Who am I?

I was raised in the small central-island town of Gold River, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Mowachaht and Muchalaht peoples in Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. Growing up in the 80s, outdoors was our playground. We would be gone from dawn to dusk using only our imaginations as toys. I left home after graduation moving to the big city of Victoria (at least it was to me) and then back to the small village of Brentwood Bay to raise my sweet darlin alongside my husband Jason, spending our free time in the beautiful forests and oceans around Central Saanich (Tsawout and Tsartlip First Nations), and Sooke (T’Sou-ke and Scia’new Nations).

As a teenager I dreamed of being a nurse, supporting seniors, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at a young age, and I would visit her regularly to help the care staff accomplish her activities of daily living because she wouldn’t cooperate for them, but she would for me.  These early experiences solidified my belief that healthcare was my calling.

Throughout my years providing care for seniors, my primary focus was on ensuring the best safe quality care for the residents.  I learned and shared improved ways of communicating and interacting with our dementia residents, which made our tasks less physically demanding. To further support myself and my peers from injury at the bedside, I completed a Healthcare Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Coaching course. From mastering body mechanics to utilizing mechanical equipment, I quickly became the go-to person for those more challenging care cases.

My passion for coaching was evident and I was soon seconded to the Occupational Health and Safety team and into the role of MSIP Advisor where I found myself training new MSIP coaches.  Another crucial aspect of my work involves assisting managers and coaches in navigating change, implementing new policies, procedures, and protocols and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing change, healthcare organizations can enhance patient outcomes, improve staff satisfaction, and ultimately deliver higher quality care. Advancements in equipment, techniques, and ergonomic understanding have revolutionized how healthcare professionals manage patient mobility and transfers now, reducing the risk of injury for both staff and patients.

Through each stage of my career, I have honed my ability to listen deeply, ask insightful questions, and provide tailored guidance that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. This immersive experience has profoundly deepened my understanding of human behavior, motivation, and the complexities of personal and professional growth. By working closely with diverse clients, I have gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and aspirations people face, allowing me to offer more empathetic and effective support. My coaching abilities have not only enhanced my clients' lives but have also enriched my own, fostering a continuous cycle of learning and development.