Our Team

Meet the dedicated members of our team.

About us

The BC Schizophrenia Society is governed by a volunteer board of directors and supported by a medical advisory committee.

BCSS frontline staff (Regional Managers and Educators) are located throughout the province, supporting families in their local communities. Our provincial office is in Vancouver, BC.

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BC Schizophrenia Society Board
BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation
Medical Advisory Committee
Provincial Office Staff
Program Staff
Youth Staff

BC Schizophrenia Society Board

Jack Middleton

President

About Jack Middleton

President

Jack grew up in the foothills of Southern Alberta and moved to Vancouver in 2015. He is a public affairs and government relations professional with expertise in the Energy sector. Jack is a passionate advocate for people and families living with serious mental illness across all parts of British Columbia. Jack joined the BCSS board of directors in 2020 and has been the president of the board since 2022.
Kevin Black

Vice President

About Kevin Black

Vice President

Kevin is a finance executive with 35 years of leadership experience in the oil and gas, and financial services industries, including Chevron Canada, ConocoPhillips, and Deloitte.

Passionate about improving organizational effectiveness through the power of people, process, data and technology, Kevin is a strategic thinker and collaborator who values diversity of thinking.
Joanne Leung

Treasurer

About Joanne Leung

Treasurer

Prior to becoming a family caregiver, Joanne was a Certified Public Accountant and worked as Director of Finance at an international high-tech product design and manufacturing company in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2015, she moved to BC to provide full-time care and support for her aging parents and her sister with schizophrenia. As an inexperienced caregiver, Joanne received much-needed support from community mental health organizations, including the BC Schizophrenia Society.

Joanne is passionate about increasing awareness about serious mental illnesses and improving the mental health literacy of the general population.
Cynthia Petrie

Secretary

About Cynthia Petrie

Secretary

Cynthia Petrie is the Vice President, External at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where she leads government relations, Indigenous partnerships, fundraising, alumni relations, and marketing and communications. With executive-level experience across public, post-secondary, and non-profit sectors, she is recognized for advancing advocacy priorities, strengthening partnerships, and securing transformational funding.

Cynthia also brings lived experience as a mother of four, including a child diagnosed with schizoaffective and bipolar disorder. This perspective fuels her commitment to education, advocacy, and family-centred care—values she brings to the BC Schizophrenia Society in support of its mission and vision.
Dr. John Gray

Director

About Dr. John Gray

Director

No bio at this time. Please check back later!
Paul Bhushan

Director

About Paul Bhushan

Director

Paul Bhushan holds a B.Sc. in Management and Systems Science from SFU (1988) and a diploma in Accounting from Kwantlen University (2011). Having personal experience with mental illness, he also earned a Mental Health Work certificate from Douglas College in 2002. Paul, a BCSS Board member since 2001, passionately advocates for those with schizophrenia through his time with BCSS and the mentorship groups he runs. He commends BCSS staff for their dedication to “alleviate the suffering from schizophrenia”, as being an advocate for schizophrenia is not always easy. Paul has been married for 28 years and has two adult children; Paul’s daughter works in healthcare management for the provincial government, while his son is in 4th year at UBC.
Colleen Crossley

Director

About Colleen Crossley

Director

Colleen Crossley has been a Registered Nurse for 50 years, but most recently worked as a clinician for the Mental Health and Addiction Services in Williams Lake. It is in that capacity that she learned of the BCSS support team and became a presenter for BCSS’ Strengthening Families Together programs in the Cariboo, including the then-new First Nations edition. She has been involved with BCSS since 2016, and we appreciate her ongoing support.
Brenda Sawatzky-Girling

Director

About Brenda Sawatzky-Girling

Director

Dr. Brenda Sawatzky-Girling joined the BCSS Board of Directors in 2022. She understands healthcare from her lived and learned experiences; her roles include consultant, research ethics board member, researcher, family member, citizen, ally, and sometimes patient. She is a seasoned healthcare management and policy consultant with a PhD in ethics and healthcare system improvement.

Brenda is grateful to the BCSS educators and other participants she has interacted with through Family Support Groups and the Strengthening Families Together program. She aims to contribute a unique, values-added perspective to improving mental health services, education, research, and policy.
Gerrit van der Leer

Director

About Gerrit van der Leer

Director

No bio at this time. Please check back later!
Jane Gladman

About Jane Gladman

No bio at this time. Please check back later!
Jasdeep Dhaliwal

Director

About Jasdeep Dhaliwal

Director

Jasdeep Dhaliwal combines professional expertise with a passion for mental health advocacy. With extensive experience in the public sector, she focuses on building safe, supportive, and inclusive work environments through strategic HR initiatives that enhance workplace culture.

With a deep connection to BCSS’s mission, Jasdeep is committed to advocating for mental health resources and strengthening community support networks. Her HR expertise and dedication to BCSS help advance the organization’s approach to supporting individuals and families affected by schizophrenia.
Rebecca Joncas

Director

About Rebecca Joncas

Director

Rebecca is the SVP & CHRO for Pacific Blue Cross. She is focused on advancing Pacific Blue Cross’s priorities by creating a collaborative environment and building strong relationships across the entire organization. Rebecca is passionate about developing others and mentors HR students and professionals in BC.

Rebecca’s career in Human Resources spans over 30 years with tenured experience in both unionized and non-unionized environments.

She is on the board of the BC Schizophrenia Society and is an advocate for the mental health of youth within our communities.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of the Fraser Valley, a certificate in Labour Relations from Queens IRC and is certified in Strategic Workforce Planning. She is a member with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources for BC & Yukon.

Rebecca resides in Surrey, BC with her husband, three children and their 95 pound Bernedoodle!
Peter Andreasen

Director

About Peter Andreasen

Director

Peter grew up in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Vancouver in 2016. He has over fifteen years experience of public affairs and government relations experience across many economic sectors.
David Halikowski

Past President

About David Halikowski

Past President

David Halikowski has served on the BCSS board in many different aspects over the past 25+ years. He is dedicated to supporting families, caregivers and people living with mental illness. David has expertise/ lived experience as a family member as well as bringing his many years of experience in the private sector to add valuable perspectives.

In his home community of Prince George, David is the current President of the BC Schizophrenia Society Prince George Branch Board, sits on the Research Ethics Board for the University of British Columbia, and represents the PG Branch on the local Mental Health and Addictions Advisory committee. Provincially he also serves on the current board of Board Voices.

BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation

Renato Zane

Chair

About Renato Zane

Chair

Renato is the BCSS Foundation Chair. He is also a leadership consultant and podcast host. He works with clients interested in performance coaching and communications. Previously, he was a newsroom director and general manager at Rogers Sports and Media. His career at OMNI Television and CityTV spanned 32 years in three provinces.

He was drawn to the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation by its goal of helping families through fundraising for BCSS programs and stewardship of designated research donations.
Matthew Langlois

Vice Chair

About Matthew Langlois

Vice Chair

No bio at this time. Please check back later!
Joanne Leung

Treasurer

About Joanne Leung

Treasurer

Prior to becoming a family caregiver, Joanne was a Certified Public Accountant and worked as Director of Finance at an international high-tech product design and manufacturing company in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2015, she moved to BC to provide full-time care and support for her aging parents and her sister with schizophrenia. As an inexperienced caregiver, Joanne received much-needed support from community mental health organizations, including the BC Schizophrenia Society.

Joanne is passionate about increasing awareness about serious mental illnesses and improving the mental health literacy of the general population.
Sylvia LeRoy

Secretary

About Sylvia LeRoy

Secretary

Sylvia oversees the education portfolio and grant management practices of the Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation. She began her career in public policy at the Fraser Institute, before joining the National Research Council in various communication and leadership roles. As a consultant and volunteer, she enjoys helping organizations define strategy and navigate change.

Sylvia’s experience with schizophrenia began when her sister was diagnosed shortly after graduating high school. She appreciates the BC Schizophrenia Society’s family-centered approach to ending fear and isolation associated with the illness, and the hope offered by its policy, research, and education work.
Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez

Director

About Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez

Director

No bio at this time. Please check back later!

Medical Advisory Committee

Dr. William Honer

About Dr. William Honer

Dr. William Honer earned his MD in 1984 at Queen’s University in Ontario. After completing his residency at the New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University, he pursued a research fellowship at Columbia University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In 1991, Dr. Honer moved to Vancouver, where he is a Professor and the Jack Bell Chair in Schizophrenia in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. He also serves as a Consultant Psychiatrist to the BC Psychosis Program.

Throughout the years, he’s earned notable awards from institutions like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Psychiatric Association. With 450+ publications, his research explores neuropsychiatric mechanisms, aging-related cognitive impairment, risk factors, and clinical trials. His pioneering work, featured in top medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine, has shaped the field significantly.
Dr. Bill MacEwan

About Dr. Bill MacEwan

No bio at this time. Please check back later!
Dr. Anthony Phillips

About Dr. Anthony Phillips

No bio at this time. Please check back later!
Dr. Randall F. White

About Dr. Randall F. White

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Dr. Diane McIntosh

About Dr. Diane McIntosh

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Dr. Debbie Thompson

About Dr. Debbie Thompson

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Dr. Tom Ehmann

About Dr. Tom Ehmann

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Provincial Office Staff

Faydra Aldridge

Chief Executive Officer

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About Faydra Aldridge

Chief Executive Officer

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Faydra’s career has spanned over twenty years in the fields of communications, stakeholder relations and project management in both the private and public sectors. Before joining the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) as the Chief Executive Officer in 2019, Faydra held a leadership role with one of the largest health research institutes in Canada where she oversaw the Stakeholder Relations portfolio. She has experience as a CBC Morning Show Producer and has held executive positions with national and international community health organizations. Faydra draws on this experience in her role as a host of the BCSS podcast “Look Again: Mental Illness Re-Examined.” She is honoured to work with such a dedicated team devoted to increasing awareness about serious mental illness and supporting families across BC.
Andrew Stewart

Director of Operations & Programs

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About Andrew Stewart

Director of Operations & Programs

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Andrew Stewart joined the BCSS team in 2016 and is the Director of Operations and Programs. He plays an integral part in developing the organization’s strategic plan, and managing the day-to-day operations. He chose BCSS because of his personal experience of seeing how schizophrenia affects families, and he believes strongly in our core values of supporting loved ones, education, and advocacy within the mental health field.

Andrew has a diploma from Lambton College and is a Certified Association Executive. With previous experience in program and community development, he works alongside the other BCSS leadership team members to create a positive and safe work environment and culture.

Andrew is a huge hockey fan and in his free time he enjoys music, running, and spending time with his family. His favourite TV show is “X-Files”.
Suneeta Bangar

Director of Finance

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About Suneeta Bangar

Director of Finance

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Suneeta Bangar brings over fifteen years of experience in finance and accounting to our team. She joined BCSS in 2020, and as the Director of Finance, she manages accounting, financial reporting, financial analysis, and our annual audit. Suneeta most enjoys working with BCSS as it allows her to be a part of a close-knit and collaborative team. In her spare time, she enjoys strength training, baking, and spending time with her family.
Marsha MacMurchy

Director of Development

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About Marsha MacMurchy

Director of Development

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Marsha MacMurchy is the BCSS Director of Development and joined the BCSS team in 2022. Marsha earned her BCOMM from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2001 and has more than 20 years of experience in events and fundraising. She has previously worked at the BCPSPCA, CNIB and Victoria Chamber of Commerce in managerial event and community fundraising roles.

Marsha is a proud Newfoundlander who moved to the West Coast in 2006. She works remotely from Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, where she lives with her husband, son, and German Shepard. When she’s not working, Marsha is at the curling rink enjoying the sport she loves!
Myles Constable

Communications & Marketing Manager

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About Myles Constable

Communications & Marketing Manager

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Myles Constable is taking over as Communications and Marketing Manager for BCSS. He has over twenty years of experience in the marketing and communications field, and prior to joining our organization, held marketing manager positions at the PNE and the Museum of Vancouver. He also received his Bachelor’s of Kinesiology from UBC, with specializations in coaching, sports marketing, and psychology.

Myles is excited to join the important work BCSS does to bring awareness to the challenges of severe and persistent mental illness and to help families cope. In his free time, he enjoys coaching soccer, playing board games, and making sculptures from found and upcycled plastic.
Melissa McKenna

Senior Program Manager

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About Melissa McKenna

Senior Program Manager

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Melissa (she/her) has been with the BC Schizophrenia Society since 2021 and currently serves as Senior Program Manager. She began her work at BCSS as a Communications Coordinator supporting youth programs, later leading marketing and communications, and now oversees the development and delivery of programs and services across the organization.

In her role, Melissa draws on both her formal education and her lived experience as a caregiver for a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness. She is deeply committed to strengthening programs that support individuals and families, improving access to evidence-based resources, and advancing education and awareness around schizophrenia and psychosis.

Outside of work, you can find Melissa making ceramics and mugs at her local ceramic studio, or spending quality time with her family.
Tatyana Boshnakova

Accountant

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About Tatyana Boshnakova

Accountant

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Tatyana recently joined the Provincial Office as our Accountant. She has a deep interest and passion for mental health because she’s seen firsthand how critical support and awareness can be for individuals and families dealing with mental illness.

Tatyana brings eight years of accounting experience in Canada and an additional four years of experience in Europe to our organization. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in International Business.

In her free time, Tatyana likes to travel, cook, and spend time with family and friends.
Giordanna Cullen

Community Engagement Coordinator

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About Giordanna Cullen

Community Engagement Coordinator

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Giordanna is the Community Engagement Coordinator at BCSS. She brings over a decade of experience in community building, marketing strategy, content development, and program enablement across the nonprofit, government, and SaaS tech sectors.

Before joining BCSS, Giordanna led outreach and communications for a BC-based software company, where she built programs to support educators, drive adoption, and strengthen community engagement across North America. She also served as a digital communications coordinator for a regulatory authority in New Zealand, supporting public education initiatives.

She’s proud to support BCSS’s mission to bring education, hope, and advocacy to those affected by serious mental illness. When she’s not working, Giordanna enjoys exploring B.C.’s forests and beaches, cooking, and reading.
Roselle Jean Dancel

Digital Marketing Specialist

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About Roselle Jean Dancel

Digital Marketing Specialist

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Roselle brings a decade of experience in digital marketing, communications, and design, with work spanning Canada and the Philippines. She has led campaigns across various industries, including parenting, telecommunications, education, media, and tech. A lifelong learner at heart, Roselle approaches each challenge as an opportunity to grow and create meaningful impact.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, a minor in Philosophy, and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing, and is deeply committed to using her expertise to strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by mental illness.

Outside of work, Roselle is a devoted mom who enjoys photography, writing, true crime documentaries, and road trips with her family (fuelled by a cup of coffee or matcha latte).
Corrie Groot

Development Officer

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About Corrie Groot

Development Officer

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Corrie joined the BCSS team as the Development Officer. She spent the last two years working in events and fundraising at a small non-profit in BC. She’s passionate about creating genuine and meaningful relationships with community members. She is excited to join a team who values innovation, respect, and transparency and works to support families in our communities.

In her free time, Corrie is a hobbyist and loves trying new things. You can often find her hiking, cycling, reading, baking, or attempting a new craft!

Find support near you, contact your local educator.

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Program Staff

Strengthening Families Together

Robert Brooks | Strengthening Families Together Program Manager

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About Robert Brooks

Strengthening Families Together Program Manager

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Robert came to BCSS with 30 years of governmental experience in the adult and youth forensic psychiatric systems and a Master’s of Social Work. He worked with people with lived experience and their families to ensure clients reach their maximum potential and families are included in all planning and follow-up with their loved ones. Robert brings his passion for helping family members to his roles in BCSS, first as the Interior Regional Manager for five years, and now as the manager of the Strengthening Families Together (SFT) program, where he has assisted in the modification, revamp, and rollout of the new program. For Robert, the most fulfilling thing about his role at BCSS is getting to work with the dedicated and caring staff all across the province.

Interior Region

Bonnie Spence-Vinge | Interior Regional Manager

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About Bonnie Spence-Vinge

Interior Regional Manager

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Bonnie Spence-Vinge is the Interior Regional Manager, leading a team of Regional Educators located across the Interior Health Authority Region who are providing direct family support, education and services to families affected by schizophrenia and other severe and persistent mental illness.

Before Bonnie started working with BCSS in January of 2017, she worked in the B.C. education system for over 30 years as a teacher, school psychologist, counsellor and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. For six of those years, she was the Provincial Coordinator of Child Abuse Prevention and Assistant Director of the Special Education Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Education. Her extensive work in education has also taken her to Nunavut where she served as the Executive Director and Superintendent of Schools.

Her personal experience as the mother of two adopted children diagnosed with mental illnesses brought Bonnie to BCSS, where the Strengthening Families Together Program helped Bonnie and her husband cope with their experience and come to terms with mental illness. Bonnie now takes her personal experience into local communities to help families better understand that there are still reasons to hope by finding the means to cope.

In the Cranbrook-Creston area, Bonnie acts as a liaison between families and the mental health system and promotes family inclusion in the daily lives of those living with mental illness. She also organizes education programs for families and community members, including Aboriginal communities.

When she’s not working, Bonnie is busy volunteering in her community. She is the chair for the Cranbrook Hub for Refugees, and the Patient Voices representative on both the East Kootenay Collaborative Services Committee and the East Kootenay Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Advisory Committee. Bonnie also enjoys running, swimming, snowshoeing, and spending time outdoors camping, biking, hiking and gardening.
Rachael Ernst | Okanagan Regional Educator

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About Rachael Ernst

Okanagan Regional Educator

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Rachael Ernst is BCSS’ Interior Regional Educator for the Okanagan area. Rachael has a strong passion for helping others, and has experience in a variety of support roles, including long-term care assistance for dementia patients and youth mentoring. Her own personal journey with mental illness was what first drew her to BCSS and our family-centric approach, and she knows firsthand the power education can have for those living with severe mental illness and their families.

Rachael has a diploma in Music Therapy Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; she’s also been playing the piano since she was four. In her free time, she enjoys trying new culinary delights with her husband and spending time in the outdoors.
Reasha Wolfe | Interior Regional Educator

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About Reasha Wolfe

Interior Regional Educator

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Reasha (she/they) has gratefully lived and worked on the unceded traditional territory of the Sinixt peoples for the last decade, and has worked in human services and advocacy for over 20 years.

Reasha has supported and advocated for migrant farm workers, newcomers, indigenous people, people who’ve experienced violence, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and more. After the loss of her stepbrother, who lived with schizophrenia, in 2020, they shifted their focus to mental health.

Reasha is an artist, and seasoned snowboard instructor, and fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Ankit Mahawadi | Thompson-Nicola Regional Educator

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About Ankit Mahawadi

Thompson-Nicola Regional Educator

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Ankit Mahawadi is the Thompson–Nicola Regional Educator with an academic background in sciences from Thompson Rivers University and a strong interest in advancing education and career in psychology and mental health. He brings over six years of experience in complex care, including roles as a Behavioral Support Worker, Senior’s Care Ambassador, and as a former Director of an organization focused on mental health and substance use.

His work is grounded in extensive training including but not limited to skills such as 911 first response, medication administration, motivational interviewing, addiction care and treatment, suicide awareness, mental health first aid, and trauma-informed approaches including Risking Connection. Having lived in Kamloops since 2018, Ankit is deeply connected to the community and passionate about strengthening front-line practices through education that is practical, compassionate, and evidence-informed.

Outside of work, Ankit enjoys singing, cross-country skiing, painting, freelancing in modelling and acting, and reading books focused on self-help, spirituality, and psychology. He also spends time with rescued budgies, Kavi and Shayar, who bring daily joy to his life.
Rhea Clements | Cariboo Regional Educator

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About Rhea Clements

Cariboo Regional Educator

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Rhea has been happily married to my husband for 39 years, and she has two grown children and a 17-year-old grandson. Their home is kept lively by two ragdoll cats and a Bison Friese dog named Percy.

She holds a Certificate in General Studies from Thompson Rivers University and especially enjoyed courses in anthropology, archaeology, and sociology. She has spent the past 17 years working at TRU, where she truly enjoyed working with and supporting students, but will be retiring from there at the end of this year.

Outside of work, Rhea loves music and creative hobbies. She leads a small accordion group, plays bass clarinet with the Williams Lake Community Band, and enjoys quilting and cross-stitching when she has some quiet time.

Northeast Region

Steffi Thomas | Northeast Regional Manager

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About Steffi Thomas

Northeast Regional Manager

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Steffi Thomas joined BCSS in May 2017 and is the Northeast Regional Manager. Assisting others has been a central passion of hers throughout her professional journey, and she enjoys being able to contribute to the lives of those she serves meaningfully. Working at BCSS allows her the unique opportunity to give back to the community and provide essential support to families in need, making a profound and positive impact on their lives.

Steffi is a new mom, loves travelling and trying out new food spots.

Northern Interior Region

Gail Rutledge | Northern Interior Regional Manager

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About Gail Rutledge

Northern Interior Regional Manager

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Gail has been with BCSS since 2015. She started by volunteering in her region but quickly realized there was so much more to do to help others find support and education. She’s now the Northern Interior Regional Manager and a certified peer specialist for Families.

Gail has a BA in Psychology from Thompson Rivers University and a degree in applied psychology and counselling with a specialization in psychotherapy from Kelowna College of Professional Counselors and has also worked as an addiction treatment specialist.

Outside of work, Gail loves crafting—from knitting to crocheting to painting—reading and travelling. If she ever won the lottery, she says she’d be a professional student as she loves learning new things.
Michelle Ellerton | Prince George Regional Educator

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About Michelle Ellerton

Prince George Regional Educator

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Michelle Ellerton is a BCSS Regional Educator in Prince George and a family peer supporter certified by Peer Support Canada. Michelle joined the BCSS team as a staff member in 2020 after volunteering with the organization since 2018. She began volunteering with BCSS after her husband suffered a psychotic break and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. As a family member herself, Michelle understands the importance of telling one’s story and helping to break the stigma around mental illness.

When not working, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors, crafting, and creating things with her hands. She’s been told that no matter how tough life gets, she can always find the positive and make people smile.

Northwest Region

Jorie Soames | Northwest Regional Manager

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About Jorie Soames

Northwest Regional Manager

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Jorie Soames moved to Terrace from Kelowna three years ago, falling in love with the people, the mountains and waterways of the northwest and is excited to be part of the team as the new regional manager. Jorie has a background in project management and for the last five years, has worked as a college instructor and educator to individuals with neurodifferences. She has formal training in communications, autism spectrum disorder and a master’s degree in critical and creative writing.

Jorie’s organizational skills and patience are finely honed – and tested – through raising a large family, who she loves spending time with, especially when board games and food are involved.
Shelley Braun | Haida Gwaii Regional Educator

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About Shelley Braun

Haida Gwaii Regional Educator

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Shelley Braun has been the BCSS Regional Educator for Haida Gwaii, home of the Haida, since 2021. Her personal and professional experience with mental illness and disordered substance use plays a leading role in shaping her practice and intentions. Her approach involves connecting with individuals one-on-one, facilitating workshops and support groups, and fostering open dialogue about mental health in schools, local organizations, and public spaces.

Outside of work, Shelley finds balance through yoga, tai chi, and foreign films and cherishes moments on the beach and in the forest with loved ones.
Clara Donnelly | Bulkley Valley Regional Educator

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About Clara Donnelly

Bulkley Valley Regional Educator

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Clara Donnelly has been with BCSS since 2014 and has worked as a Bulkley Valley Regional Educator for the last nine years. Clara is originally from Mexico, and before moving here, she worked as a speech pathologist, special needs preschool teacher, university professor, and child psychotherapist; after moving here, she also worked as a behavioural consultant, frontline worker for adults with disabilities, and home share coordinator. She considers all of her diverse work experiences as professional achievements and is proud of all of them equally. The way the brain works fascinates her, and learning how brain functions can impact behaviour is what first interested her in the mental health field.
Stephanie Gardner | Terrace Regional Educator

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About Stephanie Gardner

Terrace Regional Educator

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Stephanie has been a Northwest Regional Educator at BCSS since 2022. Before that, she worked as a practical nurse throughout the province for over a decade and has extensive experience working in the mental health and addictions sphere in Terrace, BC. She has certificates in practical nursing, early childhood education, and medical transcription and is happy to bring her experience and love of helping others to BCSS. She has also achieved Level 9 in piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Stephanie is a mom of three and has two rescue pets. She loves playing piano, travelling, and spending time with family and friends whenever possible.
Reneé Morven | Prince Rupert Regional Educator

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About Reneé Morven

Prince Rupert Regional Educator

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Reneé Morven is the Prince Rupert Regional Educator for BCSS in the traditional and unceded Territory of the Ts’msyen people. She has lived experience as a family member to a sibling with schizophrenia and to a non-verbal daughter with complex needs.

Reneé’s work experience involves community outreach, workshop facilitation, engaging with families, and partnership presentations. She knows the value of storytelling and finding common ground. In her experience, interactions work better in the North when you get to know someone better personally and by sitting down to have that cup of tea or coffee. In smaller communities, these kinds of continuous slow and steady positive encounters help build trust in relationships, and she brings this perspective to BCSS to help create a safe space for everyone.

Reneé is passionate about Herbalism and harvests wild medicine and plants that heal. To her, healing means treating a person as a whole, and no two people are alike. With this experience and knowledge, she hopes to help families build their capacity and work with them in their journey of hope with their loved one who lives with a serious mental illness.

Vancouver Coastal Region

Hardeep Thind | Coastal Regional Manager

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About Hardeep Thind

Coastal Regional Manager

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Hardeep has been working for BCSS since 2001 and is currently the regional manager of the Vancouver Coastal region, which encompasses the Vancouver area out to Hope. She has worked in the mental health field since 1999, with most of her work focusing on supporting and providing education to families in the Fraser Health region. Hardeep has been an advocate for her family member with schizoaffective disorder for the past 27 years. As she has experience on both sides of healthcare services, she brings a deep understanding of the importance of family involvement in their loved one’s journey. Hardeep recognizes it is a delicate balance when advocating for a loved one and working with frontline staff. She has helped countless families navigate the healthcare system.

In her free time, you can find Hardeep at the baseball diamond watching her boys play or at home making crafts and gifts.
Jennifer Kastelein | Vancouver Regional Educator

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About Jennifer Kastelein

Vancouver Regional Educator

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Jennifer Kastelein is a Regional Educator for the Vancouver Coastal-Fraser region. She’s very passionate about spreading the message of mental health advocacy and dismantling stigma with education. Helping families by contributing to the Partnership Education Presentations and the Strengthening Families Together programs is one of her most rewarding parts of working at BCSS.

Jennifer has a diploma in marketing and sales management from UBC and has received both the President’s Club Award from Glacier Media in 2016 and the Most Inspirational Leadership Award ACT. She loves hiking, kayaking, and golfing when she’s not working. She’s also a fire walker and glass walker.
Anisha Johal | Fraser South & East Regional Educator

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About Anisha Johal

Fraser South & East Regional Educator

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Anisha is a recent graduate from KPU, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Counselling. Having a family member with mental illness fueled her passion for de-stigmatizing mental illness and increasing public understanding of its impact on daily life and one’s overall quality of life. As an educator, she is particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with a community team to help families access the support they need for their loved ones. Anisha is eager to learn from others at BCSS and expand her skills and resources to better serve the community.

In her free time, she loves being outdoors, soaking up the sun, spending time at the beach, and practicing meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Pearl Meredith | Fraser South & East Regional Educator

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About Pearl Meredith

Fraser South & East Regional Educator

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Pearl Meredith is a recent psychology graduate with a background in community outreach. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and improving public understanding of these illnesses and their different methods of treatment due to her love for family and friends with lived experience.

Her long-term goals include completing a clinical psychology PhD and working directly with people who have serious mental illness. Working with BCSS is incredibly exciting for Pearl as she sees it as an opportunity to be part of a positive change in how we deal with mental illness in our province. She cannot wait to be the helping hand that families need and deserve.

Pearl lives with her partner in Cloverdale and loves to read, shoot pool, and host dinner parties in her spare time.
Noleen Mueller | Vancouver & Richmond Regional Educator

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About Noleen Mueller

Vancouver & Richmond Regional Educator

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Noleen is a Regional Educator for the Vancouver Coastal region. She is passionate about helping make positive changes and volunteering for her community. For her, the most fulfilling thing about working at BCSS is the opportunity to work with a team that supports each other and looks for creative and healthy ways to advocate and educate about mental illness. She enjoys working with families and feels privileged to have family members’ trust, hear their stories and make personal connections.

Noleen has been with BCSS since 2018. She loves the outdoors, the smell of fresh air, meeting new people, and having conversations over a cup of coffee.
Kate Seo | Fraser North Regional Educator

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About Kate Seo

Fraser North Regional Educator

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Kate Seo is the Regional Educator for Fraser North (Vancouver). She has always been passionate about mental health advocacy, with a particular focus on better understanding mental illnesses and reducing the stigma that surrounds them. As a new Educator, she is excited to learn and collaborate with the BCSS team to support families in the local communities. She is grateful for the opportunity to hear people’s stories and looks forward to building meaningful connections through all the conversations!

Kate is currently wrapping up her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, Public Health, and Physiology at UBC Vancouver. In her free time, Kate likes to write her travel blog, go for a picnic with friends and family, and swim.

Vancouver Island Region

Katie Nickerson | Vancouver Island Regional Manager

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About Katie Nickerson

Vancouver Island Regional Manager

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Though originally from the East Coast, Katie joins us from North Saanich on Vancouver Island, the land of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. Katie loves spending time camping, exploring the local beaches, and playing board games with her husband and daughter. She is an avid reader, amateur gardener, and so-so cook.

In 2024, Katie supported a loved one through an acute episode of major depressive disorder with anxious tendencies and psychotic features that required hospitalization and intensive treatment. As the temporary substitute decision maker, Katie had to advocate for her loved one and make decisions on treatment plans. This was a journey filled with trauma and despair, but it ended with recovery.

Katie firmly believes in codesign and the importance of patient and family voices in program and policy development. She has a background in mental health not-for-profit management, having worked at the Strongest Families Institute (SFI) for over 12 years. During her time at SFI, she led teams of 50+ employees, developed programs, and supported mental health research. Her formal education includes a BSc with an advanced major in psychology, and she is currently pursuing an MBA.

Katie is an avid community volunteer. She supports pediatric surgical patients and their families at her local hospital, engages the next generation of women as a Girl Guides leader, helps keep dogs with their ‘pawrents’ through ElderDog, and facilitates storytelling for Help Fill a Dream.
Christine Riddell | Central Vancouver Island Regional Educator

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About Christine Riddell

Central Vancouver Island Regional Educator

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Christine started with BCSS in January 2023 after working with Alberta Health Services’ Addiction and Mental Health department for many years. In her previous role, she helped establish new services, facilitated mental health literacy programs and helped reduce stigma within the community. She considers working with other families and caregivers in her role with BCSS a privilege. As a family member to a loved one with a mental illness herself, she knows how important it is for people to come together and provide one another with quality information about resources, support and hope. In her free time, Christine enjoys exploring the beaches and forests of Vancouver Island with family, friends, and her dog, as well as tending to her garden with her cats.
Nicole Parekh | North Vancouver Island Regional Educator

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About Nicole Parekh

North Vancouver Island Regional Educator

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Nicole Parekh is a Regional Educator for North Vancouver Island, and joined the BCSS team in 2025. She has 15 years experience working as a mental health professional and facilitator, and over seven years working as an adult educator. Nicole is proud to be part of an organization that supports people and families directly affected by serious mental illness who are living in the vast and beautiful North Island region. She believes in the power of compassionate education, advocacy, and community building to increase hope, connection, awareness and understanding, and to reduce stigma and isolation.

Nicole loves living on Vancouver Island, and exploring everything that is has to offer with her friends and family, including her Golden Mountain dog.

When she is not working, Nicole can be found crafting, reading, singing along to her favourite songs, and spending quality time with her family.
Julia Gillis | Victoria Regional Educator

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About Julia Gillis

Victoria Regional Educator

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Julia Gillis is our new Regional Educator for Vancouver Island. In her last four years of work, she’s supported dozens of clients as they overcome addictions, disordered eating, and somatically locked pain and heal from low nurture and developmental abuse backgrounds through trauma-informed, holistic health consulting. She focuses on intergenerational understanding and healing as well as tools for resiliency.

Julia comes from a family that has struggled with multiple generations of addiction and mental illness and is extremely passionate about supporting healthy love and resiliency development in family legacies. She believes that supporting and nurturing every individual in a community should be paramount and is excited to contribute to the work BCSS is doing in this field.

Julia has a Double Diploma in Community and Addictions Support Work and is trained in NLP, cognitive behaviour change, and motivational interviewing. She has also previously held certificates as a nutritionist and personal trainer. In her free time, Julia is an avid reader and hiker.
Janet Simpson-Cooke | Cowichan Valley & Gulf Islands Regional Educator

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About Janet Simpson-Cooke

Cowichan Valley & Gulf Islands Regional Educator

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Janet Simpson-Cooke started with BCSS in August 2021. She has a Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing, a professional teacher’s certificate, as well as her professional counselling diploma. Over the last forty years, she’s taught elementary, secondary, and university courses.

Janet’s past experience in education, along with her counselling experience, helps support the relationships she builds with BCSS families. Every family brings unique experiences that allow her to grow, develop, and shape the strategies necessary for change.

BCSS Youth – Kids & Teens In Control

Mary Beth Hall | BCSS Youth Program Manager

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About Mary Beth Hall

BCSS Youth Program Manager

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Mary Beth Hall is BCSS’ Youth Manager for the Kids in Control (KIC) and Teens in Control (TIC) programs. She joined BCSS because she felt a calling to work in youth mental health and believes we all have a responsibility to raise the next generation as healthy as we can.

Mary Beth has a BA from Memorial University in Newfoundland and a diploma from Thompson Rivers University. Before joining BCSS, she worked with youth as a theatre arts camp instructor and museum school interpreter. She’s also lived or worked in Ghana, India, and every country in Central America. Mary Beth loves to read, be in nature (hiking especially), and dance.
Kayla Arnold | BCSS Youth Program Coordinator

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About Kayla Arnold

BCSS Youth Program Coordinator

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Kayla Arnold joined BCSS in August 2021 and is a Program Coordinator for the BCSS Youth programs. Kayla has spent more than a decade working with children and families with multiple barriers, and is a certified life skills coach with extensive education in mental health and child education. For her, the most fulfilling part of working with BCSS is being able to show youth that they’re not alone in dealing with their family member’s illness. As a former foster child, she’s a tireless advocate for kids and wants to give them a safe place to learn and express their feelings.

Outside of work, Kayla enjoys camping, skating, creating cake art, and spending time with family.
Amber Miner | BCSS Youth Program Coordinator

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About Amber Miner

BCSS Youth Program Coordinator

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Amber Miner’s passion is teaching kids and teens about mental illness. She is one of our dedicated program coordinators of the BCSS Youth programs. She’s also a Licensed Practical Nurse with a background in working with youth and families. As someone who has a family member with schizophrenia, Amber knows how important dispelling stigma and presenting the correct information can be to our youth. She sees firsthand the incredible results education, connection, and self-care tools can bring to young peoples’ lives.

Outside of work, you can often find Amber reading a good book or admiring nature.

We acknowledge that the lands on which BCSS operates and supports families are the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples. We are honoured and privileged to live and work on this land we all share. We are committed to reconciliation, decolonization, learning from and with Indigenous peoples, and building relationships within our communities.

Our Team

About us

BC Schizophrenia Society Board

Jack Middleton

Kevin Black

Joanne Leung

Cynthia Petrie

Dr. John Gray

Paul Bhushan

Colleen Crossley

Brenda Sawatzky-Girling

Gerrit van der Leer

Jane Gladman

Jasdeep Dhaliwal

Rebecca Joncas

Peter Andreasen

David Halikowski

BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation

Renato Zane

Matthew Langlois

Joanne Leung

Sylvia LeRoy

Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez

Medical Advisory Committee

Dr. William Honer

Dr. Bill MacEwan

Dr. Anthony Phillips

Dr. Randall F. White

Dr. Diane McIntosh

Dr. Debbie Thompson

Dr. Tom Ehmann

Provincial Office Staff

Faydra Aldridge

Andrew Stewart

Suneeta Bangar

Marsha MacMurchy

Myles Constable

Melissa McKenna

Tatyana Boshnakova

Giordanna Cullen

Roselle Jean Dancel

Corrie Groot