Faces of CMHA: Kayleigh Hilborn

I wanted to be able to give back, after having been on the receiving end of community supports for many years. I wanted to help people find their hope again, after having lost hope myself. I was excited and terrified when I first learned about peer support and was so grateful to find something that fit my values so well. 

1. What is involved in my role?

I am a Peer Navigator based at Conestoga College.  In my role I provide peer support services to students through 1:1 conversations or groups, and I help students navigate and connect to other supports and resources, both on campus in the community.  As a peer support worker I have been there too, having lived with my own mental health and/or substance abuse challenges, and use that as a tool in the support that I provide.  I have also been working on what I hope will be a sustainable volunteer program, preparing to supervise students completing their placements and on growing peer support services to reach the other Conestoga campus locations.

2. Why did I become involved in the mental health field?

I enrolled in the Social Service Worker program – initially to specialize in gerontology and last minute decided to specialize in Immigrant and Refugee Settlement issues. I wanted to help people. I wanted to try to find ways to fill some of the gaps that I had fallen through when I was someone who needed the supports myself. I wanted to be able to give back, after having been on the receiving end of community supports for many years. I wanted to help people find their hope again, after having lost hope myself. I was excited and terrified when I first learned about peer support and was so grateful to find something that fit my values so well.

3. What brought me to CMHA?

A random encounter between a friend and a Self Help Alliance employee.  I was looking for a placement for my practicum and my friend happened to meet this person who worked for SHA and they talked briefly, contact information was exchanged, and then I was setting up a meeting for a placement interview, and I just never left after that.  To find something that fits so well with who I am, and my values and allows me the time and resources to still be a very present mom is incredible.  I have been able to grow and learn so much in my various roles here.

4. Have I always worked in mental health?

In my adult, professional life, yes.  I have been here since prior to graduating the SSW program.  Before that I did many things, including paper routes, census Canada work, babysitting, coffee shops and I spent a few years working in retirement homes.

5. What am I proud of during my time at CMHA?

I’m proud to work with such great people and to have been involved in different events, programs and roles to provide support in various ways to folks.
I’m also incredibly proud of the peer navigator project at Conestoga and I am looking forward to the growth of this role and peer support as a whole!

If you are in crisis or wish to discuss whether CMHA has the right service for you, call Here 24/7: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE 247).

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Follow the ‘Faces of CMHA’ series for a glimpse into the lives of the people who spend each day at the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington working to inspire and support people to achieve the quality of life they desire. Join our team, click here to view current employment opportunities at CMHA WW.