Our Leadership
We have been there
Mental Illness can be incredibly isolating. For the individual suffering, and for their entire network of loved ones. The cultural stigma around Mental Illness keeps us from speaking up and being honest about our struggles.
We have been there. Our board is made up of individuals who are actively caring for individuals with mental health challenges, or who have walked that road in their life. Our lived experience gives us unique perspective to lead and steward MHRP-CI to grow to meet real, otherwise unseen needs in our community.
Our Board
Cynthia MacLean-Charles
President
Cynthia has served as president of MHRP-CI since 2022, stepping up from previous board roles. She has lived experience as a spouse, and currently facilitates our bi-weekly support group.
Pat Johnstone
Vice-President
Pat moved to BC in 2019 with her two sons. She has lived experience as a mother of two adult boys with mental illness. A graduate of our Family-to-Family program, she brings a wealth of knowledge in caring for family members.
Nicola Crowhurst
Treasurer
Nicola is part of Nanaimo’s arts and culture scene, as a talented saxophonist, performing and teaching. She serves in a multitude of capacities behind the scenes at MHRP-CI.
Sharon Ledderhof
Secretary
Sharon joined MHRP-CI in 2023 after recently retiring from 24 years working in the mental health field working with adults and children. She also has personal lived experience as well as family, friends, and caregiver experience.
Michele Marko
Member-at-Large
Michele Marko, a recent transplant from the Lower Mainland, is a veteran lifestyle journalist who has written for a variety of print and digital publications. She believes supporting the mental wellness of those who have a loved one struggling with mental illness leads to healthier families and the community at large.
Karin Frenette
Member-at-Large
Karin joined MHRP-CI via our Family Education Program. With a desire to serve and give back to our community, she brings a wealth of information and skills to enable MHRP-CI to walk alongside more families and support more individuals.
Our Staff
Stephen Philps
Executive Director