Staff
Karon-Ann Parsons – CPS – Provincial Executive Director
I have been the Provincial Executive Director of CHANNAL since December of 2006. I received a diploma in Business Administration, with a focus on Accounting in 2002. I have a vast background in the volunteer sector including such areas as the Volunteer Steering Committee and the Board for Tree House Family Resource Centre. Currently I’m a member of the Provincial Council for the Inclusions of Persons with Disabilities. I have also received a designation as a Certified Peer Specialist, from the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project in December 2010.
I’m a wife, have two amazing sons, and a beautiful granddaughter. I bring my lived experience as an individual with mental health issues, a passion for recovery, and a belief that recovery is possible, all of which motivates me to share with everyone, their ability to live a life they want and deserve.
Christina McGrath – Executive Assistant
I graduated in 2002 with an Honors Degree in Psychology, and a minor in Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. I also hold a Protection Support Worker Certificate, from Conestoga College in Ontario. I’ve worked with individuals of all ages from children to the elderly and have had a variety of experience working with individuals with mental health and developmental issues.
Early in my career, I worked with the Waterloo Children’s Aid Society as a planned support worker with children having behavioral/developmental issues. I also worked as a Family Worker with Lutherwood Coda’s Child and Parent Place, also in Ontario, supervising the access of non-custodial parents and their children. My experience also includes working with young offenders at Casatta, a detention Center in Cambridge, Ontario. I have also volunteered on the Crisis lines at the Canadian Mental Health Association in Ontario. Previously, I worked in the role of the executive director at the Schizophrenia Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
I’m happily married with two young children, and work part time with CHANNAL as an assistant to the Executive Director. I’m also enrolled in the Career Development Practitioner program at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario.
Paula Corcoran – Provincial Peer Support Coordinator
I became CHANNAL’s Provincial Peer Support Coordinator this past September. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Memorial University. My experience in the community sector comes from years of volunteerism, having volunteered with such organizations as the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre, and most recently with CHANNAL as the Spokesperson for their anti-stigma campaign, ‘Let’s Talk About It’. I’m currently a board member with the Single Parent Association, as well as a parent representative on the Regional Child Care Liaison Committee.
I’m a single mom of two young sons. I bring a lived experience with mental illness, and a passion to use my experience to motivate others. I also offer motivation and drive to promote my personal belief in recovery, wellness, and peer support.
Lisa Marie Green – Regional Peer Support , St. John’s
Originally from the frigid Labrador City, I have been living in windy St. John’s for more than 10 years. During that time, I have been studying psychology at Memorial University, working, volunteering, finding my place in the world and most importantly; recovering.
I have been involved with CHANNAL as a member and volunteer for over a year. During that time, I have met old friends and made new ones. I have had the privilege of successfully facilitating Saturday’s Social Group. Now, a new opportunity has been opened to me as the latest addition in the St. John’s Regional Office as Regional Peer Support.
I come to CHANNAL in this position with my own history of mental illness and recovery, and most importantly, the belief that everyone has the potential for recovery and living a productive and happy life. I bring enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a strong desire to see more of Peers helping Peers at CHANNAL.
Live, and Laugh!
Regional Coordinators – Volunteers
James Power – St. John’s Region
I was born in St. John’s and raised in Witless Bay, NL. While living in that community I studied for and received a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in English and Minor in Folklore from Memorial University. I was Mayor of The Town of Witless Bay for two years, and then moved to St. John’s over ten years ago. Just prior to that, I began to have mental health issues and within a year or so, I was hospitalized with them.
About 5 years ago, I was watching television and noticed a community announcement on Channel 9 that spoke about CHANNAL. I attended a meeting and have been actively involved ever since. It has been a great experience and very beneficial to me. Thank you to all of the members of CHANNAL, I hope to meet more of you in the future!
Lorna Garland – Eastern Region
My name is Lorna Garland and I am the Eastern Regional Coordinator for CHANNAL, I currently reside in Salmon Cove NL, and when I’m not volunteering, am usually found craft-making.
Paula Evans – Central Region
I am a Peer Support Specialist employed on the ACTT (Assertive Community Treatment Team) in Central Newfoundland. I’ve been a CHANNAL member since December 2001. I’ve also been a mental health consumer for many years and have gained much knowledge from self-help. I am happily married to my spouse of three and half years. I enjoy meeting new people, crafts and spending time with family and friends.
Glenda Osmond – Western Region
I am a consumer of mental health, and have suffered from both mental and physical abuse in my life. I have been a member of CHANNAL for three years and have benefited greatly from the group settings. I spent one year on the board of CHANNAL, before taking responsibility for the western region of the island. I take great pride in volunteering with such a wonderful organization. I am also a parent of three grown daughters, and a grandmother of two young grandchildren.
Violet Strugnel – Labrador East Region
