We Are IH: MHSU clinician humbled by client transformations

July 4, 2024
Colette and Scout enjoy the views from Knox Mountain in Kelowna.

Name: Colette Mayne (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Clinician
Years of Service: 7
Worksite: Kelowna Mental Health and Substance Use
Community:  Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Nation
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Ghandi

With a deep passion for community work and helping vulnerable people, Colette Mayne says witnessing her clients take steps to live healthier, more balanced lives is the most rewarding part of her role.

"Kindness, empathy and compassion can go along way when we are collaborating with vulnerable people. The world needs more of this right now," says Colette. "It's important to connect with others and hold space for those that need it, as we all have things that we are dealing with under the surface. Even us health-care professionals are not immune to having tough times."

The mental health and substance use (MHSU) clinician, who has been with Interior Health (IH) for seven years and in the counselling field for nearly 20, is part of an Integrated Treatment Team (ITT) in Kelowna that supports individuals with substance use disorder.

“We support people at the community level or in their homes who have a moderate to severe substance use disorder and are at the highest risk of drug poisoning due to being recreational users," she says.

“Most of the people we support in our program are working professionals, business owners and community members, and have families. Having access to discreet substance use supports is of the utmost importance to those we support.”

Colette says she is continually learning in her role and much of that comes from her daily interactions.

“I have found that my most profound and valuable learning experiences have been from the people we support,” shares Colette.
 

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