We are IH: Complex Care Housing team lead values relationships

The decision to work in Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) was part of Stefanie’s commitment to help serve our communities’ most vulnerable and marginalized populations. “I consider it a privilege to earn the trust of our clients and build therapeutic relationships with them,” says Stefanie. “I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of our clients and the dedicated compassion of our health-care workers in this field.”

“Mental health and addiction carry so much stigma,” continues Stefanie. “I want to be part of breaking that down.” She’s driven by a desire to walk alongside people on their journey, to help them rediscover their strengths, and to remind them that recovery is possible. “This work is not always easy, but it’s meaningful because every small step forward matters.”

Stefanie collaborated with the Interior Woman’s Centre to host an event at Kamloops’s Riverside Park for International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, 2024. “It warmed my heart to have fellow colleagues and Peers volunteer their time to acknowledge lives lost from the toxic drug crisis,” says Stefanie. “We lost 2,253 lives in 2024. They deserve to be acknowledged and mourned while raising awareness in our community.”

With deep gratitude for her supportive and inspiring mentors, Stefanie honours the powerful women in this field that have guided her through the system and have provided her with opportunities to grow.

On a typical workday, Stefanie connects with her Complex Care Housing team. “I work with these amazing, dedicated employees daily to strategize the best person-centred care for our clients. We help the most marginalized people obtain and maintain their housing, while integrating them into the community and providing them with multidisciplinary supports.”

Outside of work, Stefanie enjoys DIY renovations. Her latest project involves building a waterfall wall feature for a raised pond in her backyard. She also loves anything related to interior design. “I have the skill to execute my vision,” says Stefanie, adding, “I thank my partner for his handiness!”

In her younger years, Stefanie lived in Mexico as well as Holland. She spoke both Spanish and Dutch. “Poorly, mind you,” she admits. She’s hopeful for a future trip to Greece. While she hasn’t yet scheduled or booked it yet, it’s definitely her top bucket list destination.

Stefanie regards raising her two daughters to be beautiful, strong, independent women as her proudest accomplishment. “These kids are my pride and joy and bring all meaning to life,” she says. “Everything I do is for them.”

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