We Are IH: Energetic Stephanie is passionate about rehabilitation

August 24, 2023

Stephanie holds her adventure companion Charlee the dog

Name: Stephanie Guss (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Rehabilitation Assistant
Years of Service: 11
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: I try to live with the mindset to always be nice to others because you don't know what kind of battles they are dealing with.

Meet Stephanie Guss, our optimistic and energetic rehabilitation assistant who is passionate about people and animals, staying active, and helping patients progress!

Born in the very place that she works, Stephanie is based at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and was raised in West Kelowna before making the move back across the bridge to Kelowna several years ago.

In this Story…

Learn more about her journey with IH

Stephanie nominates Teri Anne Boucher, Physiotherapist, to keep We Are IH going:

Explore rehabilitation Careers@IH

Learn more about her journey with IH

Now in her eleventh year with Interior Health, Stephanie tells us she loves the variety of her role. In particular, she enjoys seeing the progress mobility patients make from the first day she meets them, to the day they are discharged.

I love working in health care because it is rewarding, challenging and different every day.

-- Stephanie Guss

Rehabilitation and activity tend to go hand-in-hand, so it’s no surprise to hear that Stephanie loves to stay active. Growing up in the Okanagan has driven Stephanie to be an adventurous person who loves the outdoors, with some her favourite activities including biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, paddleboarding and ultimate frisbee. And more often than not, you will find her dog Charlee included in all these adventures.

A bird's eye view of a woman and her dog rock climbing — Stephanie takes on a tough rock climb with Charlee

Animals actually play a huge part in her life and Stephanie tells us if she hadn't picked a career in health care, she would probably be working with animals. Growing up, she was surrounded by animals at home— keeping chickens, mice, gerbils, dogs, cats, chinchillas, hamsters, rats, lizards, fish and birds. So just a small menagerie! While Stephanie only has the one cat and a dog now, they still make her smile every day.

Along with seeing positive outcomes for patients at the end of treatment plans, some of the proudest moments at Interior Health for Stephanie are when she brings her physiotherapy coworkers together as part of the social committee.

Outside of work, Stephanie is continuing to study and is working on a chemistry degree at UBCO, which she is very much looking forward to completing. She hopes to use this degree to further her career right here at IH.

“These past 11 years working for Interior Health have been the best years of my life, and even though I am furthering my education for a different career, I hope it will still be with Interior Health!”

A zoomed out view of a woman climbing a huge rock face above water — A dramatic view of Stephanie on a rock face above water

Stephanie nominates Teri Anne Boucher, Physiotherapist, to keep We Are IH going:

“Teri Anne is a dedicated physio to KGH and is a joy to work with. She always puts patients first, is knowledgeable, and is always willing to help out.” – Stephanie Guss

Explore rehabilitation Careers@IH

Have you thought about a career in rehabilitation at IH?

Explore career opportunities

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We Are IH: Security officer’s experiences inspire deep connection

Resilience, tenacity, hard work, and courage are what drove Sheneile Black to turn her hardships into success.

/stories/we-are-ih-security-officers-experiences-inspire-deep-connection

4 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Peer groups offer support for families affected by substance use

Learn how Holding Hope support groups provide a safe space for caregivers supporting loved ones affected by substance use.

/stories/peer-groups-offer-support-families-affected-substance-use

4 Minute Read

Community & Culture

A mission in the fire zone: Evacuating The Pavilion care home

On July 25, IH started an evacuation of The Pavilion care home in New Denver. Read an account of the evacuation & learn how IH responds in wildfire emergencies.

/stories/mission-fire-zone-evacuating-pavilion-care-home