Umbrella Society – Meet Our Team

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 in November 2016, was 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.

Evan draws strength from living a sober life and attributes the support of the Umbrella Society to his own recovery. As Team Lead, 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.

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.

Bronwyn keeps the office running smoothly and the staff on track in her role of Office Manager. 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.

Nicole completed the Mental Health and Addictions Program at Camosun and worked mostly with clients who were experiencing mental illness which provided her with great experience. When the opportunity to work with Umbrella came her way she was very excited to accept the new challenge. Her empathetic nature and strong belief in meeting people where they are at has made working with Umbrella a perfect fit for her.

In her free time Nicole enjoys spending time with her friends and family, staying active, and traveling.

Brianna provides administrative support and is the friendly face and helpful voice when clients reach out for help. 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!

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 and Outreach programs. 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.

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.

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.

Conor began working with the Umbrella Society at Foundation House, then he moved to the Emergency Room at Royal Jubilee Hospital and now Conor is working with the AMCS team at the Jubilee.

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.

Through Laura’s lived experience with addiction coupled with her education from Camosun College’s Mental Health & Addictions Program, she brings compassion, empathy, and knowledge essential to supporting others in this helping field. Laura understands and appreciates the importance of meeting individuals where they are at while honoring each and every person’s own beliefs and values in order to deliver an authentic and respectful client-centered approach.

Laura was born and raised in Victoria, BC, is a proud mother of two boys, and in her spare time, takes every opportunity to enjoy the City and surrounding outdoor spaces in the company of her family and friends.

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.

Luke believes firmly in kindness and understanding above all. As a sober person he has learned that patience, love and empathy are key ingredients to recovery and believes that everyone struggling with addiction deserves compassion, respect, and a second chance. Luke is also a certified anxiety coach and has a thorough understanding of trauma in relation to addiction and mental health disorders.

Outside of Luke’s work with Umbrella, he is an accomplished musician, having travelled the globe with various bands, earning a Juno nomination along the way. He loves spending time with his lovely daughters and enjoys skateboarding, yoga, and spending time with his family at their house on Hornby Island.

In Justin’s words, the Umbrella Society has been very important to his own personal journey of recovery.

Justin feels honored to join the Umbrella Society and give back to the recovery community. His empathy, open mindedness and nonjudgmental nature gives him the right approach to helping those with substance use issues find the life they truly deserve.

Justin attributes his routine to staying clean and enjoys cooking, working out, playing drums and hanging out with supportive friends he has made while in recovery.

A life time island girl, Nicole is excited to bring her enthusiasm and empathy to support clients working with the Umbrella Society.

Through her lived experience she brings an understanding of addiction, community supports and systems navigation that she is happy to share. Nicole has spent the last 3 years as an apprentice electrician and made the decision to transition to a helping profession when she realized it aligned deeply with her personal values. She believes in second chances in life and is interested in helping others find their cause.

When not at work, Nicole loves spending time with her incredible daughter and working outside in the garden.

Nick was born and raised in Victoria, and is passionate about helping his community. He has seen first hand the adverse effects addiction can have on an individual and those close to them, and it brings him great joy to be given the opportunity to be there to help.

Nick loves hiking, taking photographs in nature, and spending time at the beach with his friends.

Amy is from originally from Edmonton and moved to Victoria two years ago for the Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun college. She has worked with youth, complex mental health and is excited about her new role at Umbrella Society.

Amy was drawn to this work through her own journey with substance use and believes in the potential that is inherent in every individual. She hopes to hold space for people to explore and define what that uniquely means to them and then support them towards achieving their personal ideals and vision.

Amy enjoys spending as much time in nature as she can with friends and her dog, Lexi.

Jon prides himself on being a well organized team player who is dedicated to promoting recovery. He brings to Umbrella a wealth of experience, as well as a passionate drive for supporting clients. He enjoys connecting with clients and other community members,while always attempting to provide a beacon of support.

In his spare time he loves spending time with his son playing soccer, going on bicycle rides, and hiking through many of Victoria’s wonderful parks.

Cheyenne’s own personal mental health journey has inspired her to give back to her community in any way that she can. Witnessing and living through addiction herself has pushed her to further open up the important conversation of mental health; and to break any stigmas surrounding addiction and intergenerational trauma. Her values greatly align with the Umbrella Society and she is grateful for the opportunity to support the community. She hopes to further her knowledge by going to Camosun College to enter the Mental Health & Addictions Program as well as the Pre-Social Work Program.

In her spare time, she likes finding new trails to walk her 2 dogs as well as finding new music to explore.

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.

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.

Justin is enthusiastic and passionate about supporting people who are struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. He draws on his personal experiences with substance use for strength and guidance and takes pride in fostering a non-judgmental, positive, and compassionate connection with people in his day-to-day life. Justin is currently a psychology student at the University of Victoria and is excited to be a part of the Umbrella team. In his spare time, Justin loves living life with his wonderful teenage twins and exploring the outdoors on his bicycle.

Justin works on the SURF Team on the weekends.

Hannah recently moved here from Vancouver and is excited to be a part of the Umbrella Team. Previously, she has worked with high risk youth, facilitating workshops and teaching life skills as a transition worker. She strongly believes in creating a safe space for people and advocating for those living with addiction.

In her spare time she enjoys being with her family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

Aba is originally from Ontario and has been in British Columbia for about 12 years. In 2018 she finished the Health Care Assistant program at Camosun College. She has experience in acute care and long term care setting and is enjoying that transition into the Mental Health and Addiction field. In Aba’s spare time she loves hanging out with her friends and family, watching movies and going bowling.

Sarah believes strongly in a holistic approach to recovery support. She is excited to join the Umbrella Team and combine her passion for helping others and her keen understanding of the impacts of substance use.

When not at work, Sarah loves to immerse herself in nature at home and abroad. She’s a big fan of cooking, cuddling with animals, and exploring the healing powers of crystals.

For Matt, working with Umbrella Society is an opportunity to come full circle in life.

Matt’s professional background includes marketing, finance, publishing, and not-for-profit organizing. With his business experience Matt provides a unique perspective to the team, but it’s his past with drug addiction that fuels his passion to do this work. In fact, to hear Matt tell it Umbrella saved his life. So, to now personally carry the Umbrella mission of supporting individuals, and their loved ones, who are still struggling with substance use issues is an opportunity Matt is grateful for every day.

When Matt is not at work he can often be found spending time with his family, cooking up a storm, or deeply immersed in a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Steven started his career working with vulnerable seniors suffering from loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Along with his personal experience in addiction he decided to explore new adventures and ways to give back. Steven offers a unique positive approach, driven to spread joy and love among those in need. He hopes through life experience that he can inspire others in addiction, especially in the LGBT community. Steven has strong values for connection and a healthy lifestyle. He balances his days by meditating, going for long walks, working out at the gym, crafting, and exploring nature on hikes.

Steven’s advice would be Keep It Simple, Have Fun, and Love Yourself.

Brett is a student currently enrolled in the criminal justice program at Camosun College. New to the Victoria area, Brett is hoping to make a difference in his new community through his work at Umbrella. Brett believes that caring for others and spreading empathy is the best way to build a strong community and a brighter future.

In his spare time Brett enjoys being with friends, connecting with nature, building computers, or hanging out with his dog.

Being a strong advocate for mental health, as well as LGBTQ+ rights, and helping others, whether big or small, has always been a passion for Grace. After her days volunteering at Our Place, she jumped at the opportunity to work closely and support those struggling here at Umbrella.

Grace is currently enrolling in the Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun to further her education and experience levels in the field. In her free time, Grace loves to read, explore the beach and bake for others!

Cameron believes that if everyone gives everyone gets. There’s is balance for all of us to find. For some it might be instantaneous, and for others it might seem impossible. With the right support and help it can become achievable for anyone. Cameron wants to become more involved in both the prevention and rehabilitation of addiction. They find the most from helping and always want to give back. In this world there is room for us all and all of us must work both together and for each other.

Tessa has a passion for helping those who suffer from addiction and mental illness. Having a personal connection to those who have suffered in the past, she believes that everyone should be treated with empathy and equality. Tessa has a drive to advocate for individuals who fall into the crime cycle but who also want to get help for their substance abuse. With a Diploma in Criminal Justice at Camosun College, she believes that there is much more that can be done for those who want to make a change.

When Tessa has spare time, she enjoys tap dancing, cooking, exploring the island, enjoying the company of friends and family, and talking care of her loveable cat, Loki. Tessa is very excited to gain as much experience as possible and to be working with the Umbrella Team.

Pawel is typically described as hard working and a quick learner with a love for innovation. He prides himself on seeing the good in each person he interacts with. Pawel loves to help people and learn on his feet. Working with the Forbes Team gives him a great perspective that supports his recovery and he hopes that he can in turn support the recovery of others.

Outside of work, Pawel values time spend with friends and family, working on music and creating DJ sets.

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.

Brae works at the hotel Monday and facilitates the Rainbow Group Tuesday evenings.

Emmett believes that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and empathy. His passion for people and commitment to supporting others inspired him to join the amazing team at the Umbrella Society. His calm, compassionate nature makes him a great fit for a helping role and he is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community. Emmett developed his knowledge at the University of Victoria, where he is currently completing his honours degree in Psychology.

In his spare time, Emmett enjoys photography, exploring the outdoors, and the company of friends and family.

Erik started out in Foundation House over 2 years ago and holds the important role of senior resident. He started working for Umbrella in December, 2020 doing the encampments and found it was a great way to give back. He is an active member of the recovery community and enjoys bringing meetings to important community resources. 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.

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.

Bruce credits his remarkable recovery to Umbrella Society. Their hands on, humanistic approach to helping those who choose recovery was instrumental in his growth.

When the opportunity to give back presented itself, he jumped at the chance. His personal experience, empathy, compassion and interest in seeing others succeed make him an asset to Umbrella’s team.

He volunteers for VPWAS during the week as a receptionist, with peer support being a large part of his days there.

In his spare time, Bruce loves to paint, sing, get out in nature to take photos, and make people laugh. In his mind he can still dance like a 20 year old.

Spencer became familiar with the Umbrella Society after struggling with addiction himself. After going through detox and the stabilization program he was able to enter Foundation House.

Spencer’s first hand experience with addiction & mental health give him a deep sense of empathy towards other currently battling these issues. He is current;y working the in the encampments, bringing food and offering resources to people in need. This has given him a great sense of gratitude for the blessings he has today.

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.

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.

Hazen has long been a fan of the work Umbrella does. Umbrella’s purpose and goals deeply aligns with his personal views as a mental health and addictions advocate. He is thrilled to be working with the Encampment Team, using his skills to connect with people and enhance his deep sense of community.

Away from work, Hazen enjoys art, photography, music and connecting with nature.

Leah completed the Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun College, where she furthered her skill set and knowledge-base. Her combined education and empathetic nature allows her to meet people where they are at without judgement. With her education and passion for helping people, she is excited to join the team at Umbrella.

During her spare time, you can find Leah at one of the many beautiful beaches Victoria has to offer, or spending time with her friends and family.

Corrie was born and raised in Victoria BC. After working in the hospitality industry for most of her life, Corrie was ready for a change.

The opportunity to work for the Umbrella Society is so exciting for Corrie. After years of being in recovery herself she hopes to bring compassion, kindness and caring into the lives of everyone she meets.

When not at work, Corrie can be found out in nature with her dog or hanging at home painting pictures with her cat.

Bio coming soon

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.

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.

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.

Theo is a proud advocate for recovery after going through the youth addiction and mental health system himself and continues to share his experience and compassion. He spends his days as a part time barista/ part time entrepreneur and is an active member of the lgbtq+ and trans communities. Theo loves all things creative,colourful and creepy and is really looking forward to getting more involved in the recovery community

Kaitlynn believes everyone deserves to be seen and heard with compassion and empathy. She hopes to be a guide and support for other’s to be able to embody the life they envision living. The desire to help others comes from her personal mental health journey and supporting close friends and family living with addictions.

She just recently moved to Victoria from Edmonton and is excited to join the Umbrella team! Her working experience includes support work at a transitional house for women in Edmonton and with Cool-Aid here in Victoria. Kaitlynn also teaches trauma-informed yoga and is finishing her diploma in holistic nutrition. She aspires to make these tools and education accessible for those in addictions and mental health recovery.

In her free-time she loves to be in nature, cooking up a storm, writing, art, and spending time with friends, her partner and two chihuahuas.

Rachael is a kind person, who believes every human being deserves a fair chance. Her life experiences have helped her connect with all kinds of people and develop a none judgmental point of view. Helping others has always been very important to her and hopes her empathy and love can have a positive impact on someone who needs it.

During the week you can find Rachael at her salon, helping others feel and look their best. She loves every day of work and is grateful she is able to do something she loves. Family, friends, and sunshine are some things that makes Rachael happy.

Garrett holds the belief that everyone deserves safe and secure housing. With his own lived experience, Garrett is able to meet people where they are at and work with them to meet their goals. Garrett is an advocate for harm reduction in its many forms, with the understanding that not everyone is ready to make changes when they first begin accessing services. Meeting people where they are at allows him to work with individuals on self determined goals at their own pace.

When Garrett joined Umbrella he started at the arena, since that time Garrett has moved to the Emergency Room at the Royal Jubilee Hospital providing supports to those who present there. In the afternoons Garrett has an outreach case load and helps individuals who would like some support around their substance use.

In his free time Garrett can be found hanging out with his clown fish and looking at reef aquariums.

Working in this community is something Tanesha has always been passionate about. She values meeting people where they are at and assisting them through their goals. Tanesha believes Umbrella has done amazing things for her in the past so having the opportunity to join the team is something she’s very excited about.

Tanesha graduated the mental health and addictions course through Camosun last year and is looking forward to bringing not only education but her own life experience into understanding and helping support others.

When not at work, Tanesha enjoys spending time with her kids and family.

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.

When Lesley joined Umbrella she started working with the SAMI team and has since moved over to the AMCS team at RJH. She enjoys meeting people where they are at and helping to create connections to supports and services in the community. In June 2020, Lesley resigned from full time work and remained with Umbrella as a casual.

When she’s not working, Lesley spends time outdoors exploring Vancouver Island and practicing yoga and meditation at her neighborhood studio.

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.

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.

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.

Our Team

Sharlene Law

Executive Director

Sharlene Law

Executive Director

Evan James

Team Lead

Evan James

Team Lead

Blake Andison

Housing Manager

Blake Andison

Housing Manager

Bronwyn Farley

Office Manager

Bronwyn Farley

Office Manager

Nicole Girvin

Transitional Housing Coordinator

Nicole Girvin

Transitional Housing Coordinator

Brianna Kunselman

ADMIN

Brianna Kunselman

ADMIN

Louise Takhar

RAAC | OUTREACH

Louise Takhar

RAAC | OUTREACH

Terry Speller

Counsellor

Terry Speller

Counsellor

Amy Cousineau

PANDORA CLINIC

Amy Cousineau

PANDORA CLINIC

Conor Rosen

AMCS

Conor Rosen

AMCS

Laura Shorthouse

SURF Team

Laura Shorthouse

SURF Team

Jake Flood

Outreach | Salt Spring

Jake Flood

Outreach | Salt Spring

Luke Renshaw

VGH AMCS | Outreach

Luke Renshaw

VGH AMCS | Outreach

Justin Langley

ICM Team

Justin Langley

ICM Team

Nicole Washington

ICM Team

Nicole Washington

ICM Team

Nick Pearce

Forbes Pharmacy

Nick Pearce

Forbes Pharmacy

Amy Winter

Microdosing Project

Amy Winter

Microdosing Project

Jon Blencoe

ER | Corrections

Jon Blencoe

ER | Corrections

Cheyenne Underwood

Indigenous Outreach Team

Cheyenne Underwood

Indigenous Outreach Team

Kelsey Furlong

Forbes

Kelsey Furlong