We are IH: Team lead inspired by collaboration, shared commitment

With her background in business management and human resources, Courtney brings a unique skillset to IH—one that supports the many behind-the-scenes functions that keep the systems in our organization running smoothly.

“Even without a clinical background I'm still contributing to the health and well-being of our communities in a meaningful way,” she says. “Working at Interior Health has shown me how interconnected our teams are, and I'm continually inspired by the collaboration and shared commitment to delivering people-focused, compassionate service. I truly believe that people may not always remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel—and that's something I carry with me in everything I do.”

Recognizing her responsibility to contribute to reconciliation, not just in words, but through an ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and respect, Courtney listens deeply to Indigenous voices. She works towards repairing relationships through continuous learning, unlearning and action.

“To me, inclusion, belonging and accessibility are fundamental to creating positive, safe and healthy teams and work environments,” says Courtney. “Especially working in human resources and recruitment, I believe we have a real opportunity and responsibility to make a meaningful impact in these areas. It's not just about what makes me feel included it's about mindfully working to understand and remove barriers for others, being aware of unconscious biases, and continually learning to do better.”

Courtney also believes inclusion and accessibility require intentional, ongoing effort. “I'm grateful that IH offers excellent webinars and resources, both internally and through external partners,” she continues. “These resources allow me to keep learning and improving, personally and professionally. I'm committed to contributing to an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and able to fully participate.”

Courtney finds meaning and purpose collaborating with people. She learns something new each day. Her drive to keep learning and evolving, both personally and as a team, is what keeps Courtney motivated and engaged.

Experiences at IH have shown Courtney just how resilient and adaptable her IH team has been through times of rapid change, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating shifting provincial health orders, supporting urgent hiring needs, and ensuring people were brought into the organization smoothly during a critical time was incredibly meaningful for her.

She’s also proud of the social connections she’s been able to help build, whether through helping plan recruitment team events, such as holiday parties and summer BBQs, or just fostering small moments of connection that make working at IH so rewarding to her.

Courtney’s career path began in the hospitality sector, which gave her a strong foundation in customer services and adaptability. She then transitioned into health care, a move that she says has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally.

“Along the way, I've been grateful for the incredible support from leadership and the meaningful mentorship and connections I've built within this team,” she says. “Continuous learning has been a huge part of my journey, and I believe that ongoing development is essential to staying engaged and growing as a professional.”

As the lead for the Recruitment Assistants team, no two days are ever truly alike for Courtney—and that's one of the things she loves most about the role. A typical day involves balancing a variety of tasks, from coordinating daily work and providing guidance and mentorship to the team, to problem-solving organizational challenges and brainstorming new ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

“I spend a lot of time communicating with the team members, recruiters, hiring managers and other partners across the organization, ensuring we're aligned and supporting the diverse and ever-changing recruitment needs of Interior Health.” Despite working from home, the team has found creative ways to collaborate and stay engaged.

Outside of work, Courtney makes a point of enjoying all that the beautiful Okanagan region has to offer. You might see her biking down to the lake where she’ll sit with a good book and soak up the sun. She loves exploring local wineries and cideries, as well as walks in nature.

“I really value cozy downtime at home, whether it's relaxing with my cats, watching a good docuseries, or unwinding with a coffee on the patio. Finding balance between exploring outdoors and recharging at home is something that brings me a lot of joy,” she says.

A little-known fact about Courtney is that she and her family lived aboard a sailing catamaran in the Bahamas when she was in grade 10. “My sister and I were homeschooled that year but spent most of our days exploring the islands, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and making unforgettable friendships with other sailing families! It was the most incredible year, and we made memories I will forever cherish.”

Courtney is excited to continue growing her career with the recruitment and HR team at IH. She’s inspired by the diversity of the work and the meaningful impact IH staff can have within the health-care sector. She’s eager to keep making valuable contributions and to see where the next five years with IH will take her. “With an organization as large and dynamic as Interior Health, there are so many opportunities to specialize and deepen my expertise in the areas that I'm most passionate about,” she says.

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