Staff Highlight: Luke McIntosh

Name: Luke McIntosh

Job Title: Program Director, Community Living Services (Central & South Okanagan)

Program: PSI & LIFE Programs

Length of time within the organization: 9 years & 10 months

What is one of the most rewarding aspects of your employment at arc?
Having the opportunity to see the difference that our supports make when they are implemented in our community. Being able to see the positive changes we make in other lives is very rewarding! In the Community Living programs we support clients over a long period of time, so we can support them with achieving numerous goals that make a positive long–term impact on their lives.

How have you grown or developed personally or professionally during your time with arc?

How do you observe your role contributing to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope?

I see my role contributing to this in several ways. In the programs I supervise we are supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families so that they can thrive and achieve their goals. This is also done by making connections in the community so that the populations we serve have more access to programs and services that help with everything from social inclusion to financial independence. We provide supports for navigating employment successfully and offer a safe space to meet and build new friendships while having the opportunity to participate in numerous activities and outings across the Okanagan.

Can you share one of your biggest joys working in collaboration with other staff, community partners, or clients to achieve a goal?

Something I’m very proud to have been part of at arc is the continued growth and development of our adult services. Our team has worked very hard to provide several different types of support for our adult clients in the PSI and LIFE programs. I was lucky enough to be part of the team that started our LIFE services at arc. Seeing it grow and succeed has been a very rewarding experience over the last year. I have also thoroughly
enjoyed working with our amazing program staff and supporting them in building our PSI social groups in the Okanagan. The social groups provide a place for new friendships to blossom for our clients and an opportunity to try exciting activities and outings in the
community.

How has arc’s two–eyed seeing approach and commitment to decolonization contributed to your perspective and approach towards transformative reconciliation?

I have found that this approach has changed my perspective a lot. I have appreciated the education I’ve been provided on the subject so that I can promote mutual respect and understanding in my practice. Two–eyed seeing challenges colonial structures and fosters healing. It supports reconciliation by encouraging collaboration so we can learn from one another and allow for more inclusive communities. My perspective and work in this field have benefited greatly from using this approach.

What inspires you to continue working in the social services sector?

Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies that contribute to your overall well–being?

Outside of work you can find me playing sports, musical instruments or travelling any chance I get. I love spending time outdoors and I try to take advantage of all the seasonal activities the Okanagan has to offer. I’m also a new dad so I am enjoying this new phase of
life and the amazing experiences that come with raising a kid.

Is there anyone you would you like to recognize or give a shoutout to for their support, mentorship, or teamwork? Why?

I have so many people to thank for their mentorship, guidance or support during my time at arc. I need to shout out my amazing team in the PSI and LIFE programs because you all make working in these programs a wonderful experience. I want to thank Candice Henriques for her mentorship and guidance over the years and taking a chance on me as a young undergraduate student, through my roles as a support
worker, behavior consultant, coordinator and program director. Her clinical supervision and training have been invaluable to me in my career.

I’d also like to thank George Curran for his steadfast support and leadership. Throughout my time at the agency, he has always
been someone I can count on for support. I want to recognize my wonderful colleagues on the management team and all the hard
work you put into your roles. I’ve especially appreciated the support and teamwork from Andrea Shuttleworth during our time as program directors. 

Lastly, I’d like to shout out Brandon Williams. Brandon has been my partner in supervising PSI and LIFE over the last two years and I cannot overstate how important his hard work and unwavering support has been for me. Brandon is a selfless professional who always
gives 100% to supporting his staff, colleagues, clients and community. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity work with him.