In Focus | Dr. Kate Aubrey, Clinical Psychologist

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?
Dr. Kate Aubrey, Clinical Psychologist

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Toronto. I completed my PhD at Dalhousie University in Halifax and I have lived in Kelowna for three years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This one is easy, my husband. Hamish is originally from New Zealand and, like me, has a real love for the outdoors. We have so much fun together!

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Tanzania is at the top of my travel list. I was lucky enough to go to Egypt several years ago and I have wanted to go back to Africa ever since. I would love to explore the Serengeti.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Loadza Toyz in the Orchard Park Mall is amazing. As someone who works with kids, I am always on the hunt for unique toys and activities. I also love Dogwood Nursery in West Kelowna.

What is your favourite activity?
Hiking, especially in beautiful BC!

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza from Murray's Pizza in West Kelowna.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
As a child I tried out for a choir part in the production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. I had to sing a solo to 'Oh Canada' in front of my school for the audition and was asked to stop after the first verse. It was terrible!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I conducted clinical research with IV drug users on Vancouver Island for several months before starting my PhD. It was heart wrenching working with highly marginalized youth but I was so inspired by their drive to overcome adversity.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My family had a cottage growing up. It was on a small island on Wood Lake in Muskoka. My grandparents built the cottage and I spent many summers up there with my brother and cousins. For us kids, nothing beat cottage life!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My PhD research, and a lot of my clinical training, has focused on autism. This continues to be a population that I am particularly passionate about. I volunteer at the annual Autism Awareness Walk and provide free community talks for the Autism Society of BC.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To eliminate childhood adversity, such as maltreatment, neglect or exposure to domestic violence. While children are resilient, they need love and support to thrive.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking with my dog, Arktic.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I live on the Westside and I love visiting the Summerland Ornamental Gardens in the summer.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
As someone who grew up in Toronto, I look forward to Kelowna continuing to grow and becoming a more multicultural city.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
For me and my family to continue to be in good health!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have been a vegetarian for 15 years!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Aubrey Psychological Services.

What does your business do?
Provide treatment and assessment services for children, adolescents and families.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I've wanted to be a child psychologist for as long as I can remember. I am honoured to own my own business and be able to provide high-quality psychological services in the Okanagan.

What is the goal of your business?
My approach to children’s mental health is shaped by the belief that 'kids do well if they can.' I strive to help children and parents cope with challenges and reach their full-potential.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Getting a PhD was definitely a lot of work. At times, it seemed like an endless uphill struggle!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have loved building my own business and providing mental health services. I don't think I would change a thing!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it is very important to invest in one's community. After all, the grass is greener where you water it.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'd like to give a shout out to my good friend and colleague, Sarah Dhooge. Sarah is a gifted paediatric speech language pathologist in Kelowna and is also the founder of the Momma Collective.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
I would like to nominate Angela Roth-Peters. Anjee is a registered psychologist in Kelowna who works with children, families and adults.

Other information you would like to share:
For a small city (growing up in Toronto, everything seems small), Kelowna has so much to offer. I am so grateful to the wonderful families I get to work with and I look forward to continuing to grow my business here!

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.