Our Team.
Our peer coaches.
Olivia.
Olivia is a Psychology student at Simon Fraser University whose passions include studying human behaviour and learning how to learn better. Inspired by her cousin who has ASD, Olivia decided to seek opportunities to work with neurodivergent youth. She loves interacting with participants at Chill & Chat and watching their communication skills excel! As a Peer Coach, Olivia hopes to facilitate conversations that encourage the development of social and executive functioning skills in a fun, positive way. Her interests include reading, trying to learn new languages, traveling, and cooking healthy foods.
Laurence Bracken-Furneaux.
As someone who struggled with neurodivergence and learning self-regulation by myself, I'm highly interested in helping others like me not to have to struggle alone. As an improv coach, I enjoy making groups feel included and engaged and helping youth get out of their comfort zones while having lots of fun.
Maria.
Maria Cune is a student at the University of British Columbia on her way to completing a degree in Speech Sciences and Psychology. She is also an Education Assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in North Vancouver. She hopes to one day become a Speech-Language Pathologist. She's passionate about working with youth and loves witnessing the friendships that form in Chill and Chat. Her favourite things include reading, snowboarding, and hot summer days!
Jason.
Jason is a 16 year old student at Rockridge Secondary school who has an interest for getting to know different types of people. Through this program he is hoping to learn from everybody around him as well and make new connections. He loves to go out in nature, hangout with his family and travel whenever he has the chance! Although he is newer to the program, he is very excited to continue his journey and create some new friendships along the way.
Mikcah.
Mikcah is a student at the University of British Columbia pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Sciences. She aspires to further her studies to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in the future. She has over two years of experience working as a trained Behaviour Interventionist. She is committed in helping individuals with diverse abilities in reaching their utmost potential. As a peer coach, Mikcah enjoys witnessing the invaluable social and executive functioning skills developed by the participants of Chill and Chat. In her spare time, she loves to crochet, go on walks, and try out new recipes to cook and bake.
Lauren.
Education: I am a recent graduate from Capilano University studying Psychology and hope to continue my studies in becoming an occupational therapist.
Interest: I have a passion for working with children and youth. My interests include hiking and spending time with animals.
Our peer coaches are at the heart of our Chill & Chat success.
Become a Peer Coach.
If you would like to volunteer with me, fill out the form below and I will get back to you. Please explain your previous work experience and why you are interested in volunteering. Please be advised that if I currently have enough volunteers that I will save your name and contact information for the future.