Time for our April Spotlight! This month is a bittersweet post as we are celebrating Marissa before she ends her time at OSNS to move back to Ontario. Before we get into the monthly questionnaire, here's what Marissa wanted to share about leaving:
"Penticton and OSNS have been my home and family for much of the past 4 ½ years. Working at OSNS was my first experience as an occupational therapist, and I couldn’t have been luckier. The job itself is very rewarding, but a big part of what made me feel at home were the people around me. I felt incredibly supported in the position; at times when I felt frustrated, I had a huge network of people around me to figure out how to move forward. I am so sad to have to say goodbye to my BC family as I move back to Ontario, but I have loved being a part of this team!"
What is your job title? Occupational Therapist
What do you do at OSNS? Ride tiny little bikes and plasma cars, jump on the trampoline, chase very fast children through the hallways and around the gym, obstacle courses, draw pictures on the windows, sit on miniature chairs….
“Officially,” I work with families through our early intervention program (for children 5 years and younger). I also work on an interdisciplinary team to support children who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
How long have you been at OSNS? Depends...the first time or the second time? I first came to OSNS about 4 ½ years ago, but I spent a year in Vancouver in the middle….so about 3 ½ years in total.
What is your favourite part of your job? The job itself…how cool is it that I get to play at work?
The people…even I’m having a grumpy day, someone is bound to do something to make me smile. The kids… I wish I kept a quote book…
The families…I’m surprised all the time by the dedication & commitment of so many families, despite the challenges that are thrown at them.
The changes…It’s so amazing to see the milestones that can be achieved in such a short amount of time. I have also been here long enough now to see children develop across a few years. The differences are unbelievable.
What has surprised you about working at OSNS? The amount of things I didn’t know, that I didn’t know. I’m constantly surprised at the new things I learn on the job, from families, from colleagues, etc. I don’t think there’s a point when the learning will end for me, as long as I’m working in this field.
Share a funny or unique story from when you were a kid: This one was so kindly shared by my lovely momma:
“Marissa used to love to show everyone who would stop and watch that she was a graceful ballerina. One day, she was in a recital with some other little ones. All of the ballerinas were gathered in the back room of the gym while the parents sat and waited for the show to begin. The door to the room was closed so no little ballerina could escape. What the audience didn’t know was that the dancers were going to be in costume. One little ballerina broke out and came running out in her surprise costume because she couldn’t wait, and that little ballerina was Marissa. All parental eyes were on her with comments of, “ohhh how cute…” Do you think we could get her back into the room with the other kids?? Nope! Finally, we got her back in the room, but instead of dancing, Marissa stood in font of a mirror, admiring herself.”
Who is your favourite Disney character and why? Pumbaa…he makes me laugh
What do you do when you need to get pumped up? Listen to country music…and drink coffee
What is your favourite animal? I’m completely biased, because I have the most awesome, quirky dog, of all time, so I have to say dog.
What is your favourite food? Anything Mexican! I’m a Mexican-in-training, since I’m about to marry into a Mexican family and become a Diaz, so maybe I’m biased. My mother-in-law makes the best food!
What is your favourite part about living in the Okanagan? Where do I start?! Coming from Ontario, I have been in heaven living in Penticton. Being surrounded by beaches and water, hiking, growing fruit, vineyards, the market…this place is so amazing, and I’m always so proud to show it off to visitors.
Where would you go on your dream vacation? A very long trip to Europe…I would love to visit as many places as possible.
What is your favourite quote?
I love the Winnie the Pooh (A.A Milne) quotes…
“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words, but rather short, easy words like “what about lunch?”
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favourite day,” said Pooh.
“The things that make me different are the things that make me.”
