After working for the Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre for the past nine years, Tamara Aspell was very honoured and pleased to take over the executive director’s position after the recent departure of Roxie Van Aller. For the last seven years Aspell has co-ordinated the Stop the Violence program and she is currently working towards her Bachelor of Child Youth Care from the University of Victoria. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Tamara Aspell agrees that she has some “big boots” to fill at Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre.
The nine-year veteran of the agency has been appointed the new executive director, a job vacated by Roxie Van Aller, who recently resigned her position after more than a decade and is now working in her new administrative position at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
“She is an amazing leader and visionary for Desert Sun,” Aspell said of Van Aller, noting that staff are definitely feeling her absence.
Aspell said Van Aller was responsible for growing Desert Sun, which now has 11 programs, including men’s counselling services and Safe Home for women and children trying to escape abusive situations.
“She (Van Aller) is a master chess player because she was always thinking ahead,” she said.
Aspell said Van Aller encouraged her to apply for the director’s position.
“She said, ‘it’s the next step for you.’”
Aspell found herself gathering up references in a hurry and was able to snag one on short notice from former Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells.
The executive director plans to continue Desert Sun’s vision, but in a more administrative role.
She will give up her women’s counselling portfolio, but still oversee the Safe Home program.
“I’ve got a lot to learn,” she acknowledged.
But in the same breath, she commended Desert Sun staff for having so much passion for what they do.
“They are all leaders in their own capacity.”
Aspell started at Desert Sun nine years ago as a part-time Safe Home worker. From there she moved on to become a program co-ordinator of the methamphetamine prevention program in Oliver and Osoyoos.
For the last seven years she has co-ordinated the Stop the Violence program.
She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Child Youth Care from the University of Victoria.
Aspell is really excited to facilitate an awareness program for Grade 8 students at Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
Based on Van Aller’s master thesis, the program touches on culture, media and healthy relationships.
“Students are starting to recognize the influence media has on them,” Aspell said, noting young people face constant challenges and demands in today’s society.
For example, girls are very conscious about body image, and violence/cyber bullying is a recurring problem among teens.
“The home needs to be a safe place to land for kids,” Aspell said, adding many parents don’t realize how much their attitude and behaviour rub off on their children.
Aspell said Desert Sun has grown to include many strong programs that contribute to a healthy, educated community.
“We serve men, women and children, working towards a violence free, safe place to grow up, live and raise a family.”
But she sadly admitted that violence isn’t going away anytime soon.
That’s why Desert Sun’s work is so crucial.
To help support these programs, the group is once again organizing its annual popular fundraiser called “A Grand Night” on January 24 at Watermark Resort in Osoyoos, starting at 6 pm.
The theme for this year’s event will be “Diamonds Are Forever.”
Make sure to order your martini shaken, not stirred.
This is the organization’s most popular and important annual fundraising event and tickets usually sell very quickly and hopefully that will be the case once again this year, said Aspell.
Raffle tickets are sold throughout the evening and one lucky person will be the grand prize winner of $1,000.
Tickets for this fundraiser are available online at www.desertsuncounselling.ca or by calling 250-498-2538.
People interested in volunteering for any of the programs offered by Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre are asked to contact management at the same phone number.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
