Instructor Bios
Kevin Weaver (ASIST)
Kevin Weaver has worked with CMHA-Kootenays as a volunteer for over 10 years. After a professional career spanning over 30 years in senior management roles with provincial / municipal governments as well as the private sector, Kevin took on an employed position of Bounce Back Coach with CMHA Kootenays delivering coaching services throughout the Kootenays to help people dealing with depression and anxiety issues. As an ASIST Trainer, Kevin brings his real world professional experience to the table to help ASIST participants recognize that we can all help keep people safe and reduce the risk of suicide. Academically, Kevin holds a M.Sc. Specializing in Forest Genetics. In his spare time, Kevin volunteers at Fort Steele, a provincial heritage site, tending a heritage garden and providing site history for visitors. Kevin also enjoys woodcarving and is a certified chip-carving instructor.
Brooke Belkin (MHFA Basic, MHFA – For Adults Who Work With Youth)
Brooke Belkin is the Administrator of Women and Youth Services at CMHA Kootenays. She is responsible for a variety of different programs such as the Youth Outreach and Family Support program, PEACE program, Community Outreach programs, 2nd Stage support programs, as well as the Kootenay Haven Transition House. Brooke believes in community resource partnerships and sits on a variety of different coalitions and teams such as integrated Case Assessment Team, and the Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships. Brooke is also proud to be a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid-Basic, and in 2020 will be certified in Mental Health First Aid for People Who Interact with Youth. Brooke has spent the last 5 years working for CMHA Kootenays to improve the Mental Health and well-being of our community. Brooke is keen on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting suicide awareness, and is passionate about reducing barriers and promoting services within the East Kootenays.
Natalie Hake (MHFA Basic and safeTalk)
Natalie Hake is the Administrator for Crisis and Volunteer Services for CMHA Kootenays. Natalie has been employed with this association since 2007 and has accomplished diverse work experience during this time. Starting at the Kootenay Haven Transition House supporting woman and children fleeing abuse, then moved onto working as a coach in the Bounce Back program for 10 years where she used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help participants learn how to manage stress, depression and anxiety. Natalie has been administrating the Crisis Line, SART (Sexualized Assault Response Team), Bounce Back, and Public Education since Autumn 2018. Natalie is also the Coordinator for CCSR (Community Collaboration for Safety in Relationships).
Natalie is an instructor for the Mental Health First Aid Basic course and has a certificate in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and is a passionate promoter and activist for suicide awareness and prevention education in her community(s).