OUR MISSION:
Hope and support for all experiencing mental health issues with or without substance use through recovery strategies, education and advocacy in partnership with their supporters.
MHRP provides services for people with mental illness, regardless of their diagnosis, and the people who care about them. Approximately two-thirds of the people that we serve have schizophrenia or psychosis or a loved one with schizophrenia or psychosis, and one third have a mood disorder (bipolar disorder or major depression) or a loved one that does.
We also provide service to people with anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and other disorders. Sometimes people do not have a diagnosis but are behaving in a way that leads others to believe that they have a mental illness. We can assist in this situation with support, information and strategies to connect with resources. We provide service to people who have a mental illness with or without a substance use issue (concurrent disorder or dual diagnosis).
Acting CEO Olivia Howard is relentless in advocating for those who are most vulnerable. Olivia believes that through education, peer support, compassion, and empowerment, mutual healing and growth within individuals and communities will flourish.
Zoe is new to the MHRP team and is looking forward to growing our TDM Peer Support project. Bio coming soon!
Emma Lujan is our wonderful Family Counsellor. She is compassionate, empathetic, and has a calming presence. She is welcoming to all and hopes to continue to support healing in our community.
Kevin Pryer (B. Admin-University of Regina) has been the staff accountant at MHRP South Island for 19 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 and 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. The Pryer family are family members themselves. Also, 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 two grandchildren. He enjoys running, playing tennis and is now learning how to play the guitar.
Kevin works Wednesday to Friday. For the first two days he brings Tucker, one of the office canine greeters.
Hannah joined our team over a year ago and is instrumental in our organization. If you give us a call, she is the superhero at the other end of the line. Hannah is hilarious, empathetic, and knows plenty of resources in our community.
Don is our most wonderful counsellor and operations support. He is a wealth of knowledge and a retired psychiatric nurse. Don is a pleasure to have in our office and we feel lucky to have him be apart of our team. Don is sure to make all of his clients feel welcome and supported.
Amanda is pleased to join the Executive Committee after assisting in areas such as donor and membership stewardship.
Mary Quayle is a most welcomed and appreciated member of our Board of Directors.
Stephanie Hart is a lawyer who has served as counsel and staff to numerous fiduciary trust boards. When looking for volunteer opportunities earlier last year, she found herself called to apply to volunteer with the MHRP Board because its mission and needs so closely align with her own interests and skills. Stephanie has first-hand experienced the devastation that mental illness can wreak in the lives of its sufferers and their families, having lost a father and family friends to depression, and an uncle and cousin to schizophrenia. Stephanie is excited for the opportunity to use her experience with trust board governance for the benefit of the community living with mental illness.
Cam is looking forward to volunteering on the board to bring his wisdom and experience as a former staff member including WRAP Facilitator and now, as a Peer Supporter with the Early Psychosis Intervention team in Victoria. He is a seasoned speaker about his lived experience, an avid Boxer, student and has completed a documentary making worldwide circuit.
Melodi is a lawyer with an interest and passion in social justice. She is new the board and is looking forward to making a difference in our community through her volunteerism.
Al is a newly retired finance executive from Alberta. He is new to Victoria and is motivated to make a difference in our community. He has joined the Executive Committee as the new Treasurer.
Dr. Hector Caruncho brings a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience to the board. His previous involvement with Mental Health Recovery Partners has been through Person Oriented Research (POR) model projects and public speaking. He is an award winning researcher and professor with University of Victoria.