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.
Kevin has his B. Admin from the university of Regina and has been the staff accountant at MHRP South Island for 21 years. Currently, he also works as an accountant at Kiwanis Village Society, a non-profit that provides housing for seniors. Prior to this, he worked as an accountant at John Ladd BMW/Jaguar, Tourism Victoria and Price Waterhouse. He enjoys working as part of a great team of staff and volunteers, providing valuable programs and services to individuals in recovery and family members. Kevin’s own family members have also been part of the MHRP family. Kevin’s mother, June served on the board of directors and memorial fund committee long ago and together with his father, David produced the organization’s newsletter for many years.
Kevin and his wife Janet, who is the Executive Director of Friends of Music Society, enjoy living in Victoria where they have raised their four children. Recently they welcomed their first two grandchildren. He enjoys running, playing tennis, and is now learning how to play the guitar.
Kevin Works Wednesday to Friday.
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!
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. She began working with us as a practicum student and afterward obtained the role of Administrative Assistant and has since become our Office Manager. 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 watching and playing basketball. She is very happy to be involved in such a great organization full of great people!
James moved to Victoria from Edmonton, Alberta in 2022 after completing his Bachelor of Communications at MacEwan University. He began working with MHRP as one of our Administrative Coordinators around the same time. He is proud to work with such an amazing and supportive team here at MHRP. James works Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. In his free time James enjoys writing, watching hockey, disc golfing and going to the movies.
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.
Tanisa is a person with lived and living experience with mental illness and currently works as the Youth Education Facilitator at Mental Health Recovery Partners, South Island. Tanisa is pursuing her Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria and has a strong passion for educating and empowering others. Some of Tanisa’s favourite things include spending time with her two tabby cats, meeting new people, exploring new places, and outdoor activities such as hiking, running, camping, and paddle boarding.
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