Bringing Compassion and Curiosity to CONNECT Saanich Peninsula
Life Redesign Coach Colin Wiehe brings a calm, grounded, and compassionate presence to his role at CONNECT Saanich Peninsula.
Before joining the Saanich Peninsula team, Colin worked as a Life Redesign Coach at CONNECT Langley while completing his post-secondary studies. During that time, he earned diplomas in social work, social services, community support, education assistance, and kindergarten support.
Looking for a fresh start and a new challenge, Colin made the move to Vancouver Island in 2025. As CONNECT Saanich Peninsula prepared to open, leaders at CONNECT Langley encouraged him to apply.
“I think I was the first Life Redesign Coach hire,” Colin says. “It has been really good. CONNECT aligns so well with my values and my education. In many ways, it feels ideal for me.”
He describes CONNECT Saanich Peninsula as having a strong sense of family.
“I adore the residents,” he says. “And the people working here are wonderful.”
While school provided a strong foundation, Colin says the most meaningful learning has come through hands-on experience.
“You can learn theory in school, but every person is unique and every brain injury is different,” he explains. “The real learning happens when you jump into a situation and figure it out alongside the person.”
According to Service Access and Transitions Leader Dale Breese, Colin’s approach reflects the philosophy of “doing with, not for.”
Dale shares an example: when someone supported at CONNECT asks, “What’s for lunch?” Colin might respond, “I’m not sure — what are we going to make?”
Colin laughs as he describes this approach as the “UNO reverse card” — turning a question back to the person to encourage independence, confidence, and problem-solving.
Mental health has always been an area of deep interest for Colin, and one day he hopes to work in domestic violence support.
“I feel like mental health is never-ending,” he says. “There is always something new to learn.”
Outside of work, Colin is a self-described foodie who loves travelling and spending time with friends and family. He has spent several years travelling on and off throughout India, exploring his interests in yoga and meditation. On his travel bucket list? Petra, Jordan — and perhaps a future trip to Japan in search of exceptional sushi.
For now, Colin says his work at CONNECT continues to shape the way he sees both himself and the world around him.
“If I’m going through something stressful, or I don’t feel motivated to go to the gym, I think about the people living here at CONNECT and what they overcome every day,” he says. “They work toward goals and take steps forward despite so many obstacles. It makes me reflect and look inward. I’m doing a lot of self-reflection.”