
K
He/Him
Peer Mentor
I am 58, male, very open-minded and left leaning, cisgender hetero, and have dealt with and am in recovery for addiction.
“No matter how bad things get, you can always make them worse.” It’s a great saying… one I’ve proved right on way too many occasions. I like it because it’s funny. And laughter is healing. I also like it because it’s true. Most importantly, it reminds me that I have agency over my life. If I can make things worse, then maybe I can make them better—by being honest with myself, by taking care of myself, by reaching out to others, connecting, sharing, asking for help when I need it and listening with an open heart and mind; by showing up and standing up, by facing my fears and doing the work it takes to nurture the person inside who’s slowly but surely becoming the guy I want to be. The RTP has helped me with all these things and when you are ready, I’m pretty sure it can help you, too.
My goals and dreams are small and simple: I want to do what I can to help improve the lives of the people around me and I know the best way to do that is by continuing to make healthy choices for myself.

Robert
He/Him
Peer Mentor

B
She/Her
Peer Mentor
I am a 50+ passionate art-and-music loving, food-obsessed female. The only labels that interest me are those on designer clothing. Be you!
Having spent decades with multiple anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts and later fibromyalgia and post neuralgic pain, I can relate to anyone who feels alone, frightened or like giving up. The RTP Peer Mentorship Program changed my life and I know from personal experience that it can change yours too.
I provide a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental space where you become your own hero and cheerleader!

Andrew Drake
He/Him
Peer Mentor
As thunder sounds and lightning falls there is a certain fear attributed to this overwhelming situation.

Jerry
He/Him
Peer Mentor
Hi, I’m Jerry. I’m easy going, I get along with everyone and I don’t hold grudges. I’m an Italian Montreal entrepreneur and Concordia certified life coach that has learnt to think on my feet and talk my way through anything— although at one point I suffered from social anxiety.
The mentoring program is special to me because I’m passionate about helping other people. The best advice I can give is to be friends with everyone, tell people what you want and be honest.
Take life a bit slower—it’s not about owning the world; it’s about enjoying the view.

Rhi
They/Them
Peer Mentor
My name is rhi! I’m 28 years old, a women’s studies student at McGill, with plans to pursue a masters in social work. I have a gemini sun, libra rising, and leo moon. I am queer and generally consider myself non-binary. I love cats, and coffee, and music (I miss live shows so much!!!!), and lifting weights, yoga, and running.
I entered Griffith Edwards at 24. I had always struggled with mental health issues, but I didn’t understand why I never seemed to be getting better. Then the “incident” happened. Like many, I hit a point, the infamous rock bottom, where I was forced to confront my actions, choices, and behaviours (soon realizing I had hit that point long ago, I just moved the goalpost).
The GEC was integral to my gaining sobriety, however, the RTP, being mentored myself, was the cherry on top. Having that support as I was completing, and eventually leaving the program, was everything.
I’ve been part of the RTP as a mentor since 2019, and am in the process of creating my own discussion group for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ community.
I became a mentor because offering support to those who also struggle with mental illness and addiction was (is) part of my ongoing recovery process; uplifting others uplifts me! The RTP has reinforced for me my goals and desires. It’s deeply empowering. Additionally, we’re building a community! We’re doing the work.

Jane
She/Her
Peer Mentor
I am a book editor, a mom of two adult sons, a widow and a photographer. Helping another individual at their stage of recovery from addiction, at the same time addressing where I am in my own recovery, is a process I feel very passionate about. Sobriety teaches one to grow, to change and to face challenges that were interrupted while drinking or using. It is a reason to feel joy again. RTP has taught me how to live a more uncomplicated life and find pleasure in simple things. I wish to share this experience and be there for others as they find their own truth.

Youssef A.
He/Him
Peer Mentor

Grace
She/Her
Peer Mentor
People should know that my resiliency inspires me to improve myself, using those tools to assist and connect with others. I can relate to a wide array of people, as I am multi-faceted (i.e. love of language, culture, sport, history, etc.) Compassion and empathy are my greatest tools to support others.
Being a mentor allows me to use my lived experience to accompany another walk their path to recovery. I am also motivated to pay forward the assistance and compassion that I received from many professional and personal contacts; the ultimate mentors.
Victories and failures, even in my darkest moments fuel my resolve to lessen mental illness’ impact. I am eager to share RTP’s positivity with mentees.
My ultimate goal is to explore and share life’s fullness which is not majorly impacted by mental health. Instead of “getting my life back”, I want to enjoy the life that I’ve built through adversity and joy.

Michael
He/Him
Peer Mentor
I’m on the Steering committee and part of creating the CPPMP ( Chronic pain peer Mentorship program) – Mentor ( 2020)

François
He/Him
Peer Mentor
Hi, I’m Francois. I’m a dual citizen from Texas and a published author. I’m sarcastic and think its important to laugh at the world.
I first came into contact with mentoring by being mentored as a patient in the day hospital. Now, I’m a peer mentor at RTP and involved in the Zine. I have depression, anxiety and migraines and I’ve accepted my illnesses. I’m an empathetic listener but I won’t sugar coat.
I love reading and cooking— so if you ever don’t want to talk about illness we could discuss readings or recipes.

Team Member
Pronouns
Peer Mentor

K
—

Robert
—

B
—

Andrew Drake
—

Jerry
—

Rhi
—

Jane
—

Youssef A
—

Grace
—

Michael
—

François
—
