Mental Health Recovery Partners - South Island

Hope and support for all

About Us

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.

Our Mission

To provide hope and authentic support to all who are impacted by their own or someone else’s mental illness, mental health and/or substance use challenges.

Our Vision

A society where timely and accessible support is available for all, and mental health and substance use challenges are transformed into opportunities for strengthened resilience and growth

Staff Members

Janine Theobald

Executive Director

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 Mendoza

Program Manager

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.

Don Tufford

Senior Family Counsellor

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 Newson

TDM Peer Support Manager

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 De La Cruz

Administrative Coordinator

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.

Tracy Taylor

Peer Support/Project Coordinator

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.

Beth Cowin

Counsellor

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 Smith

Counsellor

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 Mueller

Counsellor

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.

Additional Personnel

Peer Supporters

  • Aria
  • Bailey
  • Chloe
  • David
  • Erin
  • Fabian
  • Jameel
  • John
  • Kay
  • Maria
  • Marion
  • Megan
  • Michelle
  • Momo
  • Rachel
  • Sam
  • Sara
  • Scott
  • Tracy
  • Zoë

Volunteers

  • Hannah
  • Jeremy
  • John A.
  • John M.
  • Josée
  • Ken
  • Kevin
  • Samira