In Focus | Lauren Gaudet

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Lauren Gaudet.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Fort McMurray, AB and I have lived in Kelowna eight years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Although I have many favourite people I love to spend time with, I would have to say my brother is my number one. He is absolutely inspirational, intelligent and hilarious.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to South America before embarking on a voyage to Antarctica. It is one of my dreams to have been on every continent in the world.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Arlo’s Honey Farm. My Nana absolutely loves their raw honey, and so do I! I always love surprising her by picking up a couple of jars and then having a visit with her.

What is your favourite activity?
Hearing someone’s story. The ability to connect with another individual who is willing to share a piece of their life with me is fascinating and a privilege.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Mistaking the name of an individual for an acronym of a group when I was a representative on a safety committee meeting. Our Chairperson gently corrected me. I remember being feeling very embarrassed.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
As Founder of the Sexual Assault and Rape Awareness (SARA) Campaign at UBC Okanagan, the most inspiring accomplishment has been the ability to step away from forefront and have the volunteers lead prevention and response initiatives.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
There isn’t one day that stands out above the rest, but I do remember when my brother and I were young our parents surprised us with a trip to Hawaii. We were ecstatic because we would also be travelling with my grandparents and uncle. Since then, my mom and I having been going on an international trip about every two years. Departure days from home continue to be some of my favourite memories because I know that we are embarking on an enriching adventure that will expand our world views.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently, I volunteer with Hands in Service, which is 'a non-profit organization that restores dignity to those who feel abandoned through tangible acts of love that many take for granted'. I was privileged to work with them for my first practicum during my Masters degree and have been happy to continue volunteering as a professional out of school. I continue to volunteer with the SARA Campaign I founded six years ago. The student leaders are doing exceptional work with programming and education, events and response. I am grateful to be present at some of these events and to help where I can. I have also been collaborating with community educators at the college, university, and other community educational places to be a guest lecturer/educator.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Universal access to education.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Meeting friends and family at the local coffee shops and eateries to converse and try delicious local drinks and dishes.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I go to the beach and sit on a giant tree stump with gnarled roots that dig into the earth. I like listening to the water and feeling grounded while sitting.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see more spaces dedicated to intergenerational dialogues and interactions because it would create fellowship across the generations.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To have the opportunity to teach, inspire and motivate others in social work, and to one day watch them surpass me in ability and action.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was very young, I wanted to be an “Ocean Cleaner” where I would go diving every day to dispose of garbage in the oceans.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services

What does your business do?
OCCS is a comprehensive clinic that offers a wide range of services to help you deal with any challenging life circumstances, or mental health concerns that you may be experiencing.

How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook

Where can people find your business online?
okclinical.com

Why did you get into/start this business?
During university, I decided my two professional goals would be to get into private practice and to teach at a post-secondary institution. When I saw Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services had a posting for a part-time counsellor, I had to apply.

What is the goal of your business?
My goals are to assist individuals in overcoming personal adversity and learning new coping skills for increased mental health and wellbeing. It is also a goal to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and accessing counselling services.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Learning to say no and decrease my commitments. I have always been a very busy individual with work, studying, volunteering, and trying to have a social life. It’s important to have good self-care and find balance in your life.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
That depends on if I had the knowledge and memories I currently have if I could 'start all over again'. Ultimately, I wouldn’t change anything about my life.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You build relationships with store owners and employees that create a stronger sense of connection and community. They can give you good advice on the product(s) and make recommendations. It is economically responsible and ethical.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Christina Van who started the first Lolita Community in Kelowna early 2015, where she has dedicated her spare time in organizing events and meet-ups. The group has brought together many individuals.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Christina Van.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.