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Meet Samantha! Samantha was born and raised in Kelowna! She enjoys hiking and spending time with her dogs Nava and Punim!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Born and raised!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My dogs, Nava and Punim. They are my best friends, my co-therapists, they are always up for an adventure and they have given me more than I can ever repay.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Social Pets, they are kind, knowledgeable and really make an effort to know their clients and community.
Describe yourself in one word.
Loyal
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Switzerland and hike the beautiful mountains with my pups.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
My favorite activity in Kelowna is hiking.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I feel like I can truly laugh at myself when embarrassing things happen, but accidentally mooning other hikers on the trail last year with my best friend has to be up there.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am inspired everyday by people around me. However, recently I was inspired by a lovely student at UBCO who went out of her way to letnme know that the girls (my dogs) and I had made a difference in her life. During such a busy, stressful, consuming time of your life like university and to think outside of yourself like that.. true kindness.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favorite childhood memory is coming home from school and laying on the back deck with my black lab Sunny. That dog was really a therapy dog moonlighting as our family pet.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am a volunteer handler with the B.A.R.K. program at UBCO. I am also a volunteer trainer with the Okanagan Sun Football Club. Both of these programs are in my mind integral to the community and have helped me develop into the person and professional I am today, and continue to do so. I am a firm believer in acts of kindness and the ripple effect one person can have. Volunteering as a professional for me is about sharing knowledge, creating a sense of community and a wonderful reminder that there is always more to learn.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Kindness, I wish people were kinder to themselves and others.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
A favourite hike, with my dogs, my backpack (safety first), with the sound of my boots in the dirt, the girls' bear bells and my thoughts to keep me company.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see affordable housing and rentals, including properties with yards for pet owners. Kelowna is a beautiful place to live, yet so many are unable to stay here due to the cost of living.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The mountains and the lake.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Become the guardian of a dog with a disability and/or a discriminated breed and work as a therapy team.
2) Work with first responders providing Animal Assisted Therapy.
3) Advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
If I played football I would want to be a linebacker
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: sammy.levin_
What is the name of your business/organization?
Stepping Stones Counselling Group - Canine Connections Program
Why did you get into/start this business?
Our lovely clinic coordinator Deanne Leung saw something in me and encourage me to pursue my passion in working with animals and people, helping both.
What is the goal of your business?
Canine Connections aims to provide Animal Assisted Therapy to the community in a variety of capacities. We offer AAT consulting, training and presentations for community organizations.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle has been learning to give myself the grace to fail, essentially to learn
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
As a part of practicing gratitude I understand that every experience has led me to this moment so I wouldn't change a thing, right here, right now, is a good place to be.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"That means so much to me!". When you do what you love people thank you often, for me I feel like my work with the girls and helping people communicate with their animal is my privilege and honour.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Find gratitude in the everyday, it's an infinitely better experience when you appreciate what you have everyday.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Partricia B. McConnell PH.D., Applied Animal Behaviorist amd dog trainer. She is experienced, knowledgeable but what I really admire is how frank and artless she is in relating her own experiences. She is an approachable expert, something I aspire to be. I would love to pick her brain, really just be in her presence!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When we shop local we support our community, people and stakeholders who care about our community and will give back.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment to date has been tandem sessions with my dogs in the B.A.R.K. program. We worked really hard to get there and I am so proud to be able to share them together!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My parents Bob and Bobby, they have been supportive of my path and encouraged me to pursue a career that I truly enjoy.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Freya Green
Some general comments I would like to share are:
About Freya, she is the program coordinator or B.A.R.K. and an amazing human. It takes so much to do her job and she does it in such with such purpose and kindness. It is her labor of love and she is a complete unsung hero.
Thank you for the opportunity to be in the spotlight and make people aware of what I am doing here in the community!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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