Allied Health Care Providers

Amanda Desjardins, Social Worker

Amanda has been supporting individuals and families in varying capacities over the past 10 years. She values taking a wholistic approach in supporting clients on their journey to mental and physical wellness. Amanda is flexible in her approach, and understands the importance of meeting her clients where they are at, providing a safe and welcoming space for healing to begin.

Jenn Penney, Social Worker

Jenn is a Registered Social Worker with 18 years of experience supporting individuals and families. She brings extensive knowledge of local systems and community resources, allowing her to provide clients with practical, informed support. Jenn’s practice is trauma-informed and person-centered, emphasizing safety, collaboration, and respect for each client’s unique story and experiences. She has extensive experience in case management, crisis/trauma response, the criminal justice system, and child protection. The highlight of her career has been the addition of the Accredited Facility Support Dog (Ireland) into her practice and witnessing firsthand the positive and powerful impact Ireland has on clients. Jenn believes that meaningful change happens through connection, empowerment, and understanding. Grounded in compassion and guided by evidence-based practice, Jenn offers a supportive environment where clients can explore challenges, gain insight, and move toward personal growth and well-being. Born and raised in the Kootenays, Jenn feels deeply humbled and privileged to call this place home and to be raising her two children here.

Ireland, Accredited Facility Support Dog

Ireland was purpose bred, raised, and trained by The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Oakville, Ontario. Ireland works alongside the social work team and is highly trained to provide emotional grounding and a sense of safety during a difficult time. She can support emotional regulation and engagement and reduce stress and anxiety during counselling or medical procedures. Ireland’s resume includes providing court support and crisis response to anyone impacted by crime and tragedy with RCMP Victim Services. Fun fact: Ireland is the first Accredited Facility Support Dog to be placed in a medical clinic setting in BC, outside of the lower mainland! Ireland lives with Jenn and her family and when she’s not working, she is a regular dog who loves to play frisbee, swim, and eat all the treats!

Melissa Lorenz, Social Worker

Melissa was born and raised in the Kootenays and has recently moved back from a 23-year adventure in Northern Alberta. Melissa has her BSW and is working towards a MSW with a clinical specialization in trauma-informed care, both through the University of Calgary. Melissa has experience in leadership and program development as well as frontline with vulnerable populations and individuals experiencing chronic houselessness, mental health and addictions. She is passionate about cultural safety, social justice and works from a trauma-informed, client centered lens. Melissa is ecstatic to be back in the Kootenays with family and (re)connecting to her roots.

Kurtis , Community Health Worker

Kurtis Olineck was born in Prince George, BC. He completed a Bachelor of Human Kinetics Degree from UBC in 2002. Following this, he pursued a career in Law Enforcement where he retired from the RCMP in 2023. Kurtis and his family moved to the West Kootenays in 2020. In his current Outreach Worker role at Lower Columbia CHC, Kurtis is committed to promoting wellness, improving health outcomes, and connecting community members with the resources and education they need to thrive. In his spare time, Kurtis enjoys adventuring with his family in the beautiful West Kootenays.

Stephanie, RN

I have been working as a Registered Nurse for 14 years and have been very lucky to work in many different and challenging nurse roles. I started as a medical/surgical nurse at St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver but quickly returned home to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories where I worked in corrections, home and community care, public health, outreach psychiatry and as a community health nurse in the beautiful and remote community of Aklavik, NT. I was also fortunate to spend time working on a health promotion campaign for Doctor without borders in Central African Republic and Chad. Four years ago my partner and I relocated to the Kootenays for its warm weather, beautiful mountains and incredible skiing. I recently completed my Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) designation. I am particularly interested continence care and encourage anyone who may have issues related to incontinence to come chat with me. I am very excited to be part of the CHC’s talented and passionate health care team.

Sage Laboucan, Regional Aboriginal Health Coordinator

Bio coming soon.

Erin Evdokimoff, Regional Dietician

Bio coming soon.

Jodi Hutton, Regional Occupational Therapist

Bio coming soon.

Annick Sevigny, Regional Clinical Pharmacist

Bio coming soon.

Kelly MacGillivray, Regional Respiratory Therapist

Bio coming soon.

We acknowledge, respect, and honour the Ktunaxa, Syilx, and Sinixt peoples, on whose unceded traditional territory we practice.