PAULA IVERSON

I have worked with children and supported families in the human service field for many years and have also worked with adults with developmental disabilities which has been extremely rewarding. I have a background in the field of recreation and have been involved in many sports as a participant and as a coach for many years. I began my formal education in Recreation and Community Service Programming. I have always been interested in all areas of health and wellness for myself and to inspire others. This passion has led me to study and practice as a Holistic Health Practitioner with a keen interest in the areas of Reiki, aromatherapy and meditation practices. I have completed a Psychological Health and Safety Certificate and am a trained Virtues Project Facilitator. I attained a Bachelor of Human Service Administration degree and chose to complete a capstone project on Wellness in the Workplace to combine my areas of interest with my work in the demanding field of Human Services. I have always loved the physical and spiritual practice of yoga and have recently finished my 200 yoga teacher training. As a consultant with Sage Wellness Connection I hope to share my passions and knowledge to empower others. I am currently working with the IMPACT Committee as the Rural Mental Health Animator providing webinars, training and podcasts to highlight the importance of strengthening mental health supports and assets within rural communities.

SHANNON FIFE

I have had the great pleasure to work in the Human Service field for a number of years mainly with children and families. After graduating as a Recreation Therapist, a colleague and I combined our enthusiasm and passion for this industry and created a charity for high risk children. I am a true believer in nourishing all aspects of our mind, body and soul. That’s why I continue to challenge myself through furthering my education. In addition to my degree in Human Services, I chose to expand my health and wellness knowledge by completing a Psychological Health and Safety Certificate, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification and Executive Life Coaching. This education is a great compliment to my previous experiences around health and wellness. Additionally, I am a member of the International Association of Work Health Promotion. Furthermore, I am a partial owner of a fitness centre. I have recently expanded my efforts and have joined Sage Wellness Connection to provide mental health based consultation. This has provided me the opportunity to utilize my previous experiences of supporting families and children, creating support groups, teaching fitness classes and combine it with the wellness education to support individuals and organizations. I am currently working with the IMPACT Committee as the Rural Mental Health Animator providing webinars, training and podcasts to highlight the importance of strengthening mental health supports and assets within rural communities.