Vania Patrick-Drakes

During adolescence, one would often find Vania with her nose buried in a novel. Now, as a registered psychologist, she can be found working with adolescents, facilitating wellness workshops, or giving impassioned keynote presentations on all things mental health and wellness.
Her workshops and keynote presentations fall under the umbrella of Ikigai Nutrition, Wellness and Lifestyle Consultancy Services, which she founded in 2016, with the hope of bringing more visibility to mental health and holistic wellness within the Caribbean. With her written work published both locally and in Canadian anthologies, Vania also enjoys freelance writing for local print and electronic media. An introvert by nature, Vania has always had a special interest in human cognition and patterns of behaviour. Diagnosed with PCOS in 2013, Vania now champions for self-empowerment, social equity and the destigmatision of mental health issues within the Caribbean.
The counselling psychologist is lead on planning and suggesting relevant evidence based ways to help members with emotional and psychological issues while maintaining confidentiality.