“I’m Teira! I am passionate about supporting community members navigate intersecting challenges such as mental health, housing, employment, and relational difficulties. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Psychology and writing a thesis focused on weight stigma in mental healthcare at the University of Victoria. I love getting to know people and building networks of support, so come say hi! In my free time you can find me doing yoga, spending time with friends, walking or hiking, and listening to podcasts!”

“Hi I’m Morgan! I have always had a passion for helping people live fulfilling lives and achieve their goals, and I strive to make a difference in the community. After high-school, I went on to get my certificate in Human Services, and have since been putting my knowledge and skills into practice by working in the community support field. I love the welcoming and collaborative environment here at Connections Place and I’m so excited to be a part of  the team!”

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.

“I’m Aylin! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health from the University of Lethbridge. My educational background, my experience as an immigrant, and my own journey towards mental wellness has taught me the importance of community and connections. Through my work, I strive to help people feel valued, respected, and empowered.”

“I’m Jocelyn! I am a compassionate and dedicated support worker with extensive experiencing working with vulnerable adults. I bring a unique perspective to this role as I have lived experience which has allowed me to become skilled in assessing the needs of others and providing high quality care and support. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work at Connections Place and be able to make a difference in peoples lives.”

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.

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.