Our mission is to support youth and families in British Columbia to find freedom from problematic substance use.
Peak House is a voluntary, ten-week, live-in, treatment program for youth experiencing problems with drugs, including alcohol. We operate within the harm reduction spectrum with a trauma informed, client centred, and social justice framework.
Established in 1988 by Pacific Youth and Family Services Society, the program serves youth from across British Columbia who, due to the serious nature of their substance misuse, require a more intensive level of service than can be provided in their home community.
Peak House has been internationally recognized for utilizing a unique, collaborative, youth-driven, community-based model of care. The roots of this approach are grounded in promoting change that lasts over time and social justice-informed approaches to therapy and counselling. The community at Peak House honours the wisdom and expertise that young persons and families possess and through this wisdom, the Peak House program has continued to grow and evolve.
Peak House is a Licensed Program.
We are proud member of The Federation of Community Social Services of BC.
Peak House was also the recipient of the Addiction Specialists & Allied Professionals of British Columbia (ASAP) Award of Excellence and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors Professional Care Award for exhibiting special creativity in providing counseling and mental health care.
Collaboration & Community
We are committed to continuing our learning together, taking time to reflect on and acknowledge successes, as well as individually and collectively questioning our practices to address struggles.
Centring Youth Success
We maintain the success of all young people in our program by keeping their success at the centre of our planning and work, and ensuring that youth are uniquely supported in their individual therapeutic work.
Inclusion & Diversity
We welcome clients from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders and gender expressions. We are accountable toward clients and one another in regards to practices regarding gender, race, age, sexuality, social class, and disabilities. Read more…
Peak House Location
Peak House is located in a residential neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia. We have 7 bedrooms and 8 beds, a full kitchen, livingroom, two group rooms, and a beautiful backyard. Youth have told us that the house feels comfortable, warm, safe and welcoming.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of Peak House
Peak House Staff
Peak House staff support clients throughout their stay and help them to reach their goals. We are committed to providing a safe, friendly, caring, non-judgmental and supportive environment.
Our staff team includes Mental Health & Substance Use Support Workers, awake Overnight Staff, weekly on site Nurse Practitioner, Intake Coordinator, Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellors, Administrative Assistant, Kitchen Coordinator/Cook, weekly Acupuncturist & Yoga Instructor, On call Cultural Elder(s), and Summer Life-skills Programmer alongside our Management Team.
James Kelly
Executive Director
James has been working in youth and family services in Vancouver for over 25 years — both in a front-line and management capacity. James began his role as Executive Director at Peak House in 2009. James identifies as trans, is passionate about social justice, and committed to providing anti-oppressive and inclusive services in his community. In addition to his work at Peak House, James has served on numerous community board of directors, and works alongside organizations and individuals providing consultation, workshops, mentorship and leadership training.
Taryn Grant
Program Manager
Taryn Grant is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and over 20 years of experience in social services. Having lived in various regions across Canada, including Iqaluit, NU, Taryn has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by diverse communities. She specializes in the concurrent disorder sector with youth and has extensive experience in youth corrections, as well as addressing anti-human trafficking and violence among Indigenous Peoples.
With more than a decade of supervisory and managerial experience, Taryn has played a pivotal role on committees like the action plan for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited and initiatives to raise awareness about anti-violence practices. Her commitment to her work has earned her several awards, including recognition for excellence in indirect services with clients.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Taryn enjoys spending her spare time outdoors, engaging in activities such as dragon boating and camping. Her energetic and professional approach makes her a valued advocate in the field of social services.
Lilian Garcia
Administration
Lilian is an administrative professional with over 10 years of experience. Her motivation stems from supporting her team members and ensuring businesses run smoothly and effectively. Additionally, Lilian is currently enrolled in a degree program at Douglas College, specializing in Communication, with an expected graduation in 2025. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in outdoor activities with her husband and their sweet young daughter.
Stephanie Vranesich
Intake Coordinator
Stephanie is a dedicated Child and Youth Care Worker with ten years of experience in providing support and advocacy to youth and families. Now serving as Intake Coordinator, Stephanie ensures that every client receives a compassionate and thorough introduction to services, helping them navigate the resources they need to thrive. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work, Stephanie is committed to deepening her expertise and enhancing her impact within the field of social services.
Kelsey Beliveau-Wanek
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker Coordinator
Kelsey is a dedicated professional serving as the program supervisor at Peak House. With a bachelor’s degree from SFU in Psychology, and a minor in Criminology, she combines her academic knowledge with a profound passion for mental health and addictions work. Kelsey’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her workplace; she actively contributes to the community as a member on the advisory committee for the Youth Future’s Education Fund. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in empowering former youth in care by helping them access financial assistance for their post secondary education. Kelsey’s drive and empathy shine through in her work, embodying the spirit of compassion and support that is integral to the field of mental health and addictions.
Murphy Ryan
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker (On Call)
Murphy first learned about Peak House when he was a teenager himself, in the late 1990s, through participation in activism alongside Vikki Reynolds, who served as the program’s Clinical Supervisor for many years.
After completing his undergraduate degree in Linguistics and Gender Studies at SFU, Murphy joined the Peak House team as a Youth Counsellor in 2006. He left Peak House to prioritize parenting in 2010, and went on to earn a Master’s degree from the Society, Culture & Politics in Education program at UBC.
Heba Khalid
Mental Health & Substance Use Counsellor
Heba (she/her) is a Pakistani-Welsh immigrant and settler on stolen Coast Salish lands. Heba is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Expressive Arts Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting youth. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to walking alongside young people who face adversity, creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Grounded in social justice and inclusivity, Heba’s approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, integrating creative expression as a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and resilience. Heba truly believes in the strength and wisdom of young people and is committed to supporting them in building meaningful, empowered lives.
Heba loves being a mama, a partner and a friend. Engaging in activism and showing up for community is an integral part of her life. She enjoys a good hike, a camping adventure and is always up for a restorative yoga session.
Jessamine Liu
Mental Health & Substance Use Counsellor
Jessa (she/her) is a cis-queer, Filipino-Taiwanese immigrant and settler on stolen Coast Salish lands. As a counsellor, she aims to co-create spaces to explore, wander, and dream alongside one another, collaborate together, and foster space for identity exploration, showing up as you are, and QTBIPoC joy and magic. She works with grief, navigating diasporic and multi-layered identities, and dreaming alternative ways of being. Jessa is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and holds a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a BA in Psychology from UBC.
Outside of counselling, she finds joy in anime and manga, music, video games and board games, arts and crafts, and community building and community organizing work.
Joel Jasper
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker (On Call)
Open Position
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker: Full Time
Cameron Macfarlane
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker (On Call)
With a focus on creating a positive impact in people’s lives. Cameron is a focused and passionate individual with a background in youth mentorship. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work, Cameron aims to specialize in working with youth to aide in their development towards a brighter future. With experience in athletics and community volunteering, Cameron puts emphasis on persevering through goals and being a team player to support and serve others in the community.
Megan Macfarlane
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker (On Call)
John Duong
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker (On Call)
Mia Prokopetz: On Leave
Mental Health & Substance Use Support Worker
Megan Ireland
VCH Nurse Practitioner
Laila Biergans
Overnight Staff
Laila has been employed by Peak House since 1989 as youth councillor and night attendant. Holding a bachelors in political science from McMaster University. Post grad studied criminology and philosophy.
Laila is a book addict, cat lover and drawing portraits.
Ernest Dushime
Overnight Staff
Jean Leonardo
Kitchen Coordinator/Cook
Peak House Board of Directors
Pacific Youth and Family Services Society Board of Directors
Emily Coates
Chair
Emily, a lifelong resident of East Vancouver, has been a dedicated Realtor with Sutton Centre since 2003, following a successful career in banking with RBC. She earned her Associate Broker’s License in 2011 and her Property Management License in 2014. In 2015, Emily took on a leadership role as Owner/Director of Sutton Centre Realty and currently serves as Vice President.Currently pursuing her MBA at Dalhousie University, Emily is passionate about community engagement. She has volunteered with various organizations, including PADS, and remains an enthusiastic contributor to the Realtors Care Blanket Drive, which her father co-founded over 23 years ago. A strong advocate for equality and second chances, she actively supports youth initiatives in her community. In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling, savoring coffee, cooking, and cherishing moments with family and friends.
Marc Goffaux
Marc was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil before moving to Canada to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in 2012. He quickly embraced the Vancouver community where he is proud to call it his home. When he is not working or visiting family abroad, you can find him enjoying either a cup of joe at your local coffee shop or hiking one our beautiful mountains.
Angela Lee
Vice Chair
Public engagement is important to Angela (she/her) who has been a lifelong volunteer at various organizations. Born and raised in Vancouver, she calls East Vancouver home. She is committed to making positive changes in her community and supporting its youth. She is a lawyer who has been practicing for the past 16 years in and around the Lower Mainland, as well as previously in Alberta and B.C.’s beautiful North. Issues such as equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as victim support are key passions of hers. Outside of work and volunteering, Angela takes advantage of the many outdoor activities available in our backyard, reading books with her cat in her lap, and traveling the world with her partner and friends.
Shannon Richardson
Secretary
Shannon (she/her) is a Marketing Director with over 15 years of experience. As a mother of two teens, she brings a unique perspective to the Board, combining marketing expertise with a passion for helping at-risk youth.
Stephanie Fitzsimmons
