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Depression Recovery Groups is a service for those who have depression, bipolar disorder (especially type 2) or anxiety, which often overlaps with depression. It is a way for people who are living with these conditions to easily come together, support each other and learn about what they can do to improve the quality of their lives. It is a confidential place where you can meet with others without fear of being identified. The meetings are led by experts and include educational segments with the best researched and up-to-date, self-care tips.
Depression Recovery Groups is currently part of Human Performance Consultation, Inc. a management consulting company in Agoura Hills, California. Human Performance has been providing strategy, leadership development, organization development and performance management services to a variety of organizations since 2001.
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| The mission of Depression Recovery Groups is to help accelerate the full recovery of people who are living with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety by providing self-help education and peer support that enhance the care of licensed healthcare practitioners. |
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Vince Caimano, Ph.D. Founder
I started Depression Recovery Groups in order to effectively reach out to others who are suffering with depression issues. My personal history, education and training have all led me on a voyage of creating an affordable, online, support solution for those experiencing depression.
I have a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. My personal and professional experience, my education in psychology and social science research has provided me the ability to sift through a tremendous amount of material on the causes and treatment of depression.
My vision for Depression Recovery Groups began in 2004. Since that time I have led face-to-face and online depression support groups and classes for hundreds of individuals. My experience, training and study of depression have fueled my passion to help others deal with these issues in a supportive environment. I have had the pleasure of seeing many individuals regain their energy and hope. I trust that this will also happen for you.
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Pam Bendel, Support Group Leader
I am a very passionate person and care deeply for others who share my life experiences with depression and anxiety. I have several years experience helping people through difficult issues and situations, and I enjoy being part of their successes in life.
It is rewarding to be involved in a person's self-discovery on their journey to independence. As a result of my own self-discovery, I have become a Licensed Peer Specialist (PS), in which I offer assistance to peers in setting obtainable goals for the future. In addition to becoming a PS, I have achieved a life-long goal of obtaining a Bachelor degree in 2006 at the age of 53. From this, I proved to myself and to my family and friends that no matter the circumstance or barrier, wishes can come true.
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India Court MacWeeney, Support Group Leader
I come to Depression Recovery Groups with a deep experiential understanding of depression and anxiety. I was 18 when I had my first major depressive episode. In the years since, I have been in the process of ongoing depression management and recovery through psychotherapy, creativity, spirituality, and mutual support.
I have been working for the National Alliance on Mental Illness as a trained peer support group facilitator for a year now. I also have an academic and professional knowledge of depression and related mental health issues. I have worked in the social work field on and off since 2002. In 2005 I returned to school and earned a Masters in Sociology from the University of London, and a Masters in Psychology from The New School for Social Research. I am currently working towards my PhD in Humanistic Psychology with an emphasis in Counselling at The University of West Georgia.
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Pamela McColl, Support Group Leader for Smoking Cessation Groups
Pamela obtained her certification in peer counselling through the Faculty of Woman's Studies through the University of British Columbia and trained directly in smoking cessation through Legacy. She spent five working for Canadian Mental Health as a yoga therapist and healthcare worker. From there she expanded her yoga practice to include prenatal and furthered her training to become a professional labor support doula with a speciality in helping parents withdraw from addictions. She is active in the Smoke Free Campaign out of the University of California and writes on the subject of smoking prevention for publications. On her blog and website at www.youcanstopsmokingnow.com you can find her approach to quitting along with her recommendations on materials and books that may proof useful to anyone wanting to end a relationship with nicotine. |
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Cynthia Edins, Ph.D., Support Group Leader
I am currently working as a college professor with a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology, also from Capella University. After years of working with a local peer support center helping people learn new coping skills and to develop their life skills, I decided to delve into the world of teaching. I missed working with people directly however, and I am now honored to be a part of this organization who can reach out through the internet and help people in recovery learn skills and information about their illness to help them in their recovery journey. I hold CPS (Certified Peer Specialist) certification as well as CPRP (Certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner) certification. |
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Sandy Glover, Support Group Leader
Working with the Depression Recovery Groups has become a personal quest for me, as I want others to know they're not alone. I have suffered with mental illness almost my entire life, but I have come to learn through my own healing that there is indeed hope.
Professionally, I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and have been in the human services field for over nine years. I am currently in a master's program for professional counseling to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In addition, I am a Certified Peer Facilitator.
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Jeff Malderez, Support Group Leader
I have had 14 years of studying, working in, and of using the adult mental health system back in my native England. I have an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and two post-graduate certificates: one in mental health groups and the other in psychological therapies. Finally, I have experienced two spiritual emergency episodes (similar to psychotic episodes) as well as several episodes of clinical depression and acute anxiety.
I am very passionate about supporting people with their experiences of mental health conditions and with their goals of recovery, personal growth and increased awareness of Self. |
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Reverend Doctor Barry Mick, Support Group Leader
My undergraduate education in speech communication enables me to guide the sensitive and conversational meetings skillfully and effectively. My master's degree in divinity/theology gives me a rich understanding of the human condition: why we are here, what is our purpose in life, how to live life at its fullest. Earning my doctorate degree in ministry, while actively serving a congregation, further sharpened and developed my competence in advanced practical pastoral care. I care about you. As a DRG group leader my deep desire is to help you on your way to well-being.
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JP Paxton, Support Group Leader
Currently, I am completing a master of science in clinical psychology at Cal Lutheran University with an emphasis in cognitive dissonance theory. However, I am also exploring psychoneurobiology and attachment theory as it pertains to developmental psychopathology. In addition, my clinical emphasis is depression and anxiety disorders with a therapeutic emphasis on the use of cognitive-behavioral methods, mindfulness, Christian integration, and psychoanalysis functioning from a person-centered existential foundation. My course-work and training have equipped me to be a competent, empathic, and a successful DRG group leader.
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Susan Spector, Support Group Leader
I am a retired training manager and librarian with a Masters of Arts degree in Human Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Masters in Library Science from San Jose State University. After years of focusing on helping people cope with stresses of organizational change, I am now honored to be a part of the community involved in recovery practice that continues for a lifetime.
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Laura Sypien, Support Group Leader
My personal experience with depression led me to want to help others. I have had the opportunity to work with others in my community and I became passionate about reaching more people like myself. Finding Depression Recovery Groups has given me another opportunity to help those who still suffer.
I became a Certified Peer Specialist in 2009, including some training on helping others to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan. I am currently working as a full time as a Certified Peer Specialist, while I pursue a B.A. in Psychology.
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