We Are IH: Kamloops social worker is a trusted advocate

Magalie has experienced a lot of great moments while working at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops and in Home & Community Care. She enjoys being able to bridge the gap between the two settings, helping people navigate complex systems and making them feel heard.

“I'm always empathetic to the frustrations of trying to make calls or get to appointments, and having to talk to endless people before getting listened to or having your issue resolved,” she said. 

Advocacy has always been a key component of Magalie’s work and led her to pursue work experiences around the globe. One of her favourite experiences was working as a regional representative for an international non-profit agency in San Diego and getting to travel across Canada and the U.S. She has engaged and spoken with leaders at the Parliament of Canada, the U.S. Senate and other world leaders about international development efforts. 

She has also held various positions focused on justice and substantive equality for people experiencing gender and race-based oppression. Before IH, Magalie spent the past six years focused on supporting culturally based practices in adoption, and kinship connections in Indigenous child welfare. She now directs much of her personal advocacy towards adoptee voices pertaining to cross-cultural adoption and has been featured in various publications and media outlets, providing both a professional and personal perspective.

Outside of work, Magalie has a long list of hobbies including travel, wine touring, cooking, and health and wellness. She owns a photography business (Magalie J Photography) and hopes to continue to grow her business as a lifestyle photographer specializing in commercial, travel and event photography. She also works as a seasonal employee for Princess Cruises as a youth staff member. Much of her travel with the cruise line has been in the Caribbean.

She is looking forward to spending time travelling this year, pursuing her hobbies, resting, and enjoying time with friends and family. 

Magalie is a strong supporter of inclusion, belonging and accessibility, and ties these principles into her area of work.

“To me, inclusion, belonging and accessibility are about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected and supported, regardless of their background or abilities,” she said. “It’s about recognizing and celebrating diversity, ensuring that barriers - physical, social or systemic - are removed, and making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive.”

Have you thought about a social work career at IH?

Explore career opportunities
 

Visit our Stories@IH blog homepage

Sign up to receive the Stories@IH email digest twice a week to your inbox