Umbrella Society – Meet Our Team

I like to think that I am a very kind-hearted person, and I can get along with almost anybody out there. I have lived experience, so I know the struggles of living with substance use and mental illness.

When I’m not at work, I like to spend my free time with my partner, DJing and making music, and just hanging out. The most rewarding part of working here is just being able to be there for another person who needs it.

Adriana is a recent graduate from UVic where she combined her love for science and her love for people in a combined degree of Biology and Psychology. To round it out, she added a minor in Ethics. In her studies and life experience she discovered many gaps in research, studies, and funding, particularly in mental health & addiction. This inspired a desire to work in the supportive recovery field.

When not working at Umbrella, Adriana works in food & beverage at a golf course (where she is also working on her golf game). Adriana also enjoys running (she’s training for a half marathon!), cheering for the Oilers, and hanging out with her cat, Vida.

Born and raised in Victoria, Amy has worked many different jobs but her ultimate passion is helping people. Watching the transformation of this city during the pandemic, she knew she needed to be part of the change. She graduated as a Community Support Worker in 2021 and has been working in the field ever since. She is happy to be joining the Umbrella team to deepen her engagement with this community and be part of recovery journeys.

In her free time, Amy loves spending time with her family and two kitties, and playing field hockey.

Amy, a Victoria native, boasts over a decade of experience in healthcare.
Her deep passion for aiding individuals in overcoming challenges and leading fulfilling lives is evident. Beyond her career, she treasures moments with her two children, holding family values in high regard. Amy, with a rewarding recovery journey, brings a unique blend of experience, compassion, and drive to her role at Umbrella, driven by a strong sense of purpose and a genuine desire to empower others.

Angi developed a passion for harm reduction and helping others through experiencing first-hand how difficult it can be to access social and mental health resources. Angi is currently working on completing her associates degree in social work at Camosun College. She aims to become a social worker and work in the mental health and addictions field. In her free time, Angi enjoys activities that help reduce stress such as scrapbooking and going for long walks while playing her favourite rock and roll music. Angi is excited to work with Umbrella to extend the reach of social supports and pledges to work to make harm reduction and recovery accessible to all.

Ari spends her days at Umbrella’s head office where she can be found with her toy doughnuts, cuddling on everyone’s laps and watching carefully for any food that might get dropped.

This sweet girl offers licks and love to all the office staff and she will bark at any visitors to make sure they know she is the boss.

This is Ashley. And for Ashley as an LGBT person, experiencing housing discrimination and lack of mental health support was common in their youth and throughout their early adulthood. After overcoming substance dependency, Ashley decided they wanted to make an impact on the lives of LGBT youth experiencing housing insecurities, difficulties with boundaries, and facing barriers that come with trauma and addiction. They graduated with their Diploma in Addiction and Community Health in their homeland of Alberta and now that they have made their way to the island, they are excited to be working with the team here at Umbrella.

In their spare time, Ashley enjoys picking apart TV shows from the 90s, documentaries of all kinds, getting lost in nature, and (due to their busy schedule) spending time with other people’s pets

Ashley chose this career path because of her passion for helping others. Ashley’s lived experience reminds her that kindness and support are the key to recovery. Knowing that others believe in them helps people believe in themselves. As well as her own lived experience, Ashley has seen people very close to her struggle with substance use. She knows how important it is to give back by showing others empathy, love and support when they are in need.

In her off time, Ashley loves being a mom to her two beautiful kids, spending time with family and friends, music and makeup! She loves dancing in her living room, giving her kids concerts, and has a passion for makeup and helping others feel beautiful in their own skin.

Blake has been in the business of helping others for the past 20 years. Coming from a background working exclusively with youth, he brings his personal experiences and solid communication skills into the world of addictions support. Blake’s relentless optimism, empathy and caring nature makes him a good fit for our dynamic team at the Umbrella Society. In his personal life, Blake enjoys playing music, exercise, cooking, and spending quality time with his beautiful wife and children.

After being shown the way to a better life, Brae decided it was time to put her experiences to use and help those in the midst of their addictions. Brae received her education as a care worker at Camosun College and also works as a Cosmetologist. Brae is an active advocate for Transgender rights and LGBTQ issues, always looking for new ways to support her community. When not at work Brae is often very active in the recovery community, or working on her next creative project. She loves fashion, family, and all things beautiful.

Brianna recently expanded her role in the finance timekeeping department by adding the human resources portion to her work. Brianna is committed to making Umbrella a great place for employees to work.

When Brianna isn’t working or enjoying our beautiful island with friends, you will likely find her exploring the world, preparing for her next adventure and continuing her learning. Every day is a school day!

I credit the beginning of my journey out of addiction to my early connection with Umbrella Society. When I was floundering and lost, I met an Umbrella employee at my first RAS meeting. Umbrella guided me through the chaos that is “the system within which we work” and continues to mold my life to this day.

My personal experience, empathy, and compassion are the driving forces that compel me in this job.

In my spare time I love to collect mid 20th century, mostly made on the island of Murano, smaller pieces of handmade glass art. And a variety of art glass paperweights from the last 180 years. I also obsessively consume information on these topics, daily.

And I love making my coworkers and our residents laugh or smile. That’s usually the best part of my day.

Carly is currently enrolled in the criminal justice program at Camosun College and is on a co-operative education program with Camosun and Umbrella. She is a huge nature lover and all appreciates all creatures big and small. Mostly she spends her time caring for her pets which are two dogs, a crested gecko and a pac-man frog. Carly also enjoys spending time outside with friends.

Cassidy grew up in a remote community in Northern BC with a substantial At-Risk Indigenous population. Since her youth, Cassidy has been engaged in outreach in her community through the local Friendship Centre. As someone who has benefited greatly from the dedicated efforts of an Indigenous Youth Outreach Worker, Cassidy is passionate about furthering this important work.

Cassidy is a member of the Aniyvwiyaʔi (Cherokee) and Chahta (Choctaw) Nations and is actively involved in cultural activities (ceremony, beadwork, drumming, singing) within the community.

In her free time, Cassidy enjoys brewing the perfect cup of tea, researching Indigenous Law, and curling up on the couch with a good book and her cat, Emi!

Cheryl was born and raised in Victoria and has always been passionate about helping others. She is currently in her last year of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at VIU. She uses her passion for helping others and a person-centred approach to empower individuals on their recovery journey.

When not working, Cheryl enjoys hiking and camping with family and friends. She also loves working on her creative side making art projects out of clay.

Born & raised in Victoria, Corey hasn’t ventured very far but is looking forward to changing that in her future. Corey loves to say she is adventurous but likes to play it safe – not much of a thrill-seeker. She has a great sense of humour and loves to tell a story and make people laugh.

Corey has spent much of her professional career working in administration and health care. Corey loves building relationships; working with clients, colleagues, and communities to improve the quality of life for everyone.

When she isn’t working, she spends time with family & friends and studying. She is pursuing her degree in Social Work.

My name is Chris and I am originally from Saskatoon, Sask. I have lived on the Island for 2 years and have loved every second of it. We like going for hikes and exploring new places. We have 3 dogs and a cat.

Over the past 15 years I have had the opportunity to work with many great organizations. I have worked with Harm Reduction, Housing, Corrections and have taken some great courses over the years. I am excited to have this opportunity, a place where I can put my skills to use and help make a difference.

“Don’t Judge people because of what they have done or the choices they have made. Judge them on how hard they are working and the changes they have made.”

Danielle moved to Victoria in 2019 from Toronto. Having completed a degree in Psychology and Kinesiology at York University and a diploma in Culinary Arts at Humber College, Danielle began working in a variety of leadership and people management roles. She is joining Umbrella after spending the past several years working as an HR Manager in the Hospitality and Recreation field. Danielle’s belief is that employees can deliver their best to their clients when they have consistent, supportive, and clear leadership, and she is excited to be joining the purpose-driven team at Umbrella to make a meaningful difference in her community. She’s extra motivated to get to work in a place with so many office dogs! When not at work, Danielle enjoys living an active and healthy lifestyle through hiking, dog walking, working out with her gym and fitness community, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Dave has been a fan of Umbrella since first connecting in 2012. With his 25+ years of renovation and construction experience, he is always busy with the next Umbrella project. Dave brings incredible skills as well as keen insight and a willingness to share about his recovery journey that is a huge benefit to us all and we are lucky to have him.

When not at work, Dave enjoys road trips, spending time in a nature and doing home improvements.

Derek has a strong commitment to helping individuals struggling with substance use issues.

Derek’s passion stems from his own personal experiences with addiction and his subsequent recovery. Having faced his own challenges, he understands the complexities and struggles that individuals face when trying to break free from the grip of drugs and alcohol.

Derek enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and exploring nature. He believes in the power of self-care and healthy outlets and hobbies that contribute to overall well-being.

For the last 10+ years, Dottie has been fortunate to work in the mental health, addictions and supportive recovery field. Being engaged, ready to help and encourage others with compassion and kindness makes Dottie a perfect addition to the Umbrella/ICM team as casual backfill.

You will also find Dottie’s bubbly personality on Tuesday evenings when she hosts the Gratitude Group.

Dottie loves being mom to her two adorable kids, cooking, music and live theatrical productions. One of her favourite quotes is “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise” Les Miserables.

Emily joined Umbrella as she believes that everyone deserves dignity and respect and hopes to be a small part of the solution. Emily studied literature and book publishing in the past which encouraged critical thinking and hearing the voice behind the words. Emily is happiest gardening barefoot, cold water plunging, playing Scrabble, reading, biking and listening to the Mamas and Papas.

Erik started out in Foundation House years ago and has continued his recovery journey to include working in this field and giving back. Erik manages Umbrella’s supportive recovery houses and has an outreach caseload. Erik is a huge Calgary flames and Toronto raptors fan. He enjoys playing golf, hockey and getting tattoos. Erik’s family is most important thing in his life.

Erin is Umbrella’s go-to for all things photography. Erin is the official Umbrella photographer and you will find her behind the camera on all staff photos, our recovery day campaign and fundraising events.

When not taking pictures Erin works for the Saanich Fire Department as a dispatcher and spends her time with her husband and adorable doggy Finn.

Evan draws strength from living a sober life and attributes the support of the Umbrella Society to his own recovery. Evan is inspired by the courage of those seeking support and their willingness to open up. Evan’s greatest sense of accomplishment comes from witnessing lives being transformed while living his own wellness journey. He is a proud father of two kids and, in his downtime, can be found drumming for the band The Coast.

Heather started working at Umbrella to fulfill her passion for helping people. She has witnessed the struggles that come along with mental health and addiction and is dedicated to making a change in her community.

When Heather is not working, you can find her on FaceTime with her niece and nephews or taking her pup, Lou, on adventures!

Born 1994, Isaac graduated from University of Victoria’s Psychology program with a bachelor’s of Science. He is eager to support and assist the Victoria community with harm reduction.

Originally from Calgary, Alberta from a background in the drywalling and painting trades, Jackson experienced substance use and homelessness as a youth and through recovery had many trials in detox’s and rehabs. Jackson excited to finally have a job where he can share his past openly and bring that knowledge of lived experience into his work life to support and help others in their journeys and recovery.Outside of work Jackson enjoy camping, fishing, and any time spent outside in nature.

Jake draws on his education, as well as his own life experience, to connect with individuals who experience addiction and mental health concerns. Jake’s empathetic nature led him to pursue a role in which he could meet individuals where they are at and offer an authentic, kind and non-judgmental approach to providing support. Jake takes pride in the importance of compassion and understanding, community supports and system navigation.

When Jake isn’t working, he enjoys hockey, golf and cooking.

Having experienced the struggle and loneliness of addiction first hand, James is excited to share his experience, strength, and hope with others. He is an active member in the recovery community and enjoys giving back and helping others. Umbrella Society has played an important role in James’ recovery and he is excited to spread hope to others that are struggling with addiction.

During his free time James can be found golfing, fishing, running, and enjoying the beautiful hiking trails Vancouver Island has to offer.

Jarret struggled with addictions and mental health for years before finding hope and support in the recovery community. Now, he has shifted his focus to share his compassion, knowledge and support to those who still struggle with substance and behaviour issues. He believes the most important step to helping others is building trust and taking the time to listen to those in need. He is very excited to join the Umbrella team and put these qualities to work.

In his free time Jarret can be found hiking in nature, volunteering or laughing with friends.

Jasleen moved from India to Victoria two years ago, and have always had a passion for working with and serving the vulnerable population. She is motivated by seeing the people who she helps smile.

Outside of work, she love cafe hopping with my friends or just being out there in the nature.

Jasleen is excited to be a part of the Umbrella team and support everyone around her !

Jeff was born and bred on this glorious Island. In his early years he travelled/lived in Central America but came back to the Island.

Jeff worked years in the field of healthcare with people with disabilities and specialized in the autism spectrum. He stepped out of that field and opened up my own a successful restaurant in operation for 22 years in Victoria..

Jeff’s mental illness and substance use issues finally became too much. Jeff want to thank Umbrella Society for being there and helping him to be the person he is now, and hopes to be in the future.

Jeff plans to keep working on himself and living a healthy life that continues to have a positive impact on his mental health and relationships.

Jenni is Registered Social Worker, with a masters degree and over six years of experience in the Mental Health and Addictions field. Her therapeutic practice is informed by the wisdom of her life experience and healing journey, her education, and the generosity of her teachers, which includes all the clients she has had the honour of working with. Jenni is a humanitarian at heart with a creative approach to life. She believes that the essence of recovery lies in the return to a sense of self that makes one feel at home in their bodies and in their lives.

In her spare time, you can find Jenni painting, dancing, or adventuring through nature.

I was first introduced to Umbrella Society in 2008, and it was that worker who helped me so much that made a huge difference in my path to recovery. I have always heard of the Umbrella Society in a positive light when I was addicted and in recovery. I want to make an empathetic difference with people I met, like the worker that helped me. With Criminal Justice and Mental Health and Addictions courses from Camosun College, I hope to connect on a level that can help people on their own journey to sobriety and healthy lifestyles. In my off time, I enjoy playing my guitar and listening to music.

Josh believes every one deserves a second chance at life. He was given a second chance and for that he is very grateful for Umbrella and the services they provided him. Josh is an active member of recovery and loves giving back.In his free time, Josh enjoys going to the pool, hanging out with his son, girlfriend and family. Just recently, Josh discovered a love for arts and crafts that he wasn’t aware of.

Kaija believes that there is no one size fits all when it comes to recovery and understands how difficult it can be to access related resources. By helping individuals navigate the system and providing peer support she wants to empower others on their own recovery journeys. Currently, Kaija is working on her joint Biology/Psychology bachelor of science at UVIC. Through this scientific lens, she aspires to learn more about the intersection between mental health and substance use and the future of treatment for affected individuals. In Kaija’s free time she likes hanging out with her cat Felicity, daydreaming, illustrating and wandering around outside rain or shine.

Kailee found her passion for mental health and substance use services during her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. After finishing her degree, she made the move to beautiful Victoria and is excited to be making a positive impact within the community.

In addition to her commitment to working with those dealing with mental health and addictions, Kailee loves spending time outdoors exploring the island in her jeep, named Elliot (after her favourite poet T.S. Elliot).

Kelsey has always had a passion for helping others and providing support to those that need it. After completing the Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun College he started his first job in the field at Umbrella. He strongly believes in the power of psychosocial rehabilitation with its focus on improving multiple aspects of a persons life in order to promote recovery. Kelsey looks forward to improving lives and connecting with others as he progresses in his career. In his free time he enjoys walking his dog, going to the gym, long boarding, and spending time with loved ones.

Kiana is enrolled in the UVic’s Bachelor of Social Work program. She developed a passion for addressing mental health and addictions at a young age due to her proximity to loved ones who pursued recovery for addictions.

When not working or studying, Kiana enjoys hiking, reading, writing, and spending time with her cat Luna.

Kiran‘s connection with Umbrella began in 2008 as one of the original group of peer outreach workers, later moving on to work with Island Health in mental health case management and finally on an intensive case management team for folks with substance use challenges. Kiran assists our Executive Director with grant writing and various fundraising opportunities.
She currently splits her time between Victoria BC and Rome, Italy where you can find her working in her vegetable garden, and trying to do as much travelling as possible.

Krista is passionate about sharing her experience, strength and hope and is committed to helping others in their journey in kind and understanding ways.

Krista has lived in several different cities across Canada throughout her life and has gained much knowledge about the beautiful country we live in and is very grateful to reside in Victoria.

Krista enjoys catching up with her son, family and friends, spending time with her horse named Dude and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

Lance chose to start working with Umbrella because of his belief in their program and vision. With two years of recovery, he attribute much of that sobriety to the support he has received from Umbrella staff and programs over the years. Lance enjoys working with the community and believes giving back is an important way to find balance in life and recovery.

When not at work, Lance enjoys spending time with animals, video games, heavy metal music and spending time with family.

Lisa is back with Umbrella and happy to be of assistance wherever she can.

She is passionate about recovery from addiction, trauma, abuse and all things healing (think yoga, sound baths, nature, reading and fur babies).

In her spare time she has slowed down to allow for integration, self reflection and nurturing.

She loves spending time with her small family, near water, and all things self care!

Having just completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Concordia in Montreal, and with his French language proficiency severely lacking, Logan decided it was time to return home to Victoria and pursue his goal of working in the field of mental health and addictions. He comes from good stock as his mother was a social worker for The Woman’s Sexual Assault Center as well as a private practice counsellor. He hopes he can make his mother proud by following in her footsteps and continuing the family legacy of providing empathy and aid to those who need it. When he is not working, he can often be found at the pickleball courts where he consistently gets beaten by retirees twice his age. He also likes country music, the NYT daily crossword, and the Toronto Raptors. Go Raps Go!

After forging her own path to recovery and accessing outpatient services, Louise was drawn to a career in addictions support. With a natural ability to connect with people, an education in Mental Health and Addictions from Camosun College, and a fifteen-year career in the service industry, Louise is a natural fit for our RAAC program. Connecting with people at their most vulnerable and being able to offer client-centered services is the most rewarding part of her work. When she’s not working, Louise looks forward to sunny, summer days watching the Harbour Cats.

Lucy is a Vietnamese person who loves to spend time with their partner and three chinchillas, read, play video games, festival, dance, and cook vegan food.

They have a fondness for dogs, bubble tea, impractical platform boots, books on true crime, making people laugh, stickers, and shenanigans.

Lucy has lived experience and considers sobriety to be their greatest achievement.

Being given the opportunity to connect with others familiar with the marginalisation of mental illness, substance addiction, and trauma is the second.

Lucy is originally from Vancouver but moved over to the island for University. She has recently completed her BA from the University of Victoria majoring in Sociology with a minor in Gender Studies. While in school Lucy found an interest in learning about intersectional relationship within society specifically how vulnerable populations are supported and treated.
When she is not working, Lucy enjoys being in nature, cooking, eating, and spending time with her partner, friends, and family.

Lyca graduated from Foundation House to Potter House. This sweet girl is a rescue dog and, is the most loving, sweet dog who greets every resident with kisses and a wiggly butt.

Lyca spends Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s at the Umbrella office making sure all the staff take their breaks, and that their breaks include a walk for her!

Born and raised in Victoria, Madison has learned to love helping in the community that surrounds us here in Victoria and trying to make it a better place for us ALL. She fell in love with the idea of outreach work and harm reduction while working with Forbes IDA and immersing herself within the world of the recovery.

Generally you will find Madison exploring with friends, on adventures with her pup Gio! Reaching all the areas of the island! Or you’ll find her out on a pitch somewhere with a soccer ball at her feet, with a whistle coaching her team.

Madison is passionate about supporting vulnerable communities, spurred by a motivation to enhance accessibility to resources for all individuals. Recently graduating with a Psychology (Honours) Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria, Madison sets her sights on furthering her education through a Master of Arts in Counselling this September, aspiring to specialize as a trauma counselor. In her leisure moments, she finds solace in walking her dog and discovering new hiking spots. Madison is excited to work with Umbrella to have the opportunity to link individuals with essential supports, offering unwavering care and compassion at every juncture.

Megan first became aware of Umbrella when a dear friend got connected with Umbrella Outreach Workers who stepped in during a time of crisis. She has been interested in the transformative power of advocacy for mental health and addictions ever since.

Megan’s empathy and strength in her work stems from a lifetime of living with mental health and substance abuse issues of her own.

Having grown up in Victoria she has a deep affinity for the community she serves and finds great joy in spend her time helping the most vulnerable members of it as she continues in her own journey.

Mekayla has a strong desire to be there and help and folks needing it. She has come from generational mental health and addiction troubles and has gain the empathy for those who struggle. When not working at umbrella Mekayla also has a passion for drawing, kickboxing and her cats when she’s not working.

Nav has been working in the field for 2 years, and is extremely passionate about wanting to help people. It’s been an honour for Nav to connect with and build therapeutic relationships with clients. Nav feels that she indirectly holds the pain of people’s experiences deep in her heart through the power of sharing stories. This serves as the driving force for her to continue to help people in a broken system lacking in resources. Nav is currently pursuing a BSW in hopes of being able to stretch her capabilities in serving the people in Victoria. Nav one day hopes to see a system in which there is no waitlist for much needed services such as detox, mental health help and of course in obtaining housing.

In my past I dealt with addiction issues and had been through the ringer. Eventually I said to myself enough is enough. I was able to get in touch with an Umbrella worker and eventually got into Foundation house. That is when my road to recovery began. Now after almost four years clean I am getting back to healthy hobbies like disc golf, reading, paddle-boarding, chilling with friends and family to name a few. Writing a grattitude list and doing a meditation in the morning is huge for me. I want to thank Umbrella for giving me a 2nd chance at life. Without the help and support I don’t know where I would be.

Originally from Calgary, Rachel moved to Vancouver Island in high school. After high school, Rachel completed a Criminal Justice Diploma and immediately began working in many criminal justice related fields to gain further experience and develop relationships within the community. From a young age, Rachel has always had a very strong passion for supporting others and providing individuals with a safe and non-judgmental space to feel heard and respected.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys being active whether that is at the gym or outdoors, spending time with loved ones, and occasionally indulging in video games.

Originally from Toronto, Rebecca moved to Vancouver Island in high school. Since then she has worked in the beauty industry as a professional make up artist . She has always loved coaching others and teaching them ways to make themselves feel their best! Recovery is part of Rebecca’s personal story and she’s passionate about helping others who are struggling with addiction. She believes there is hope for everybody no matter what their story is and she is determined to help others find their way . People consider Rebecca compassionate , loyal and kind, with a love for laughter and a huge heart.

Rebecca has 2 amazingly cool teenagers who are always keeping her busy.

Robbie was born and raised in Victoria, BC. With over six years of experience in finance at a credit union, he is eager to broaden his skill set and take on new challenges.
Robbie is thrilled to join Umbrella because of the organization’s positive impact on the community. He strongly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in life and is deeply passionate about helping and supporting others.
In his free time he likes to stay active by going to the gym and being outside, he loves exploring our island and hanging out with his friends and family.

After years of battling her own substance use and mental health challenges, Sarah’s journey to wellness ignited a profound passion for supporting others. Complementing her lived experience, Sarah earned a diploma in Mental Health and Addictions, which has further equipped her with the knowledge and skills to provide effective support. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where she can provide compassionate, non-judgmental care for those seeking guidance and healing. In her spare time, Sarah finds solace and inspiration in hiking, running, and exploring the stunning trails that Vancouver Island has to offer.

As a long time local, Sarah has always been passionate about making the city she loves the best it can be. When given an opportunity to support and connect with individuals struggling with substance use, Sarah leapt at the opportunity.

When not at work, you can find Sarah out exploring with friends and her dog or at home making delicious food with her family.

Sarena’s educational background, coupled with her personal experiences, make her a suitable individual to provide social support services to marginalized populations. Possessing a BA in Sociology from the University of Victoria, Sarena is knowledgeable in the socioeconomic barriers that exist and hinder individuals. Sarena’s understanding and awareness of intersectionality theory allows her to empathize with others, recognizing the vastly diverse and unique background each individual holds. Sarena’s genuine passion for helping others stems from her experience of a lack of support during hardship – initiating her belief that social services should be widely available and accessible, to all.

Sarena finds solace in the tranquility that nature offers. She enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring the island, alongside her adventurous puppy, and loving partner.

Scott has been enjoying building his life in recovery since his time at Foundation House. He believes in community building and always doing the next right thing. Scott draws inspiration from the enduring tenacity of people from all walks of life, living and growing together across Canada and the globe

Sean‘s journey with Umbrella began in 2019 as a resident of Foundation House. He credits a large part of his success to the services that The Umbrella Society provides. “Foundation House was a safe, supportive place where I learned new skills that were imperative to my recovery.”Sean has maintained his connection with the recovery community and Umbrella. He wanted to use the skills he’s learned to give back to the community. Sean came full circle January 2023, when he started working for Umbrella as an ICM Team member.In his spare time, Sean likes to train Muay Thai, act, and travel.

Sharlene devotes her time to helping all walks of life, from those struggling with addiction to animals large and small. When Sharlene joined Umbrella in 2008 she started doing outreach and admin, and in 2016 she moved into the role of Executive Director.

When she needs to unwind, Sharlene harnesses the power of 80’s hair bands, enjoys baking cookies, loves traveling, and spending time with her two independent and adventurous adult daughters.

Shelagh’s background is varied with the majority of work and experiences over the past many years being in service to people. As a former Educator in an online Special Education program, Shelagh worked with an educational approach that honours children, youth, and families as they are, focusing on skills and strengths by coaching what is realistic and possible while providing them with a sense of belonging and acceptance. Having recently graduated from the Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun, Shelagh hopes to connect her work and school experience as a member of the Umbrella Team.

Shelagh enjoys hiking, meditating, yoga, tai chi, and spending time with her family.

Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Sheri moved with her kids to the west coast shortly before the Covid pandemic. Her struggles with accessing resources for loved ones in addiction led her to become more involved in her community, with a desire to help fill the gaps and learn as much as she can about mental health and addiction. She hopes to continue her education in the field while supporting others through lived experience.
In her free time Sheri enjoys spending time with family, hiking and being on or near the ocean.

Sierra is currently enrolled in the final year of study for her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at Vancouver Island University and is also completing an Addiction Studies Certificate. She is passionate about the application of trauma-informed approaches in the criminal justice, health care and social services fields. Her desire to learn more about substance use and mental health and to engage with opportunities that emphasize equity, accessibility and empowerment inspired her to pursue a cooperative education program (co-op) with Umbrella Society.

Outside of work, Sierra enjoys hiking, camping, macrame and spending time with friends.

I am a dedicated professional with a background in healthcare. My journey began in Nigeria, and I have been in various roles within the healthcare industry, contributing to process improvements in clinical and non-clinical settings.

My career path has taken me through roles in Clinical Research both in Nigeria and Canada as well as supportive housing programs where I bring my extensive healthcare experience to support people in need. I am passionate about helping people.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring the beautiful landscapes of Victoria, BC, and spending quality time with my loved ones as well as playing Lawn Tennis. I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on community health and well-being.

I am excited to work alongside the Umbrella Society, bringing my education and experience to serve our community better. I look forward to walking this journey with you all .

Stefanie was born and raised on the island. She enjoys living life in recovery for herself and her 3 beautiful children. Stefanie’s passion is to make a difference within the community by helping others find there own path on there own journey to recovery by sharing her own experience,strength and hope.

Stephanie was born and raised in Victoria and has a passion for providing compassionate, trauma informed care in her community. She holds a B.A in Cultural Studies from Mcgill University, and a diploma in Mental Health & Addiction support which she pursued as a result of her own recovery from substance use. Stephanie wants to use her education and lived experience to advocate for individuals and families in need.
In her free time Stephanie love to practice yoga, garden, journal, do arts and crafts, cook, and hang out with her kitties.

Tara has her BSc in Psychology and recently graduated from the Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun. She draws on her empathy and lived experience with mental health and family trauma to help others recognize their unique wisdom and abilities; inherent worth; and intrinsic rights to human safety, well-being, and dignity. Tara is dedicated to bringing awareness to the importance of cultural competency, safety, and humility within our current mental healthcare system.

In her free time, she loves photography, collecting vinyl records, cooking for her friends and family, and practicing yoga.

Having experienced the impact of addiction on family members, Terri welcomes the opportunity to bring her years of research and fundraising experience to support the incredible work of the Umbrella Society. There is no cause more worthwhile than guiding and encouraging individuals through their addiction recovery. Terri is honoured to play a part in helping Umbrella build a strong fundraising culture to ensure it can continue to expand and reach as many individuals as possible.

Terri enjoys exploring beautiful Vancouver Island, and connecting with nature through gardening, hiking, swimming, and paddle boarding.

Terry has a Masters Degree in Education with a specialty in Counseling. His treatment philosophy is to see the humanity behind the person seeking recovery options – not simply the problem. Terry came to Umbrella after working in counselling and recovery because he found that the Society had an approach to treatment for addictions that he could identify with.

Terry spends his downtime strolling Victoria’s waterfront.

Tina was born and raised in Victoria B.C. Coming from a background of caregiving, Tina is happy to continue putting her caring and empathetic nature to work by supporting our clients out in the community.

When Tina isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her family of humans and pets.

Tiolu has a passion for her career and helping people. She is optimistic and empathic and loves to help and listen. Her strong belief in possibilities and love for children is an attribute that makes her unique in her own way.
She spends her free time loving her family, cooking and watching movies.

Zack cares deeply about bringing a great amount of patience and empathy to every interaction he enters. As both a recent graduate of a Psychology Undergraduate degree with Honours from the University of Victoria, and a lifetime learner, Zack has been able to build an understanding of human behaviour that accepts everybody exactly where they are at, and allows him to see the emotions and needs beneath the behaviours we all engage in. He is passionate about increasing community empathy, making him a great fit with the Umbrella society.

In his spare time, he loves to connect with nature, others, and himself.

Zoa became involved in harm reduction and outreach work during the pandemic, after seeing the consequences of the increasingly toxic drug supply and housing crisis. With a degree in psychology and a background in working with at-risk youth, Zoa is excited to be joining the Umbrella team to help support people in our community who are struggling with substance misuse.

Outside of work, Zoa enjoys reading, cooking, and any time spent outdoors, whether that be hiking, camping, cycling, or catching a sunset.

Our Team

Adrian

Casual

Adrian

Casual

Adriana

ER/PES

Adriana

ER/PES

Amy J

Casual

Amy J

Casual

Amy R

SURF | Outreach

Amy R

SURF | Outreach

Angi

Casual

Angi

Casual

Ari

Office Dog

Ari

Office Dog

Ashley K

Casual

Ashley K

Casual

Ashley R

Casual

Ashley R

Casual

Blake

Program Manager

Blake

Program Manager

Brae

Casual

Brae

Casual

Brianna

Health and Safety Manager

Brianna

Health and Safety Manager

Bruce

Transitional Housing

Bruce

Transitional Housing

Carly

Casual

Carly

Casual

Cassidy

Indigenous Outreach Team

Cassidy

Indigenous Outreach Team

Cheryl

Casual

Cheryl

Casual

Corey

Kings Lane Housing Coordinator

Corey

Kings Lane Housing Coordinator

Chris

Outreach | Corrections

Chris

Outreach | Corrections

Danielle

HR Manager

Danielle

HR Manager

Dave

Contractor

Dave

Contractor

Derek

Liver Clinic | Outreach | AMCS

Derek