In this edition of "Meet The Westwind Staff", we get to know Mandy Hendrickson. Mandy is one of our newest team members, she is our Lead Support Staff located at the Kelowna, BC location.
Favourite Quote: “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” (Jon Kabat-Zinn)
What is your Archetype?
My three core archetypes are caregiver, explorer, and athlete. If that doesn’t give you a more truthful expression of who I am, I don’t quite know what will.
My love of the natural world and being out in nature is profound. Although it is not quite as profound as the feeling I get when I am able to give care and love to another human. My heart truly feels a strong pull to help individuals, and I know my future will always be encapsulated by this. Lastly, I grew up with an extremely competitive edge. Whether it be on the ice, in nature, or in a game of cards, I will always have a deep love for movement and connection.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in southern Manitoba! A small grain farm was where I spent my youth, surrounded by canola and wheat fields. I had lived in Manitoba for my entire life – minus my four-month escapade to Alaska! Westwind gave me the opportunity to indulge my explorer archetype and move to Kelowna during their expansion! I’m very new to British Columbia but have fallen head over heels. As a new resident to British Columbia, I recognize that Kelowna and surrounding area is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people.
What do you do at Westwind?
I get asked this question quite a bit, and the simple answer is that I provide support to the wonderfully beautiful humans that come to Westwind Kelowna. As lead support staff, I provide support on all levels to women in eating disorder treatment. Whether this be by being an ear to listen, and shoulder to cry on, or someone to just sit with when the pendulum is swinging. Late night chats are my specialty.
Top 3 Favourite Podcast:
1) Maintenance Phase – Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes totally debunk the junk science behind health fads, diet culture and all things nonsensical.
2) Mary’s Cup of Tea – Mary Jelkovsky’s podcast bring in heart-felt conversations about body image, confidence, feminism and all things self-love. Mary’s energy truly warms my heart! She also has an amazing workbook to help build self-love (self-confidence, esteem and worthiness are her focus!)
3) Dark History – who doesn’t love a good true crime podcast! Bailey Sarian tells stories of the dark histories in a personal, but oddly funny way!