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.
As spring comes in full swing, we want to highlight our amazing Operations Manager, Barbara, and our wonderful Programs Coordinator, Mikayla!
Barbara – Operations Manager
What is your role and a typical day?
There aren’t typical days at WSAC, that’s the fun of the day!
How long have you been with WESeniors?
4 years.
What music plays in your car?
Depends on mood!
What part of your work do you enjoy most?
I enjoy the variety the most – that no two days ever look the same!
What are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of the comprehensive modernization we’ve achieved this year. It started with our physical renovation, where we worked to transform our space into a bright, accessible, and high-functioning environment for our members.
We also believe that a modern facility deserves a modern professional image to match. We’re rolling out our streamlined branding, ensuring that everything from our building signage to our digital presence—including consistent email signatures and updated communication standards—reflects the quality of the work we do.
To me, this project is about more than just a fresh coat of paint or a new logo; it’s about intentionality. It’s about showing our members, donors, and the Edmonton community that Westend Seniors Activity Centre is a top-tier, organized, and forward-thinking organization. We aren’t just maintaining a center; we are building a professional, welcoming legacy that our seniors can be proud to call their own.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about your position?
Especially at a Seniors Centre, operations isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about community. People might be surprised by much of my day involves listening. Whether it’s a members safety concerns or someone who just needs to talk for five minutes, our “operational” success depends entirely on the trust we build with the people in the building.
Hobbies or interests outside of work?
When I’m not at the Centre, I’m usually chasing a new horizon. Whether it’s a long-haul road trip across the province or hitting the local trails on my e-bike (my absolute new favorite way to get some fresh air!), I love the feeling of discovery.
I’m also a big fan of Alberta’s incredible craft brewery scene. Part of the fun of a road trip is finding those hidden gems—like a crisp pilsner at Valley Brewing in the Drumheller badlands, a flight at Blindman Brewing in Lacombe, or exploring the ‘Happy Beer Street’ breweries right here in Edmonton like Sea Change or The Monolith.
When it’s finally time to slow down, I’m almost always tucked into a mystery or historical fiction novel. Whether it’s a story found in a book, a conversation over a local pint, or a new path discovered on a backroad, I believe there’s always a great story waiting to be found.
Do you have a favourite memory or fun story from your time with WESeniors that you’d like to share?
My absolute favorite event in the year is Mavie’s Mitten Tree. It reminds me of my own Granny who always knitted us mittens when we were little. I love that Mavie joins us every year. Since I don’t go to School Concerts any more (my girls are 24 & 27) I love the interaction with the children and their gratefulness of receiving the mittens from Mavie and a present from Santa. I always FEEL ready for Christmas after the event, even if I’m not ready!
What have you learned from seniors?
The best time to fill your social currency is when you don’t actually need anything. If you only reach out when you need a favor, you’re not investing—you’re overdrawing.
If you could master a new skill?
Knitting or crocheting – only because then I could add to the mittens for Mavie’s!
Favorite song or book?
When You Say Nothing at All – Allison Krauss
Pickleball vs members?
Absolutely losing.
Mikayla – Programs Coordinator
What is your role and a typical day?
Program Coordinator. I spend my day supporting programs and members throughout the center. I’m often moving around the facility, answering questions, assisting with concerns, or chatting with members. When at my desk, I handle program and Pickleball inquiries, scheduling, and communicate with instructors to keep everything running smoothly.
How long have you been with WESeniors?
Over 3.5 years
What music plays in your car?
Country music.
What part of your work do you enjoy most?
I enjoy a mix of planning and seeing the final result. It’s rewarding to organize programs and then see members enjoying them and benefiting from what we’ve put together.
What are you most proud of?
One thing I’m proud of is how well our staff support each other, stepping up during emergencies, busy events, or staff absences. We are a small team managing a large, busy center with a lot happening and I always feel supported and am happy to help with anything.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about your position?
People might be surprised at how much math is involved in my role. From calculating fees, balancing budgets, and tracking registrations to managing refunds and scheduling, accurate calculations are a key part of ensuring everything runs smoothly for both the center and our members.
Hobbies or interests outside of work?
I love watching and playing sports, travelling and spending time in the mountains, attending concerts or music festivals, and petting every dog I come across.
What have you learned from seniors?
I’ve learned how important community is, and how a center like ours can have a positive impact on both the physical and mental health of our members.
If you could master a new skill?
I would love to learn to play the drums. I love watching drummers at concerts because they always seem to be having the most fun.
Favorite song or book?
Callin’ Baton Rouge- Garth Brooks
Pickleball vs members?
Winning.