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.
Karin Frenette
Secretary
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.
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.
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.
Kris Sutton
Member-at-Large
Kris has been teaching Family-to-Family for over 25 years, having taken the course after her son was diagnosed with a mental illness. She has served in a variety of positions through the years, and currently serves as the Education Coordinator.
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
Member-at-Large
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.
Our Staff
Stephen Philps
Executive Director
Stephen has served in education, faith-based, and international development leadership capacities for over 20 years. He is grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside individuals and families in the long journey of mental illness. Together with the board, Stephen believes in building a strong network of relationships between individuals and organizations to support individuals and families in their moments of crisis.
Alicia Vanin
Mental Health Navigator
Alicia brings a wealth of experience in supporting nonprofits with community engagement, qualitative research, and collaborative program design. She is passionate about building cross-collaborative relationships between individual stakeholders and organizations, striving to make mental health resources accessible and effective for all who need them.