Meet Roxie Van Aller, Purppl Entrepreneur In Residence
“Moving beyond my own personal challenges inspired my belief in the power of resiliency and the desire to help others move into the fullness of their own life,” says Roxie Van Aller, Executive Director at Connect Counselling & Therapy: Central Okanagan as well as a Purppl client and collaborator.
As a social impact leader with a passion for justice, equality, and sustainability, Roxie is committed to inspiring and empowering individuals and communities through thoughtful solutions that foster social, environmental, and economic change.
Her organization, Connect, provides affordable, high quality, non-crisis care to improve the mental health of its diverse clients, their families and their communities. Through compassionate, innovative and accessible care, they are breaking down barriers to mental health services in the Central Okanagan.
Connect reduces barriers by providing both in-person and Telehealth services, sometimes at no-cost to the client (off-set by the revenue from those who are able to pay). But addressing the stigma and discrimination that often surround mental health issues is also critical. By promoting understanding and acceptance through education and advocacy, she and her team are helping to shift culture, where seeking help is normalized and accessible for everyone. The organization also does work to advocate for policies that provide funding and support for mental health services.
If she were a politician, Roxie says she would hire a nonprofit ED to oversee the finances. “Those of us who work in this space really know how to stretch a dollar,” she says. “We know where best to spend the money for the greatest impact and are insightful on the issues.”
Roxie’s dedication to building a better world was inspired by her late father. “At his funeral, my daughter articulated that the gift he gave us as a family is the ‘knowing’ that we are stronger than we think, and that kind people make the world a better place,” shares Roxie. “I see this every day not only in my family but in the team I work with at Connect!”
As for her own legacy, she says, “I want people to remember not what I did, but how I made them feel.”
“It’s about creating a more inclusive and thriving world for all.”
Learn more about Roxie and her team at Connect Counselling & Therapy: https://www.connectcounsellingsociety.ca/meet-the-team/
This post is part of our ongoing series, “Purposeful People,” where we spotlight the incredible individuals working within the social economy, like Roxie Van Aller. Stay tuned for more stories that honour their dedication to social change and inspire others to take part in building a just, regenerative economy.
