Bonny Wynnobel still remembers the first time she
walked into the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. She
was a local high school student on a class fleld
trip. During this outing she realized she wanted to
work towards a career in mental health. Bonny
entered the School of Psychiatric Nursing
graduating as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in
1979. For 38 years Bonny has been at SMHC
and became the Acting Director of Operations
before retirement.
Recently, Bonny wass named one of the 150 leading Canadians in
Mental Health by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in October
2017.
Over her span of 38 years at SMHC, Bonny has helped to shape her
work place. After noticing a gap in training and professional
development, she became the Education Coordinator for the Centre and
helped to integrate concepts around recovery and psychosocial
rehabilitation. Later she took on the role of re-development Coordinator
and lead to numerous projects including the inputinto the construction of
the Tyndall Building.
Bonny says that one of the greatest changes she has seen over the
years is an orientation towards recovery. This concept is helping people
to have hope and the belief that life can continue.
In 2017, SMHC received exemplary status, the highest level of
accreditation for a mental health centre. Bonny is always seeking ways
to improve services.
In March 2018, Bonny retired but will continue volunteering in mental
health at local levels.