06/09/2026
Hi! I'm Laci. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Certificate in Addiction Studies from VIU. I've had the privilege of being part of the AVI team for nearly a year. I first joined as a practicum student and that experience led to my current role as a Support Worker with the Enhanced Harm Reduction team.
As someone with lived experience with Substance Use Disorder, it has been an incredible honour to work alongside peers navigating substance use, recovery, and the many systemic barriers that can make accessing care so challenging. My practicum provided opportunities to contribute to projects that will continue supporting AVI and future practicum students, while also helping me grow both personally and professionally.
My experience with AVI ultimately led to me being named the VIU, Provincial, and National Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year for 2025, an achievement I am deeply grateful for and one that reflects the support, mentorship, and opportunities I received through this organization.
As I prepare to leave AVI to begin graduate studies, I find myself reflecting on how much this community has meant to me. I have truly treasured my time with the AVI family and will deeply miss my incredible colleagues and the people we serve.
Looking ahead, I hope to complete a Master's degree and eventually a PhD in Counselling Psychology with a focus on addiction and trauma. My goal is to continue supporting marginalized and underserved populations through research, advocacy, and direct clinical work.
Thank you, AVI, for an experience that has profoundly shaped both my career and my life.
