Fiona Wheeler

Fiona worked in health care and support work prior to acquiring her BA at the University of Victoria. In her spare time Fiona regularly volunteers at the Victoria Women’s Transition House, and practices self-care by riding her bike, doing yoga, reading and gardening. She is excited to bring her prior experiences and a passion for mental wellness to her role at Connections Place and she is always available to support members.

Alexis Minkley

“Hi! My name is Alexis. I have a BA in psychology from UVic and experience volunteering with vulnerable populations. My education and training as well as my own life experience have led me to have a passion for mental health. I believe relationships and social connection are vital to supporting the wellbeing of all of us, but can be of particular importance in periods of stress. Members of Connections Place are always welcome to reach out to me for support, laughs, and friendship. 🙂”

Teira Howden-Gareau

“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!”

Ingrid Nielsen

Ingrid completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology and has her early childhood education certificate. In the past, she has worked primarily in supporting people with diverse abilities, and has volunteered with various mental health organisations. She is passionate about supporting wellness in her community and is thrilled to be joining Connections Clubhouse. Her goal is to approach others with an openness and acceptance of their unique strengths and life stories. In her free time, she enjoys wellness activities such as pilates, running, and playing the Sims.

Sarah Anthony

“Hello all! My name is Sarah and I started my career as a graduate of Library and Information Technology. Over several years and 6 countries, and 3 continents, I slowly morphed from records manager to Administrator to EFL teacher to Podcaster and finally to bookkeeper in Victoria. When I am not hunched over a calculator, you can find me on my farm chatting with my chickens and when I can, salmon fishing or canoeing. I’m so excited to be part of Connections Place and to work in such an amazing environment.”

Morgan Gaudet

“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!”

Paige Wallace

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.

Aylin Hurtado

“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.”

Jocelyn Plunkett

“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 Pahal

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.

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