Although I am not a Trail ‘Lifer’ even after 20 years, I truly believe this is my community and I treat it like it is! Being able to raise our kids in a beautiful, caring environment has been an amazing experience. As the kids got older, I knew it was my time to find a way to give back to the community and I have through Trail Hospice. 

I receive such satisfaction in matching clients to a Friendly Visitor volunteer, knowing this makes their week a little brighter, and finding bedside volunteers for the acute clients knowing they have somebody there to hold their hand and talk to them. Knowing we provide peace and comfort makes this job a joy. I feel incredibly honoured to be included in our clients’ end of life journey. 

As challenging as this job is the silver lining is our volunteers who give so much of themselves to support our clients. Without volunteers there would be no Trail Hospice. On my time off you will find me warming a seat at the Bridgeview Café, baking bread for loved ones, or simply enjoying the beauty of where we live. My family jokes that I can find myself new friends just about anywhere. Kindness doesn’t cost. Spread it well. 

Hi, I'm Ali. I was born and raised in Trail and after living on the west coast since the early 90s, I have finally returned to the lush greenery of this area that we love so dearly. While living in Victoria I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

For approximately 25 years, I have been volunteering with various organizations such as BC Schizophrenia Society, Big Brothers and Sisters, Vinyasa Yoga for Youth, the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, Vancouver Hospice Society, and as of late, the Greater Trail Hospice Society.

For the last 25 years I have also been advancing my skills in designing and delivering leadership and personal development programs, coaching executives and teams, teaching meditation and mindfulness, and providing heart-led support to people in their last stage of life.

If you are out and about you are likely to find me frequenting Zee Crepes on weekends!

I have been living in the Kootenays off and on for over forty years. I have lived several places, including Ireland and Spain, but the Kootenays is home.

Prior to joining Greater Trail Hospice Society, I worked for over 20 years in the arts sector where I was an art student, artist, curator and arts administrator. Before that, I worked in community development and education. I am happy to be working back in community development again.

When I'm not working for Hospice, I am part of 10 Thieves artist group and pursue my art practice. I volunteer in Castlegar, where I live,  in a variety of ways, including Castlegar Pride.

As a third generation Rosslander, the Kootenays are my heart and home. I have spent my life working and moving around the West Kootenay area, exploring all it has to offer. I graduated from Selkirk and the University of Victoria with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have been working in our local emergency departments for the past three years as a Registered Nurse. 

I love providing patient care and connecting with people. I was drawn to join hospice as I realized how a palliative care approach to life limiting illness can significantly improve a person and their family’s wellbeing by providing holistic care. To me this feels like an upstream approach, meaning providing proactive care instead of reactive care. I am excited to support our communities through engagement and education, and work to change the discourse regarding palliative care.

When I am not working with my husband on starting our new farm, you can find us out

adventuring in our camper van with our dogs!

Hello, I'm Suzann Self. My husband and I moved to Trail in the spring of 2021 for his employment. Since then we have thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the West Kootenays and getting to know the amazing people who call this place home.

We have two children, a son who is attending Law School in North Carolina, and a daughter attending U of A working on her Masters degree in Animal Cognition. We also have a lovable mutt named Piper and a cat (all inherited from our animal loving daughter!).

Prior to moving to the West Kootenays, I was an elementary school teacher for 15 years. I loved teaching, but am looking forward to a new chapter and challenge in my life as the West Kootenay Boundary Caregiver Support Local Program Coordinator. 

In my free time I love to hike, bike, canoe, paddle board, birding (essentially anything to do with nature) spend time with my husband, reading, and cooking.

I am really looking forward to working with the Greater Trail Hospice Society and meeting so many new people in this beautiful place we call home. 

I Immigrated to Canada from Ocean County, New Jersey in 2020 after marrying my partner the previous year. Since coming to Canada, I have been blessed with a growing support network of family and friends that I've found are some of the most gracious and caring people I have ever met. I worked in childcare for twenty years prior to working for hospice and have always wanted to be in a career where I can help care for others as I find it very emotionally rewarding.  

I feel fortunate to have found a place for myself in Hospice where I can make use of my arts education and computer skills. You may have seen my work if you're following Hospice on social media, as well as updating this website. I've met many of the volunteers at meetings and seminars; I've learned so much from them, as well as the Board and my fellow staff members. They've helped me understand and cope with the grief and hopelessness I felt in 2024 after my step-father's cancer diagnosis and my sister's passing. In my off-time I unwind with video games, books, occasional creative writing and watching series like "Murder, She Wrote" & "Miss Fisher's Mysteries".