Interior Health (IH) delivers care through hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, and other facilities. Behind the scenes many teams work together to keep these facilities safe, comfortable and sustainable. They integrate key considerations such as HVAC systems, thermal energy priorities, and climate responsibilities into capital projects that support quality environments for patients and staff. This includes managing how buildings use and generate energy to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring healthy indoor air quality. Major infrastructure and energy projects rely on close collaboration across departments: Plant Services in partnership with Clinical Operations identify the needs and operational priorities, while the Project Management team plans, scopes and coordinates each project. Once construction is complete, projects transition back to Plant Services, where regional plant managers oversee safe operations, maintenance and long-term performance. Throughout the process, the Energy Management team provides expertise in efficiency, emissions reduction and sustainability. Together, these teams ensure IH facilities remain reliable, climate‑aligned and focused on protecting patient and staff well-being. Meet some of the team members who bring this process to life and learn about their roles.

Name: Jayme Pereira (she/her/hers) Job Title: Coordinator, Peer Inclusion Length of Service: 4 Worksite:  Kelowna Community Health and Services Centre (CHSC) Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: syilix Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”  —Robin Williams Jayme lives in Kelowna on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the syilix Nation. For her, family and community guide how she navigates life. That sense of connection to people, shared experiences, and a responsibility to embody inclusion is something Jayme carries into work every day. To Jayme, reconciliation is not a single action or statement. It’s a practice. It’s a way of life. “Reconciliation starts with a commitment to learning the truths of the past, reflecting on my own assumptions, and building relationships rooted in respect and humility. I believe it is a lifelong practice, and I commit to showing up with consistency, curiosity and care.” That commitment to listening, especially to voices that have too often been excluded, is central to Jayme’s work in the Peer Inclusion program—and the fuel for each choice she’s made along her career path.

Name: Tanis Louise Rosa (she/her/hers) Job Title: Coordinator, Volunteer Services Length of Service: 1.5 years Worksite: Cariboo Memorial Hospital Community: Williams Lake Ancestral Territory: Secwepemc (T’exelcemc) Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “Softness and strength can live in the same heart.” Tanis Rosa pursued a career as a volunteer services coordinator because it allows her to work at the intersection of service, inclusion and purpose while supporting others to use their skills, time and compassion in ways that make a real difference in the community. “I believe that people want to contribute meaningfully when give the opportunity, support and sense of belonging to do so,” says Tanis.  Being a volunteer coordinator is especially meaningful to Tanis because it allows her to contribute to something bigger than herself and gives her a sense of shared purpose.

Name: Sarah Pilar Dares (she/her/hers) Job Title: Clinical Operations Manager Length of Service: 20 years Worksite:  Royal Inland Hospital Community: Kamloops Ancestral Territory: Tk'emlups in Secwépemc Nation. Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: "People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." —Maya Anjelou  For more than two decades, Kamloops has been home for Sarah Dares, who lives, works and provides care on the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation.   Since arriving to Kamloops in 2001, she has dedicated most of her nursing career to serving families within the area, and building relationships rooted in trust, humility and deep respect.  Her work has taken her across the region as a regional educator, supporting communities throughout Secwépemc, syilx/Okanagan, Nlaka’pamux, Ktunaxa, St’át’imc and Tsilhqot’in territories, an experience she describes as an honour and a privilege.  Born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, her family’s Tlingit roots and lived experiences have shaped her understanding of reconciliation in a profound way. She carries this with her every day.  “Several members of my family are Tlingit and have been directly affected by the intergenerational impacts of residential schools, racism and systemic inequities. Because of this, reconciliation is deeply personal and connected to the lived experiences of my family and community.”  Sarah adds reconciliation means listening deeply, honouring Indigenous knowledge, validating lived experiences, and fostering health-care environments where Indigenous families feel respected, safe and welcomed. “Reconciliation, to me, means creating space for truth, humility and meaningful change,” explains Sarah.    “It's an ongoing commitment to learning and meaningful relationship-building and doing everything in our power not to repeat history.” 

Name: Tineke Dineen (she/her/hers)  Job Title: Policy Specialist  Length of Service: 2 years  Worksite: Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre  Community: Kelowna  Ancestral Territory: sylix    If you have a question about developing an Interior Health (IH) policy, reaching out to Tineke Dineen is a smart idea. Tineke was the first policy specialist hired at IH. For two-plus years, she has helped shape the role and organize many IH policies.  “I was excited to take the time to really learn about what needs the organization has for my position and what I should pursue to be of most use and value,” Tineke says. “Policy is such an interesting and unique area of the organization. I have the opportunity to review work that spans across all topic areas; I learn something new every day.   “I have always been interested in health,” she adds. "While I didn't always know what position I would end up in, or where my schooling would lead me, I have always been drawn to work that makes a positive impact on the health of individuals and communities.” 

Name: Elizabeth Adolph Job Title: Care Aide Length of Service: 35+ Years              Worksite: Mountain View Lodge Community: Lillooet Ancestral Territory: Stat'imc Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “Life is too short to stress the small stuff.” Thirty-five years into her career with Interior Health (IH), Elizabeth Adolph still loves what she does. Yes, Elizabeth is looking forward to retirement and travelling the world. But for now, she loves her colleagues and being there for her residents at Mountain View Lodge, a 22-bed long-term care facility in Lillooet. “It’s amazing to see staff working together during stressful situations, but more than anything I love to be able to sit with palliative residents who have no family so they are not alone. That’s very special,” she notes.

Name: Angela Biddlecombe (she/her/hers)  Job Title: Sterile Compounding Coordinator  Length of Service: 20 years  Worksite: East Kootenay Regional Hospital Pharmacy (sterile compounding satellite)   Community: Cranbrook  Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa  Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “I'm proud of my daughters' hard work and I enjoy seeing them develop into who they are. I love watching them skate—there's grace, strength and the ability to overcome pressure.”    Inspired by her aunt’s career as a pharmacist, Angela Biddlecombe joined the health-care sector more than two decades ago as a pharmacy technician, focusing on compounding, the preparation of custom medications.  Angela says pharmacy offers her a collaborative environment in which she thrives, a direct link to patient care, and the opportunity to mentor and support colleagues.  “I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of being a pharmacy technician and compounding products that are beneficial to patient care. I enjoy the problem solving to create new products, and the mentorship.” 

Name: Niomi Wright (she/her/hers) Job Title: Care Aide Length of Service: 18 years Worksite: Mountain View Lodge Community: Lillooet Ancestral Territory: St’at’imc Niomi Wright is a care aide at Mountain View Lodge located in Lillooet, B.C. on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the St’at’imc Nation where she was born, raised and still lives. After graduating high school, Niomi wasn’t sure what she wanted to do as a career. Initially, she thought she might pursue nursing. She decided to become a care aide first to get a feel for nursing to decide if it was the right long-term career choice. Little did she know that she would ultimately discover that her true calling was to be a care aide in long-term care at Interior Health (IH).

Name: Naomi Jensen (she/her/hers) Job Title: Executive Director, Quality & Patient Safety Length of Service: 29 years Worksite: Regional Community: Kamloops Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: What’s most important to me—in work and in life—is leading with kindness, integrity and purpose. I am always reminded that even small actions can create meaningful impact, and that how we show up for others truly matters. Naomi Jensen, Executive Director, Quality & Patient Safety, lives in Kamloops on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation. Born and raised in 100 Mile House, Naomi began her career in health care during high school when she volunteered at the 100 Mile District Hospital. As a volunteer, Naomi was paired with a nurse whose compassion, skill and presence left a lasting impression. “The way she truly connected with her patients—listening deeply, making them laugh and supporting them through some of their most difficult moments—showed me what exceptional care looks like,” shares Naomi. It was in those early experiences that Naomi knew she wanted to be a nurse. For her, nursing has always been an honour and a privilege. She believes that people should be at the centre of their care, and that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, respected and supported. Over the years, Naomi’s been inspired not only by the patients and families served, but also by the incredible teams she’s had the privilege to work alongside.