This new book by Erin Hawkes-Emiru brings neuroscience to life by postulating why neuroanatomy
and neurochemicals matter when you are living with mental illness and addiction. Erin, whose graduate
education is in Neuroscience, works as a peer support worker in Vancouver, Canada; the stories told in
this book are those of her clients. Erin's empathy for her clients is built on her own diagnosis of
schizophrenia. In this book, she opens for the layman the neuroscience that may underlie not only the
symptoms of mental illness and addiction, but also mental health more broadly.
Erin Hawkes-Emiru holds an MSc in Neuroscience. She was the recipient of multiple scholarships,
including two Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada awards. In 2002, Erin
was diagnosed with schizophrenia and went on to be hospitalized 14 times. Finally, antipsychotic
medication helped her regain wellness, stability, and hope. Her memoir, When Quietness Came: A
Neuroscientist's Personal Journey With Schizophrenia, was published in 2012. Erin was awarded the
prestigious Courage to Come Back award in 2019 from Vancouver Coastal Health. Since 2013, Erin's
work on the ACT team has been highly valued by her clients and colleagues.
