Meet The Team

Stephanie is the third generation of her family born and raised on Vancouver Island.  She has a range of experience and education, including a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a bookkeeping mentorship, and many years of office management.  Stephanie is a recovering politician, having finished a term as an elected official for the Town of Comox from 2018 to 2022.  She appreciated her time in office, especially having the opportunity to advocate for those underrepresented marginalized communities and bringing an alternative perspective to the table.

Stephanie has sat as liaison or director on several boards during her time in office, and she continues to serve as a director the Comox Archives and Museum Society.

Stephanie knows how a head injury can affect a person in unique ways, as she has more than one family member who has experienced traumatic brain injury.  In that way, she is acutely aware of the impact of communication styles and how they are impacted by a TBI.  Stephanie’s family includes her husband Cam, two boys (Zander and Finley), as well as a dog (Thor) and two cats (Nibbler and Jackie).  She enjoys knitting and creepy documentaries in her spare time.  Stephanie tries to maintain a mindset of constant growth and learning and is excited to begin her journey with the incredible CVHIS team.

Allisyn recently moved to the Comox Valley, and joined our team as Program Coordinator in 2022.

Allisyn came to CVHIS with a diverse background in teaching yoga, specializing in Trauma-Informed Yoga and Restorative.  As well as teaching art and running her farm before moving to the Comox Valley, Allisyn has experience working with people with disabilities and neurodivergence and is passionate about helping others.

Allisyn will be wearing many hats here at CVHIS, such as running our Yoga and Wellness programs.  She is excited to be working with all the amazing staff and clients here.

In her spare time, she can be found exploring nature with family and friends, adventuring out on the water, yoga, art and in the garden every day if she can!

Karen was born and raised in the Comox Valley and returned here 4 years ago after living away in different places including Northern BC, Newfoundland, Alberta and Norway. She worked as a nurse for over 40 years, a career she loved because of the opportunities to connect with, learn from and provide support to many remarkable people. Karen returned last year and is excited to be part of the CVHIS team as the Housing Coordinator, a role which offers help to find and keep stable, safe, and appropriate housing. In her free time, Karen is out walking the trails of Comox Valley with her two dogs Cruz and Bella, swimming and gardening. She has a lotof family in the valley and on the Island including a son Donald, who lives in Duncan.

Carole joined the board in May 2004. She has held the position of President for 12 years and prior to that, she was the society’s Vice President and active volunteer.

In the late ‘80’s Carole became involved with CVHIS after a family member had suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident. At the time, the society was small, comprising of only 8-10 people, and meeting at the rec center in Courtenay.

Carole created the volunteer led lunch program, which began in 1997. She is still very involved in the program, and on Tuesdays, can be found bringing pies, cakes and the like to the legion to be distributed among participants.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading and loves the outdoors, specifically camping and fishing on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Laurie Joined the CVHIS board in September 2019 and shortly after, took on the role of Secretary. She is also the chair of the fundraising committee.

Laurie is a retired communications specialist, an avid gardener and a family member of a survivor.

She has a keen interest in neuroscience and in supporting those with head injuries.

Diane has been a member of the Board of Directors on and off for the past 26 years, and was last elected in May 2014.

She is the wife of founder and supporter Warren Fietz.

Diane is currently the Chair of our HR Committee and is an active member of the Policy Committee.

Diane is currently retired after a nursing career in the community.

Michelle’s story started when she was in a vehicle accident in 2013.  Michelle was driving down a Victoria street when she collided with a lady driving the wrong way down a one way street and ended up in a head on collision. After the accident Michelle was treated for physical injuries but during physio it became apparent that she had sustained a brain injury. She was referred to a concussion clinic where she continued treatment but was not receiving emotional support. Michelle was soon depressed and became suicidal so she was admitted to the psychiatric ward in the Victoria Hospital for treatment for a couple of months for emotional support and adjustment to the right medications. It was at this time that Michelle started painting and realized her love of art and music. With no family support in Victoria, her parents moved her back to the Comox Valley and into their home where they could offer support.

It was at that time that Michelle was referred to the Comox Valley Head Injury Society and shares her first memories. ‘It was awesome! Survivors group made me realize that I wasn’t alone in my symptoms, I felt I could contribute and help others, and it encouraged me to keep attending. I felt less suicidal and wanted to try more activities.’

Through CVHIS Michelle has attended BIA supported art therapy, music therapy, private counselling and most recently, has become a volunteer in our Employment Program. ‘Art therapy helped me so much with emotional and therapeutic support. I have learnt crafts, drumming, ukulele, leadership skills and there’s more I’m hoping to do! Music classes are my favorite day of my week, we were just discussing that when we can all come together and focus on music instead of any negative feelings, it can change our emotions. Music at CVHIS gives everyone a voice and always makes me feel good for a few days after. I hope music and the other programs continue for a long time!’

Aline Jensen is a brain injury survivor.  Her journey started during childhood with an abusive mother, as she sustained multiple injuries including two diagnosed concussions which was later followed by a major concussion from falling out of a truck.  Aline remembers the pain starting at 8 years of age which pretty much continued until she was finally diagnosed much later in life with having a tumor on the right side of her head, between her skull and brain.  She was also diagnosed with PTSD due to the trauma she had sustained during childhood.  Due to these injuries she could no longer continue with her profession as a trained chef.

After surgery, Aline was very determined to survive and improve her skills and through some difficult times and a lot of hard work, she obtained a degree in horticulture. She would look into starting a new career and things were looking up, but as happens to many survivors, Aline was taken advantage of and was scammed in a housing situation which landed her at an emergency shelter.

Aline was finding life and getting by difficult without being able to work full time and was trying to obtain PWD (persons on disability benefits).  After her application was denied, it was suggested by another community organization that she come to CVHIS for help.  Through our Case Coordinator’s assistance, she was finally able to obtain a PWD designation in 2012 which would give her at least some minimal funding to survive.

Now more than 10 years later she’s still a client of CVHIS and shares that she’s not sure what she would have done without us and realizes how important funding is to provide our services.  Aline has become a volunteer with us through our employment program, receiving a modest stipend for hours worked, which enables her to use some of her culinary skills as she assists and has become a valuable volunteer with our weekly lunch program.  She has also started taking part in our group wellness activities and has recently been participating in dragon boating with us.  In her words: Through the society I’ve gained friendships and confidence.  I’m now doing things that I never thought I’d be able to do!