness sector. She coordinated the Victoria Native Friendship Centre emergency weather shelter and managed its transition to a permanent seasonal shelter. In 2018, she joined the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness and most recently held the position of Director of Collaborative Engagement. There she championed peer-led and delivered programming, and the creation of pathways to peer leadership. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Victoria Multifaith Society since April 2016 and is newly elected to the Restorative Justice Victoria Board of Directors, where she is also a facilitator and mentor. Her lived experience, and background in Mental Health and Addictions, and Acute and Community Care during her 7 years with Island Health crystalized her belief that a person-centered approach is foundational to healing and enduring change.
Marion is the Core Services Manager at MHRP. She came to this organization in 2015 using some of the great services and supports that are offered at MHRP. She soon started volunteering her time as a way to give back to the community. Not long after, Marion changed her career path by going back to school and earning a post degree diploma in Inter-Professional Mental Health and Addictions from Camosun College. She passionately advocates for mental wellness by helping individuals and their family members look forward to recovery and helps tackle many of the challenges that recovery brings.
After 40+ years as a Psychiatric Nurse, in a variety roles, followed by a try at retirement, Don found his way to MHRP. He helps out in a number of capacities. Officially, he is the Senior Family Counsellor.
Zoë was born and raised in Victoria, BC, and joined MHRP in April 2022, after recently completing a certificate in Mental Health and Addictions at Camosun College. Zoë has more than 12 years of personal lived experience, and has been involved in various forms of mental health advocacy work and related studies since early 2017. Her passion lies with de-stigmatization, and using her own lived experience to help others. Zoë manages the Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) Peer Support program at MHRP. The TDM program involves a team of Peer Supporters delivering in-hospital peer support services at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, as well as the offer of continued in-community peer support services post-discharge. Extending beyond her dedication for mental health work, Zoë hopes to continue to pursue other passions including collage art, philosophy, and her plans to one day open a mobile bakery!
Tony has recently joined our organization as an administrative coordinator. He is originally from the Philippines and moved to Victoria in August 2021 to take up Business Administration at the University of Victoria. He loves learning languages and cultures and has a degree in European Languages from the University of the Philippines. He has joined the organization with immense determination to advocate for mental health awareness and de-stigmatization.
During his free time, he likes to binge-watch series on Netflix and Disney+ and travel around Victoria and nearby places.
Hannah Monis moved from Peterborough, Ontario to Victoria in October 2020 to attend the Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun College and since then has graduated her course and is currently studying to obtain her Degree in Psychology at UVic. She began working with us as a practicum student and afterward obtained the role of Administrative Assistant and has since become our System Navigator and Respite Worker. Hannah is also a co-developer and facilitator of MHRP’s 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health group, PRISM. When not at work, Hannah enjoys playing music, skateboarding, tattooing, baking, and playing recreational sports. She is very happy to be involved in such a great organization full of great people!
Tracy spent two and a half years as a client and a volunteer at MHRP before becoming a staff member in 2021. She currently holds a number of positions at MHRP: she co-facilitates the FB Alumni group as well as Hope and Recovery; she is a Peer Supporter and a Wrap Facilitator. Her interests include her family and her animals, she has a dog and four cats.
Mihaela graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a bachelors degree in Psychology. She has been with Mental Health Recovery Partners for 19 years. She cannot see herself working in any other field than mental health. In her work, she strives to help family members of people affected by mental illnesses. Her favorite quote is: “The strongest people are those who win battles we know nothing about.” – Unknown
Beth works as a counsellor with MHRP and recently completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counselling. She loves working with people, and has spent most of her career working with diversely-abled individuals and in outdoor education. She also works as a program manager with Thrive Social Services Society. Beth is disproportionally proud of her small vegetable garden and is happiest when she’s outdoors with friends.
Evelyn has a background in mental health nursing. She has been part of the Family Counselling team at MHRP SI since September 2022. Since retirement Evelyn volunteers with Self-Management BC and Citizen’s Counselling. She enjoys long walks, reading, yoga and spending time with her grandchildren.
Andrea completed her Master of Art degree in Counselling Psychology in August 2021 and has been a Registered Clnical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors since February 2022. Previously a peer supporter at MHRP, Andrea has joined MHRP as an RCC this September. Andrea builds therapeutic relationships based on trust, unconditional positive regards and uses techniques rooted in strength, growth and resiliency. She has worked with many individuals with varying challenges including anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns while they overcome barriers, build self-autonomy and improve their quality of life on their own terms.
Emma Lujan graduated from the University of Victoria with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is nearing completion of her master’s in clinical counselling. Emma has personal lived experience with mental illness which contributes to her passion for working in the field. Emma has been with MHRP since December 2021 as one of the Family Counsellors and is a co-developed and co-facilitator of MHRP’s 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health group, PRISM. Outside of work, Emma enjoys hanging out with her French bulldog Hamilton, writing, being active, and exploring Victoria’s many cafes for coffee and carrot cake.