What are they saying?

"Energy and passion for life."

Battling mental health is a real problem. When it comes to those who identify with mental health, not many people understand what daily struggles we go through. Having Priscilla here to help me get through the tough times has been absolutely remarkable. She has been a friend to me for many years, but has also been a huge supporter, a confidant and even a life coach.  She is one of the most encouraging people I know, she is someone that will listen, motivate and help you get back on your feet. Her energy and passion for life and for others, is what leads you to want to thrive and continue to try and succeed. She is very understanding, and gets to know the actual person for who they are. 

- Farnoosh Torouti, Child Care Worker

"An inspiration."

Priscilla is an amazing peer supporter because she freely shares a part of herself with others so openly and honestly, taking a risk, speaking her truth and from her heart, while inviting us in to celebrate our strengths, our gifts, and our abilities.  Priscilla intuitively knows that in the desire to let others know there is hope and a new future of opportunity for all of us in recovery of mental health and addiction,  she is also healing herself (which we all have the power to do) and growing in her infinite potential.  Priscilla you are an inspiration to me.  Amazing strength and resilience that you live and breathe!

- Seanne Fortier, Outreach Case Manager, YW Calgary

"Natural flair and engaging personality!"

I have had the pleasure of watching Priscilla work as a peer supporter. What stands out to me about her work in this role is the consistent encouragement she exudes and, as a result of that encouragement, the hope that others seem to feel. Being able to authentically encourage others and offer them hope even when a peers’ journey becomes clouded with despair comes from Priscilla’s’ own lived experience and recovery journey. Together, the two gifts of encouraging others and extending hope form the basis of good peer work, and Priscilla uses them with a natural flair, lots of grace and an engaging personality. These all become wonderful gifts to share with others

- Beth Henry, CEO, Prairies to Peaks Consulting

"Understood me in ways most people can't."

Too often, people associate mental health disorders with schizophrenia, bipolar, or personality disorders. Not many people are aware of anxiety and panic disorders. For a very long time, I did not have the courage to disclose my anxiety disorder. Growing up, I didn’t understand it myself, only the feeling of absolute panic and chaos and anxiousness. I have many triggers, and most times I can’t identify exactly which is the one that induced my anxiety. It’s a very complicated and emotional experience for me and there's only a few very special people to whom I can confide in and reach out to in my times of need. This is where Priscilla Cherry comes in. Many, many times, she’s been my support. She’s understood me in ways most people can’t. I’m fortunate to have an ally who is not only there to support me, but who understands what it’s like to be stuck in your own mind and thoughts. When I don’t make sense to others, I don’t have to worry about making any sense to Priscilla.

- Uma Jama, Mental Health Advocate