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Brigida graduated from Thompson Rivers University in 2001. Since then, she has been working at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). At VCH, she has collaborated in the Review/Update of the Tracheostomy/Ventilator Management Training provided to Nursing and patients/relatives/Care Givers. She has also contributed to the Review/Update of Tracheostomy and Ventilator related Decision Support Tools. Currently she is Involved in patient care, admissions and discharges of patients requiring respiratory equipment.

Back in 2013, she was part of the Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation and –Long Term Mechanical Ventilation (PMV/LTMV) Canadian Panel. She reviewed the criteria for transitions of PMV/LTMV patients.

In her free time, she likes to spend time reading, gardening and hiking.

I’ve been working as a Respiratory Therapist since 2009 with a focus on sleep medicine and community care. Working with the PROP team was a dream of mine since moving to BC in 2018 and I was honored and excited to join the team in 2021. My work with PROP has been some of the most rewarding work in my career as a respiratory therapist. I look forward to growing my skills with the team and meeting more of PROP’s inspirational members across this beautiful province as I do.

I joined TFL in the spring of 2022 as a TIL technician in Kelowna. Since that time, I have been inspired by both the colleagues I work with and the people we serve. Every day is a learning experience as I work my way through the process of providing assistance to our members. I have learned so much about the lives of persons living with diverse abilities and the technology that can be used to enhance their independence. I have found the work to be very rewarding and feel that this work has enriched my life as well as the lives of the people we serve. I have a M.Sc. degree in physics and before joining TFL, I worked as a medical physicist for 35 years in the cancer centres in Regina and Kelowna. I have lived in Kelowna since 2006 and greatly enjoy the Kelowna lifestyle. I am an avid hockey player and also enjoy biking, kayaking, golf, and woodworking.

I have been working with Technology for Living on various projects for many years starting with acting as a peer partner and judge for the Simon Cox Student Design Competition. My role has since grown to encompass attending Pathways to Independence meetings, representing Technology for Living at events and writing many articles in the Balance newsletter.

I am an active participant in the disability community and sit on the board of directors for the Canadian Assisted Travel Society (CATS). By persevering through my own personal challenges, with the assistance of the IFRC Society and a strong support network, I have lived independently for the past 10 years. It has not been an easy journey and I welcome the opportunity to support and share advice with everyone who needs it (as well as receive tips myself!). I will bring this wealth of lived experience to my role of Peer Community Advisor to aid our members in achieving their own goals of independence.

In my personal time I enjoy spending time with animals of all shapes and sizes. I have many years of experiencing competing in equestrian dressage. My life has forever been enriched by the companionship of two certified service dogs from Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS) who help me be my best self. As a registered status member of the Heiltsuk Nation, indigenous issues are central to me. My background helps me I bring a unique perspective to the role which gives me the passion to advocate for respectful, equal access for all, in every walk of life.

I am excited to be part of the Peer Support Team; I have many exciting ideas and look forward to meeting with you at events and in the community!