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Hey! My name is Alec and I’m a university student studying Criminology and Psychology. I love talking about my own lived experiences but even more so listening about other’s stories too! I look forward to hearing and getting to know folks in the upcoming future.

Hey! My name is Alec and I’m a university student studying Criminology and Psychology. I love tal... Read More

Hi, I’m Rojon! I know how hard it can be to ask for help. If you’ve taken that first step, I hope you know that it takes real courage, and you don’t have to go through things alone. I am a recent graduate of the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Program and I have experience with psychosis, major depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I’m also a Biology student at UBC, so I understand the unique challenges that come with balancing mental health and university life. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply need someone to talk to, my goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you feel heard and supported. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, drawing, watching movies, listening to music, trying to learn the piano, and yoga. I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you on your journey.

Hi, I’m Rojon! I know how hard it can be to ask for help. If you’ve taken that first step, I hope... Read More

Hi there, I’m Betty! I first started experiencing symptoms of psychosis in 2016 but it was not until recent years that I received a diagnosis. While I was undiagnosed, I navigated the health care system, searching for answers. I was finally diagnosed in 2022 and would eventually have access to a mental health team. I have experienced the ups and downs of trying different treatments; seeing various mental health professionals; and battling the stigma around mental illness. By drawing on my lived experience, I look forward to connecting with you and walking alongside you during your journey with psychosis.

Hi there, I’m Betty! I first started experiencing symptoms of psychosis in 2016 but it was not un... Read More

Hi, I’m Caitlin. I was a client for the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program from 2021 to 2023. In 2021, I was initially diagnosed with psychosis, however over time the diagnosis has been more likely to be schizophrenia. I have lived experience dealing with psychosis on an ongoing daily basis. I was introduced to Early Psychosis Peer Recovery Network (EPPRN) near the end of my EPI time and shortly thereafter to Kaleidoscope in 2023. Since I didn’t know anyone close who had psychosis and didn’t understand what psychosis meant when I was initially diagnosed, it was hard to talk about my experience with people. Because of this, I want to create a stronger community of people with lived experience where everyone can feel safer to speak openly about their journey. I’m currently an undergraduate student in resource and environmental management with dreams of advancing my education in the future. In my free time, I like to colour, paint, write poetry, create cards, listen to music, watch movies, read books, and learn new trivia facts. I’ve also been trying to explore some new hobbies like watercolour, photography, cooking, baking, and scrapbooking. I look forward to supporting you throughout your journey.

Hi, I’m Caitlin. I was a client for the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program from 2021 to 2... Read More

My name is Meghan (she/her), I’m a 25-year-old woman with lived experience of psychosis, ASD, anxiety, DCD/dyspraxia, and asexuality. I am a peer support worker with experience in psychosis and youth care settings. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

My name is Meghan (she/her), I’m a 25-year-old woman with lived experience of psychosis, ASD, anx... Read More

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Hi there, welcome to Kaleidoscope and Early Psychosis Peer Recovery Network (EPPRN)’s one-to-one peer support service. I’m a peer support worker with living experience with psychosis and a 2019 graduate of an EPI program in BC. I have been working with Kaleidoscope since 2013, and with EPPRN since 2020. I take a biopsychosociospiritual, recovery based, hearing voices movement, alternative and non-pathologizing approach to early psychosis peer support. I am also in school to become a naturopathic doctor, and work as a youth peer support coordinator with Foundry. My future goal is to offer naturopathic medical care to young people experiencing psychosis as part of an integrated practice to complement the biomedical treatments being offered.

In my free time, I like to explore nature, paint watercolour cards, do yoga, take care of my two cat sons, and spend quality time with friends. I look forward to supporting you in your journey navigating early psychosis and life!

Hi there, welcome to Kaleidoscope and Early Psychosis Peer Recovery Network (EPPRN)’s one-to-one ... Read More

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22-year-old goofy goober living with Bipolar 1, OCD, and ADHD! Had a legendary psychotic episode and a valiant battle with meds not too long ago. Always happy to talk or just listen!! Interests: Music (composition, instruments, singing, etc); Sports (volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc); Video Games (violent); Reading; Gym; Comedy TV; Creative Writing; Vibe Coding; Astronomy; Laughing.

22-year-old goofy goober living with Bipolar 1, OCD, and ADHD! Had a legendary psychotic episode ... Read More

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Hello! My name is Swathi and I am a compassionate peer support volunteer with the-kaleidoscope. I am passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces for people to feel heard and valued. My own journey has took a toll on my mental health, however, with resilience, I have learned to focus on my self-discovery has shaped by learning French and playing the Flute. I am also passionate about learning psychology and behaviours of people as we are inclusively the same and exclusively different as persons. And, connecting through language and cultures have deepened my empathy, and has let me outgrow my previous self. As I continue my path in peer support, I hope I flourish others to be their authentic self in a meaningful manner.

Hello! My name is Swathi and I am a compassionate peer support volunteer with the-kaleidoscope. I... Read More

Hey, I’m Tracy! I was a client of the Vancouver Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program from 2008 to 2012. Coming to terms with a diagnosis of psychosis was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced, but it marked the beginning of a transformative journey. At first, I felt overwhelmed and ashamed, unsure of how my life would unfold, but as time went on, I found strength in my recovery and in the support of others who had similar experiences.

Through my journey, I’ve become deeply passionate about peer support and how sharing lived experiences can create connections, reduce stigma, and foster resilience. Over the years, I’ve been able to contribute to the mental health community in meaningful ways. I co-founded the British Columbia Early Psychosis Peer Recovery Network (EPPRN), where we focus on building peer support in EPI programs and advocating for the inclusion of lived experience in mental health services. I also serve as the Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Mental Health Support Society, a nonprofit dedicated to providing peer support to individuals navigating early psychosis and other mental health challenges.

I recently got my Master of Social Work and I am continuing to engage in research that explores how we can better support mental health recovery, especially through the integration of peer support in clinical settings. I truly believe that sharing our experiences not only helps us heal, but also empowers others to take control of their own recovery.

My goal is to create spaces where people feel supported, understood, and empowered to navigate their own paths to wellness.

Hey, I’m Tracy! I was a client of the Vancouver Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program from 2... Read More