In Focus | Roxie Van Aller

Meet Roxie. She moved from Oliver three years ago.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, he grounds me!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Don't have a favourite store, but if I had to choose one I'd say Lakehouse. So many fun gadgets and amazing home decor ideas!

Describe yourself in one word.
Loyal.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Cranbrook to visit my grandchildren!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Summer is my favourite time of the year! I love going out on our boat to water ski or just relax.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nothing comes to mind.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I think becoming a mother has been the most inspiring thing that has happened to me. My children motivate me to be better, do better and care more! Because of them, I have gratitude every day!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was young we used to visit Peachland for summer holidays. I remember playing on the beach and kayaking on Lake Okanagan. Who knew I would be so blessed to live here one day!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am pretty busy with my new role at the Kelowna Family Centre. So I support other agencies by attending their events, give to One Hundred Women Who Care and do some pro bono counselling.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That we would be more serious about protecting our environment.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Any winery with a lake view!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I support the current initiatives by the City of Kelowna and community agencies in addressing the issues of homelessness. I believe that as a community we need to support our most vulnerable citizens!

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The willingness to volunteer and give back!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I live my bucket list every day!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am absolutely terrified of flying!

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Kelowna Family Centre. Stay tuned we will be re-launching with a new name and brand!

Why did you get into/start this business?
That is easy! I want to make a positive contribution to our community. I am fortunate to combine my passion for counselling and leadership together with this fabulous organization!

What is the goal of your business?
To provide professional, free and affordable counselling to the community. We offer groups for men, women, and children who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression or family transition.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Keeping a work-life balance!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No, I believe that everything always happens for reason.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'We are all perfectly imperfect!'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Richard Branson from Virgin!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Keeps our economy growing!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my children!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Kathleen Lemieux! Kathleen cares deeply about others, always doing what she can to give back! She is loyal, trustworthy and makes the world a better place!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shelley Dickie.

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.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!