My name is Paige Coutlee, I am a Nlaka’pamux woman and a registered member of Lower Nicola Indian Band currently living in Kamloops while completing my final year of Thompson Rivers University’s BScN Program for which I graduate in April of 2022. My aspiration for acquiring a career in healthcare stems from my passion in helping others. This, in combination with my extensive background caring for vulnerable populations – prioritizing physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural safety – I believe my dedication to promoting overall health and wellness within the healthcare profession is the perfect way for me to give back to my community.
My passion lies in supporting the mental health and wellness of individuals and communities in a variety of conditions. Ultimately, my career goal is to become a community health nurse working specifically with Indigenous populations where I can support those who struggle with mental health. Mental health affects every population group regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or age; having said that, I am aware that mental health is a crucial component to Indigenous healthcare, and I feel honored to have the experience and competence to support my own community in this capacity. Building therapeutic relationships, listening as a form of caring and finding unique solutions for every individual is a crucial component of ensuring quality care to community members. My commitment towards holistic and therapeutic support aligns well with the intimate environments that Indigenous health care entails, which is crucial in facilitating programs and supporting this community. I believe that mental health is an area of health that is too often overlooked, and I would like to be a part of the change in the process of eliminating that stigma. I am honored to have opportunities to help make a difference in this area of health, and on a larger scale to be included in the movement of ending stigmas regarding mental health.
While I am an advocate for supporting my clients’ mental health and well-being, I definitely prioritize doing the same for myself as well. When I am not at work or focusing on my studies, I enjoy spending time with my two bernese mountain dogs, Isla and Arlo. Together we enjoy curling up at home for a snuggle, spending time at the beach, swimming, going on hikes, or hopping in the car to seek adventures out of town. I also enjoy treating myself to a spa day here and there, traveling to new countries and of course spending much needed quality time with my loved ones.
