In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Christina Fenske
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Regina, Saskatchewan and have lived in Kelowna since 2012.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband is my favourite person because he is fun and exciting to hang out with. We have a blast when we are together.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Thailand because I would like to experience the delicious food, warm weather and buddhist temples.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite local store is Central Okanagan Massage & Supply because of the friendly staff that are always accommodating. The owner is knowledgeable and experienced in massage. My favourite type of treatment by my favourite RMT Suzanne Deault.
What is your favourite activity?
Yoga because it's so therapeutic and relaxing.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza, of course!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Most embarrassing thing is having my international student see my bright pink bra and purple panties hanging up in the laundry room. I didn't think he was going to be around that day.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Spending time with my grandma who struggled with Alzheimer's Disease. It inspired me to work with the elderly who face that and many other challenges.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is of making and pretending to bake mud pies in the rainy muddy weather with my siblings on the farm. Our dogs would knock us down face first into the mud puddles or walk all over our pies causing us to have to start all over again.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer with the seniors in my neighbourhood and community by assisting them with carrying their groceries in, shovelling their driveways and visiting particular seniors in their homes for coffee. I also volunteer to do various free presentations on stress, health and personal care planning at the local library.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would eliminate Elder Abuse and Neglect because it seems to becoming more common or maybe I am just more aware of it because of the type of work I have done in the past.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking for sure.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Sneak away to a nearby trail for a walk or spend time shopping at the mall.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see more accessible, affordable and safe housing to our marginalized community in Kelowna, due to homelessness and lack of adequate housing options.
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
My one wish would be to go away on a trip with my honey to somewhere hot next winter.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I regularly teach and practice mindfulness and follow some buddhist teachings.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Orchard Valley Counselling Services.
What does your business do?
We offer clinical counselling, education to individuals over 21-years-old and groups. Specializing in seniors, mental health (i.e. depression/anxiety) and emotional eating and much more.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I got into this business because I saw a gap in services for seniors and others with mental health concerns.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to provide caring, compassionate support for individuals, and couples, who want to make the choice to change.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
My biggest struggle was being a single mother with limited supports at the time.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do things the same because it's assisted me in being the strong and capable person I am today.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's important to shop locally because more of our money stays in the community with individuals in small businesses.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to Westbank Clinical Skincare because my lovely neighbour owns and runs this fabulous business.
Other information you would like to share:
Our social workers were pioneers who sought to correct injustices and find ways to care for the poor and disenfranchised. This is similar to what they do today in advocating for those who are in similar positions due to their socioeconomic status or other barriers. They are leaders and pioneers, we may have thought that these men and women were exceptional, that they were unusual and somehow gifted. In reality, what they had was a strong dedication to those same values that we personify today. All of us has the chance to honour those values and to be leaders. There will constantly be challenges that accelerate us to not only imagine, but to assist in creating a better world. We remember not that these challenges will persist, but that there are individuals like us who become professional social workers to create hope, reduce suffering and identify patterns. I celebrate that we are dedicated to the service and well-being of others.
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. Thank you, Kelowna.
