I’ll be forever grateful for all the help I received from WorkBC - Tanya

Tanya is 40 years old, came to Canada from South East Asia at the age of 16 with her family, and now lives independently in Surrey. She reported being a top student in her elementary and high school years but described some mental health issues related to stress during this time. While attending post-secondary school, Tanya began experiencing more intense mental health issues. Notable symptoms included depressed feelings, low motivation, and lack of sleep, high energy, rapid speech, and a loss of balance. Tanya reported several hospital visits between 2000 – 2006 and was diagnosed with both Schizoaffective Disorder and Bipolar I Disorder.  

 

After her diagnosis, she attended the Mental Health Worker Certificate Program at Douglas College and graduated in 2008, found employment as Residential Care Aide, where she worked for a year. Unable to handle the pain and suffering, emotional loss of life, she found this role very stressful and overwhelming and left to work part time Customer Service roles in Retail and Financial Services. During these 10 years Tanya experienced several mental health breakdowns resulting in hospitalization and treatment. In 2020, Tanya was referred to WorkBC Centre Whalley for Vocational Counselling and supports.  

 

Through 1:1 Career Planning, Group Workshops, Labour Market Research, Tanya was able to narrow down her interests, passions and employment feasibility to acquiring the necessary skills to become a certified Esthetician. She has always been very keen and interested to research beauty trends, products while learning and gaining knowledge through her research. She also began practicing and applying her knowledge of facials on her friends and family. Tanya also completed in depth occupational interviews speaking with employers and employees to ensure she was able to align her interests and passions to the job tasks and duties. 

 

Tanya was approved for Occupational Skills Training to complete the Global Esthetics Diploma Program at Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver. She successfully completed this training in October 2022 and is now skilled and qualified to provide top quality treatments and massages including hair removal, microdermabrasion, facials, eye brow and lash tinting, make up and nail care.   

 

In January 2023, Tanya found part time employment as Esthetician and since mid-February is working full time at a reputable Spa in Vancouver.