From a young age, Samantha's heart was drawn to the world of healthcare. As a 15-year-old she volunteered in a mentorship program called Building Bridges, assisting younger students with autism adjust tohigh school life. At 17 she began working at a pharmacy as a cashier. Eager to deepen her understanding of addiction, after a few months, she requested a transfer to the pharmacy department. It was here that Samantha's commitment to making a difference in people's lives began to take shape.
Driven by her teenage experiences, when it came time to decide on post-secondary education, Samantha chose a program that incorporated her passions as she pursued a BA in Behavioural Psychology.
In 2022, Samantha found her home at CMH, initially joining on contract as a Court Diversion Case Manager. However, her talent and dedication quickly earned her a full-time permanent position as a Clinical Case Manager for the Early Psychosis Intervention Program (EPI). Samantha's journey at CMH also includes completing her Master's Placement in the Counselling and Treatment Program.
Throughout her career, Samantha has been fortunate to have had strong female mentors who have played pivotal roles in her professional growth. “The women I have had the pleasure of working with on the Community
Mental Health Team at CMH have been the most impactful,” commented Samantha. “I honestly don't know where I would be in my career without the amazing support of such strong, intelligent women.”
What sets CMH apart for Samantha is its unwavering commitment to compassion, innovation, and continuous learning. She admires the hospital's progressive approach to women's health issues, such as endometriosis awareness. “In my first few months here, I learned that the ER doctors are familiar with endometriosis, a disease that effects up to 25% of women but is not well known in the medical community and often goes undiagnosed,” noted Samantha. “Not only do they have knowledge on the diagnosis, but they take the time to be curious, validate their patient's experiences and have a thorough knowledge of treatment options. I am really proud to work at such a progressive rural hospital who cares so much about their staff and patients.”
Outside of work, Samantha leads a dynamic life. Alongside her responsibilities at CMH, she co-owns a hoarding cleanout business with her best friend. When she's not working, you'll find Samantha exploring nature with her corgi, Wallace Christopher, indulging in writing, enjoying Bravo reality shows, or embarking on weekend adventures with her boyfriend, Caley.