We Are IH: Recreation worker shares her journey to inspire peers

October 31, 2024

Name: Emma Klassen (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Recreation Activity Worker
Years of service: 1
Worksite: Apple Valley & Hawthorn Park Adult Day Services
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral territory: syilx Nation
Favourite Quote /Advice to Live By: “Do better, be better.”

Emma is a daughter, sister, auntie, social worker, counsellor and recreational therapist, and a mother to five children.

Before joining Interior Health (IH), Emma worked as a counsellor for children and youth for six years with the Westbank First Nation. She loved her counselling career, and helped people and families with addiction, suicide and their day-to-day struggles. She also served as a bail supervisor for young offenders for several years.

When she was a counsellor, she and her team created a memorandum of understanding in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to create transparency in youth care.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Emma’s journey to IH is a remarkable one. She shared her story at a recent TEDx Talk, has been invited to speak at conferences and is working on her first book.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Vision Zero grants help communities make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and skateboarders. The deadline to apply is Nov. 29.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

IH's New Grad Program provided Ben regular check-ins, supervised shifts across different units, & dedicated support from experienced staff.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture, Health & Wellness

As we approach the Halloween season, the has put together some tips--including tips to keep children safe and healthy during their trick-or-treating.

2 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Suzie Kinnunen has been a respiratory therapist and respiratory patient educator at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) for the last three years.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Health care assistants make a big difference in our lives. Meet three IH HCAs who provide personal care services to vulnerable patients, clients & residents.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail