We are IH: Donna Maatz

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.

As a dedicated employee of Interior Health for over 25 years, Donna has truly made an impactful difference in many lives.

Inspired by her mother, whom she recognizes as her hero and the most amazing nurse in the world, Donna followed closely in her footsteps. Her mother was a strong advocate for the intellectually delayed, inspiring Donna's career path to her current role as Long Term Service Coordinator at Swan Valley Lodge in Creston.

As an extremely caring and giving person, Donna takes pride in working in her hometown of Creston and giving to others in her tight-knit community.

Over the past 28 years as a nurse, Donna has lived through many health-care crises, including Anthrax, Ebola, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. She expresses how challenging it has been working in long-term care amidst a pandemic, and sends her gratitude to all other health-care employees, from housekeeping, dietary, administration, nurses, physicians, care aides, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, porters, x-ray, ultrasound, imaging, lab, infection control, and all of the other incredible people who have been working around the clock to keep their communities safe.

Growing up on the ancestral territory of Ktunaxa Nation, nestled in the mountains of the Kootenay region, Donna is very close with her family. Her love of the outdoors extends past her love of swimming in the Kootenay Lake and Duck Lake to hiking, skating, sledding, camping, and fishing.

Raising her family in her hometown has been so rewarding with a bit of chaos. They lead a busy and fulfilling life, as between she and her partner, they have seven children, 23 grandchildren, many chickens, and pigs. Blessed with fertile growing land, Donna's passion for gardening yields tons of fruits and vegetables that can be enjoyed throughout the winter season.

Donna is looking forward to spending quality time with her friends and family when the pandemic is over. She keeps busy caring for her family, animals, and continuing renovations on her home. Her giving nature will continue to inspire her co-workers and community to help one another. Over the course of her successful career, she has shown so much compassion and dedication to Interior Health and her community. We are forever grateful for her long-term service and commitment that has positively impacted so many people. Thank you for all that you do, Donna!

Donna's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going:

"Kendra, Manager of Swan Valley Lodge is one of the most compassionate leaders I have ever met! She is dedicated to staff and residents. She makes me want to come to work each day."