Tracy Windsor
My involvement with Kaleidoscope began as a participant in the organization’s early days of 2010, seeking support for my own mental health. I soon became a support group facilitator with Kaleidoscope, and I have been President since 2016. It’s an honour and a privilege to be leading this organization, and working with the fantastic, passionate people who are involved. While COVID-19 has forced us to hold our groups online, it has also allowed us to expand our reach to folks outside of the communities of UBC and Vancouver. Peer support continues to expand and gain credibility in mainstream mental health care, and I am so excited to see where Kaleidoscope goes. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns: [email protected].
Katherine Brown
Since 2013, I’ve been involved in the UBC mental health community in advocacy, peer support and student leadership roles for mental health – first as an undergraduate at UBC, and now as a UBC medical student working toward becoming a psychiatrist. Peer support has a central role for connecting people with lived experience, and facilitating long-term recovery. My work on the Kaleidoscope board, my roles in co-founding sister groups SHARE and PUG, and my continued work facilitating groups (and sometimes even popping in to attend!) is perhaps the most rewarding of all my activities.
Winnie Bao
Hello! My name is Winnie and I am a UBC student in the PharmD Program. I have been involved in mental health awareness and advocacy since high school. I joined the Kaleidoscope External Committee last year and I am now a facilitator as well. My journey with mental health continues to be long, winding, and ever-changing. My passion is helping people, especially those in minority groups, live happier and healthier lives through healthcare and community building. In my spare time, I enjoy singing, dancing, painting, laughing and sleeping. I have learned so much from all the wonderful people here at Kaleidoscope! I hope to continue supporting my peers and making connections in the community.
Dave
I’ve been involved with Kaleidoscope since 2021, and love what they do. Mental health plays a big role in overall health, and in Canada, up to 20% of Canadians experience mental illness every single year. Support groups and book clubs are a great way for us to explore these issues. About myself, I’ve been a CPA, CGA since 2012, and have worked in different roles in accounting, tax, finance and other areas since, as well as having served as Treasurer for various not-for-profit organizations over the years. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m based out of Calgary.
Natasha
I began attending Kaleidoscope groups in 2013 when I was struggling with a new mental health diagnosis. Eventually I became a facilitator and co-founded the SHARE self-harm support group during my time at UBC, where I became heavily involved in mental health advocacy. Peer support has played a significant part in my journey to achieving the life I wanted to live, and informs a lot of how I approach my work now as a counsellor working at a health authority. I’m grateful to be able to contribute to Kaleidoscope and to further the field of peer support in this capacity.
Founding Members
Steven
Dr. Steven Barnes is a faculty member in UBC’s Department of Psychology, co-deputy director of CREST.BD, and has lived experience with Bipolar Disorder (BD). His neuroscientific expertise lies in the areas of psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, learning and memory, and neuroplasticity. He is also a talented web programmer and web designer, having worked both in industry and as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Interactive Art and Design. He currently has a keen interest in the translation and visualization of knowledge–especially from current research on BD. He is also an accomplished artist–his current art practice is centered around the production of new media pieces that aim to inspire dialogue on the ways we think about and use modern technologies. He is a talented educator with multiple teaching awards, and co-author of a best-selling textbook on Behavioural Neuroscience, Biopsychology. (Pearson)
Trevor
Hey, I’m Trevor, an on/off research assistant in various UBC labs and current Langara student. While neuroscience is by far my greatest passion, I’ve also devoted time to art and design. My interest in mental health began when I wrote a research essay in high school titled “The Neurobiology of Depression”, which was influenced by my experiences with bipolar disorder. I later went on to volunteer for a few mental health organizations, as well as epilepsy and LGBT awareness organizations. It’s really important for me to give back to the communities that have given so much. They were there for me when I didn’t think anyone else was, and gave me answers to questions I didn’t think had answers. In my free time, I like to ride my fixed gear bike, go on urban photography adventures, listen to ridiculous music on my iPod on full blast, and generally act like the fabulously awesome guy that I am. I have the good fortune of not being able to take myself seriously; after spending some time with me you will leave with a smile on your face…and a newfound appreciation for British boy bands.
Andrea
I have lived in Vancouver my entire life & plan to stay! I am a mental health researcher, but most of my free time is dedicated to photography, music, & reading. Seeing the creation of The Kaleidoscope was important to me as I realized that mental health research was having trouble improving treatment due to lack of community support. If we work together to mitigate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, individuals facing them can access much-needed help. My hope for this project is for it to be helpful to students & to inspire others to be proactive in fostering inclusiveness on their campuses & in their communities.
Fraser
I’m a local lad who’s spent most of his adult life as a working artist. I’ve recently returned to UBC to complete and reorient my degree towards Counseling Psychology. I have a special interest in the study of Concurrent Disorders. I’m a grateful member of the Mood Disorders Association. I sit on the board of directors for the Grunt Gallery and enjoy a firm friendship with the Gallery Gachet. I’ve an 11 year old Blue Heeler named Matilda. I have innumerable likes and dislikes. I am very chuffed to be involved with The Kaleidoscope and look forward to mutual insight through our interactions. I still play music. www.myspace.com/thebluealarm
Nicole
As a researcher and educator in the field of addictions and mental health, I am excited to be involved in the unique and student-led effort that Kaleidoscope represents. I am originally from Michigan (USA) and moved to Vancouver a few years ago. I fell in love with the city and the surroundings, and decided to pursue a career here as best I can. I love teaching and learning, music, good conversation and craft beer. My large and friendly cat plays an important role in maintaining my own mental health.
Victor
Hi, my name is Victor, medical student and previous student in psychology and neuroscience. Vancouver is home, and I have spent several years actively engaged in mental health projects in my communities. Mental health is an often-neglected topic, and I believe that there needs to be a greater push for understanding, education, support, and communication about mental illness. I am quite proud to be a part of this important initiative here at UBC and look forward to everyone I will cross paths with being a part of The Kaleidoscope. Outside of my time as a student, I play music and work with children that have Autism and other developmental disorders.