Andrew is another Calgary import who brings his experience as an educator, working within both the private and public school systems to his practice as a counsellor specializing in children, youth and young adults. Andrew works hard to create an atmosphere of safety and respect for his clients in order to encourage meaniingful dialogue. In Andrew's words, "We are shaped by our experiences, but defined by our choices. Taking ownership of our choices now and into the future can free us to create a fresh and beautiful reality." Today Andrew is In Focus.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Life is too short to spend time doing things you half-like.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Clint Eastwood
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Order of Canada
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Robert Kennedy - RFK was a man who was underestimated by his own family from an early age, and took some hard knocks growing up in discovering who he was as a person. Later he became almost fanatical about fighting crime and developed a heart for both children and those facing injustice of many kinds. I take great inspiration from him, and his journey that was cut tragically short.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who lives life on their own terms, and whose every action is a reflection of their true self.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-To cross the equator for the first time, on a container ship
-Play Gordon Lightfoot's "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" on guitar
-Train trip with my family along the Mississippi, and touring the deep south.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Welcome, Friend
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
First time my whole family visits Disneyland together.
What are you passionate about?
Helping people to realize that THEY are in full control of their own lives, and to be clear about who they are, and what they wish to create. Nothing beats standing up at the end of a counselling session, and having a client share that the past hour has marked a turning point in their life!
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day my kids were born. Yes, the DAY my kids were born - they are twins, and couldn't imagine life without them.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Successfully leading one of the toughest classrooms in a large city for a year, and being responsible for creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment every day. So many young people felt free to be themselves for the first time in that space - it was magical.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Twisted Tomato. Great energy, wonderful owners, and fabulous food in a place that encourages long, meaningful conversations...
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Walking the boardwalk along the lake near the Eldorado on a warm summer evening, then stopping for cheesecake.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Core Centre of Health
What does your business/organization do?
I am a Counsellor within the Core Centre, specializing in Child, Youth, and Young Adult issues.
Where can people find you or your business online?
http://clarowellness.ca
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Andrew Portwood (I am the only one in BC!)
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheCoreCentreofHealth?fref=ts
What is your mission?
To help youth in creating a fulfilling, healthy life, through meaningful connection. To empower all to honour themselves in each moment.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
A thriving, well-known, and absolutely indispensable part of the Kelowna community.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Dr. Eric Kuelker - a psychologist who has taught me much about effective treatment for each client.
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
-Warm
-Encouraging
-Effective
How does your business/organization impact the community?
The Core helps people with many differing elements of personal health, and offers healing and greater understanding of the integrated nature of health to all who enter the doors of The Core.
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Full arena for all Rockets home games! Prospera Place is a fabulous, intimate venue to watch hockey at. Sometimes I feel the value of the experience there is underrated, and I can't understand why tickets aren't much tougher to get.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The easygoing nature of its people, the great downtown eateries that nonetheless seldom have long lineups, and a true sense of giving and helping.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Moved with my family (wife and 4 year-old twins) to Kelowna from Calgary to escape the intensity and frenetic pace of the urban metropolis. Now I am honoured and humbled to be helping others to reduce the unwanted intensity in their own lives!
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 WelcometoKelowna.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. 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!
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