David first connected with Pathways Clubhouse back in 2004, as the member responsible for Learning & Development at the Richmond R.C.M.Police, through a partnership that saw Pathways’ Members and Staff provide a series of introductory interactive information sessions for local Law Enforcement, designed to increase awareness and reduce stigma associated to mental health issues.

As a member of the Board of Directors for Pathways Clubhouse, David was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Clubhouse International 2017 World Seminar held in Detroit, MI (September 2017), and was a panel presenter on a session related to Board Selection and Utilization. His “connection” to Connections Place first began in June 2015, as the Emcee for the Moms Like Us – Clubhouse Builder (Launch) Gala, held at the UVIC Faculty Club. There David presented to, and met with, the Chiefs of the Regional Law Enforcement agencies in attendance.

He has continued to support Connections Place, emceeing the Annual Growing Connections – Friend Raising Gala, in November 2022. He has continued to offer his support to Connection Place, behind the scenes, and has attended the Connections Place Clubhouse location(s) on a number of occasions. Most recently, David has set out to “re-ignite” the relationship with local Law Enforcement agencies.

Through Sandy’s long-time career as a Realtor, she’s had the good fortune to meet and work with people from all walks of life. As a compassionate community minded individual, she’s encountered many families struggling with mental illness. As she gets to know these families, she’s been astounded to learn how difficult a task it is to try to find ways to help their loved ones, who are suffering and whose futures seem so bleak.

Sandy and her family have their own personal experience spanning over many years with a beloved sister, who suffers relentless pain since being injured in a car accident, with a multitude of complex issues that have developed since. For that reason, she knows first-hand how daunting this task is. Sandy strives to be of service to Connections Place to bring about brighter and healthier futures for many people and their families.

Diagnosed at a young age with anxiety and depression disorder, Alexandra knows firsthand what it’s like growing up in Victoria with mental health issues. She helps Connections Place with her experience and education from the University of Victoria, where she received a Bachelors in Anthropology. She currently works as an artist, while studying to assist people as a weight-management counsellor.

Jackie has attended New Clubhouse Development Training in Fort Wayne, Indiana and has also visited Clubhouse in New York City.  Her background includes property management and administrative skills (BC Transit, Camosun College and BC Ministry of Agriculture). She volunteered at Victoria Women’s Transition House until her son’s illness required her time.

Neelam has worked in mental health for many years now, and through her lived experience with mental illness, she brings forth passion and joy for supporting others. She believes in the power of healing through connection and using humor to add lightness. Honoring relationships is the core part of her approach in life, through family, friends, work, and even those she has yet to meet!

Growing up as a South Asian woman has greatly informed her lens in life. She’s strongly connected to her roots in Punjabi culture, language, food, music, and approaches to health, and says she has much more yet to process and also explore. She loves to stay active, to read, and learn knew skills and ways of thinking. The Clubhouse model has opened so many doors for her in personal and professional domains, and she looks forward to many more years in this area of mental health.

Please feel free to reach out to Neelam at her email [email protected] if you have any questions or thoughts for her.

Originally hailing from California, Paige moved to BC in 2017 to complete her Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology at Quest University. She has a diverse work and volunteer background, with experience working in the book publishing industry, in food and customer service, and with at-risk youth in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighborhood. At Connections Place, Paige draws on her own journey towards mental wellness to connect with and support members. She is passionate about building community and loves learning from the folks she works with.

Leah has volunteered in the social services sector for almost thirty years. When COVID hit, she decided to take the plunge and go back to school to pursue her dream of giving back professionally. While enrolled in Camosun’s Mental Health and Addictions program, Leah was introduced to Connections Place through a practicum placement. The vision and values of the clubhouse were a natural fit for her and when an opportunity to join the team as part of an outreach pilot program came along, Leah excitedly jumped on board.

Adrian has a strong personal and professional interest in mental health and helping others who have been impacted by mental health challenges. He strives to reduce the stigma around mental illness.  On a personal level, he has lost family to a mental health illness, and he has other friends and family that are being affected by mental health challenges.

Adrian graduated with a Doctorate of Pharmacy from UBC in 2019 and has been practicing as a pharmacist in the Greater Victoria and Cowichan valley region since.  He currently works providing medication management and oversight to vulnerable and complex populations in the downtown core.  He enjoys this work immensely, as he finds it rewarding to take a harm reduction approach to help people with their recovery from addiction and mental health.

Adrian also holds his Real Estate License, and with that capacity, he enjoys working with people to find them suitable housing within their budget.

In addition to his work activities, Adrian enjoys being physically active, travelling, and giving back to my community in meaningful ways.