About Us
OUR MISSION
To create safer spaces for communities to learn together, and to support all folks who consume substances in all walks of life.
OUR VISION
To create informed conversations and behaviours around safer substance consumption and harm reduction initiatives grounded in evidence-based, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed best practices. We also seek to build capacity for collaborative and inclusive communities for folks across the spectrum of learning and understanding.
Meet Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn has a particular interest in working with marginalized and vulnerable demographics through a deeply rooted harm reduction philosophy and finds collaboration to be the key to moving forward in safe and healthy ways. Pulled from both lived/living experiences as well as through empowering relationships with folks she works with, Kaitlyn has a strong belief in the importance of meaningful involvement of people who use drugs at all levels of harm reduction responses, programs, and drug policy discussions. The “nothing about us, without us” understanding is what strongly influences her practice and ideology.
Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her two dogs, attending live music and community events, cooking, and reading.
Kaitlyn (she/her) is a registered social worker, as well as the founder, co-owner, and executive director of WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction Association, and has been working in social services for the past 15 years. Kaitlyn has worked primarily in community-based case management and non-profit programming in Victoria and South Island, in a variety of different capacities. She most recently developed a successful rural & remote social work program on North West Vancouver Island and is currently working with a toxic drug crisis response team. Kaitlyn has hands-on experience working with individuals and communities in urban, rural, and remote spaces. Her work experience involves supporting folks of all ages, backgrounds, demographics, and experiences through case management, as well as in systemic advocacy, equity, program development, and community-based education.
Meet Madix
Madix works within these spaces with a harm reduction philosophy and focus on the importance of People With Lived and Living Experiences and People Who Use Drugs (PWLL/PWUD). Madix has a special interest in drug policy, legal support, Indigenous health practices, End-Of-Life planning and support services (grief, bereavement etc.) as well as learning anything and everything possible. Demonstrating understanding of all experiences around substance use, mental health and loss are essential for Madix's professional practice.
Outside of work: Madix enjoys music, reading and games.
Madix (she/her) is a Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Clinician with a focus in Public Health and Social Policy, as well as the co-owner and associate director of WILD Collaborative Harm Reduction Association, and has been working within the MHSU field for 10 years. Madix has experience working within front-line supportive housing facilities, overdose/toxicity response, legal support services, Stopping the Violence programming, clinical assessments for services and more. Madix has worked alongside community members of all ages, demographics, socioeconomic placement, and backgrounds who are experiencing houselessness, substance use barriers and mental health complexities in urban, remote and rural areas on Vancouver Island.
