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 KelownaNow.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.
What is your name?
Sue Noble
What do you always find yourself saying?
Where did the day go?
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Ellen DeGeneres because she’s got a great sense of humor, is positive and energetic and is supportive of worthy causes and those in need. She is a great role model!
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
It would be an honor for Relax Kids Okanagan to be awarded with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Micro Business of the Year award, as this award celebrates outstanding business success in Kelowna. If we were to win this award, we would have achieved our goal of supporting children in our community toward mental and emotional wellness.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
I would spend the day with Terry Fox a truly inspirational Canadian who, through his actions, taught us the true meaning of selflessness, determination and humility.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by the many dedicated volunteers within our community who help out at local special events, and offer their time and talents to local non-profit organizations. Thank you for all you do to make Kelowna a great place to live!
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. See my children grow up to become healthy and happy adults
2. Travel to Australia to visit with my husband’s family in Brisbane
3. Improve my current level of fitness
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
I wouldn’t ever own an enormous yacht, but would love a speed boat big enough for my family and friends and suitable for wakeboarding and waterskiing on beautiful Okanagan Lake. I’d call it Serendipity.
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
July 6, 2016 – my 20th wedding anniversary.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about working with ALL children, particularly those facing emotional or social challenges. I’m also a strong advocate for individuals and families living with autism as one of my sons has autism.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day I got married to my husband Murray would be my definite favorite!
What has been your proudest accomplishments?
That’s an easy one; the birth of my two sons Evan and Cameron.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
Love the atmosphere and great food at the Marmalade Cat Café. Love their Pandosy Street location too.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
The annual Kelowna Autism Awareness Walk held every April at Mission Creek Regional Park as part of international Autism Awareness month. It’s an inclusive community event that celebrates the talents and strengths of those with autism spectrum disorder and connects families with each other and with supports and resources available within the Okanagan community.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Relax Kids Okanagan
What does your business/organization do?
Relax Kids Okanagan offers fun, lively and creative mindfulness classes for all children using imagination, movement, breathing, and relaxation strategies to build self-esteem. Sessions incorporate movement and exercise, mindfulness and relaxation games, stretching, peer or self-massage, breathing techniques, affirmations and visualizations. Each class is based upon an imaginative theme, and gently introduces children to simple and fun mindfulness tools that can be used in all areas of their lives. Beginning in February, myself and fellow Relax Kids coach Jill McIntyre will be offering group, private and semi-private classes as part of the new Arion Farm Creative Centre at Arion Therapeutic Farm in southeast Kelowna.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.relaxkidsokanagan.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Relax Kids Okanagan
What is your mission?
Our mission is to support children’s mental wellness, self-esteem and resilience by teaching them relaxation and mindfulness strategies to help them cope with stress and anxiety.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To help as many children as possible become calm and confident individuals.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
Continuing to help children become calm and confident individuals.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Marneta Viegas, the woman who developed the first Relax Kids classes in the UK 15 years ago.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Compassion, inclusivity, and positivity.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Thanks for your energy, dedication, and commitment!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Our classes help children within the community by supporting their social and emotional wellness. We also support parents with classes that allow parents to relax and connect with one another while learning simple mindfulness strategies. An informal coffee time follows for those who wish to stay and socialize.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
If I got stuck in an elevator, I hope it would be with wealthy experts in the mental health field. I would talk with them about what short and long term changes need to be made to more adequately support those who struggle with mental health issues in our community. I would also be interested in asking them what the current research says about the most effective ways to support those who struggle with mental health issues, and if they know why there appears to be more people diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, depression, and autism than there was 20 years ago.
If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
The cold and dreary winters! I don’t mind snow but I don’t like it when it’s cold and there is no sunshine.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The fabulous people, the fabulous summer weather, and the stunning beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Christy Bibby – Co-owner of Nighthawk Vineyards
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We launched our business in October 2015 and interest and support for the programs we offer has been steady and continues to grow. Thank you to all the individuals, businesses and organizations who have offered us encouragement and support thus far. We really appreciate it!
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!
