Sharlene Law
Executive Director
Sharlene Law
Executive Director
Sharlene devotes her time to helping all walks of life, from those struggling with addiction to animals large and small. With a strong administrative background and eight years of working in outreach, her promotion to Executive Director is a natural fit – and an asset to our clients and their families. When she needs to unwind, Sharlene harnesses the power of 80’s hair bands, enjoys baking cookies, loves road tripping with friends, and spending time with her two independent and adventurous adult daughters.
Bronwyn Farley
Admin
Bronwyn Farley
Admin
Bronwyn is the friendly face and voice of the Umbrella Society and is often the first point of contact for those seeking assistance. After witnessing Umbrella’s work in the community, Brownyn admittedly pestered her way into a job! She draws a great sense of privilege from helping others at their time of need and offering comfort in times of vulnerability. Bronwyn loves to spend time off with her kids, trying to get them to eat the wide variety of food she cooks, while singing along to her record player.
Angela Corrigall
Pandora Clinic | Hudson House
Angela Corrigall
Pandora Clinic | Hudson House
When searching for a job after her own recovery, the first posting Angela came across was for an outreach worker at the Umbrella Society – and she immediately knew it was meant to be. Angela pours her heart into her work, fueled by the compassion of her colleagues and the openness and willingness of those seeking support. When she’s ready to relax, Angela explores the beauty of Vancouver Island.
Evan James
Foundation House | RJH AMCS
Evan James
Foundation House | RJH AMCS
Evan draws strength from living a sober life and attributes the support of the Umbrella Society to his own recovery. As an outreach worker, he 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 Dryspell.
Lesley Easton
Outreach | Gulf Islands
Lesley Easton
Outreach | Gulf Islands
Lesley’s personal journey of recovery led her to an education in Mental Health & Addictions from Camosun College and gave her valuable experience in the helping field. When the opportunity to work for the Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health arose she jumped at the chance to embrace a new role.
Lesley loved working with the SAMI team and was excited to join the Outreach team and provide support to Saltspring Island. She enjoys meeting people where they are at and helping to create connections to supports and services in the community.
When she’s not working, Lesley spends time outdoors exploring Vancouver Island and practicing yoga and meditation at her neighborhood studio.
Robyn Bryson
VGH AMCS | Outreach
Robyn Bryson
VGH AMCS | Outreach
Robyn’s empathetic nature, combined with an interest in supporting others, led her to pursue a diploma in Community Family and Child Studies, and a Degree in Child and Youth Care. Through her education she discovered a passion for helping others to recognize their own strengths. A desire to use her skills, and connect in a meaningful way, led her to seek out a career with The Umbrella Society. Robyn finds balance in her life through creative expression, and spending time in nature.
Amy Cousineau
SAMI TEAM
Amy Cousineau
SAMI TEAM
Amy’s personal recovery led her to pursue a career helping others. She completed her Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun and immediately applied for a position with the Umbrella Society.
Amy is grateful for the support that she has received and the opportunity to connect with others on their journey.
Away from work, Amy enjoys spending time with her son, reading, and being outdoors.
Mike Powell
SAMI TEAM
Mike Powell
SAMI TEAM
Mike has a background in healthcare and military service, as well as a solid foundation of personal recovery. This combined experience helps him to be empathetic, resourceful and insightful. He is passionate about helping others directly, and proud to be a member of the SAMI Team.
His personal interests include scuba diving, traveling, and board games.
Conor Rosen
ER | Outreach
Conor Rosen
ER | Outreach
Conor works with the Umbrella Society in the Emergency Room at Royal Jubilee Hospital and in the community providing outreach supports.
Having built a strong foundation for himself in his own recovery, Conor looks to give back what was freely given to him. Conor enjoys acting, working out and playing the guitar.
Cait Marco
RAAC | Foundry | Outreach
Cait Marco
RAAC | Foundry | Outreach
Caitlyn likes to live her life with a purpose. She believes her purpose is to somehow, in some small or large way, improve every person’s quality of life that she interacts with. Choosing a career that aligned with her purpose was an easy decision for her, and she hasn’t looked back since. She developed her knowledge through her education at Camosun College, studying Mental Health & Addictions.
When Caitlyn isn’t working she enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, reading a good book or spending time outdoors. It’s a bonus when she is able to combine all of those things!
Caitlyn works with the outreach team, RAAC clinic and Foundry.
Blake Andison
Corrections | Cooper House | Outreach
Blake Andison
Corrections | Cooper House | Outreach
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.
Terry Speller
Family Counselling | Foundation House
Terry Speller
Family Counselling | Foundation House
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.
Valerie MacNeil
Connections | West Shore Group
Valerie MacNeil
Connections | West Shore Group
Valerie has a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her counselling philosophy is simple, it is person-centered and involves meeting the client where they are at focussing on what the client needs at the time. Valerie worked for VIHA in the past as an addictions counsellor, and after some time off is glad to be working in the addictions field again. She has a private counselling practice, Valerie MacNeil Counselling, in Esquimalt, BC. In her down time, Valerie enjoys crafts and spending time with family and friends
Keith Howie
Foundation House | Casual
Keith Howie
Foundation House | Casual
Keith loves supporting people on their recovery path. He is most passionate about personal connections and community building. His friendly nature, personal experience and easy going approach makes him a perfect fit for Umbrella.
When he isn’t working, Keith likes to connect with nature by hiking, camping and fishing with his furry canine companion, Lyca.
Dottie Stott
Casual
Dottie Stott
Casual
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/SAMI team.
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.
Louise Takhar
Casual
Louise Takhar
Casual
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 the SAMI 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.
Brianna Law
Casual
Brianna Law
Casual
Brianna provides administrative support when Bronwyn is away. 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!
Liana Kennedy
Casual
Liana Kennedy
Casual
Liana views self-empowerment, self-care and connection with others as the foundation of her recovery and has made it her mission to help others do the same. She enjoys working with the clients in the community as well as delivering group coaching programs.
Liana is a Certified Professional Recovery Coach who received her training from the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IARPC).
When she’s not working, Liana spends her down time with her teenage daughter, connecting with amazing women and camping in her VW.
Liana works on the SAMI team.
Brian Calderwood
Casual
Brian Calderwood
Casual
Brian has had a long history with Umbrella, first coming to us as a client back in 2006. He has since built a strong foundation of recovery and has been sharing his passion for community social services and advocating for the marginalized population in Victoria for over 9 years. Brian has returned to Umbrella in a peer support position with the SAMI team. When not working in the field Brian likes to practice self-care behind the wheel racing at Western Speedway.
TJ
TJ
TJ started his journey with Umbrella as the house dog at Foundation House. When his favourite residents were moving to our third stage house, Cooper House, TJ joined them and is loving the quieter, less busy, house. He is a sweet, playful rescue dog who came to us via the Victoria Humane Society. TJ did not have a good start in life, and he is weary of strangers and has significant anxiety. The residents enjoy spoiling TJ with lots of walks, lots of treats and lots of love.
Lyca
Lyca
Lyca moved into Foundation House after TJ moved to Cooper House. Lyca, a rescue dog, is the most loving, sweet dog who greets every resident with kisses and a wiggly butt. She brings love to companionship to all the men, and makes Foundation House feel like home.