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).
Experienced CEO/Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in mental health care/concurrent substance use. Strong business development professional skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, public systems, Change Management Project Management and team/networking skills. Strong System thinker.
Don Palmer has been the coordinator of the peer support program at MHRP South Island for 11 years and moved into the Transitional Discharge Model role a year ago. Immediately after attaining a Masters degree in Social Work in 1992, he coordinated housing for Burnaby Psychiatric Services for two years then had a year as a Case Manager for the same service. Following that he worked in the Northwest Territories for eight years as a counsellor mainly in Corrections but also for the employee assistance program for the Government of the Northwest Territories; for Family and Child Services; a residential facility for teens with conduct disorder; and for the general public.
Carina has been with Mental Health Recovery Partners for 2 years. She enjoys working one on one with families, and also facilitating the Family Recovery Journey, Early Psychosis Intervention, and Family & Friends Support Groups.
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.
Natalie joined our team over a year ago as a volunteer and then moved into the Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) Peer Support Role and now, is the Acting Team Lead. She brings enthusiasm, skills and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others as a person with lived experience. An active blogger on her own, She has already been making a huge difference in the lives of others.
Thanks to all of our students and volunteers who help us do more in our community!
Morna is excited to be continuing her board work with her MRHP colleagues. She is a manager in the BC provincial government, with nearly two decades of Information Technology, business analysis and project management experience. Morna is an MBA graduate and holds the Project Management Professional designation. Previous volunteer experience includes working for the Alberta Winter Games and serving as Vice President, then President of the Victoria German Saturday School.
Mary Quayle MBA CPA is pleased to take the helm as President after leading the Finance team as past Treasurer.
Amanda is pleased to join the Executive Committee after assisting in areas such as donor and membership stewardship.
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.
Farhan is pleased to join the board to bring his wealth of experience in the health tech industry.
An executive in our public health services, Bernard is looking forward to volunteering his time and breadth of skills for Mental Health Recovery Partners.
Shara is looking forward to bringing her skills and passion to her new position with Mental Health Recovery Partners. She brings experience in fundraising.
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.