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Meet Tanya! Tanya is originally from Sechelt, BC and has been living here in Kelowna for ten years now. She enjoys riding her bike along the Rail Trail, relaxing at the beach, and spending some quality time alone.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Sechelt, BC - lived there until I was 18. Moved to Kelowna to go to College and moved to Golden in 1996, living there for 13 years. Moved back to Kelowna in 2009.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This is a tough one - I have a lot of people in my life that I love to spend time with! No favorites. Lately, I have been craving and enjoying time alone to recharge, so right now it's me!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Artful Hand. So much talent in the Okanagan, and such an incredible selection of items to choose from. I am NOT a shopper, but if I am buying a gift for someone, that's my first stop.
Describe yourself in one word.
Attentive.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Maui!! I went for the first time in my life this year, and I would go back in a heartbeat. Not sure if words are adequate to describe the combination of temperature, humidity, ocean, sand, people, energy. It's incredible.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I've really been enjoying riding my bike along the Rail Trail to work and back since spring kicked in. I also love hitting the beach when the weather allows. Even when it doesn't!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Jeepers. The first workshop I co-facilitated while at school for counseling, I did almost the whole thing with my pants zipper down. My classmates were all grinning at me from ear-to-ear; I just thought they were being especially encouraging and enjoying the content of the presentation until my instructor pulled me aside and let me in on the truth. I was at first horrified, and then got a good laugh out of it!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was in the middle of specific training to support healing trauma at the level of the nervous system, finances became a big issue. I was considering that I might have to take a break from the training until I could save up to begin again, not knowing when that would be. I was encouraged to start a Go Fund Me page to raise the next due tuition payment and was not feeling at all comfortable being that vulnerable and asking for help. I was challenged to face those feelings and do the thing anyway, and I did. The outpouring of all kinds of support was incredible, and the funding for my training was raised in less than 48 hours. It was overwhelming, humbling and inspiring, and I am still so grateful for the people who supported me in all of the ways, and the experience of that process.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have lots! Most of them involve traveling to Kelowna from my home town of Sechelt with my family, visiting grandparents and other relatives that lived here, and spending long days at the beach (from 7 am to way past bedtime). Swimming, playing, eating, napping, making new friends, visiting with family and doing it all over again the next day. Kelowna was the location for a lot of great times in my childhood!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
One very real fact I encounter regularly involving people who have experienced significant trauma, especially early in life, is that they may be unable to work because of their health struggles due to the toll of trauma on the nervous system. In my private counseling practice, I have a pro-bono block of clients as well as a sliding scale block, where a percentage of the people I work with are receiving services either for free or paying what they are able to afford.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Trauma-informed education and support is a priority in schools (it's happening slowly) and for first responders.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Definitely the beach. Or if I can't get there, my closet. Until the dog finds me.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Traffic flow has been increasingly congested for a number of years now; the current infrastructure seems to be insufficient for the huge volume of traffic in Kelowna, and I hear this being a main topic of conversation often in many different venues. Another reason I love the Rail Trail!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
So much!! The people, the arts, the outdoor beauty, the amenities, the sometimes-it-feels-like-a-city-and-sometimes-it-feels-like-a-small-town vibe.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I crossed a few off recently! I got to meet Tom Cochrane by accident when he was here for Rock the Lake; still fangirling over that. I just started drum lessons at Wentworth music - that's been on the list for decades. Going to Maui was another one! Some still to do would be getting my motorcycle license, creating and facilitating a workshop that addressed the link between codependence and trauma and how it impacts relationships - this is a common theme in the work I do.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Growing up, I wanted to be an actor. Still, do!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook or LinkedIn
What is the name of your business/organization?
SafeHearts Counselling Services
Why did you get into/start this business?
I spent a lot of time in counselling offices at a few very significant crossroads in my life, and investing in that level of support was the best self-care I could have imagined and offered that level of service to others felt like a true fit with how I operated in the world. Specializing in trauma recovery felt like the most direct way to be the most helpful.
What is the goal of your business?
To repair nervous systems and heal trauma so people can return to themselves and engage fully in their lives.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
As a sensitive and attuned human, relentlessly addressing the need for balance around having compassion and empathy while at the same time maintaining healthy boundaries in all of my relationships: self, family, work, clients, etc. I have to stay on top of this continually.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Argh. I might choose to do some different things on the same path.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"There is always more than one thing that is true."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Our attention is so powerful; whatever we are noticing, we are feeding at some level. Making conscious choices about what we pay attention to can change the whole game."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Steve Carell. I LOVE to laugh, and I think he is hilarious. I would be so happy to hang out with him and swap anecdotes.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting our local economy just makes sense to me.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I am incredibly proud of my kiddo. He has introduced me to some extremely cool life experiences, and I keep learning from him on the daily. I love that.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My fantastic drum teacher from Wentworth Music - Paul Minor. He is an excellent teacher, a talented drummer, a touring musician, and a good human!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Danielle Riise
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Trauma happens in the nervous system, not in the event. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression or body pain come from unprocessed experience being held in the nervous system, and that is why telling the story of what happened to us doesn't always help, or sometimes can make things feel worse. Recovery from trauma is possible.
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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