Maureen Joyce has been the executive director of Stepping Stone Community Services Society for the past 22 years.

She is also the chair of the Langleys’ homelessness committee.

What jobs did you have before Stepping Stone?

I had three previous jobs all working with people with various disabilities. My first job in the UK was as a library assistant.

What made you come to Canada from the UK?

Adventure and opportunity.

Do you have children?

Two sons, one living in White Rock and the other in the UK.

If you weren’t working at Stepping Stone, you would be...

On the stage.

Favourite part of your job?

Always chatting and getting to know the people I serve.

Hardest part?

Not being able to do all that I would like to do.

What misconception about mental illness would you like to dispel?

That people coping with mental illness are different. Mental illness affects one in four Canadians at some time in their lives.

If you were Queen for a day...

I would knight John Peters, the president of Stepping Stone who has been involved for 25 years.

What book is on your nightstand?

Colm Toibin, The Story of the Night.

If you could eat only one meal, what would it be?

Something with potatoes (it’s my Irish blood).

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

The one and only Meryl Streep. If she could do Julia Child, I’d be a snap.

Born and raised in the UK, what made you stay in Canada?

Although I’ll always be English by birth, Canada is my true home, where I raised my children, and now enjoy my grandchildren. I have an incredible job and a very blessed life.

What is playing on your iPod?

Queen, Cold Play.

Biggest vice?

I shop too much, way too much sometimes.

Your perfect day would have to include?

Shopping.

Dinner with anyone dead or alive?

The “At issue panel” on CBC Thursday nights, Rex Murphy or Oprah.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I have an identical twin sister who lives in England.

What hobbies do you have?

Gardening, reading, movies and hanging out with my grandchildren.

Greatest accomplishment so far?

I’m still working on it, but I’m pretty proud of the work I’ve done with Stepping Stone.

The world would be a better place if...

We were all kinder to each other and more tolerant.

What scares you?

The thought of losing someone close to me.

What makes you cry?

Seeing the struggles that I see people coping with on a daily basis can bring me to tears. Sometimes I don’t know how they cope.

What makes you laugh?

I have to be around quick-witted people who don’t take themselves too seriously. I like political satire.

If you won $30 million, what is the first thing you would do?

I’d probably book a holiday and have my whole family, those in the UK and here, meet somewhere exotic.

My favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon is to ...

Lie on the couch and read a book.

The most exotic place you’ve travelled?

I wouldn’t describe it as exotic, but the most memorable place would have to be Ukraine. I was invited to go with a group of Mennonites to share my experiences of working in community mental health. I visited a couple of psychiatric hospitals that were very, very poor.

The psychiatrists and staff were incredible people and working so hard to improve conditions.

Dream place to travel?

I would love some day to go to India.

Favourite place in Langley to visit?

I love to saunter around downtown Langley during special events such as “Arts Alive.”