Some of the most important work BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) does happens quietly.
It happens in one conversation, one hug, and one moment of shared support at a time. Our regional educators meet families where they’re at, listening, sharing, and offering support. Clara Donnelly, our Bulkley Valley Regional Educator in the Northwest, is a shining example of that kind of presence, supporting families since 2014.
Clara holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and specializes in child development. She consults with families, leads Family Support Groups (FSG), runs Partnership Education Presentations (PEP), and delivers BCSS’s Strengthening Families Together (SFT) program to help families build the skills and understanding they need to support a loved one living with a serious mental illness.
This kind of work rarely makes headlines, but every so often, it does.
In recognition of Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day (May 24th), Clara took part in the Smithers Health Committees Brown Bag Lunch Series, a free, informal community presentation series. There, she introduced Stan Walker, a Hazelton resident living with schizophrenia, who shared his story with the group.
Stan was diagnosed in his twenties, though he says now he should have been diagnosed sooner. Before his diagnosis, he built a career in public service roles, working as a teacher, trainer, and instructor with fire department personnel and navy cadets. He has lived through hospitalization, heavy medication, and the slow process of finding stability. He also spoke about the pressure of expectations and the challenge of feeling overwhelmed by the demands of others during that time in his life.
Today, Stan lives in supportive housing, is involved with peer support, and stays active in his community doing volunteer work, participating in BCSS presentations, and helping his neighbours when he can.
He spoke about the importance of insight, the toll of being overmedicated, and what it means to have people who are willing to simply sit with you, without judgement, while you find your way. Stan’s story was picked up by The Interior News, and highlighted the important work we are doing as a community to show up, build trust, share information, and support those who are living with a serious mental illness and their families and loved ones.
Clara brings this spirit of connection and storytelling into all areas of her life. She recently took part in a community theater production called “At the Table” by ElleA featured on CBC News Daybreak North that centers on a family trying to cope after their son is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Drawing on her expertise, Clara supported the production and helped bring this important and stigmatized story to the stage.
Thank you, Clara!
Clara is one of many Regional Educators who has helped thousands of families across BC each year. Her work, and moments like the one she shared with Stan in Smithers, are a reminder of why that work matters; not just in the support it provides, but in the stories, it helps bring forward that bind us together.
Thank you, Clara, for all that you do for families in the Northwest, and for helping Stan share his story with the community.