Name: Wesley Noppers (he/him/his)Job Title: Business ConsultantYears of Service: 11 yearsWorksite: Community Health & Services CentreCommunity: KelownaAncestral Territory: SylixAdvice to live by: Be a good person, surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen.  For Wesley, job fulfilment comes from knowing his work is contributing to the betterment of society versus simply contributing to the bottom line. He has spent time working in private, non-profit, and public finance/accounting organizations, and is now a Business Consultant for Interior Health. Under the umbrella of IH’s financial services portfolio, Wesley’s role as Business Consultant is to support people and teams in IH with strategic planning, budget alignment and balancing, financial reporting and reviews, contributions to briefing notes, and other special projects as they arise. After working with IH for more than 11 years, Wesley has many memorable experiences and proud moments, though the COVID-19 pandemic remains top of mind. “During the COVID pandemic I have had the opportunity to work with new teams and individuals that I may never have been exposed to in the organization otherwise. It was amazing to experience everyone's passion, strength and resiliency in the face of such adversity, especially when fire season piled it on. It also provided me the opportunity to fully utilize my skill sets to assist in ensuring secure and equitable vaccine distribution, which has been one of the highlights of my career.” An adventurer at heart, Wesley spends much of his personal time in the outdoors golfing, riding his 2009 Suzuki Gladius 650 motorcycle, ski-dooing, gardening and hiking. Something you may not know about Wesley? He loves the bugs. “I have an unhealthy obsession of playing with and photographing creepy crawlies like insects, arachnids and reptiles.” When out-of-country travel normalizes, Wesley plans to explore more countries and cultures, and perhaps photograph some exotic bugs! Have you thought about a career at IH? Wesley nominates Jodi Fayant, Regional Biological Inventory Coordinator, to keep We Are IH going: “Throughout the Mass Immunization campaign, Jodi's ability to pivot and respond immediately to vaccine redistribution requests was second to none! Mix that with her humour and general gusto, she was instrumental in keeping things moving. Thanks Jodi!” -Wesley Noppers  

Name: Sheena Brown-Bailey(she/her/hers)Job title: HR Business Partnerships AssistantYears of service: 2.5 yearsWorksite: Community Health & Services CentreCommunity: KelownaAncestral territory: SyilxAdvice to live by: Let's not dwell on the problem, let's figure out a solution. Sheena Brown-Bailey has a passion for helping others however she can. She loves working in health care as a project administrative assistant and making a difference. “The continuous strides we are making in health care enhance the lives of those in our communities,” she says. “It make me extremely proud to be a part of it.” Born and raised on the beautiful Island of Jamaica, Sheena says it really is as pretty as it looks. Although she is quick to volunteer and lend a hand, it may surprise you to learn that she is actually quite introverted. She also prides herself on being very resilient. “I see obstacles as new opportunities and lessons to be learned.” Sheena and her daughterRecently, Sheena has started camping and has fallen in love with the simple pleasures that it brings. She also enjoys a good hike. She looks forward to spending more quality time with family and friends. “This pandemic has reminded me of what matters most in life, which is those solid relationships and bonds with those we love the most. Treasure every moment and make memories!” There are a variety of administrative career opportunities at IH. Check out our job postings!  Sheila nominates Ann-Marie Cooper, Nursing Assistant, to keep We Are IH going: “Ann-Marie is such a great team player. She goes beyond for her clients.” -Sheena Brown-Bailey     

Sheila West has worked as a Patient Ambassador at Gillis House in Merritt for the last six months, but her history with the long-term care facility reaches back much further.  She started at Gillis House as a cook three-and-a-half years ago, and both her father and mother spent their final years there.  “I truly enjoy interacting with the residents and their visitors,” says Sheila. “And I love bringing a smile to their faces whenever I can.” Some of her fondest memories are the reactions from residents to the personal touch she gave to meals and special occasion teas.  “I always keep busy and do my job to the best of my ability as well as helping others whenever I can.” Sheila stays active outside of her work life, too. She loves to go metal detecting and magnet fishing and enjoys sewing and baking. She is looking forward to retiring someday, but says, “not too soon as I love my job!” Proud parents of three, grandparents to 11 and great grandparents to three, Sheila and her husband just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March. We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Sheila Anne West Job Title: Patient Ambassador Years of Service: 3.5 Worksite: Gillis House Community: Merritt Ancestral Territory: Syilx Favourite Quote: Treat everyone with respect and kindness.   Sheila’s nomination of Patricia (Patty) Ironstand keeps the We Are IH loop going:  “Patty is calm and professional in all situations and never hesitates to step in to help others if needed.” - Sheila West      Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook  |   Instagram  |   LinkedIn

After fifteen years in working in the travel industry, Maureen felt is was time for a career change. She returned to college in 2002 to take Health Information Management.  She completed her student practicum at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and has been with IH for 17 years now.        “During my practicum, I was offered a position in Health Information Management, so my husband and I packed our two cats and moved from New Westminster to Vernon.”         Through the course of her Interior Health career, Maureen has been involved in many projects, providing information crucial to the team.        “When the Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital opened, I was on site opening day to solve problems and witness the culmination of five years of data support and planning – it was very exciting.”       Maureen is inspired knowing that the information she contributes helps to inform decision-making for the many programs and projects that Interior Health offers, which then make a genuine difference in people's lives.           Maureen was born in Mission, B.C. and grew up on a dairy farm east of Mission. Though she remembers that time fondly, she loves living in the Okanagan with its four seasons and easy access to the outdoors.     “I’m outdoorsy and love being in nature, whether that's hiking, trail running or cycling. I also love traveling to new and far-off places. I'm looking forward to the time when international travel will be safer and my husband and I can go on the cycling trip to Spain that we cancelled at the start of the pandemic.”         You can learn more about Maureen’s lifestyle on the ActiVernon YouTube channel, where she is know as Adventure Girl!         To keep the We Are IH loop going, Maureen nominates Cory Bendall “I would like to nominate Cory Bendall. I've had the pleasure of working with Cory for several years providing information on Strokes in Interior Health. She is so incredibly passionate about improving stroke care and outcomes for people who experience a stroke.” - Maureen Mol     We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.     Name: Maureen Mol Job Title:  Lead, Data Analytics - Acute Years of Service: 17 Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Sylix Nation, Okanagan Interior Salish Advice to live by: When you have a problem to solve, taking some time to go for a walk and think though the possibilities always helps.     Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook  |   Instagram  |   LinkedIn    

Thea originally began her career with Interior Health six years ago as a Clerk/Receptionist in Williams Lake at Deni House, long-term care. Looking for a change in pace, she worked casual in Home and Public Health before becoming a Prevention Services Assistant in Public Health.   Thea, Her husband, and their four beautiful kids  One of Thea’s proudest career moments has been her time assisting the Williams Lake Thompson Rivers University COVID-19 Mass Vaccine Clinics. She collaborated with nurses, admin, security teams and Red Cross volunteers to keep the clinics running smoothly. Her co-workers inspire her daily through their positivity and willingness to help.   “Becoming the keeper of the vaccine has been a challenging role in the ever-changing pandemic, but I enjoy the behind-the-scenes work that keeps me on my toes.” Being born in B.C. and growing up in the West Chilcotin has allowed Thea to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle year-round. When she’s not working, Thea loves kayaking on the lakes, hiking in the mountains, kickboxing and doing mud runs.    Thea enjoying one of her favourite activities, kayakingAbove all, getting to spend time with her family and friends is what she enjoys the most. Recently there has been an exciting addition to Thea’s family as she has welcomed the arrival of her first grandchild!       We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.     Name: Thea Telford (She/Her)   Job Title: Prevention Services Assistant (Vaccine Clerk) Years of Service: 6 Worksite: Public Health      Community: Williams Lake  Ancestral Territory: Secwepemc Advice to live by: Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.     To keep the We Are IH loop going, Thea nominates Erin Domenko:     “Erin Domenko always goes above and beyond in everything that she does. She is always willing to help, no matter what needs to be done and her dedication is second to none.” –Thea Telford   Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook  |   Instagram  |   LinkedIn    

Dr. Amanda Wilmer is no stranger to the B.C. Interior. While she was born in Vancouver, Amanda grew up living in Squamish, Williams Lake, Kamloops and Grand Forks, all before the age of 18. Amanda moved back to Vancouver to complete her formal education at UBC, but was delighted to have the opportunity to return to the Interior after finishing her training – having family in the area makes it feel like home. Amanda is always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure high-quality care is provided to patients. For her, it’s been meaningful to come back to the Interior as a Medical Microbiologist at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).  “It’s a pleasure to work with the rest of the laboratory team, who are similarly quality and patient care-oriented, to improve access to testing for all patients across IH.” When Amanda first came to IH, no molecular testing was available for diagnosis of viral infections, such as influenza, and patients were waiting up to five days for results. Through collaboration with the KGH and Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundations, the KGH lab obtained the needed testing equipment.  “Through KGH Facility Engagement funding, my team was able to validate the equipment and our proposal was approved for trial funding of respiratory virus testing at KGH lab in winter 2017. The trial was successful, and testing was subsequently expanded to all microbiology labs region-wide. This infrastructure was key to the ability of labs to quickly adopt testing for COVID-19.” Amanda describes herself as ‘energetic,’ and seeing her love for water activities drives that home.  “I love spending time on the water. Whether it be paddle boarding, kayaking, wake surfing, scuba diving or just floating – the water is my happy place.”  Amanda also enjoys hiking and snowboarding. She and her husband, James, spent as much time as possible leaving the city when living in Vancouver, so coming back to the outdoor playground of the Interior has been amazing. Despite loving where she lives, Amanda is also looking forward to travelling again.  “I love visiting new places, experiencing new cultures, trying new foods and enjoying beautiful scenery. Before COVID-19, I travelled a lot, and am hoping to continue these adventures once things settle down!”                   To keep the We Are IH loop going, Amanda nominates Hope Byrne “Hope Byrne is an amazing person, but also an outstanding leader who has been so instrumental in improving patient care by ensuring the best laboratory services are being provided in IH. She has worked tirelessly (often days, nights and weekends) during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the lab is able to provide timely and high-quality results. She also serves as a mentor and inspiration to many others in the laboratory, and somehow finds time to also do her MBA!” – Dr. Amanda Wilmer   We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.   Name: Dr. Amanda Wilmer (she/her) Job Title: Medical Microbiologist Years of Service: 7 Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan Favourite Quote: I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.   Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Michaela Ashbee (she/her) Job Title: Privacy Advisor Years of Service: 7 Worksite: Community Health Services Centre Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan Favourite Quotes: “Everything happens for a reason.” - Anonymous “Live life to the fullest!” - Anonymous Michaela Ashbee has come a long way – literally – to her current role as a Privacy Advisor with Interior Health. Born in a small town in (what was previously) East Germany, her family emigrated to Kelowna after her parents spent three amazing weeks in Canada to attend a family wedding and travel throughout B.C. Since 1993, Michaela has lived in Kelowna, not only attending school and university here, but also creating her own life and family. “It was a big step for our family, but we’ve never looked back. We love not only living in this beautiful country, but also becoming Canadians!” It wasn’t a straight path to her current role: Michaela spent seven years in the car industry in administration and accounting, then the beverage industry for eight years as administrator for the B.C. Interior. In 2015, she joined Interior Health as an Information Privacy Assistant, then moved to Information Privacy Analyst later that year. After going back to university and achieving her certification with the Canadian Institute of Access and Privacy Professionals (CIAPP), Michaela moved in to her current role.   Michaela enjoys helping people, seeing them succeed and achieving their goals. Those who work with her would not be surprised to hear Michaela describe herself as a passionate, dedicated go-getter who strives to exceed her goals. However, she also wears her heart on her sleeve and is a team player who loves to help others.  “I love being challenged and continuously learning new things. I don't do 'boring' well, which is the reason I like how fast-paced my current role is. Not only do I get to do what I love every day, but I work with such a diverse group of people and departments that keep sharing their knowledge and expertise with me and make every day an adventure!” Michaela cannot pinpoint just one memorable aspect of her job. She’s had the opportunity to lead incident investigations for IH, as well as assist leaders with revamping processes and educating teams to help make IH a better, safer place. The most recent big change for Michaela was leaving the Okanagan and relocating to the beautiful Kootenays, the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation. Her family loves the outdoors so much that they’ve made the move from city life to country life. If she’s not playing outdoors with her four big pups, enjoying horses, camping at a friend’s ranch, taking pictures or playing in the dirt while gardening, you can find Michaela at a hockey rink with her husband of 13 years, Brett, cheering on their 12-year-old son, Dominic, or local hockey teams. She also volunteers as a team manager and Grand Forks Minor Hockey Association Board Member. A little-known fact is that in 2010, Michaela had the privilege of being an Olympic Torchbearer, running with the Olympic Torch in Kelowna.  Michaela was in a car accident in 2016, which resulted in a long term hip injury that’s limited the activities she’s able to do. But she’s pushed to find a new normal and always tries to live life to the fullest! Michaela is looking forward to: “Enjoying every day, new adventures, new opportunities and getting to know my new community, and being a part of it to help it grow and thrive.” Michaela's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “Paula Cyra is an amazing nurse, educator, mom, hockey billet mom and volunteer – and just has so much passion for helping others! Even her latest selfless venture of donating a kidney to a complete stranger is nothing short of amazing!" – Michaela Ashbee       Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook  |   Instagram  |   LinkedIn    

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Carol Kay (she/her/hers)     Job Title: Document Analyst Clerk Years of Service: 17     Worksite: Royal Inland Hospital Community: Kamloops     Current Territory: Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc Ancestral Territory: Moffat Scotland & Tipperary Ireland Favourite Quote: Where there's is a will, there's a way. The ability to have a diverse and rewarding career over 17 years at Interior Health is a source of pride for Carol Kay.  She started her journey as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working for seven years at Royal Inland Hospital and three years at Ponderosa Lodge in Kamloops, while balancing life with two crazy and fun-loving daughters.  She then shifted to a role in administration for the Parkview Child & Adolescent Mental Health Program, where she worked for five years. In 2018, she accepted her current position – Document Analyst Clerk with IH’s Document Services department.  “One of my proudest moments at Interior Health was being a part of the growth of the Parkview Child & Adolescent Mental Health Program, working with the psychiatrists and staff. This had a significant impact for the betterment of children and youth in our community.  “Also, being acknowledged for my services and commitment to working with a great organization and staff, while receiving my long-term service 15 year pin.” Today, Carol enjoys assisting IH staff with Document Services-managed forms and updating the Forms Repository and Forms Library, which uses her penchant for organizational skills and fine data entry. What you might not know about Carol’s history is that, in her younger years, she was a cadet in the #102 Navy League of Canada Prince Robert Cadet Corps Kamloops, and then #137 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp Kamloops as a teenager. This is where Carol learned her strong leadership skills, participated in countless citizenship activities, and developed a love for the Canadian Armed Forces. This led her to find her passion developing our future leaders of Canada in the Canadian Armed Forces, as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Program in the towns of Golden and Cranbrook, B.C. Carol Kay, when she first joined Navy League Cadets (left), and in her Canadian Armed Forces uniform. Carol is currently an active member of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans, Unit #290 North Kamloops (ANAVETS), generating camaraderie amongst fellow veterans and members by displaying her spirit of patriotism for Canada. Carol has also shared her time with the Royal Canadian Legion for the past 20 years, where she continues to bring her positive leadership and passion. Today, you can find her being a Veteran's Advocate and preserving Canadian Military history and traditions for her country. Carol is always ready to serve when called upon, even for the smallest undertaking.  When not at work, Carol shows her pride in her Celtic heritage as she continues to grow with the Kamloops Pipe Band Society as a side drummer. Carol also enjoys a healthy active lifestyle with swimming and has a passion for gardening.  Carol’s Pipe Band played for Royal Inland Hospital staff in appreciation of health-care workers during the pandemic.  To keep We Are IH going, Carol nominates Kailey Auger, Program and Systems Analyst with IMIT.   “Kailey has the wonderful ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment. Kailey continues to bring her exemplary standards of teamwork, while developing new staff to reach their full potential by working together respectfully and growing as a team. Kailey has an unforgettable laugh and passion for her colleagues. Like many in our organization, Kailey gained a deeper understanding of her current position by her learned experiences during her career at IH. Kailey is a valuable asset as a colleague and mentor. She is always striving to have a better understanding of her career and a respectful relationship with others.”     Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority  

Mary Larsen enjoys decorating her workplace, David Lloyd Jones care home, for the holidays. We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Mary Larsen (she/her) Job Title: Recreation Assistant Years of Service: 4.5 Worksite: David Lloyd Jones care home Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan Favourite Quote: “Treat everyone as if it is the last time you will see them.” -Anonymous When it comes to the holidays, Mary Larsen is the quintessential “Santa’s elf.” A recreation assistant at the David Lloyd Jones care home, seeing the residents and creating programming for them brings Mary joy every day. “Seeing the residents engage in an activity and say that it was a good time is so wonderful. Knowing that I get to come to work and give people moments of joy is why I do what I do!” Mary dressed up for the holidays. While Mary has many proud moments as a staff member at Interior Health, one of her favourites is working with new students training to be therapist assistants. She appreciates being able to show the students the importance of recreation in a long-term care setting and how much of an impact it has on the people in IH’s care.  While rewarding, Mary’s job can also be mentally and emotionally hard at times. Many assume she’s an “extrovert” because of her job, but Mary craves being alone or just with her close family. She also finds herself in nature to recharge.  “When I have time to go for a hike or sit by a lake and let nature take care of me, I feel better. I love hiking with my dog. Being with her and exploring parts of the Okanagan is so much fun!” Mary loves exploring the Okanagan with her dog, Rose. Born and raised in B.C., Mary moved from New Westminster to the Kootenays, and then settled in the Okanagan more than 20 years ago. She enjoys cross-country skiing with her husband, Erik, daughter, Rory, and dog, Rose.  “We bought skis for the family and I cannot wait to get out to the trails and be in nature!” Mary is looking forward to when families are once again able to join in the recreation programs at David Lloyd Jones. A little-known fact is that, when she signed up for the Therapist Assistant program with Okanagan College, Mary had no idea she’d end up with her dream career in long-term care.  “I never in a million years thought that I would end up in health care! I had no idea of the opportunities that lie within Interior Health. Now I could not imagine doing anything else with my life!” Mary’s nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “Riley Wilkinson is an amazing advocate for her patients. She is kind and generous, and absolutely dedicated to giving her patients the best care.” – Mary Larsen     Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook  |   Instagram  |   LinkedIn