We are IH: Coordinator centres Peer voices in care

February 19, 2026

Jayme Pereira

Name: Jayme Pereira (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Coordinator, Peer Inclusion
Length of Service: 4
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health and Services Centre (CHSC)
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: syilix
Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” —Robin Williams

Jayme lives in Kelowna on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the syilix Nation. For her, family and community guide how she navigates life. That sense of connection to people, shared experiences, and a responsibility to embody inclusion is something Jayme carries into work every day.

To Jayme, reconciliation is not a single action or statement. It’s a practice. It’s a way of life.

“Reconciliation starts with a commitment to learning the truths of the past, reflecting on my own assumptions, and building relationships rooted in respect and humility. I believe it is a lifelong practice, and I commit to showing up with consistency, curiosity and care.”

That commitment to listening, especially to voices that have too often been excluded, is central to Jayme’s work in the Peer Inclusion program—and the fuel for each choice she’s made along her career path.

In this Story…

Learn more about Jayme’s journey with IH

Explore Peer Support Careers@IH

Learn more about Jayme’s journey with IH

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.”

An outdoor winter picture with two smiling adults and two children sitting in sledding tubes with snow all around. — Jayme enjoying winter tubing with her husband Justin and kids Oliver and Elliot.

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.”

I’ve come into this role with both professional and personal lived experience, which gives me a unique perspective in the Peer Inclusion program. Peer support has been a big part of my life for the past 17 years, starting when I joined a Peer support group as part of my own recovery journey. Over time, that passion grew and eventually became part of my professional work too.

-- Jayme

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.

For too long mental health and substance use services have been created without the voices of lived experience being a part of the process, and it’s so great to see that change in a big way at IH.

-- Jayme

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.

One dark-haired adult and two dark-haired children standing in a vertical line smiling at the camera. — Jayme playing around with her two children, Oliver and Elliot.

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.