He has also been a Subject Matter Expert for The Association of Social Workers Board of North America. His work earned him The Most Inspiring Social Worker of the year in 2015 from the University of British Columbia Social Work Department and the British Columbia Association of Social Workers. Shortly after his award, Steve took a role as an Addictions Counsellor, where he developed the concept of Happiness Management, the big brother to Anger Management. Anger Management teaches you how to put out fires, whereas Happiness Management teaches you how to avoid them.

Steve has served on four Boards of not-for-profit societies and started Happiness Management Society to support and inform people of the science of how to be happy. Steve personally practices Happiness Management daily.

Jon Laurino is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) based in British Columbia, whose career in social work began in 2019. As a Substance Use Counsellor, Jon’s approach is grounded in relentless compassionate curiosity, always seeking to understand the unique stories of those he works with and empowering them to uncover their own potential for healing and growth. Jon leads a weekly mindfulness group where participants can develop resilience, compassion, and peace in their daily lives. His professional approach is driven by a belief that transformation comes from connection, self-understanding, and the willingness to be vulnerable. Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his family, staying active through exercise, and seeking out new perspectives through reading.

Raphael (Raffi) Reitzik was born and raised in the Vancouver area, where he now lives with his wife Olga and daughter Sarah. He studied Mechanical Engineering at UBC, and for the past 7 years has worked in engineering and sales for Xylem, a water and pumping equipment company at their Coquitlam branch. He has volunteered with student associations, at the North Shore Soup Kitchen, and as a volunteer cook for the Ronald McDonald House of British Columbia.

Raffi has a number of years of prior experience on the board of his synagogue where he also does volunteer committee work and assists with community-led services. Raffi manages his happiness by spending time with his growing family, and maintaining active relationships with a number of local communities, including his neighbourhood cul-de-sac, his parents and extended family, and the local Jewish community. Raffi maintains an optimistic attitude about the future, ever mindful of how much we have to be thankful for.

Meghan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and holds a Masters of Counselling from City University of Seattle. Meghan believes that counselling is a collaborative undertaking focused on empowering individuals to make the best choices for themselves to find their best wellbeing. She is passionate about creating a safe place to explore and create change. She always strives to provide a culturally sensitive space inclusive of all individuals and relationships.

Meghan has years of experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges. She also specializes in perinatal mental health and parenting support. Her work is client-centered and strength-based, drawing from Internal Family Systems Therapy, Attachment Theory, and trauma-informed care to help client’s connect with themselves on a deeper level.

Gemma is passionate about applying science-based approaches to enhance happiness, resilience, and overall wellbeing. She is completing her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology at Simon Fraser University, where she uses her scientific curiosity to explore how evidence-based insights can support emotional health and happiness in everyday life. Her background in community health began at a local non-profit addictions clinic, where she provided client support and outreach to individuals in recovery. From this experience, she is inspired by the connection between empathy, scientific understanding, and community engagement in building healthier, more fulfilling lives.