Meet the Team!
Jessica Schafer, Founder
(she/her)
Jessica is the Founder of My Inner Harbour. She spent 10 years in the mental health world as a Registered Psychotherapist and over time several themes emerged from her work with clients:
1) actually practicing good self-care is challenging and 2) loneliness makes everything harder.
The idea for My Inner Harbour came from Jessica's desire to both remove obstacles to authentic and meaningful self-care and to provide a space where friendships and connections can happen. Her vision is to support the community in building resilience, connection and a sense of hope.
Jessica has a Masters of Counselling Psychology and a certificate in Spiritual Direction. She's been a listener her whole life and wholeheartedly believes in the power of compassionate presence, with ourselves and with others.
She is a mom of three and her favourite forms of self-care are time at the beach, poetry and being with friends.
Savanna Goring, Creative Lead & Guest Services
(she/her)
Savanna, born and raised on Vancouver Island, has a diverse background in hospitality and creative design, enhanced by her studies at BCIT.
Her creativity and appreciation for mindful practices are what fuelled her desire to be a part of My Inner Harbour. Drawing from her own positive experiences with art, stretching, journaling and other forms self-care, she understands just how powerful taking care of yourself can be. Now, she's eager to support others on their self-care journey, so they too can experience the benefits!
Luisa Handford, Summer Playgroup Facilitator (she/her)
Luisa is excited to be part of the My Inner Harbour team! As Summer Playgroup Facilitator, she brings a background in theatre and hands-on experience in early childhood education, including work in infant-toddler care and behaviour intervention. Luisa is passionate about bringing play and imagination to the heart of every family experience.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Vancouver Island University and plans to continue into a post-baccalaureate program in Education.
Luisa is committed to creating joyful, holistic spaces where children can explore, play, and thrive—while supporting families on their unique journeys. In her spare time, Lu can be found with a good book or exploring a beach with her puppy.
About the Space!
My Inner Harbour is currently located in a beautiful century home in downtown Nanaimo. It's cozy and a bit of a rabbit warren. You'll need to explore to find your favourite space to work in.
Spirit Room
The Spirit Room houses all our art supplies. Choose a spot at the large table, gather your preferred materials and spend some time connecting with your creativity and hearing what intuition and spirit might have to say.
Body Room
This room is all about paying attention to and listening to our bodies. Take time to stretch, practice a somatic exercise, breathe and allow your body to tell you what it needs and what it knows.
Mind Room
In the mind room you'll find a selection of all the therapy worksheets you'd love to do, but usually don't get around to. You'll also find journal prompts and a collection of therapeutic books to spark learning. Our brains are a powerful support to our well-being when we can work as a team.
Community Room
This room is intended for conversation and social space! Make plans to meet up with a friend or make new ones here. Bring in materials from other rooms and work on them together. Host a discussion evening or a circle with other members!
Children's Area
The children's area is upstairs and supplied with toys, arts & crafts materials and books. Parents and caregivers are welcome to check their child in with the supervisor if the child is comfortable being with another adult. Parents are also welcome to bring materials from other rooms upstairs to work on their own projects alongside their child. The children's area is available during all the opening hours, but is only staffed for 20 hours a week.
Co-working Space
The co-working rooms are for members who might like to work somewhere other than home. There are several desks, couches and chairs available and access to a printer is provided. Use of the co-working space is an add-on to your regular membership. Initially this space will be first come, first serve. We will set up a schedule as needed!