We are IH: Coordinator centers Peer voices in care

Jayme started working in health care at the young age of 17. By 21, she had completed a diploma in mental health studies.

Shortly after graduation, she rolled up her sleeves and got right to work in substance use services. She later joined the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kelowna, where she spent 12 years gaining experience and growing into a Peer lead role. “That path really solidified my passion for Peer work and shaped the direction of my career.”

But Jayme’s connection to Peer support began long before it became a career. Seventeen years ago, during her own recovery journey, Jayme joined a support group of Peers with lived experiences. Sitting in a room with others who truly understood, without judgment, was transformative.

“It was one of the first times in my life that I truly felt seen,” Jayme says. “That experience shaped who I am and gave me the strength to offer that same kind of support to others.”

That combination of professional training and personal lived experience now informs her work every day. Recently, Jayme completed a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, adding another layer to an already rich and evolving career.

A typical day for Jayme is anything but typical.

From working with the Regional Peer Advisory Group and local Peer coordinators to collaborating with Mental Health and Substance Use leaders, she focuses on ensuring Peer voices are strong, consistent and valued across services.

The work blends coordination, relationship-building, quality improvement and problem-solving, and always with inclusion at the centre.

To Jayme, inclusion and accessibility mean creating environments where people feel welcomed, heard, valued and respected. One of her proudest moments was a recent collaboration that saw 15 Peers co-create an orientation session for new Peer advisors joining the program.

“It was a perfect example of how much better the outcome was because of the Peers involved,” Jayme says.

“One of my favourite things is hearing a colleague say, ‘Why did I wait so long to work with Peers? This is amazing.’” Seeing that shift, while also being part of it, is what energies her passion.

Life outside of IH

Outside of work, Jayme enjoys spending time with her family, diving into creative projects and most importantly, naps. She looks forward to a small family trip over spring break that will help her connect with her family, who she loves very much.

From her bubbly demeanor and bright personality to her surprising past where she pursued a career in theatrical makeup as one of the main makeup artists at a college-level movie set, Jayme is full of surprises!

It’s a fitting detail for someone who understands that every person carries a story and that when we make space for those stories, it can propel meaningful change that can affect how we serve the people around us.

Have you thought about a Peer support career at IH?

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