We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Dr. Johann Schreve Worksite: Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Okanagan / Sylix Nation Years of Service: 5 Job Title: Hospitalist Quote: "Seize the day, carpe diem" Dr. Schreve's positive outlook on life, innovative mindset, curiosity, and passion to fix the world started at a young age. His all-encompassing adoration to help others was inspired by his father, an accomplished and respected medical doctor. Growing up in a small farm community in Ceres, South Africa, it was instilled in Dr. Schreve to support and take care of your community. He has put helping others at the forefront of his life and throughout his career. With a genuine interest in people and understanding their problems, he takes the time to listen to his patients and provide valuable guidance that allows them to positively change their life. Originally passionate about psychology, Dr. Schreve integrated his passion for mental health into his practice as a medical doctor. This personable perspective has lead to many innovative advances in his work and the communities he has served. Passionate about technology, efficient tools, and processes, Dr. Schreve's creative and divergent thought methods have led to many technological advances in the medical field. As an integral member of the Patient Quality Improvement (PQI) Initiative, he combines his love of helping people and technology to streamline electronic documentation for medical records. This initiative is creating a standard for medical professionals to lead quality improvement projects and enhances the delivery of quality patient care. One of his proudest moments at Interior Health was being recognized for thinking differently by the Chief Information Medical Officer and Vice President, Mike Ertel, for his innovative approach to documenting patient information enhancing patient care. Born in Windhoek, Namibia, his family relocated to Ceres, South Africa, and he was raised in a tight-knit community, where everyone knew each other. His great love story began in Grade 1 when he met the love of his life. Their friendship evolved over the years into a romance at the age of 17. Fast forward to today, they have built a life of their own and extended their family to four kids under the age of 12. After moving his family to Canada in 2013, first to Chetwynd, B.C., followed by Williams Lake, they have now put down roots in Vernon, where they are close to their family. Living in Vernon in the Okanagan fondly reminds him of Stellenbosch, South Africa, also located in wine country, where the people are enthusiastic about leading a fulfilling life. As a nature lover, he recently has taken up cross-country skiing, where the whole family can explore the beautiful outdoors together. He is looking forward to taking his above-average golf game to the course where he can connect with his friends and colleagues. Understanding the importance of physical activity, getting out in nature, and taking time for yourself, he practices what he preaches. The four-season lifestyle in the Okanagan allows him the opportunity for work-life balance and a place where his children are receiving exceptional education. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Schreve is reminded of his time responding to the HIV/TB pandemic in South Africa. He is proud to be a part of Interior Health, which he believes is doing a remarkable job managing public health and keeping hospitals open to the public. The pandemic has created a shift in care to a virtual approach, where it has created ease of access to care for his patients. The reach for care has extended to outlying communities allowing him to effectively reach and help more people. A positive outcome of the pandemic is moving virtual care forward and inspiring Dr. Schreve to embark on a new journey. Joined by the University of British Columbia community of Individualized Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition, he is working towards diabetes prevention, alongside approximately 3,000 international members who are communicating on the reversal of diabetes. His own lifestyle practice Afya Wellness launches in April of this year to bring an interactive approach to internal medicine encouraging patients to lead a healthy lifestyle for diabetes management or reversal. In alignment with his inspiration to become a medical doctor, this new venture allows him to work within his passion of helping people change their lifestyles. Dr. Schreve's funny, kind and caring personality has a positive impact on both his patients and colleagues at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and across Interior Health. We are incredibly fortunate to have the experience, expertise and dedication of Dr. Schreve on our team, providing exceptional patient care. Thank you for all that you do for our communities, Dr. Schreve! Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Dr. Travis Allen Message:  "Dr. Travis Allen does a lot for our service. He is a visionary, a true leader, who brings people together. He inspired me to move to Vernon. He creates a positive culture in the hospital." For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Cindy Crawford Worksite: Trinity Care Centre, Penticton, Okanagan / Sylix Nation Years of Service: 7 Job Title: Nursing Assistant Quote: "We all have things going on in life - be kind." Passionate, ambitious, and humorous perfectly describe Cindy. Living by her motto “life is too short to not enjoy as much of it as you can,” Cindy appreciates travelling and adores time spent with her adorable dog, Malachi (Mal-a-k-eye). Longing for an occupation full of excitement, service, and fulfilment, Cindy decided to begin a new career endeavour in health care. She began as a support staff worker at Fraser Health, working within housekeeping and dietary. Eager to advance her career and implement necessary changes for patients, Cindy was determined to go back to school to become a Nursing Assistant. In 2008, Cindy relocated to Penticton to begin her education as a Health Care Aide at Sprott Shaw College. While attending school, Cindy worked within the Housekeeping department at the Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH). She was overjoyed when she was accepted into the Activity Assistant program last year at the College of the Rockies, graduating this year. Her admirable work ethic and compassionate nature has been prominent throughout her entire career. From day one, Cindy’s daily objective has remained the same: “I show up to work to seek the ability to make someone smile and laugh for another day.” Her co-workers appreciate her positive outlook and fun attitude that brings so much joy to the workplace. A monumental career moment for Cindy was when she was offered the opportunity to become a facilitator for Provincial Violence Prevention. Shortly after, she received training to facilitate the Safe Patient Handling course. Cindy proudly states, “it is an honour to be able to assist my co-workers to be safe,” a true testament to her genuine character. Cindy has held the position as co-chair on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for six years at Trinity Care Centre and takes great pride in being part of the team that keeps our workplace safe. Cindy has been taking care of her father since her mother passed away, and finds pleasure in providing a safe space for each one of our patients. Truly a selfless, considerate and generous individual. Thank you for all that you do Cindy, IH and Malachi appreciate you, so much! Cindy with co-worker, Cheri at Trinity Care Centre in Penticton Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Cheri Scroggi Message: "She is very kind and cares, not only about her residents but also her co-workers." For more information, contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Doris Charest Worksite: East Kootenays/Kootenay Boundary Staffing Service Centre, Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah) / Kootenay Ktunaxa Years of Service: 9.5 Job Title: Portfolio Clerk The holiday season is like no other at the Charest family home. Doris Charest, Interior Health’s (IH) endearing Portfolio Clerk, handcrafts many of the festive ornaments that make up her Christmas décor. It’s no secret that she has quite the artistic side; apart from enjoying decorative tole painting, Doris has also been cutting out wooden Christmas decoration pieces for over 15 years. Apart from her crafty nature, Doris loves the outdoors where she can be found immersing herself in a book next to a cozy campfire. True to the nature of anyone born and raised in British Columbia’s beautiful Cranbrook city, she enjoys the many lakes, campgrounds and mountains that surround her. In the future, she looks forward to having grandchildren, helping raise them in the very community she and her children grew up in. Till then, she gives her unconditional love to her grand puppy, Izzie, an affectionate SPCA rescue. Over nine years ago, Doris found herself at a cross-roads when she received a recommendation from a fellow Interior Health employee and friend; she applied knowing it would be a great place to work. Starting her career at IH off with a casual role at reception and Short Call desk, Doris was soon promoted to a full-time position as a Portfolio Clerk. She continues working in this role today at the Staffing Service Centre in East Kootenay/Kootenay Boundary. Her kind and helpful demeanour does not go unnoticed as she helps her team solve problems together. While the holidays are undoubtedly different this year, the lights at the Charest home continue to shine on as brightly as ever. Thanks for everything you do for Interior Health, Doris! We wish you many more successful years. Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Ceilidh Stump  Message: She is wonderful person who is a great listener and very helpful and always there when you need her.  For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.    

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Brianna Hawkins Worksite: Rocky Mountain Lodge, Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah) / Kootenay Ktunaxa Years of Service: 6 Job Title: Registered Dietitian Growing up in Kitimat, a small town in northern British Columbia, Brianna was motivated to pursue a career in health care from a young age. She found herself immersed in health care throughout her childhood, encouraged by her father's love for his career as a Lab Tech. Through her love of cooking, nutrition, and sciences, Brianna found her niche as a dietitian. Eager for new experiences and furthering her education, Brianna spread her wings to another province and enrolled in the Registered Dietitian program at the University of Alberta. Inspired by her preceptors to relocate outside of Calgary after completing her internship in 2014, Brianna knew she wanted to move back to beautiful British Columbia. With only three suitcases in tow, she moved to Cranbrook. The plan was to only stay a year, but during that time, the Kootenays captured her heart and she is here to stay, luckily for us! In her current role as a Dietitian at Rocky Mountain Lodge, Brianna loves working in both renal and acute care, making each day different and exciting. As part of the amazing renal team, she enjoys working with patients over months, or even years to experience real change and possibly delay dialysis. It’s moments like these that help her realize she is making a difference in the lives of others. “I love the challenge of working in acute care, using a different set of skills and the fact every day is so different. I have an amazing dietitian co-worker who I learn from every day” - Brianna Hawkins A dietitian's major role is to help patients adapt to the dialysis diet so they can enjoy some of their favourite foods while still being aware of dietary recommendations. The dialysis diet can be restrictive and very challenging for patients to navigate. Having the support of a knowledgeable dietitian is crucial to help manage a chronic condition. “I love being able to talk to patients about food and seeing the joy in their eyes when they can have their favourite Christmas dish or enjoy something special for their birthday.” - Brianna Hawkins A traveler at heart, Brianna is patiently waiting until she can explore new places again. First stop, Germany, followed by Peru and then Australia. In the meantime, she will continue to dream of planning her wedding in Hawaii! Luckily during these times, Brianna can continue to be out hiking, running, and exploring the beautiful outdoors. As an avid chef, she spends a lot of time cooking delicious meals and trying new recipes. Thank you for all that you do, Brianna! Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Georgi Winger  Message: As a Chronic Kidney Disease Nurse, she does an amazing job keeping track of all our patients, managing an ever-increasing load, and is always there is talk! I couldn’t do my job without her! For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Lauren Hristoski Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Centre  Years of Service: 5 Job Title: Manager of Career Marketing, Human Resources Lauren radiates the workplace with positive energy as her welcoming demeanour makes people feel supported. As a hard worker who is determined to make impactful change, she has paved her own career path at Interior Health. Working in Human Resources for many years, Lauren has been given the opportunity to grow career marketing initiatives through a newly developed department, Career Marketing. Lauren brings crucial knowledge of Interior Health and career marketing to her new role that provides instrumental value to the organization. Over the past year, the team has grown significantly to provide marketing support to employee and medical staff recruitment, employee experience, and recently the pandemic response. As an adaptable and innovative individual, Lauren has led work throughout the pandemic to ensure her team has had a smooth transition to a virtual work environment. Lauren’s love of people and passion for uplifting people has supported the growth of employee initiatives including We Are IH. Her commitment to sharing authentic stories, promoting Interior Health as an employer, and showcasing diversity and inclusion has significantly assisted in sharing our brand story. With Lauren’s out-of-the-box creative thinking, she showcased our award of becoming a B.C. Top 100 Employer by creating a video of our people to celebrate our story. Lauren feels so fortunate to be part of supportive teams that work collaboratively together to achieve their goals. Born in Edmonton, Lauren grew up very close with her family including her parents, sister, and brother. Graduating from French immersion high school with a bilingual degree, she furthered her passion for health by graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. After living most of her life in Calgary, Lauren relocated her family to the Okanagan to live an exciting and active four-season lifestyle. In the summer you can find Lauren and her family standup paddleboarding, hiking, biking, playing games, and exploring all there is to offer in beautiful British Columbia. Over the winter season, she spends her time with her family up at Big White hitting the slopes and sipping on hot cocoa. Lauren’s two little girls also possess her bright smile, kind demeanour, intelligence, and adventurous spirit. As food lovers, her kids are often sous chefs in the kitchen and share Lauren’s passion for experiencing delicious food and cuisines. Lauren is looking forward to travelling again and being able to experience more of the world through her daughters' eyes. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Lauren's nomination of Jenn Goodwin keeps the We Are IH loop going: As a leader in the organization, Jenn is always looking for opportunities to grow and support teams. She always has a smile on her face walking down the hall and takes time to say "Hello" and ask simple questions that brightens your day.  

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Hilary Beck Worksite: Polson Annex, Vernon, B.C. Years of Service: 1 Job Title: Occupational Health Nurse As an Occupational Health Nurse at Interior Health, Hilary Beck brings to the unique position a wealth of knowledge from her two degrees, two certifications and her extensive work experience of over 20 years in the health field. Born in Vernon on the Syilx Nation/Okanagan territory, Hilary has recently returned home closer to her family in Vernon after living in Calgary, Alta., for the past 20 years. We are so fortunate that Hilary has chosen Interior Health to further her career. With a desire to start a career where she could make a difference in people's lives, Hilary moved to Vancouver and enrolled in her first degree, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University. Since graduating in 1997, Hilary’s passion for continuous learning has led her to become a perpetual student. As someone who loves school and is always looking for a new challenge, she enrolled in her Masters of Nursing at Athabasca University, where she will graduate in 2022 with even more knowledge to open doors and opportunities at Interior Health. Hilary’s passion to further her education continued as she received her Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal University in 2000. She landed a job as an athletic therapist with the Men's National Disabled Standing and Sitting Volleyball teams, where she was able to see the world as she worked and travelled with them for 10 years. A highlight was the Standing Team winning the World Championships and the World Cup for three consecutive years from 2004-2006. In 2011, Hilary was granted the opportunity to be part of the delegation that attended the Para Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, working with para athletes from other sports. These were truly amazing experiences that Hilary cherishes. When she wasn’t tending to the team or working her full time jobs, she was likely found at the hockey arena, working as an athletic therapist for junior hockey in Alberta. As a former athlete in many sports, primarily volleyball and soccer, Hilary was able to relate to her clients and provide a beneficial perspective. Her own injuries forced her to retire from those activities as she had a high tibial osteotomy. She now spends her time cycling, fishing or at her summer cabin on Okanagan Lake. Working one-on-one helping athletes inspired Hilary to further her education with an additional degree in nursing, where she could apply her education to helping others even more. After graduating from the University of Calgary with her Bachelor of Nursing in 2011, she decided to add another certification to her resume. Shortly thereafter, she obtained her Certificate in Occupational Health Nursing from Grant MacEwan University in 2015. The combination of her exceptional work experience and advanced education has played a vital role in her successful career where she has bettered the lives of so many. Hilary Beck's graduation from University of Calgary As a Vancouver Canucks fan, it’s been a bit challenging living in Calgary for the past 20 years surrounded by Calgary Flames fans. Hilary is grateful to be back in Vernon closer to her family, especially her two nieces and of course her fellow Canucks fans. When it’s safe to do so, Hilary is excited to attend sporting events, live concerts and travel somewhere with palm trees! Thank you for all that you do, Hilary, we appreciate you very much! Arizona, U.S.A. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Hilary's nomination of Carla Davies keeps the We Are IH loop going: When I first started Carla was super helpful and very welcoming, and she has supported my transition into this role in a way, that I can not express my thanks to her enough. Carla was recently promoted to WHS Safety Advisor from a Service Partner Role, which also shows the great work she does.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Ryan Lazauskas Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Centre  Years of Service: 3  Job Title: Employee Relations Consultant An adventurer at heart, growing up in the beautiful community of Kelowna in the Okanagan, Ryan has explored most trails on his road bike. His passion for exploring led him to travel abroad where he backpacked his way through over a dozen countries throughout Western Europe before starting his career. Ryan traveling abroad in London, England. Motivated to grow professionally, he embarked on his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management from Okanagan College at the Kelowna campus, where he learned valuable skills that have propelled his career forward. His work experience with non-profits and the private sector gave him the knowledge, skill set, and experience to land a job at Interior Health as a Service Partner for the Benefits Department.   Over the past three years at Interior Health, Ryan is proud of the way he has been able to learn, grow, and adapt continuously. As a motivated employee, Ryan has been rewarded for his hard work with multiple new positions. He was awarded a new position in Recruitment and then he gained experience with Labour Relations, allowing him the opportunity to take on the role as a Labour Relations Service Partner. His love for helping others shines through in his work, granting him the recent role as an Employee Relations Consultant. His passion for serving others has helped him further exceed at Interior Health. As a results-orientated individual, Ryan is focused on getting the job done in the best way possible while providing excellent service. Ryan’s hard work continued to pay off in his personal life, as he recently purchased his first home in the Central Okanagan with his girlfriend. They expanded their family with their French Bulldog, Frankie, who has quickly become the centre of their world as they adventure the outdoors together. Ryan's French Bulldog, Frankie Ryan's girlfriend and French Bulldog This year may have travel restrictions, but when it is safe Ryan will continue his goal of traveling across the incredible province of British Columbia to further explore the outdoors of what B.C. has to offer! His love for his friends and family brings him so much joy, so he is looking forward to spending more quality time with his loved ones once it’s safe to do so. A great perk of living in the beautiful Okanagan is having Big White close by! Ryan plans to spend lots of time on the slopes this winter season exploring the mountains. Thank you for all that you do, Ryan! We appreciate you very much.   Ryan Lazauskas in Switzerland Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Ryan's nomination of Katherine Semenoff keeps the We Are IH loop going: Katherine has been an amazing colleague and big support for our team. She has been with Interior Health a long time. She is dedicated, driven and always looking to help you no matter what.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  To help us celebrate National Nursing Students Week, we met with Mariah Perry, a recent 2019 graduate from the Practical Nursing Program at Okanagan College. As part of the incredible team at Kelowna General Hospital, Mariah stands out for her big heart, her desire to spread kindness, and her positive attitude. At first, Mariah may be shy but before you know it she is filling the room with her radiating energy! Inspired by her desire to make a difference in the lives of others by working closely with them, she pursued a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. As she was starting her career, the COVID-19 pandemic began, creating completely new challenges for everyone to navigate. We are so proud to see all of our health-care heroes rise to the occasion and continue to provide the best possible care amidst the pandemic. Mariah Perry in PPE Mariah reflects on the growth she has experienced throughout the pandemic. “I feel for the patients in the hospital, especially with visitor restrictions, but it has been something special to me, as I have had the opportunity to be there for my patients. It’s been inspiring to see us come together to get through this pandemic. Everyone motivates me, and it shows how we are stronger together and we’re not alone.” In the dynamic field of nursing, some days are better than others, but at the end of the day, you can end your shift with a sense of pride. Mariah shares one of her proudest moments at IH as she comforted a palliative patient. They shared meaningful conversation about life and he told her she was the nicest nurse he has ever had, really touching Mariah's heart. It's moments like these that make it all worth it.  “I love nursing because there is so much room to grow in this career. Right now, I do really love bedside nursing and the medical floors I work on, but I have the option to expand my knowledge in so many ways when I want to and I think that's amazing!”  Mariah Perry and her Grandfather From a young age, her family has been extremely influential in her life. Mariah’s grandfather ingrained in her his favourite quote as a child: “Always forward, never back.” These words have helped propel her forward during tough times and encourage her to persevere towards a solution. She fondly remembers her grandfather’s quote regularly to quickly move from worry to action forward. Young Mariah and her sibling Surrounded by the natural beauty of the four seasons, Mariah feels extremely grateful to be born and raised in Kelowna, her forever home. Growing up as “Mariah Perry” she was surprisingly asked if she was named after the famous, Mariah Carey, and also blessed with her vocals. Despite a short stint in singing lessons, Mariah has concluded it did not help her singing abilities and no one wants to hear her sing. You can find Mariah out shooting hoops playing basketball with her friends or taking on a DIY craft. Mariah knows how important self-care is, especially during these times in her career, so makes time to incorporate physical activity into her crafts to keep her mind in the right place. The pandemic has shown us what's important and not to take anything for granted. Mariah looks forward to a time where hugs can be given out freely, quality time can be spent with family and friends, and all of the added stress can be removed from everyone’s life. Thank you for all that you do, Mariah! You have a very successful career ahead of you and we are honoured to have you at Interior Health.    Check back each Friday for the next We are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Mariah's nomination of Mary Lynn Pallett keeps the We Are IH loop going: Mary is an LPN on 6 West and she is the absolute best! Her nickname is Mamma Lynn, she has such a big heart and really looks out for everyone on the unit!  

To say that Rachel has a big heart would be an understatement. Despite experiencing a lifetime of loss, she smiles easily and is quick to laugh. Rachel wants to help people in whatever way she can. That is why she agreed to share her story and speak about the impact of stigma as a person who uses drugs. She greets us at the door with bubbly enthusiasm, her freshly washed hair pulled up in a towel. She doesn’t seem nervous about being interviewed. She and her husband Jason are excited to host us. In fact, we are the first guests to visit their new home. Refreshments are offered. The apartment is spotless. A dream catcher with bright orange feathers hangs in the corner. Rachel’s husband made it, along with the wood carvings, sketches and paintings on display. Pinned above the living room couch are three certificates confirming Rachel has completed “Peer Support Training” - the training necessary to work with community agencies as a person with lived experience helping others with substance use issues. But when asked about her own family upbringing, her struggles with addiction, and her experience of stigma, those warm brown eyes immediately brim with tears. “I felt crappy,” she recalls. “I wouldn’t feel that I was worthy – I wasn’t good enough for myself, or for my spouse. Not good enough to be a sister, a daughter, or a mother. It was hard.” Rachel began using substances in her thirties, and cocaine use quickly grew to include crystal meth and heroin. Over the years Rachel lost jobs, family members, beloved friends and special belongings. Things like the dress passed down from her mother that was always intended for Rachel’s one-day wedding. It is difficult, if not impossible, to hold on to precious items in the midst of addiction and homelessness. Still, she managed to hold on to what is most dear to her: her life with Jason. The two now share a small apartment in the Okanagan, keeping largely to themselves, focussing on their recovery and working on their art. Rachel loves colouring and Jason is an avid drawer, painter and carver. They also volunteer, participating in community clean-ups, peer support groups and other initiatives. “All of us, we’re all equal,” Rachel says about the need to end the stigma around addiction and substance use. “We want just the same as you – to live life and be happy.” Watch and share the video and learn about Rachel’s story. Check out more resources about stigma and substance use. Help #EndStigma. Rachel's story is the final in a four part series of stories and videos about the stigma faced by those impacted by substance use.