Olivia Parker has been working in the hospice since the front doors were still made of plywood, in late 2019 as the Administrative Assistant. As the Office Coordinator & Executive Assistant, Olivia provides administrative support in all areas of the hospice, from the kitchen to the care team. Olivia is the first point of contact when calling, mailing, and emailing the hospice, and she is often the first face people see when they come in. Olivia is primarily responsible for donation management and tax receipting, human resources, inventory management, minute-taking, direct fundraising support, and social media management.
Olivia was born and raised in North Bay, having attended French elementary and high schools. Olivia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences (BHSc) with a Specialization in Health Studies from the University of Western Ontario, primarily focused Health Promotion and French translation. After her degree, Olivia returned home to North Bay to obtain a postgraduate Certificate in Health Care Administration from Canadore College and complete additional coursework in Sociology at Nipissing University. Olivia has previously worked within the Senior Transportation program for the Red Cross and in shipping and receiving/inventory management.
Throughout the capital campaign and construction process of the brand-new Nipissing Serenity Hospice, Olivia kept seeing hospice and palliative care as an intriguing field worth learning more about. As a part of the original hire group for the hospice before opening, Olivia has had so many unique experiences with the organization, including starting operations, successful fundraising events, resident parties, celebrations of life, COVID lockdowns, and so much more. Olivia continues to be a huge advocate for access to palliative care and grief and bereavement services in our area. “What I enjoy most about working at the hospice is the special attention and care given to not only the residents, but also their loved ones. Despite not personally providing direct care to our residents, I am able to provide support to their loved ones, whether it be brewing a fresh pot of coffee or actively listening to them when they need it most.”
Olivia is very involved in the local West Ferris Ringette Association, having been involved for over 25 years. She is currently involved as a player, Sponsorship Director, Social Media Manager, referee, coach, and trainer for minor officials. When not at the arena, Olivia enjoys spending her time at the cottage with family.