We're Southwestern Public Health's Healthy Schools Team and we're so pleased to introduce ourselves to the school communities across Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas. We spend time in local schools, so we thought you might like to get to know us better!
Legend:
PHN = Public Health Nurse
RD = Registered Dietitian
HP = Health Promoter
What year did you start working in public health?
2020
What makes you happy?
Camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, rock climbing, weightlifting and board, card and video gaming.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
I love being on the Healthy Schools team because I get to work with schools and school boards on common goals to help strengthen the mental and physical health, social and physical environments and over all community connectedness in our schools. My favourite part so far is that I learn something new about school health and our community every day I come to work.
What year did you start working in public health?
1999
What makes you happy?
Walking, biking, golfing and cooking new things.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
The variety of health promotion activities and the ability to work with a wide range of students, educators and community partners. Never a dull moment!
What year did you start working in public health?
2020
What makes you happy?
Spending time in nature with my family, playing hockey or biking, home renovations and spending time in the garden.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
Visiting the schools and interacting with staff and students.
What year did you start working in public health?
2005
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my two teenaged boys, my husband and my three dogs. I am happiest when I am outside on an adventure with my family.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
We have a strong and passionate multi-disciplinary team who is committed to working at a population health or whole of school level to improve the health of our community.
What year did you start working in public health?
2004
What makes you happy?
I enjoy hosting events at our home, especially in the summer in the backyard. These events have ranged from fish frys to pizza making, to rib "festivals." I love to travel either by plane to other countries, or day trips more locally. I have been part of a choir for nearly 10 years and can't wait to return to rehearsing and performing.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
I like working with people, especially in group settings. I love to physically go out to schools to complete activities which complement the curriculum taught by teachers and reinforce student learning.
What year did you start working in public health?
2011
What makes you happy?
Each day is a fresh opportunity to learn, grow and play. I enjoy biking indoors and out and rolling out my art cart stuffed with materials my kids and I can create with! I'm a bee lover and have also rescued my fair share of turtles from roadways.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
My favourite part about being a Public Health Nurse on the Healthy Schools Team is the opportunity to visit schools and make connections with students and staff. In a day I often drive past buzzing meadows, lush fields or the lake, allowing me to connect with nature and feel the pulse of our community.
What year did you start working in public health?
2017
What makes you happy?
I spend most of my time with friends and family. I also enjoy playing rugby, softball and hockey..
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
I enjoy working with a diverse group of passionate public health professionals working towards a common goal of bettering the health of our community.
Year you started work in public health:
2015
What makes you happy?
Fresh Ontario strawberries, my Nana's shortbread cookies, ballroom dancing, swimming and relaxing outside with a good book.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
Collaborating with others to help students explore and enjoy a variety of foods at school. One of my favourite projects has been supporting schools with indoor tower gardens. I love walking into a school and seeing lettuce and other veggies growing in the foyer!
What year did you start working in public health?
2020
What makes you happy?
In my free time you will find me hanging out with my friends and family, or spending time in my kitchen. I love to cook. My favourite dish to make is any variation on tacos!
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
Working collaboratively with a close-knit team that shares the common goal of whole-school health and well-being is amazing. It's great seeing the students excited and engaged in the classroom.
What year did you start working in public health?
2015
What makes you happy?
I enjoy travelling, being outside, trying new restaurants and spending time with my dogs, family and friends.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
Serving youth of all ages as well as collaborating with school staff, parents and our valuable community partners.
What year did you start working in public health?
2010
What makes you happy?
Gardening. We like to grow a vegetable/fruit garden each year. Our 2 young daughters love going out to pick food from the garden. This year we added to the garden with a section for just cut flowers ex: sunflowers, Dahlias. Very excited for those to be blooming!
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
Working with students, building relationships and having a wonderful team to rely on for support.
What year did you start working in public health?
1990
What makes you happy?
Playing golf.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
I love working with the schools, especially the students.
What year did you start working in public health?
2020
What makes you happy?
Oh my goodness - I couldn't pick just one thing! I love: cooking, gardening, traveling, reading, being outdoors, challenging myself, spending time with people I love, cuddling my dog, day dreaming...the list goes on and on. Life is great!
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
I love all the opportunities to help people be their best selves!
What year did you start working in public health?
2022
What makes you happy?
Picking strawberries (and eating them), planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables, driving tractors, kayaking, swimming, hiking, sharing food that I have cooked/baked with my friends and family, and going on new adventures.
What is your favourite part about being on the Healthy Schools Team?
I am very excited to be a part of the Healthy Schools Team and work with schools in Oxford County to offer a variety of nutritious foods to students!