STAFF SPOTLIGHT
As our members come and go from our centre, our team are always working hard to make your experience at the centre the best it can be, and many of you have likely met or talked to them, but may have not had the chance to properly meet them! For the next while, we will be picking one of our wonderful team members to introduce to our community each month.
For the month of June, we want to highlight our incredible Community Outreach Navigator, Shelley!
Shelley – Community Outreach Navigator
What is your role and a typical day?
I am a Community Outreach Navigator and there really isn’t such thing as a typical work day for me. Each day brings new clients, tasks, challenges, questions to try to answer, events to take part in. There is always such great variety in the Outreach role and I love it!
How long have you been with WESeniors?
1.5 years.
What music plays in your car?
Hip Hop or Rock.
What part of your work do you enjoy most?
Helping others who appreciate it. I am always on the side of the “underdog”.
What are you most proud of?
I am especially proud of my part, along with my team members, in developing our Intake processes so they reflect consistency and professionalism.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about your position?
Some days there are many competing demands all at once and it requires me to be very flexible in the way that I structure my day. The more I allow the day to be whatever it needs to be, the more successful I find that I am.
Hobbies or interests outside of work?
I like art, spending time in nature, staying active and spending time with my family.
Do you have a favourite memory or fun story from your time with WESeniors that you’d like to share?
I like to laugh and keep things light because sometimes the work we do can be heavy. To this end, I always have opportunities for some good chuckles during our weekly Outreach Team meetings as well as when I have the chance to chat with our lovely volunteers at the front counter.
What have you learned from seniors?
I’ve learned many things but the thing that is incredibly impressive to me is the resiliency and strength that older adults posses. I am reminded daily that there can be many challenges to deal with as we age and the way in which many of my clients continue to bounce back from various types of challenges is so inspiring. It reminds me to be grateful and to approach my own challenges as opportunities instead of problems.
If you could master a new skill?
Horsemanship – horses have always been a passion of mine. I am looking forward to beginning Equestrian training this summer. I’ve decided to do this because it’s something I know I will love and it will contribute to my mental health, fitness and wellbeing.
Favorite song or book?
Van Halen Dance the Night Away and Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson Phd.
Pickleball vs members?
I am losing without a doubt!