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Our Story

Kaleidoscope began in 2010 when a small group of university students came together to create a space where they could speak openly about their mental health without fear of judgment.

What started as a single peer-support group grew into a nationwide community rooted in understanding, hope, and belonging — now reaching people online and in person across the country.

Today, we continue that mission: to ensure no one feels alone in their mental health journey. We're here to listen, support, and remind you that healing happens together.

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Meet Our Governance Circle
I have been involved with Kaleidoscope since 2021 and deeply admire the work the organization does. Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and it's important to acknowledge that up to 20% of Canadians experience mental illness each year. Support groups and book clubs provide invaluable avenues for all of us to explore these vital issues. As for my background, I have been a CPA, CGA since 2012, with diverse experience in accounting, tax, finance, and other related areas. I have also had the privilege of serving as Treasurer for various not-for-profit organizations over the years. I have been serving as Kaleidoscope's Treasurer since 2023. I am based out of Calgary, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We have ambitious plans for Kaleidoscope's growth over the next few years. I look forward to seeing how Kaleidoscope continues to evolve and expand its reach.

David Sztain

Treasurer

My Name is Christina, I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I have am dedicated to making mental health support more accessible to those that need it most. I am at my best when I am working with other people and helping one another to reach our full potential.

Christina B

Board Member at Large

I am a third year law student with a passion for public interest work, mental health education, research, and advocacy. I believe that community is a cornerstone of wellbeing, and the community that Kaleidoscope offers is one that I'm incredibly grateful to be apart of.

Meagan S

Board Member at Large

Natalia Modzelik is a graduate student in Special Education at UBC with extensive experience in autism research, behavioural consulting, and mental-health peer support. She has managed research teams, coordinated grants, and facilitated peer-support programming across multiple community and academic settings. Natalia is passionate about Kaleidoscope’s commitment to accessible, peer-led mental health care and is excited to support its mission through thoughtful and collaborative board leadership.

Natalia M

Board Member at Large

With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry in BC, I've developed a strong passion for technology. But mental health advocacy is something that’s deeply personal to me. Having navigated my own mental health challenges with limited support, I know how isolating and difficult the journey can be. This experience drives my commitment to helping create spaces where others don't have to face those struggles alone. I firmly believe that mental health deserves to be treated with the same importance and compassion as physical health. That’s why The Kaleidoscope’s peer-led, judgment-free approach is so vital, it provides the kind of accessible support our communities urgently need. The need for mental health advocacy has never been more urgent. The pandemic brought these challenges to the forefront, and organizations like The Kaleidoscope are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in offering compassionate, accessible support. I’m proud to contribute my time, expertise, and network to help meet this growing demand. I am a strong believer in the power of peer support and in creating safe spaces where people can be vulnerable. The Kaleidoscope excels in this area, and I am honored to help strengthen and expand this important work.

Shahram K

President

I have been facilitating at Kaleidoscope Mental Health for 5 years, and helped teach the facilitator training. I have been on the board, most of that time. I have also served on another board, Theatre Terrific Society.

Adrienne D

Vice President

I’ve been with Kaleidoscope for 4 years and I love peer support. I’m in the last year of a PhD doing art-based research studying mental health disability in higher education. I also have a certificate as a Community Mental Health Worker. I have 30 years lived experience as a person with bipolar disorder.

Rena DPG

Secretary

Meet The Facilitators

Adrienne

Peer Facilitator

Hello there. I was previously on the kaleidoscope board 20-21-2022. I find myself back on the board as a Vice President and liaison between the board and facilitators. I have been facilitating for kaleidoscope for five years. I am recovering from a mental health diagnosis. I would love to help other people battle and overcome mental illness by promoting positive change. By facilitating for Kaleidoscope, I promote such change through caring and empathetic communication. Kaleidoscope provides much needed support, hope, and community to anyone who needs it. I want to help and support this organization as much as possible to foster inclusion and open communication channels for people struggling with mental health issues. Together, we can fight the stigma of mental illness and create emotional growth and change.

Rena

Peer Facilitator

I’ve been a group facilitator at Kaleidoscope since 2020. I love that our organization is rooted in community and care. I am currently pursuing a PhD focused on mental health disability in higher education, blending academic research with lived experience. Long ago I was an involuntary patient in a coercive hospital ward and had my rights violated. Now I am passionate about informing others of their rights and choices of care within the mental health system. My facilitation is grounded in empathy, advocacy, and respectful communication. As a filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist, I explore themes of sexual violence, resilience, trauma, and stigma. My love for Kaleidoscope runs deep—it’s a space where healing, empathy, and personal growth meet, and where we continue to build a more compassionate world.

Anne

Peer Facilitator

I’ve lived with mental health challenges since my early teens, but didn’t know where to turn to for support. In university I worked up the courage to seek professional help, and also found Kaleidoscope. Soon Kscope became my weekly routine and I met many kind and compassionate humans and started to feel less alone in my struggles. A year later I trained to be a facilitator and have not left since. Since then, I’ve lived through coercive, violent and mandated treatment, and I wouldn’t have been able to come through that without the care and advocacy from my peers. Peer support is a passion of mine and even as I train to be a naturopathic physician, I know I will take my living experience and peer support approaches into my future practice.

Caitlin

Peer Facilitator

Hi, I’m Caitlin. I was a client for the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program from 2021 to 2023. In 2021, I was initially diagnosed with psychosis, however over time the diagnosis has been more likely to be schizophrenia. I have lived experience dealing with psychosis on an ongoing daily basis. I was introduced to Early Psychosis Peer Recovery Network (EPPRN) near the end of my EPI time and shortly thereafter to Kaleidoscope in 2023. Since I didn’t know anyone close who had psychosis and didn’t understand what psychosis meant when I was initially diagnosed, it was hard to talk about my experience with people. Because of this, I want to create a stronger community of people with lived experience where everyone can feel safer to speak openly about their journey. I’m currently an undergraduate student in resource and Environmental management with dreams of advancing my education in the future. In my free time, I like to colour, paint, write poetry, create cards, listen to music, watch movies, read books, and learn new trivia facts. I’ve also been trying to explore some new hobbies like watercolour, photography, cooking, baking, and scrapbooking. I look forward to supporting you throughout your journey.

Scott

Peer Facilitator

Hi everyone! Years ago I first attended a Kaleidoscope online group. The gently supportive style of the meetings has drawn me back ever since. As a group facilitator, I now endeavour to contribute towards the atmosphere of mutual collaboration and kindness I have always found at Kaleidoscope. In my daily life, I am constantly misplacing my imaginary pocket watch, falling down rabbit holes, losing my train of thought, and being late for almost everything. I’m still working on that. I absolutely love skiing, Bard on the Beach, Whitecaps games, and daydreaming. I greatly enjoy meditation, and aspire one day to become a disembodied voice. I have been doing peer support work since 2020, and I'm a passionate believer in the highly beneficial role of peer support in mental health care. I’m thrilled to be a Kaleidoscope facilitator, and if you give me half a chance, I’ll try my best to convince you to attend our Book Club as well!

Khush

Peer Facilitator

Hi, My relationship with mental health is both personal and something I’ve continued to grow through my work in peer support. I’m passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen and heard building spaces rooted in compassion. My journey with mental health has shaped my belief in the power of community, compassion, and honest conversation. I believe in meeting people with empathy, curiosity, and zero judgment. In this space, my hope is that everyone feels safe to be real, take up space, and know they’re not alone. I’m here to walk alongside you, not as an expert but as someone who understands that healing happens when we show up for one another. I believe in the power of connection and being there for one another through life’s challenges.

Juliette

Peer Facilitator

Hello! I’m one of the facilitators for student groups on Tuesdays. I first connected with Kaleidoscope in September 2024 while looking for ways to give back to my community. Since then, I’ve built meaningful connections that have had a positive impact on my own mental health journey. I am grateful to be part of Kaleidoscope’s mission to create an inclusive, non-judgmental, and hopeful space for individuals from all walks of life.

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