Name: Lauren Isber (she/her/hers)Job Title: Digital Health Support ClerkYears of Service: 3Worksite: Kelowna WarehouseCommunity:  KelownaAncestral Territory: Syilx NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: I try to live in the present, plan for the future but not worry about things that do not exist. Be optimistic! Lauren Isber knows a thing or two about navigating the health-care system. Born in Savannah, Georgia, U.S., to Canadian health-care worker parents, as well as being a patient herself, Lauren currently provides support to Interior Health (IH) patients and clients who need help making medical appointments or using MyHealthPortal. Through her role as a digital health support clerk, she’s able to help individuals in a personal way, which brings her satisfaction and a sense of purpose and value. “We all know what it’s like when we need assistance with something and don’t have an option to speak to a person directly.”

* Content warning: This story contains themes of suicide. * For immediate help 24/7, call 9-8-8 or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). If you or your friend is in crisis and not sure what to do, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. To reach the Interior Health (IH) Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) centre nearest you, call 310-MHSU (6478).  Name: Sheneile Black (she/her/hers)Job Title: Relational Security OfficerYears of Service: 1Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital Community:  Central OkanaganAncestral Territory: Syilx Nation Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: Prayer and work conquers all. Sometimes in life, the most challenging upbringings can create the kindest and most compassionate people; this was the case for Sheneile. Growing up in Jamaica with her older sister, Sheneile lost both her parents at a young age.  

Name: Erin Blackwell (she/hers/her)Job Title: Manager of Clinical Operations, Neuro, Trauma and Stroke UnitYears of Service: 7Worksite: Royal Inland HospitalCommunity:  KamloopsAncestral Territory: SecwempcFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: Think globally, act locally. Erin Blackwell, manager of clinical operations, Neuro, Trauma and Stroke Unit at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops is someone who truly lives by her motto “think globally, act locally.”  Erin is very passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. So much so, she successfully advocated for rainbow lanyards and rainbow nametags to become available to all staff to promote inclusivity at Interior Health (IH). “Symbols are important in society, and the rainbow symbolizes acceptance and openness. Health care should be the most inclusive system, as our patients come from all walks of life,” says Erin.  

Name: Nancy-Jo O’Neill (she/her/hers)Job Title: Clinical Operations ManagerYears of Service: 11Worksite: Sparwood Primary Health Care, Elkford Health CentreCommunity:  Elk Valley     Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” - J.J. Marine Clinical operations manager Nancy-Jo O’Neill is fuelled by chasing the next adventure – whether it be skiing fresh tracks in the backcountry or navigating the challenging but rewarding world of primary care.

Name: Laura-Lee RegnierPronouns: she/her/hersJob Title: Patient Care CoordinatorYears of Service: 26 yearsWorksite:  Kelowna General HospitalCommunity: KelownaAncestral Territory: Syilx/ OkanaganFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: "Be the rainbow in someone's cloudy day" Laura-Lee Regnier is a patient care coordinator who works extra hard to ensure that patients have a reason to smile at Interior Health (IH). Born and raised in Trail, Laura-Lee has always had a passion for helping others through their toughest days.

Name: Trevor SpeedPronouns: he/him/hisJob Title: Corporate Director, Facilities Management & OperationsYears of Service: 15Worksite: Community Health & Services CentreCommunity:  KelownaAncestral Territory: Syilx NationFavourite Quote / Advice to live by:  As cliche as it sounds, "everything happens for a reason," "be open to all opportunities within your leadership path" and "be comfortable being uncomfortable: look for opportunities outside of your comfort zone." Trevor Speed, corporate director, Facilities Management & Operations, grew up in a “health-care household”: both his parents worked in the field. Trevor is passionate about keeping a focus on the patients and clients that Interior Health (IH) serves. He’s been very lucky in his career path and has had the opportunity to be a team member of several different departments within IH.

Name: Dr. Dwight FerrisPronouns: He/him/hisJob Title: Infectious disease physicianYears of Service: 23 yearsWorksite: Kelowna General HospitalCommunity: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx When Dr. Dwight Ferris first came to B.C. in 2001, he became the only infectious disease physician for both the Interior Health (IH) and Northern Health authorities – covering approximately two-thirds of the province’s geographical area. “One person alone cannot care for a million people,” Dwight says. “I was getting referrals from all over the province.” Dwight has been happy to witness the steady increase of infectious disease health-care providers and services offered during his tenure. “My proudest moment with IH has been seeing my teams grow,” Dwight says. “I'm really proud of the teams that I've been able to create and help thrive, and also the patients that we have helped. The greatest achievement for any physician is to see good health in their patients.”

Name: Seija Emond (she/her/hers)Job Title: Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) team leadYears of Service: 20Worksite: Kelowna MHSUCommunity: KelownaAncestral Territory: Syilx Seija is a single mom who values fun and caring and learning from a place of curiosity and humility. Born in Germany and raised in 100 Mile House, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Enderby, Seija grew up playing music and singing with her family. They even did professional puppetry together. Her family and she still get together for jam sessions from time to time. “We are not especially good at it but those are the best times ever!” she laughs Inspired by her mom’s career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), Seija became an LPN in 2003 and started her career at Kelowna General Hospital and Royal Inland Hospital.

Name: Manilyn Dantes (she/her/hers)Job Title: Care Aide / Health-Care AssistantYears of Service: 10Worksite: Cottonwoods Care CentreCommunity:  Okanagan/KelownaAncestral Territory: SyilxFavourite Quote / Advice to live by: Be the reason someone smiles today. Never stop learning because life never stops teaching. Manilyn Dantes is a care aide / health-care assistant born and raised in the Philippines. She’s been working and living in the Central Okanagan for more than 10 years.  Manilyn has grown her career at Cottonwoods Care Centre in Kelowna supporting residents and assisting with daily activities that encourage maximum independence.