You might recognize Jennifer from our monthly members’ and supporters’ sessions or as the lead instructor for the Douglas College’s End of Life Doula program. Jennifer co-founded the End of Life Doula Association of Canada with Sarah Muxlow in 2017, and is the current President of the Board of Directors. In addition to being an integral part of the EOLDAC, she is an End of Life Doula, Birth Doula, Registered Care Aide, and is currently enrolled in The United Way Public Policy Institute leadership training program for the non-profit sector and is completing her Masters through the Athabasca University. And did we mention she has five kids? We asked Jennifer a few get-to-know-you questions to find out what fuels her passion for end of life care:
- What is your role with the End of Life Doula Association of Canada?
Along with Sarah Muxlow, I am a founding member of the Association and have been the acting President since its establishment. - What drew you to this work?
I have always been interested in caring for people especially around death and dying. I began my journey with my own family and later went to nursing school, followed by a Gerontology degree with a focus on death and dying. In my desire to advocate for sustainable change, I am currently enrolled in a Master’s program focused on social policy. - What strengths do you bring to the table?
My biggest strength I would say is intuition. I am able to meet people where they are at and help them organize and prioritize. My strength of strategic thinking also plays a big role as I am able to see all sorts of possible ways to achieve goals and move planning into action. - What keeps you inspired?
I am inspired by the growing number of people who want change in the way we are dying in North America. I am also motivated by the fact that we have lots of work to do to achieve success. - What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am actually an introvert. I don’t like speaking in public, drawing attention to myself, or confrontation.
In Spring 2020, the board members each completed a Clifton Strengths Assessment with the goal of identifying our team’s individual strengths and areas that we complement each other.
The key to strengths-based teams is to form complementary partnerships. To do so, we each must know our talents and strengths – and which of our specific talents and strengths are needed by the team. Then we position ourselves in such a way as to contribute to the common goal. At last, we can each stop trying to be well-rounded individuals and instead, grow a well-rounded team!
Based on all the contributions Jennifer has made, we are not surprised to find that Jennifer’s five key strengths are as follows:
STRATEGIC – People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
LEARNER – People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
ACHIEVER – People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
RELATOR – People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
INPUT – People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
If you would like to reach out to Jennifer to say hello, you can find her at jennifermallmes@yahoo.ca
Up next, we will profile board member Elaine Macdonald in January 2021.