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?
Dr. Shaunna Menard.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB. We have lived in Kelowna for four years, but travelled here almost yearly for the previous 30 years. Kelowna is my favourite place on the planet and it is a dream come true to live here.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, Gerald. We have been married for almost 24 years and together 29 years. He is very easy-going and he knows me better than anyone, and still loves me!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Winnipeg, my parents are my other favourite people. I am missing them and definitely due for a trip back. I was there at Christmas, but usually travel there several times a year. My mom and I are overdue for some fun times!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakehouse Home Store. I love decorating and cooking and they have some really great finds!
What is your favourite activity?
Hiking in the mountains and creating and 'doctoring up' delicious, superfood meals.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I make healthy versions of all three, so as long as it is healthy. Probably fish tacos if I had to pick one.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Hmm, probably walking into a stop sign in a parking lot two weeks before my wedding, could have been my moment, but I don't think anyone saw me. Phew! I just wanted to make sure my nose was ok for the wedding. It was.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Speaking in New York to thousands literally 'on Broadway'. I have spoken many times, but this time was different. I felt very connected and appreciated by the health coach audience and my words were from the heart and inspired from beyond me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
There are many, but my favourite recurring memory was our family summer vacations from Winnipeg to Kelowna to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins. I remember looking out their big beautiful windows at that amazing view of the lake and at night across the lake at the twinkling city lights. I knew that some day I would call Kelowna home too. I remember later on in young adulthood, sitting in the early morning on their dock at their lake house which gave rise to my #1 on my bucket list to some day live along the lake. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered at my boys' schools: Anne McClymont Elementary and Okanagan Mission. I also do several hours of over the phone health coaching every week to assist people to reach their goals. Almost all of this is volunteer for people who have booked through my website. It is one of the ways I can best use my talents to serve.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To let people know they are perfect just the way they are and that within them, true wellness abounds. To teach people that the body is the miracle that can heal itself, if we give it half a chance, and to show people how to give it half a chance. For people to realize that they have more power within themselves to affect their health through their choices than they realize and that they do have a choice and their choices do matter. The secret to successful transformation is to love yourself through it rather than beat yourself up over it. To love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle is key. In short – Be Good For You!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking in the mountains with my husband, Gerald, and our dogs. I also love driving along the lake and drinking wine.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Kuiper's Peak. It is an easy hike from my home and there is an amazing view of Lake Okanagan.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Hard to improve on perfection.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is a four season playground and it is so easy to be active and healthy. I love the weather! I love the vineyards, orchards, winding roads, the lake, the mountains, the small but elegant community feel with an international airport. It is beautiful!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Own lakefront property/ acreage on Lake Okanagan
2) Take my mom on a trip to Hawaii
3) To positively impact world health on a global scale. Feed a small country and eradicate cancer. If we can feed one person, together we should be able to feed all. If we can prevent cancer in one person, we should be able to prevent it in all.
4) My goal is to live to 150. They say the person who will has already been born. Might as well be me! But I want to do it with amazing health. I am 50 now and it is great to still be in my youth!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Despite my public speaking, I am actually an introvert and a 'situational extrovert' when the situation requires. Most people assume I am an extrovert as I am often in 'situations', but my preference is alone hiking, reading or gazing out at the lake.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook primarily, but I do interact through all of the main social media accounts.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Meal Cure.
Why did you get into/start this business?
As an MD, coach and superfoods author, health is my mission. Years ago, as a busy mom figuring out 'What's for dinner?' threatened to derail me, and I knew better, and I wasn't alone. But the answer is critical to our health and how I now help others.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide a quick and easy, healthy cure for the dreaded 'What's for dinner?' question. I create five easy, yummy superfood recipes weekly with a detailed grocery list and superfood videos that allow people to save time, money, stress and, most of all, their health!
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Believing in myself (in moments when I was the only one who did) and staying true to my core mission and path to truly help people be healthy, especially when my path became a 'road less travelled'.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same. Although, I may have transitioned to next phases faster, but being a doctor, a coach and superfood author, and the organization required as a mom of four, has all prepared me for this awesome life and Meal Cure business now.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Be good for you!' This is my motto and how I end every YouTube video and email. If people take care of themselves, they are better able to care of each other (and need less taking care of).
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Oprah. I am impressed with what she has been able to accomplish, the impact she has had and how despite humble beginnings, she has overcome hardship to live into her potential.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
From a nutrition perspective, it is healthier and we have an abundance of local fresh fruits, vegetables and wines, etc. but also, it supports the local economy and creates great strong relationships and community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Not sure if it is an 'accomplishment', but to be a mom to my four boys that I had all in 5 3/4 years! The fact I survived that is no small feat! But they are now three awesome teenagers and a 20-year-old and I am so proud of them. They are great guys!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Ryan Menard, my oldest son, for taking all of the great photos of our meals for Meal Cure.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Brad Borthistle of Kelowna Life Real Estate Group
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I have been a medical doctor for over 25 years. I'm a former Assistant Professor of Medicine and former Chair of Public Health for Doctors Manitoba. I'm a superfoods author and certified holistic health coach and I'm passionate about helping others live their longest, healthiest, happiest lives. I have spoken internationally and been featured on Breakfast Television. My favourite way to serve is to combine my knowledge of the human body, superfoods, nutrition, cooking and organization into my online superfood meal planning service, Meal Cure, to take the stress and chaos out of 'What's for dinner?' and put the fun, joy, ease and health back in.
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.
