We are IH: Activity coordinator brings joy to seniors
Name: Alma Angelina Vega Perez (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Activity Coordinator, Adult Day Services
Years of Service: 1.5
Worksite: Kootenay Boundary Area Office
Community: Kootenay Boundary
Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa, syilx
Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “No fear of success.” Dare to chase your dreams, even when the path is uncertain. Life rewards those who take bold steps with a strong heart and a determined mind.
Born and raised in Mexico, Alma has an innate love and passion for Mexican culture, traditions and gastronomy. She loves the art of selecting fresh ingredients, cooking meals from scratch and sharing them with friends and family.
She also enjoys music and dancing. In fact, she has two bachelor’s degrees: one in arts education and one in Mexican folkloric dance. She also holds two master’s degrees.
Alma found her calling in education and worked as a teacher. But after teaching for more than 10 years at various educational levels—primarily in universities—she decided to make a change and immigrate to Canada in July 2022.
Learn more about Alma’s journey with IH
Alma and her wife lived in the Lower Mainland for about a year but ultimately the small-town lifestyle called to them, and they ended up in Kootenay Boundary.
Building a life with her wife in Canada, where they can be their true selves and have a future full of possibilities, is something she is deeply proud of.
I believe that having both academic and practical teaching perspectives, combined with my passion for working in health-care environments, gave me the foundation to pursue roles within Interior Health...I have always found that helping people have meaningful experiences, and feel valued and appreciated, is deeply rewarding. Bringing kindness, care and joy to vulnerable individuals is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. Being part of a team that has become like family to me makes it even more meaningful.
Now working as an activity coordinator for the Kootenay Boundary Adult Day Services Program, Alma makes a positive impact on people’s lives every day. She, along with her peers, bring seniors live singing, music, dancing, laughter, smiles—and even small bingo prizes.
Seeing how meaningful interactions can bring joy, connection and comfort to individuals motivates her every day. Improving the quality of life of seniors fulfills her deeply, both professionally and personally.
Having someone like my direct supervisor in the leadership role she holds makes a big difference—it helps me feel guided and supported. Her encouragement, along with the incredible collaboration from the nursing team and recreational activity staff, truly makes this position ideal for someone like me.
During the pandemic Alma lost several dear friends who worked in the health-care system. Being in the positions that she has held since then, including the one she is in now, feels like a personal tribute to their work and the sacrifices they made for others.
Explore activity coordinator Careers@IH
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