WORK RELATED
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH US AT SPARKLING HILL?
I joined SHR in July of 2011 and have worked in many capacities in the Resort~ initially as a Spa Receptionist, then as Spa Manager. After helping out in various capacities in the Resort, I now work in our lovely Gift Shop, where I have been for the past 2 ½ years.
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING FOR A HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESORT?
As I strive to follow a healthy lifestyle, I find working at Sparkling Hill Resort is congruent with my personal values. I love interacting with our wonderful guests and answering questions they may have about the amenities and offerings that are provided here.
3. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AND WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR ROLE LOOK LIKE?
My current role is Supervisor of the Gift Shop and each day varies. The most important part of my day is welcoming our guests and helping them make their special purchase as a keepsake of their stay, or to offer suggestions if they are purchasing a gift. We now sell a large array of swimwear and outdoor clothing as well, and I love offering suggestions when a guest needs help in selecting the appropriate swimsuit or article of clothing.
I also assist with the buying for the shop, receive shipments, merchandise the store, and keep the shop looking as organized and appealing as possible. Also, as the Shop is tucked around the corner from the resort reception desk, we often have guests and visitors asking us for directions or for information on the amenities offered at the Resort.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB/WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST SATISFYING?
The aspect of my job that I truly find most satisfying is guest interaction. I cherish being a part of this amazing resort, and also act as a concierge to the best of my ability; answering many of the detailed questions that guests may have about the various amenities .Sometimes a guest may just want to chat about something personal going on in their life, and I offer a kind ear.
5. WHAT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL THAT YOU HAVE DONE TO “WOW” A GUEST, OR MAKE A GUEST’S DAY?
Although I do my best to be kind and to treat each guest as a VIP, there is one day that stands out for me. I was hosting in our Peakfine Dining Room, and a young gentleman approached me to ask for assistance. He was so very nervous as he wanted to propose to his girlfriend and wanted the occasion to be special. He handed me the ring and walked away, trusting that I would take care of everything for him. With the input of the entire Peakfine team we decided to offer the ring with the dessert course. Our Pastry chef wrote “Will you Marry me?” on the rim of the plate, and nestled the ring into the dessert. Needless to say there was much excitement and tears, and thankfully she said “YES!!”
LIFE IN GENERAL
1. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and left there after University to re-locate to Vancouver Island, where I resided for 25 years.
2. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I am passionate about holistic health, and living a life of wellness. As the years go by I am also looking for more simplicity in my life. Empathy and compassion for others motivate me in my day to day life, also to be the best I can be. I strive to be the best daughter, mother and partner that I can be,,& do my best to lead by example~”Be the change you want to see in the world”.
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING MOST DURING YOUR FREE TIME? WHAT ARE YOU FAVOURITE HOBBIES?
During my free time I like to travel as much as possible. As I live in a small quiet community I like to travel to Vancouver often throughout the year, and in winter a vacation in a tropical climate is wonderful too! I read a great deal in order to stay current with knowledge on nutrition and world affairs, an
d take long walks in summer in my free time. And my Dad says I have a “black belt” in shopping……
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN THE OKANAGAN?
I like the four seasons and the predictable nice weather in the summer. The pristine beauty and the color of Kalamalka Lake. The nice people who live here. The abundance of local fresh fruit and vegetables in the summer, and our proximity to wonderful wineries.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
Anyone who knows me well would answer fresh vanilla ice cream!
6. WHERE IN THE WORLD HAVE TRAVELLED TO? WHAT TOOK YOU THERE?
I have travelled extensively across most of Southern Canada from the Pacific to the Atlantic purely for the love of travel and out of curiosity. As well thru much of the USA again from coast to coast, including Hawaii several times to escape our Canadian winters. Jamaica & Mexico for the climate and culture.
In Europe: Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Britain, Brusells, France, Greece and the Greek Islands of Santorini, Corfu, & Rhodes. I studied Art History in University while working toward a degree in Interior Design, and wanted to see first-hand the art and architecture that I had studied and knew so well from a textbook.
I travel quite frequently to Bermuda as I resided there for three and half years, before moving to Predator Ridge.
I am a former Fairmont colleague and commenced my Spa Career in Whistler at The Chateau, was on the opening team of the Willowstream Spa at The Empress in Victoria, From there I was transferred to Bermuda where I became the Assistant Spa Director at the Fairmont Southampton. I have been fortunate to reside in geographically spectacular natural settings while pursuing my career in wellness.
7. WHICH DESTINATION WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT AND WHY?
To be honest I cannot pinpoint any one destination in particular, but at this point in my life, most likely a place where the weather is gentle and the people are lovely.
8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
I have just read “Spark Joy “by Marie Kondo and am about to read a book called “Sapiens”(A Brief History of Humankind) ~ by Yuval Noah Harari.
9. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To heal the pain in the world.
10. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR HERO? SOMEONE THAT YOU LOOK UP TO IN LIFE?
I am lucky as I have three~ My Dad, my Son, and my Fiancé. All have made a positive difference for others in the world, and continue to do so, in very different capacities.
11. HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE HEALTH AND WELLNESS INTO YOUR LIFE?
I have a great group of wellness practitioners o help keep me on track~ naturopath, dietitian, physiotherapist, massage therapist, chiropractor blended in with regular check ups with my family physician.
Add in plenty of fresh air, walks, sleep and healthy food.
I try hard to be present and in the moment.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Choose to be in the company of good people.
