“Breaking the stigma around mental health and raising awareness of Peer values and the trauma-informed model through education is key ”

“My ultimate goal is to humanize mental health”

Born and raised in Quebec City, Patrice (Pat) dedicated his work life to helping others. He spent many years in the medical industry in marketing and overcame a burn-out before moving to Boston where he experienced serious mental health challenges that almost took his life.

His recovery journey took him through self-discovery and a career shift. He became a Certified Peer Specialist in mental health. Pat used his presentation and training development skills to lead education committees, run peer support groups and mindfulness meditation sessions in group living environments and workplaces.

Pat has pursued his dream to move to California with his wife where he joined the California Association for Mental Health Peer-Run Organizations (CAMHPRO) to take care of communications and to facilitate state advocacy workgroups and peer education webinars. Nowadays, Pat is advocating for peer support groups on suicide. He is a leader trainer, speaker and program coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and he also sits as President of the Board of Quebec Peer Support Workers Association.

Pat uses his communication skills and lived experience as a writer, blogger and trained speaker on various platforms and events. With his solid business background and training program development, Pat decided to launch his own website and consulting services called Human Experience Peer Consultant. His company provides organizations with unique peer perspective education, training and awareness workshops as well as supports HR program development for employees and managers.

Pat is an authentic change agent passionate about improving mental wellness. His ultimate goal is to humanize mental health, so that the experience of people receiving services, healthcare professionals, parents/caregivers, the general public or employees can be real, validated and supported successfully. Pat is a living example that prevention through education and awareness is necessary, that recovery is real and that there is hope.