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?
Hilary Pada
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Kelowna. I lived in Vancouver for 10 years, but other than travelling, Kelowna has been my home.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
There is no one single person, but I have many that come to mind. I love to be in the company of friends and or family for exercise, time outdoors, as well as music and creative interests.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I’d spend time hiking for at least a week in some high mountain area – the Rockies or the Alps would be my first choices because I love the quiet and beauty of the mountains and alpine areas, and long hikes with backcountry camping.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
L & D Meats in Guishagan Village. They have great local sources of high quality foods, and some cool specialty products. They also have yummy homemade pre-prepared food. They have great staff and service, and it feels like that small town community to me. There are lots of others, but what also stands out is our local SHARE society store. I take all my donations that they accept there, and they run a great store. It is tidy and well-organized. They hire people with disabilities who do a great job, and many whom have been there for many years. There can be amazing finds, and there is nothing like buying second hand to decrease our consumer impact.
What is your favourite activity?
This totally depends on the season, and even then – there are so many! Skiing, biking, swimming, paddling, reading, singing and making music, yoga…
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Tacos.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Road riding with my husband out near White Lake Observatory south west of Kaleden.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was the lone bridesmaid for one of my best friend’s weddings at a hall on Pender Island. Unfortunately, the head table was made up of a few smaller tables that were slightly different heights, but had tablecloths pulled tightly over the top surface so you couldn’t tell. When we were being introduced as the head table, and I went to put my wine glass down, the bottom of the glass was half and half on two heights of tables disguised by the tablecloth. It fell over, spilled red wine all over, and narrowly missed the bride and her dress! Things had to pause while the table was cleaned up, and it made it look like I had too much already – but I didn’t want to make a point of the problem – yep, it was embarrassing.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Meeting and studying under the mentorship of dentists Dr. John Kois, and Dr. Norm Ickert. They are true gifts to our dental profession, as well as to anyone that knows them. I have grown personally and professionally more from time with them than any influence I can think of.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Only one? I have so many!! My mom has a beautiful voice, and would sing me to sleep. I sing the same songs to my daughters at bedtime.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Right now, most of my volunteering involves my children’s activities – helping with music at Casorso Elementary, volunteering to help with ski events and coaching with Ogopogo Tri club. In dentistry, I volunteer with the Certified Dental Assistant Program at Okanagan College which is a fun way to be reminded of what it is like to be starting out fresh in our profession. There is so much to learn and then apply it to working on people! I also mentor at the Kois Center in Seattle, a learning center for post-graduate dental courses.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For humans to stop destroying the Earth.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Seriously it is hard to pick just one!! Walking trails in Kalamoir Regional Park has got to be my top pick for the non-snowy months of the year.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My home!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Respect for cyclists, and improved cycle lanes off road that are safe for all ages. I know this is happening and I understand it takes time – but I can hardly wait!! Also, one place to look for information on events happening and know that you can trust that all events will be there!
If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Happiness with good health and friends and family to share it with
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a bit of a sweet tooth -I love wine gums and dark chocolate!! Of course I’m careful to rinse with water after eating these treats!!
What is the name of your business/organization?
I am an associate at Landmark Dental Centre
What does your business do?
We provide excellence in dental care for patients – guided by the principle of being sure it is a standard that we would accept in our own mouths.
How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook: Landmark Dental
Where can people find your business online?
Landmark Dental
Why did you get into/start this business?
I loved working with my hands and doing fine detailed work, I also love being with people, and I love serving people. Dentistry provides a beautiful mix of detail, art, science and serving people.
What is the goal of your business?
To have people feel they are well served, and that they know there are often many options for their dental needs. We hope that they understand our goal is for dental health above all, and to help them gain the knowledge they need to make treatment decisions. Also to take care of our staff and each other so we can have long healthy careers together.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
While being efficient, with attention to detail, and having high expectations – still having fun and not being too intense to work with, or hard on myself at the same time. I think I am only just starting to master this.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have found more female mentors in dentistry and asked their opinion of what they advised for a new mother in the profession.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
This community has so many wonderful services and products in stores that also offer great service. It helps to support local work forces, and to help have our local economy thrive. It also builds community. Also decreasing transportation of food and items matters to me.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The entire office team at Landmark Dental. It takes a lot of strength to endure a lot of change, and we have made some really major changes in the past eight months!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Lisa McIntosh of Urban Harvest or Monica Walker of Okangan Grocery.
Other information you would like to share:
April is Dental Health Month! Thank you for asking me to feature a bit about dentistry in April!
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!
