Employee Spotlight

Q. How long have you been working for SSCHS?

A. It'll be ten years in April.

Q. What made you decide to get into this field of work?

A. I've always been interested in the social studies field. I initially started in psychology and then ended up going into social work because I knew it would open doors for me. I hadn't intended to be a counsellor, but I took this job and I really enjoy it. I love helping people. It's nice when you can impact someone's life and be part of their change.

Q. Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?

A. I'll see anywhere from 3-5 people a day in counselling sessions. Sessions are an hour each normally. Chapleau is a bit of a unicorn in the space of counselling services. In a big city people would be limited to 4-6 sessions because wait lists are so long, but because we're in such a small community, we can do more. We also see people for a variety of reasons whereas in a city it might be just be addictions or psychosis. Apart from the counselling sessions I'm here supporting the other people we work with in my clinical supervisor job.

Q. Who do you interact with the most at work?

A. It would be the Turning Point team and whatever clients that we have coming in that day.

Q. How would your co-workers describe you?

A. I have a good relationship with the people I work with. We're blessed to be a small group that gets along so well. I think they appreciate me and come to me and knowing that I'll be able to help them. I'm good at making decisions, fair, and understanding. I think I'm pretty funny. We like to have fun at work. We take little moments to laugh and joke. We have a good bond.

Q. What's the best part about your job?

A. When you're able to help people make changes that improve their lives. People are in pain a lot. My ultimate goal is for people to stop coming to see me. Then I know we've made a difference.

Q. Why should someone consider a career with SSCHS?

A. I think there are a lot of benefits to working in a small community like Chapleau. You get a wide range of experience that you might not get in a larger place. You feel safe here and it's a close knit community. The cost of living is lower too. The outdoors and nature is beautiful. Also, everything is really close. I can get so much done just on my lunch break!

Q. What are some of your interests outside of work?

A. I like a lot of outdoorsy things and fitness. I like running in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter and reading. I'm also really into Yellowstone. I'd like to travel too once we're able to do that again.