Daina has lived in Winnipeg all her life. She is very enthusiastic to be the Special Events Coordinator at the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. She hopes to make her mark with this position and continue to educate herself about schizophrenia, stigma and the misconceptions. With that knowledge, she hopes to educate others about it as well, and that mental illness should not be a “hush hush” topic. It is more common than some of us think it is and not a mystery any more. Daina wants to impact the lives of those with schizophrenia through the events that the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society holds within the year. She hopes to see you at one of them!

Jane Burpee
Public Education Coordinator

jane@mss.mb.ca

Jane trained as an Occupational Therapist in England, and came to Canada in 1967 to take a position at the Winnipeg Rehabilitation Hospital. Jane has spent 24 years working in the Mental Health field. Jane says that she sees the importance of public education in the area of Mental Illness, particularly dispelling the myths and stigma surrounding Schizophrenia and giving the message of hope.  She is committed to the psychosocial rehabilitation model.

Karen’s role at the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society is a Peer Program Support Worker. Karen coordinates and facilitates three groups for MSS; the Women’s Program, the Peer Support Program and a group at the Freight House.

Karen has a passion for working with people who live with a mental illness. From the moment she began working for MSS in 1995, Karen found the people she worked with and for, to be warm, accepting and caring, all qualities that she admires and strives to emulate. “One does not find people with these traits in all workplaces,” says Karen. “I think what drew me to this place was that other people had faced similar struggles in life that I didn’t recognize at first but that subconsciously I must have been aware of. Now, years later, I recognize the reasons that I can relate to people who live with mental illnesses who may have experienced the fear of rejection, discrimination or stigma, feelings of unworthiness, shame, low self-esteem and anxiety, because I’ve been there myself, due to various life experiences.”

Karen has several relatives and friends who have lived and are living with bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. She sees all people as people first, rather than labeling people as the disorder they happen to be living with. Her focus is on hope and recovery.

Karen has graduated with a Certificate in Clerical Bookkeeping and a Certificate in Applied Counseling Skills (Honors), from Red River College. She thoroughly enjoys her role at the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society.

Sangeetha Balachandra
Administrative Secretary

info@mss.mb.ca

Sangeetha, the latest addition to the MSS family comes all the way from Malaysia.

She graduated in Mass Communications and spent eight years in journalism and a year in business development and marketing before she came to Canada.

When she was 15, one of her family members was diagnosed with a mental illness and they had no one to turn to for help or advice.

During her first few months in Canada she was a volunteer at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba where she took the opportunity to learn more about mental illness and the stigma surrounding it.

From then on she was determined to make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness.

Tannis Morrisseau-Merasty

selfhelp@cmhathompson.ca

Burntwood Region

Tannis was born and raised in Thompson. She attended the Aboriginal and Northern studies program and received a diploma in Aboriginal Self Government Administration. She enjoys working with the public and her focus is to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses that still reside in Northern Manitoba. She would like to educate the public and give them a better understanding with what a mental illness is and how recovery is possible. She would also like to incorporate traditional ways in the recovery process. She looks forward to implementing more resources for clients in the city of Thompson and surrounding communities to deal with mental illnesses. Tannis looks forward into providing client empowerment and knowledge.

Central Region

Diane has a 25 year history in nursing and approximately 10 years in the area of mental health. Diane holds a Counselling degree from the University of Manitoba as well as a certificate in Focusing Psychotherapy, licensed in New York, New York, USA. She is excited to be working for MSS and promoting the hope of recovery for those with mental illness.

Bev King

bevking@mts.net

Interlake Region

A teacher by profession, Bev is an educator who believes that knowledge is the key to living a full life.  She enjoys working with the public, providing information about schizophrenia.  Using a combination of personal and professional experience, Bev is able to assist those who cope with mental illness and their families by providing support leading to empowerment.  In her capacity as an Outreach Worker, Bev is passionate about following a holistic approach to recovery. 

Nancy Shewchuk

mssnor@mts.net

Norman Region

Over the years Nancy has worn many hats including Office Manager, Community Magistrate and Health Care Assistant. She has been an Outreach Worker for MSS since 1994.  Being the daughter of someone with schizophrenia, Nancy understands the journey and experience as a family member. She has empathy for those dealing with the illness.  As with all MSS staff, Nancy's message is one of recovery and hope. She is not afraid of speaking out against the stigma and discrimination that are perpetuated by the myths and misunderstandings about mental illness.

Tim Shewchuk

tjshew@mts.net

Parkland Region

Tim joined the MSS Team as Outreach Worker for the Parkland Region. Tim was raised in Northern Manitoba and has had a wide variety of personal experiences. Having overcome many hurdles in his own life, Tim now thrives at bringing the same hope and joy he has found to the people around him. He earned a Certificate of Theology from Providence College and has spent five years working at the Teen Challenge Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre as a mentor and example to those recovering from addictions. Tim brings an eagerness to help people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or co-occurring disorders and their families with the message of recovery and hope.

Kim Heidinger

eastmanmss@mts.net

North & South Eastman Region

Kim has enjoyed a successful career as a teacher for 15 years. She is excited to embark on a new career in the field of Mental Health and to be part of the MSS team. Having the experience of being a consumer, Kim brings compassion, knowledge and understanding to her job as Outreach worker for Eastman. Kim is passionate about helping to reduce the stigma that is all too often a part of living with mental illness.