We Are IH: Health unit aide brings positivity to every day

December 12, 2024

JQ loves getting out in nature and hiking with her dog Pokey.

Name: Jacqueline Lee (JQ) Elsasser (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Health Unit Aide / Admin Support / Qualitative FIT Tester
Years of Service: 1+
Worksite: Kirschner Plaza
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: syilx/Okanagan Nation
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: "All's well that ends well" - no matter what circumstance has happened in your life, if it turned out well or gave you a positive experience in the end, it was worth it.

"All's well that ends well." For JQ, this simple phrase is more than advice—it’s a way of life. No matter what challenges come her way, she believes every experience is worthwhile if it leads to something positive in the end.

Born in Edmonton, JQ moved to Kelowna when she was just two years old and has called it home ever since. Her vibrant personality is evident both at work and in her personal life; she’s happy, energetic, funny, loud, positive, spunky, passionate, and loving—a true force of positivity in her community.

Learn more about JQ’s journey with IH

Two people smiling for a selfie with a scenic view of hills and a city in the background. One person is wearing sunglasses and a cap, and the other has their hair styled in braids. — JQ enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

JQ’s career is a source of immense pride and inspiration. Knowing she makes a tangible difference in the lives of others is what drives her. Even on tough days, the impact of her work outweighs the challenges.

She recalls her proudest moment on the job: the first time she conducted Fit tests (testing for the facial fit of a N95 mask) for community health workers and nurses. Despite being nervous, she successfully completed six tests that day and now does them biweekly with confidence. She is also on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) and the Social Committee, committed to improving health and safety, and morale, at her workplace.

When she’s not working, JQ embraces the outdoors and her love for adventure. She enjoys hiking with her husband Brandon and their dog Pokey, a lovable pitty/heeler mix who joined their family two year ago. Paddleboarding on the lake, golfing, enjoying drinks on patios, and diving into video games (she’s a die-hard Super Mario fan) are just some of her favourite pastimes. Her dream is to visit Super Nintendo World in Japan—a goal that combines her playful side with her love of travel.

Person standing on a beach at sunset with gentle waves in the background. — JQ always looks forward to visiting the next tropical destination on her list!

JQ met her husband Brandon years ago, and by their third date, she knew he was “the one.” The two tied the knot on March 16, 2024, and enjoyed an amazing honeymoon in Jamaica in October. She always looks forward to visiting the next tropical destination on her list!

Every day, JQ wakes up excited to meet new people, spend time on the lake, and create new memories with her family. Life for her is about embracing joy, passion, and purpose—one positive moment at a time.

Two individuals smiling at a bustling outdoor festival with food stalls and a mountainous backdrop. One person is wearing a teal cap and sunglasses, and the other is in a red woven hat. — JQ met her husband Brandon years ago, and by their third date, she knew he was “the one.”

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