We Are IH: Social worker supports clients to achieve their goals

March 14, 2024

Leanne enjoying nature.

Name: Leanne Brace (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Social Worker
Years of Service: 8
Worksite: Primary Care Network (Fruitvale and Rossland)
Community: Kootenay Boundary
Ancestral Territory: Syilx and Ktunaxa
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: "After all, tomorrow is another day." - Scarlett O'Hara

Born at the Trail Regional Hospital (now Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH)), Leanne was raised in Fruitvale. Her patience and passion for helping others brought her to choosing a career in social work.

During her studies in the Bachelor of Social Work Program, Leanne took an adventurous step to enter in an exchange program. Travelling all the way to Knoxville, Tennessee to continue her academic journey, she learned another important lesson – she loves the South! Her Tennessee interests ranges from football to sweet tea and everything in between.

Once Leanne returned to Canada from her exchange program, she graduated from the University of Calgary, Lethbridge campus with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2009.

In this Story…

Learn more about Leanne’s journey with IH

Leanne nominates Jim Maniago, Patient/Family Counsellor, to keep We Are IH going.

Explore social work Careers@IH

Learn more about Leanne’s journey with IH

a group of Caucasian women and two girls ranging in age smile together while visiting a waterfront location. — Leanne (far right) holds her niece Daniella; next is her is sister-in-law Kristine with her daughter, Kristine’s mother, Leanne’s mother Linda, and Kristine’s sisters while together on a lovely girls’ trip in the fall.

Although, she studied in Alberta and Tennessee, Leanne knew she wanted to move back to B.C. She longed for the trees and mountains while simultaneously wanting to get away from the harsher climate in Alberta. Upon her return, she worked in many non-profit roles, which allowed for a better understanding of the community and its resources, and contributed to the positive relationships she made in her industry.

“I love building relationships and getting to know people. Hearing stories, about their family, likes/dislikes. I'm there for it all!” says Leanne.

At work, it’s important for Leanne to be viewed as an ally to her patients rather than just another person working within the system of health care. Through her caring nature, she strives to help people in the community navigate a complex system in a meaningful way.

As social workers we generally see people at the most difficult times in their lives. It's the little moments and victories you see people work towards. Shifts in a person's life don't happen overnight and I feel honored they allow me to support them as they work towards and achieve their goals.

-- Leanne

Currently, Leanne works within the Primary Care Network (PCN), where she gets to exercise her love of relationship building with both patients and colleagues. She is excited to see where this role takes her in the future and hopes to contribute to the many helpful initiatives the PCN puts on. “There is a lot of great work happening in PCN and I'm thrilled to be a part of it,” says Leanne.

A woman wearing a colourful wig poses with a man wearing a black wig — Leanne and her husband Sean sharing some laughs.

She’s got a caring heart, and a green thumb. In her home life, Leanne has big plans of entry-level horticulture. With the help of her husband Sean, they are organizing their own greenhouse. “My husband built me a large, fenced garden a few years ago and I can't wait to get out in the dirt this spring,” explains Leanne.

When she’s not working or planting, you may see her spending time with her cuddly fur friend Lemmy or partaking in recreation sports such as curling and slow-pitch. “I'll try any sport or craft (with lots of Pinterest fails). I have a hard time not being busy.”

a black and white dog sits nicely in front of a water stream in the forest — Lemmy sitting like a good dog, enjoying nature.

Leanne nominates Jim Maniago, Patient/Family Counsellor, to keep We Are IH going.

Jim and I shared an office up until my recent move to PCN this past November. Jim constantly had me laughing and was able to talk me down when a situation seemed impossible. I think this is such an important part of the work we do given how heavy it can be. So much time is spent at work, having someone like Jim makes it easier to get through the tough stuff!”- Leanne.