We are IH: Policy specialist finds joy in her role

January 15, 2026

Tineke poses for a landscape shot during a hike in Banff, Alberta.

Name: Tineke Dineen (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Policy Specialist
Length of Service: 2 years
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: sylix

If you have a question about developing an Interior Health (IH) policy, reaching out to Tineke Dineen is a smart idea. Tineke was the first policy specialist hired at IH. For two-plus years, she has helped shape the role and organize many IH policies.

“I was excited to take the time to really learn about what needs the organization has for my position and what I should pursue to be of most use and value,” Tineke says. “Policy is such an interesting and unique area of the organization. I have the opportunity to review work that spans across all topic areas; I learn something new every day.

“I have always been interested in health,” she adds. "While I didn't always know what position I would end up in, or where my schooling would lead me, I have always been drawn to work that makes a positive impact on the health of individuals and communities.”

In this Story…

Learn more about Tineke’s journey with IH

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Learn more about Tineke’s journey with IH

As you probably would guess, an average day for Tineke involves reviewing many policies. She spends most of her time reading, editing and rearranging, and critically thinking about policy concepts.

When she’s not immersed in policy reviews, she’s tracking, educating or consulting on policy work.

“I am still learning in this position and so I find myself reflecting on how to better support those tasked with policy work,” Tineke said. “I've been spending the last few years learning about policy development and areas for improvement.

“In 2025, I had the opportunity to revise the policy development framework and associated resources. Revisions to the policy development framework were recently approved by our senior executive team and will be posted soon. I'm really proud of the result and can't wait to see the impact.”

Tineke values the freedom and responsibility that comes with being the first policy specialist in IH as it has allowed her to shape processes and create meaningful impact.

“I’m drawn to policy work because its values align closely with my own, such as collaboration, fairness, integrity and accountability,” she says. “I was able to leverage transferable skills I've developed throughout my career and apply them to this new area.”

“Policy development and writing are specialized areas that most people have limited exposure to. It’s a behind-the-scenes process, yet it has a huge impact because policies apply to everyone: staff, clients, visitors and the public. Developing and reviewing them thoughtfully is critical to ensure clarity, fairness and compliance.”

-- Tineke Dineen

Tineke’s life outside of work

Tineke and her husband Michael moved to his hometown of Kelowna in 2017. She enjoys exploring the area, saying she’s “still in awe of the beauty of these lands and the recreational activities that I have access to here.”

Two people with an arm around each other pose for a picture while standing on a rock in front of clear water and a tree-covered hill — Tineke and her husband Michael pose near the water.

“Work-life balance is so important to me: finding joy and meaning in the work that I do so that I can bring my full self to work while also knowing that when I leave, I have the energy to be there for my family and do the things that I need to do for myself,” Tineke said. “It's not always easy, but it's something that I value and work toward.

“My family is so important to me; I don't know what I would do without them. I have so much gratitude for the joy my little boys and my husband bring to my life. We have one more on the way and I can't wait to meet them.”

A smiling adult takes a selfie with an infant. — Tineke at the beach with one of her children.

Tineke said that many people are curious about her name, which is Dutch.

“Most people don't know any Tineke's as it's a pretty rare name in Canada. But I have two aunt Tineke's in the Netherlands which leads to confusion at family events,” she laughs.

Tineke completed graduate studies in the Netherlands so she could experience the culture of her mother's heritage.

“My mother was born in the Netherlands, and I have a huge family that I try to visit regularly.”