Pacific Post Partum Support Society has been supporting women and their families experiencing postpartum/perinatal distress, depression and anxiety for over 40 years. The program started in 1971 as a grass roots initiative when a small group of women began meeting at the Vancouver Crisis Line office to share their experiences and support each other around postpartum issues. This established the pattern for our treatment model: women supporting women. This was a new approach to addressing the issues of postpartum depression and one that has since influenced changes in postpartum support.
Over the years, our programs have developed based on the needs of the women and the families we serve. Today we reach out to approximately 3,500 women and families each year.
1) We believe that postpartum depression is a multidimensional problem with social factors such as isolation, poverty, lack of childcare and the stressful nature of mothering playing important roles.
2) We believe that through mutual aid and emotional support, women are empowered to engineer their own recovery and to learn skills of self-care, which encourage healthy life choices for themselves and their families.
3) We believe that it is healing for a woman with postpartum depression to share her experiences, in confidence, and to receive non-judgemental support and understanding from other women who have resolved, or who are in the process of resolving, their own depression.
Our Staff is the life of this organization. They are passionate, dedicated and committed to the philosophy of new mothers and families getting the support they deserve and have years of experience doing so.
Georgie Hutchinson
Counsellor & Group Facilitator; Volunteer Coordinator
Georgie joined PPPSS in 1998. She initially worked as a Telephone Support Volunteer and then continued on to take the Group Facilitator training. Besides offering Telephone Support, facilitating Support Groups and holding community education talks, Georgie also serves as our Volunteer Coordinator. Georgie is a firm believer in people coming together for a common cause and the wondrous, productive energy and ideas that will result. She is a mom of three grown children who have been volunteering with the organization since they were little. Georgie is the “heart” of our organization as the ability to support the moms she works with by being completely present comes to her quite naturally.
Counsellor & Group Facilitator; Volunteer Coordinator
Georgie joined PPPSS in 1998. She initially worked as a Telephone Support Volunteer and then continued on to take the Group Facilitator training. Besides offering Telephone Support, facilitating Support Groups and holding community education talks, Georgie also serves as our Volunteer Coordinator. Georgie is a firm believer in people coming together for a common cause and the wondrous, productive energy and ideas that will result. She is a mom of three grown children who have been volunteering with the organization since they were little. Georgie is the “heart” of our organization as the ability to support the moms she works with by being completely present comes to her quite naturally.
Hollie Hall
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Hollie Hall joined PPPSS in 2006. Her role is providing Telephone Support, facilitating Support Groups, presenting at Mom & Baby Talks, and facilitating Partner Sessions. She had firsthand experience with perinatal depression/anxiety with each of her two children. First contact with PPPSS was in a support group, and then five years later taking the Telephone Support and Group Facilitator training. Giving back has helped in her healing process and she feels she can walk the path with the women who seek help. She feels it is a great honour to hear the stories that the women all share. A vision of Hollie’s is to have more support available for Dads who are affected by Postpartum Depression, particularly a male-led group. Hollie’s interests are travel, art, reading, and she has a great fondness for animals. Hollie has a genuine caring nature and staff appreciate that she brings her down to earth “real” self to the office everyday and to the women she supports.
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Hollie Hall joined PPPSS in 2006. Her role is providing Telephone Support, facilitating Support Groups, presenting at Mom & Baby Talks, and facilitating Partner Sessions. She had firsthand experience with perinatal depression/anxiety with each of her two children. First contact with PPPSS was in a support group, and then five years later taking the Telephone Support and Group Facilitator training. Giving back has helped in her healing process and she feels she can walk the path with the women who seek help. She feels it is a great honour to hear the stories that the women all share. A vision of Hollie’s is to have more support available for Dads who are affected by Postpartum Depression, particularly a male-led group. Hollie’s interests are travel, art, reading, and she has a great fondness for animals. Hollie has a genuine caring nature and staff appreciate that she brings her down to earth “real” self to the office everyday and to the women she supports.
Joy Hill
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Joy first came to the Pacific Post Partum Society in 1991 as a telephone volunteer. Her daughter was two years old and her son was six months old. It was through this experience that she discovered that she had been experiencing postpartum anxiety herself. (Maybe she does have a personal angel that watches over her). After learning everything that she possibly could through the society, Joy went on to become a group facilitator in 1995, and stayed until 2005. As is a well known fact among anyone who has ever worked at the PPPSS - "you never really leave", so naturally, she returned to facilitate the West Side Family Place group in 2009 and continues to do so. Joy, along with her family, will always be eternally grateful to the Pacific Post Partum Support Society. Staff appreciates Joy’s commitment to PPPSS, it has been a great support to staff to have her working with us in this capacity as we trust her many years of experience and she brings with her a great sense of humour, and we like to laugh!
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Joy first came to the Pacific Post Partum Society in 1991 as a telephone volunteer. Her daughter was two years old and her son was six months old. It was through this experience that she discovered that she had been experiencing postpartum anxiety herself. (Maybe she does have a personal angel that watches over her). After learning everything that she possibly could through the society, Joy went on to become a group facilitator in 1995, and stayed until 2005. As is a well known fact among anyone who has ever worked at the PPPSS - "you never really leave", so naturally, she returned to facilitate the West Side Family Place group in 2009 and continues to do so. Joy, along with her family, will always be eternally grateful to the Pacific Post Partum Support Society. Staff appreciates Joy’s commitment to PPPSS, it has been a great support to staff to have her working with us in this capacity as we trust her many years of experience and she brings with her a great sense of humour, and we like to laugh!
Kerry O’Donohue
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Kerry joined PPPSS in 1990, responding to an ad in the newspaper for volunteers. Kerry has a background in Holistic Counseling and SHEN (Energy Bodywork). Kerry has four children and experienced some postpartum difficulty herself. She feels blessed to be a part of a Society that has such strong connections with clients and staff. Kerry currently serves as Program Coordinator, Group Facilitator and Telephone Support Counsellor. She also sees to the smooth running of the day to day office tasks. Kerry brings a sense of stability to the organization and she has often been described as grounded, calm and present in her work when she is supporting women.
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Kerry joined PPPSS in 1990, responding to an ad in the newspaper for volunteers. Kerry has a background in Holistic Counseling and SHEN (Energy Bodywork). Kerry has four children and experienced some postpartum difficulty herself. She feels blessed to be a part of a Society that has such strong connections with clients and staff. Kerry currently serves as Program Coordinator, Group Facilitator and Telephone Support Counsellor. She also sees to the smooth running of the day to day office tasks. Kerry brings a sense of stability to the organization and she has often been described as grounded, calm and present in her work when she is supporting women.
Linda King
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Linda King has been a postpartum support counsellor/facilitator/trainer for the Pacific Post Partum Support Society for the past 20 years. Her training is in Family Support Work but her most valuable training has come from working for PPPSS and her personal experience of postpartum distress. Linda experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her first and third sons. She and her husband know first hand what it’s like to go through a very difficult postpartum reaction. Linda received wonderful support from the Pacific Post Partum Support Society by attending a group and receiving telephone support. Her husband also attended a fathers’ information night. The opportunity to speak candidly with other mothers in a safe facilitated group setting contributed greatly to her eventual wellness. She continues to use the tools she learned from the group. Her own experience plus her interest in mothering, parenting and families fuels the passion she brings to her work. Staff rely on Linda to take care of them in many ways. Her thoughtfulness, in all that she does, is recognized by all and appreciated!
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Linda King has been a postpartum support counsellor/facilitator/trainer for the Pacific Post Partum Support Society for the past 20 years. Her training is in Family Support Work but her most valuable training has come from working for PPPSS and her personal experience of postpartum distress. Linda experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her first and third sons. She and her husband know first hand what it’s like to go through a very difficult postpartum reaction. Linda received wonderful support from the Pacific Post Partum Support Society by attending a group and receiving telephone support. Her husband also attended a fathers’ information night. The opportunity to speak candidly with other mothers in a safe facilitated group setting contributed greatly to her eventual wellness. She continues to use the tools she learned from the group. Her own experience plus her interest in mothering, parenting and families fuels the passion she brings to her work. Staff rely on Linda to take care of them in many ways. Her thoughtfulness, in all that she does, is recognized by all and appreciated!
Rita Shergill
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Rita joined PPPSS in 2008. She has worked at the Crisis Line in Coquitlam and Family Conflict Resolution through the Justice Institute of BC. She developed an interest in Women’s Health while working at Women’s Health Collective, and felt a connection to helping other people after participating in a PPPSS Support Group. Rita works as a Group Facilitator, Telephone Counsellor and holds Mother and Baby Talks as well. Rita brings a lot of willingness and dedication to fitting in where she is needed and is a steady, dependable and reliable staff person.
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Rita joined PPPSS in 2008. She has worked at the Crisis Line in Coquitlam and Family Conflict Resolution through the Justice Institute of BC. She developed an interest in Women’s Health while working at Women’s Health Collective, and felt a connection to helping other people after participating in a PPPSS Support Group. Rita works as a Group Facilitator, Telephone Counsellor and holds Mother and Baby Talks as well. Rita brings a lot of willingness and dedication to fitting in where she is needed and is a steady, dependable and reliable staff person.
Shealagh Davis
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Shealagh joined PPPSS in 1998.She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), has personal coaching experience, and volunteers for the Hospice Society. After spending a lot of time being silent while adapting to Motherhood, she contacted PPPSS from a brochure and called in to the support line and spoke with Sheila. She believes that the one phone call made a huge impact in her being able to get well and see a different perspective on why she was struggling. Shealagh has done trainings and workshops for PPPSS, partner sessions and presentations at mom and baby talks in the community. She is currently a relief Counsellor/ Group Facilitator. Staff count on Shealagh for her strong, stable and grounded presence in the office and in her support work.
Counsellor & Group Facilitator
Shealagh joined PPPSS in 1998.She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), has personal coaching experience, and volunteers for the Hospice Society. After spending a lot of time being silent while adapting to Motherhood, she contacted PPPSS from a brochure and called in to the support line and spoke with Sheila. She believes that the one phone call made a huge impact in her being able to get well and see a different perspective on why she was struggling. Shealagh has done trainings and workshops for PPPSS, partner sessions and presentations at mom and baby talks in the community. She is currently a relief Counsellor/ Group Facilitator. Staff count on Shealagh for her strong, stable and grounded presence in the office and in her support work.
Sheila Duffy
Program Manager
Sheila is our Program Manager. She became involved with PPPSS as a result of her personal experience and has been providing Telephone Support, Group Facilitation, and Counselling for over 15 years now. She attended a support group after the birth of her second child and found it to be an integral part of her healing. She continues to have the passion for her work as she feels strongly that a lot of her growth has been from working with the women who call in for support and access our services. Sheila brings a sense of balance to the organization and inspires goodwill and positivity amongst staff. She is proud of PPPSS for maintaining its core values and beliefs while our organization continues to grow and expand.
Program Manager
Sheila is our Program Manager. She became involved with PPPSS as a result of her personal experience and has been providing Telephone Support, Group Facilitation, and Counselling for over 15 years now. She attended a support group after the birth of her second child and found it to be an integral part of her healing. She continues to have the passion for her work as she feels strongly that a lot of her growth has been from working with the women who call in for support and access our services. Sheila brings a sense of balance to the organization and inspires goodwill and positivity amongst staff. She is proud of PPPSS for maintaining its core values and beliefs while our organization continues to grow and expand.
Stace Dayment
Manager of Administration
Stace joined our Society in May 2011 while she was still finding her way out of postpartum anxiety with her second daughter. She maintains the administrative functions of our office and strives to expand our reach, both in population and geography. Stace serves on the Board of Directors for Burnaby Family Place (a parent and child drop-in facility) and volunteers for Burnaby Hip Mamas. She knows that Pacific Post Partum Support Society is exactly where she is meant to be.
Manager of Administration
Stace joined our Society in May 2011 while she was still finding her way out of postpartum anxiety with her second daughter. She maintains the administrative functions of our office and strives to expand our reach, both in population and geography. Stace serves on the Board of Directors for Burnaby Family Place (a parent and child drop-in facility) and volunteers for Burnaby Hip Mamas. She knows that Pacific Post Partum Support Society is exactly where she is meant to be.
Our Society has an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors. Board members are people who have a keen interest in the issues of postpartum adjustment, motherhood and family. Some of the Board members are women who have experienced postpartum challenges themselves or who have supported family members. We are lucky to have a Board that is an active part of our Society and is steadfast in its commitment to our mission.
Joanna Joniec
Chair
Joanna is a professional accountant who works primarily with credit unions conducting internal audits and other investigations. She lives in Burnaby with her husband and enjoys arts and community events. As chair, she is committed to continuing the Society's work of supporting women and their families.
Chair
Joanna is a professional accountant who works primarily with credit unions conducting internal audits and other investigations. She lives in Burnaby with her husband and enjoys arts and community events. As chair, she is committed to continuing the Society's work of supporting women and their families.
Patience Silbernagel
Director, Past Chair
Patience was Chair of the Board for three years and learned again the value of a supportive community. Her interest in PPPSS has been the Society’s persistence in providing education and support to new mothers, mothers of young children, and their families.
Director, Past Chair
Patience was Chair of the Board for three years and learned again the value of a supportive community. Her interest in PPPSS has been the Society’s persistence in providing education and support to new mothers, mothers of young children, and their families.
Malina Kordic
Secretary
Malina has a background in writing, editing and teaching. She has enjoyed participating in the editing and revising of PPPSS publications, and, most of all, loves working with this group of committed and talented women to provide such an essential service.
Secretary
Malina has a background in writing, editing and teaching. She has enjoyed participating in the editing and revising of PPPSS publications, and, most of all, loves working with this group of committed and talented women to provide such an essential service.
Bhupinder Bains
Treasurer
Bhupinder is a dynamic energetic person who is currently employed by the Federal Government. Her professional background is in accounting, business and real estate. In the past year her life objectives have been: family, career, professional growth and community involvement.
Treasurer
Bhupinder is a dynamic energetic person who is currently employed by the Federal Government. Her professional background is in accounting, business and real estate. In the past year her life objectives have been: family, career, professional growth and community involvement.
Ruth Makaroff
Director, Past Treasurer
Ruth was recruited in 1990 as an office support volunteer by her mother, Shauna Little, who was Treasurer of the Board. She was later Treasurer of the Board herself, and has been our Book Sales Volunteer, Office Bookkeeper, and Go-For for several years.
Director, Past Treasurer
Ruth was recruited in 1990 as an office support volunteer by her mother, Shauna Little, who was Treasurer of the Board. She was later Treasurer of the Board herself, and has been our Book Sales Volunteer, Office Bookkeeper, and Go-For for several years.
Dr. Shauna Little
Director, Past Chair
Shauna is a retired psychiatrist. She became particularly interested in Post Partum Depression and its treatment since one of her daughters experienced it. She has been very impressed with the program Pacific Post Partum Support Society has developed, which emphasizes the help that a supportive network of family and friends can provide in resolving it.
We have recently had to say goodbye to our friend, mentor and inspiration, Shauna Little, who passed away on May 23, 2012, in her 90th year. Shauna was actively involved with the Society from the mid-1980s right up until the time of her death, and was the Chair of the Board for ten years. Shauna did so much in all the years of involvement with PPPSS and she touched many lives by way of supporting the work, goals, mandate and mission of the organization. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
Director, Past Chair
Shauna is a retired psychiatrist. She became particularly interested in Post Partum Depression and its treatment since one of her daughters experienced it. She has been very impressed with the program Pacific Post Partum Support Society has developed, which emphasizes the help that a supportive network of family and friends can provide in resolving it.
We have recently had to say goodbye to our friend, mentor and inspiration, Shauna Little, who passed away on May 23, 2012, in her 90th year. Shauna was actively involved with the Society from the mid-1980s right up until the time of her death, and was the Chair of the Board for ten years. Shauna did so much in all the years of involvement with PPPSS and she touched many lives by way of supporting the work, goals, mandate and mission of the organization. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
Erin Arnold
Director
Erin became involved with PPPSS after a Public Health Nurse referred her after the birth of her son. Erin utilized the telephone support and groups held by PPPSS. Erin brings her professional experience as a child and youth care counsellor, victim services manager, social worker and community advocate to her new role on the Board. Erin is currently studying a graduate certificate in complex trauma and child sexual abuse intervention at the JIBC. With her personal and professional experience with postpartum she hopes to assist the society in all its adventures!
Director
Erin became involved with PPPSS after a Public Health Nurse referred her after the birth of her son. Erin utilized the telephone support and groups held by PPPSS. Erin brings her professional experience as a child and youth care counsellor, victim services manager, social worker and community advocate to her new role on the Board. Erin is currently studying a graduate certificate in complex trauma and child sexual abuse intervention at the JIBC. With her personal and professional experience with postpartum she hopes to assist the society in all its adventures!
Linda Foster
bio coming soon
bio coming soon
Heather Campbell
Heather is a public health nurse, working for Vancouver Coastal Health. She works in a public health program that serves pregnant women, new mothers, new babies and their families.
She is very impressed with the programs and services PPPSS offers women and their families, especially the belief that women, who experience postpartum adjustment difficulties, are able to realize their own recovery with the assistance and emotional support provided by the wonderful staff at PPPSS, and she looks forward to supporting PPPSS in present and future endeavours that make a difference in the lives of women.
Heather is a public health nurse, working for Vancouver Coastal Health. She works in a public health program that serves pregnant women, new mothers, new babies and their families.
She is very impressed with the programs and services PPPSS offers women and their families, especially the belief that women, who experience postpartum adjustment difficulties, are able to realize their own recovery with the assistance and emotional support provided by the wonderful staff at PPPSS, and she looks forward to supporting PPPSS in present and future endeavours that make a difference in the lives of women.
Jane Beausoleil
Jane is a retired public service manager who has been involved with the Society for several years as a volunteer. As a board member, she is pleased to be able to continue assisting the Society in supporting women and their families throughout British Columbia.
Jane is a retired public service manager who has been involved with the Society for several years as a volunteer. As a board member, she is pleased to be able to continue assisting the Society in supporting women and their families throughout British Columbia.
Our funders and partners allow us to realize our mission. We receive funding support from a wide variety of sources including government agencies, foundations, corporations and individual donors/members. We are grateful for this ongoing support and thank each of our donors for their contribution to our Society.
We are also proud of our partnerships in the communities we serve. Some of our ongoing partnerships include BC Reproductive Mental Health, Community Family Drop-In Centres, Community Public Health Nurses, General Practitioners, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, BC Midwives and Postpartum Doulas.
Without our volunteers we couldn’t do the fine work we do at Pacific Post Partum Support Society.
We are always looking for volunteer support in various capacities including fundraising, research, office support and more. If you could offer your time to our Society, we would be happy to connect with you. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@postpartum.org.
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