Healing Mind, Body, & Soul:
Recovering from the Trauma of Addiction.

Hamish grew up in a household marked by mental health issues; he was taught he needed his medications to be normal. Struggling to 'fit in,' he found camaraderie amongst drug users, which ultimately led to his descent into fentanyl addiction. He braved life on East Hastings, overdoses, gang affiliations, and institutional confinement. Finally, after 18 treatment centers, Hamish was able to overcome his demons. Now, he has an amazing career, his own business, and continues to inspire others. Giving back is how he stays sober. 

Yiktsa7, also known as Carol Thevarge from N’Quatqua of the St’atimc Nation, is a dedicated mom and grandmother who believes that culture saves lives. Overcoming substance use, she embraced her cultural roots and founded Tse’lacha Wellness & Products, offering traditional healing arts. She has shared her story globally, advocating for Indigenous rights and blending traditional and Western healing practices to connect with and heal both the land and individuals.

Heather Alexander, a beacon of hope in the realm of Clarity Life Coaching, emerged from a life influenced by addiction's grip. From the early shadows of her youth to the complexities of love and entrepreneurship, she journeyed through adversity to find her true calling. Now, with unwavering empathy and resilience, she guides others towards self-discovery, transformation, and the pursuit of lives they love.

Taylor’s life has been a rollercoaster of struggle and transformation. For over 11 years, he battled addiction, spending much of that time in denial. His addiction left him homeless and near death. Realizing his family was preparing for his demise, in a critical moment, he chose life and restored his health. Now a peer mentor, support worker, speaker, educator, and clinical addictions researcher, Taylor tirelessly advocates for compassion and support, demonstrating the power of resilience and the human spirit. 

Cyndy works in Mental Health through the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society in Kelowna, BC. With a background in Breath Integration, she operated a counseling and training center for over nine years. Cyndy has nearly 30 years of experience in counseling and facilitation, primarily in the public sector. She continues to promote Breath Integration as a tool for overcoming addiction and supporting holistic change, helping individuals achieve greater wellness and reintegration into the community.

Anne, adept at observing transformation, finds solace and inspiration in photography, gardening, and ocean-side meditation. Her keen eye for hope in the smallest moments reflects her hard-earned wisdom, shaped by the impact of addiction and mental health trauma within her family. These experiences have reshaped her beliefs and led her to embrace unconventional paths to recovery. Anne writes with conviction, championing the belief that change is still possible and within reach.

Danna Bushell is a nurse, writer, harm reduction advocate, and mother to a son who has struggled with substance use disorder. From the U.S., Danna speaks at nursing conferences and to legislators in favor of harm reduction, medications for opioid use disorder, and drug policy reform. Her writing has been published in Woman's Day, Alternet, and The Fix. Danna's current writing focuses on her personal experience of intergenerational trauma and complex PTSD and explores healing modalities for parents of children with substance use disorders. 

Callum grew up in White Rock, British Columbia, and moved to Vancouver Island as a teenager. At 17, he fell into drug addiction, which escalated to opiate use and homelessness by age 30. After numerous treatment centers and medical detoxes, Callum surrendered to recovery and has been sober since February 12, 2021. He now works as a support worker in an addictions clinic and at a pharmacy specializing in OAT treatment, embracing a life full of blessings.