We Are IH: Health care assistants are the heart of health care

Years of Service: 5
Worksite: McKinney Place
Community: Oliver
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan
Advice to live by: Be happy, healthy and live day-to-day.

Estelle Hovanes was born in Edmonton and raised in Terrace, B.C. She describes herself as loving and kind. This translates well to her position as a health care assistant – she loves working with the elderly, and finds her job very rewarding. 

Not one to stay idle, Estelle also earned her Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology in 2010 and looks forward to using this education in her career. In fact, she was previously a Child Protection Worker Social Worker, before moving to Oliver.

It’s her passion for working with seniors that has kept Estelle in her role instead of pursuing another position in mental health and substance use. Estelle also volunteers as a hospice worker for Desert Valley Hospice and completed her recreation activity worker certificate.

Outside of work, Estelle is a Healing Touch Practitioner and is excited about getting certified in that program. She’s also looking forward to travel and upcoming holidays.

A unique fact about Estelle: “I have one leg shorter than the other.”

Years of Service: 5
Worksite: F.W. Green Home
Community: Cranbrook
Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa
Advice to live by: Do what makes you happy regardless of what others think.

Denise Blackburn, health care assistant at F.W. Green Home, was born and raised in beautiful Cranbrook. She says her role has given her the appreciation of knowing she’s made someone smile.

“I go home from a day’s work feeling like I made a difference in someone’s life. When residents see me they light up. The residents that live at F.W Green Home make me feel special.”

Denise is looking forward to continuing her career in health care as she finishes her practical nursing diploma.

Outside of work, Denise is always up for an adventure. She loves skiing, hanging out with her dog, Roca, and rock climbing. She’s also solo backpacked four countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Ireland).

Have you thought about a career as a Health Care Assistant at IH?

Explore career opportunities

The Health Career Access Program (HCAP) is a paid work and training initiative for individuals seeking an entry point to employment in health. New hires will start as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) providing non-direct care at a long-term care, assisted living or home health site, and receive paid training to become a Health Care Assistant (HCA) upon successful completion of the program.

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