Staff Highlight: Lis Hoole
Caroline PinheiroWe’re excited to continue our Staff Highlight Campaign, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who contribute to the purpose and values of arc programs. This month, we are proud to feature Lis Hoole, a Youth Justice Counsellor with our ISSP and KWRAP programs in the West Kootenays, who has been part of the arc programs family for an inspiring 19 years.
Lis’ longstanding journey with the agency began at arc House and Webber in Kelowna and has since grown into a life and career rooted in the Kootenays, where she has supported countless youth and families. Known for her care and grounded presence, Lis brings a unique blend of integrity and dedication to everything she does. Her work is not only a reflection of her passion for youth justice, but also of her belief in meeting people exactly where they are.
As a founding presence in the Kootenays arc team, Lis has helped shape a culture of connection, belonging, and responsive support. Her commitment to collaboration, learning, and reconciliation continues to ripple outward, impacting clients, colleagues, and communities alike.
To get to know Lis better, we asked her a few questions about her journey and vision at arc programs:
Questionnaire:
Name: Lis Hoole
Job Title: Youth Justice Counsellor
Program: ISSP, KWRAP in the Kootenays
Length of time within the organization: 19 years!
What is one of the most rewarding aspects of your employment at arc? Having youth and families allow me to support them along their journey. There is never a dull moment.
How have you grown or developed personally or professionally during your time with arc? 19 years ago, I began working at Webber and arc House in Kelowna. I did this for three years. During that time, I got married then transferred to the Kootenays and started in two different programs. My husband and I built a family and a business in Castlegar. I believe we are close to our seventeen-year mark here in the Koots! My biggest growth and development come from building a family and being a mom and wife, and this growth allows me to be the best advocate and counsellor for my client and their families.
How do you observe your role contributing to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope? My role is diverse as are the youth and families I work with. Plain and simple – I meet my youth and families where they are, and therefore, free of systemic barriers. Part of my role is to accept teachings and stories from my clients on what being free of systemic barriers looks like in their worlds. My passion is to provide hope, belonging, equity and peace to each family, service provider, and community member I live and work amongst.
Can you share one of your biggest joys working in collaboration with other staff, community partners, or clients to achieve a goal? I love my job, and the clients fill my bucket. The beautiful co-workers I have been privileged to meet along the way have enhanced my life. I came to the Kootenays shortly after arc bought a small youth services/counselling company in Nelson. I believe that I helped enhance arc’s vision and values to the very small Koot arc Team, which now sits at seventeen people. Providing years of relationship building, collaboration, connections, dedication, safe goodbyes, and deeper value have contributed to one of my biggest professional joys.
How arc’s Metaptmumk – ‘all-around seeing’ approach and commitment to decolonization contributed your perspective and approach towards transformative reconciliation? To listen. To ask questions. To challenge myself. To speak up and stand up. To keep learning with openness and accept feedback and challenging thoughts. To allow space and time for growth and change towards reconciliation. To adapt and respect. Culture, heritage and language have great meaning. When you are vulnerable, it is inspiring.
What inspires you to continue working in the social services sector? The youth and families I get to work with.
Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies that contribute to your overall well-being? So many… going to concerts, camping, swimming, biking, skiing, hiking, teaching my cats to shake a paw (yes, they can!), coaching my kids basketball team, travelling, cooking, paddle boarding and beaching with my fam jam!
Is there anyone you would you like to recognize or give a shoutout to for their support, mentorship, or teamwork? Why? My husband is my rock. He truly inspires me to be my preferred self, thank you. Also, there is something to be said about my working relationship with Jen Mair. After 17 years of working side by side and creating the Koot Team, we continue to evolve and seek unwavering support from one another, thank you.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with arc or your work here? My dad always told me “Discover your passion and find a way to get paid for it, if you do this, you will live a happy and fulfilling life” – I took his advice. I am grateful for my job and the people I work with. Thank you for enriching my life.
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