We’re thrilled to welcome Halina Deptuck to our team! As the new Health and Wellbeing Associate EFAP, Halina supports initiatives that enhance health and wellbeing for UBC faculty and staff.
If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please reach out to her at halina.deptuck@ubc.ca. She would love to know your thoughts on health and wellbeing at UBC.
Learn more about Halina below and join us in welcoming her.
What is your role on campus?
One of my main roles is to work closely with UBC’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). I am here to answer any questions that faculty and staff might have about this program. Feel free to reach out to me about these kinds of inquiries at efap.info@ubc.ca. I will also be coordinating the many health and wellbeing workshops that UBC offers through EFAP.
In addition, I will work alongside the Health Promotions team on UBC initiatives such as Thrive, Not Myself Today and the Reach Out campaign. I am extremely excited to connect with you all!
How did you get involved with health and wellbeing?
I have always been intrigued by the relationship between brain health and mental health and wellbeing. So, after graduating from high school in Calgary, Alberta, I came to UBC to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience.
During my undergraduate degree, I found myself drawn towards groups that worked to improve the visibility of mental health and wellbeing of UBC students. I was very fortunate to engage with numerous student leadership opportunities, such as the Wellness Peer program as a peer supporter and co-leader of the Suicide Awareness team.
Also, for over two years, I was a research assistant with the Vancouver Stroke Program. There, I worked with people affected by stroke and dementia, and coordinated several pilot studies targeted at finding innovative ways to treat and identify these neurological conditions. In this role, I became interested in better understanding the way in which patients maintain their mental health and wellbeing following brain injury or a neurological diagnosis.
How do you thrive at work?
For me, social connection is key for maintaining my wellbeing at work. I love organizing lunch outings, after-work socials and taking the time to learn more about the people I work with.
Getting, and staying, active is another factor that is essential for me to thrive at work. When possible, I try and go outside at lunch (my favourite locations on campus include the Nitobe Gardens and walking down Main Mall in the fall).
I also make sure to practice yoga two or three times a week – this is crucial for me, because it helps to clear my mind and focus on me. In the summer, you can find me at the beach playing volleyball or in Tofino surfing. Exercise makes me feel refreshed and empowered to tackle the rest of the work week.
Welcome to the team, Halina!
Editorial: Monique Rodrigues
Photo credit: Claudia Cinotti Ballarte
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- HR
- Healthy UBC