The Heart of STEPS

Journey with us through the evolution of STEPS, where every step is a commitment to excellence in healthcare.Meet the dedicated team, understand our mission, and see how we're making a difference in our community every day. We’re a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals that loves to create great experiences for our patients.

About STEPS

Your partners in health and wellness

The Supporting Team Excellence with Patients (STEP) Society is a non-profit society that has been providing interdisciplinary, team-based primary health care in the Thompson Region since 2017.

The team has been leading innovation in the delivery of patient-focused primary healthcare by increasing access to family physicians and nurse practitioners, addressing the social determinants of health to improve health outcomes, enhancing partnerships with local Indigenous communities and advancing medical expertise in the region.

By integrating innovative practices with a deep understanding of patient needs, we strive to offer a healthcare experience that sets new standards in service, excellence and compassion.

STEPS respectfully acknowledges the land located in the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc territory that is situated in the southern interior of British Columbia within the unceded lands of the Secwepemc Nation.

Male doctor with mom and child.

Our Clinics

Serving the Thompson Region since 2017

STEPS and our community partners currently provide healthcare services for close to 15,000 people in the Thompson Region. We currently operate three clinic locations and are looking forward to expanding in the future.

In addition, the team provides medical services in partnership with the Q'wemtsín Health Society which provides alternative health services to three Secwépemc communities; Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Skeetchestn and WhisperingPines/Clinton Indian Band. We also provide community and urgent care for visitors to Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality.

Find Our Clinics

Family physicians and nurse practitioners

Dr. Alice Huang
Dr. Benjamin Ip
Dr. Catherine Nowierski
Dr. Chip Bantock
Dr. Dina Salama
Dr. Erica Reed
Dr. Jahangir Alam
Dr. Jolene Hall
Dr. Justyne Morrow
Dr. Katie Jee
Dr. Kristen Van Esch
Dr. Leia Hoffman
Dr. Marc Viger
Dr. Mariya Wege
Dr. Mike Bregoliss
Dr. Miram Mann
Dr. Paul Mackey
Dr. Ruth Brighouse
Dr. Selena Lawrie
Dr. Signy Frank
Dr. Tracey Smillie
Dr. Zoe Glover

Licensed and registered professionals

Alexandra Hinz
Diabetic Educator (IHA)
Brenda Melenchenko
Registered Nurse
Cynthia Weiss
Registered Nurse
Debra Jordan
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Jacqueline Turvey
Respiratory Therapist (IHA)
Katie McPherson
Registered Nurse
Keira Macfarlane
Dietician (IHA)
Leigh Purvis
Registered Nurse
Megan Pierobon
Registered Nurse
Melody Steffensen
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Taylor Hartle
Registered Social Worker
Tess Bantock
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Administrative team and medical office assistants

Carol Shipowick
MOA
Christine Matuschewski
CEO
Courtney Woodruff
MOA Lead
Danielle Pilbeam
Director of Operations
Holly Abar
Clinic Manager
Jenessa Carey
MOA
Jennifer Sperling
MOA
Jessica Arneson
Billing Coordinator
Kaila McGann
Clinic Manager
Leah Rempel
MOA
Lee-Gaye Hicketts
MOA
Leigh Kolodka
MOA
Madison Pilbeam
MOA
Melissa Folk
MOA
Monique Turner
Clinic Manager
Pam Schneider
MOA Lead
Shelby Penttila
MOA
Sophie Mueller
MOA
Theresa Busch
MOA
Vickie Brandon
MOA Lead

Board of Directors

Dan Carroll
Fiona Chan
Leslie Lax
Deb Donald
Kevin Sewell
Heidi Colman
Colin O'Leary

Our story

Founded with a vision to revolutionize patient care, STEPS has grown from its humble beginnings into a pillar of healthcare in Kamloops. Our journey is marked by a commitment to innovation, community involvement, and a relentless pursuit of better health outcomes.

FOUNDING

Humble beginnings

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founding team photo

THE PROBLEM

Healthcare that treats people instead of ailments (re-jig to address problem)

Welcome to STEPS, where our commitment to exceptional healthcare in is as steadfast as the communities we serve. At STEPS, we understand that healthcare is more than just treatment; it’s about providing a supportive and caring environment where every patient’s well-being is our top priority.

photo of problem like a long line outside of an er

OUR SOLUTION

We solved it like this

Welcome to STEPS, where our commitment to exceptional healthcare in is as steadfast as the communities we serve. At STEPS, we understand that healthcare is more than just treatment; it’s about providing a supportive and caring environment where every patient’s well-being is our top priority.

photo of happy people or something

News & Events

Our News and Updates page is your go-to source for all the latest developments and events at STEPS. Whether it's a new healthcare initiative, community outreach program, or advancements in patient care, you'll find all the exciting news right here.

Learn More

Donate

Help support community healthcare in the Thompson Region.
Donate Now

Work With Us

Join our team of dedicated healthcare professionals.
Find Out More

STEPS through the years

A Journey of Care and Compassion.

2017

• STEPS is incorporated!

2018

• The first STEPS clinic is launched

• LGBTQ2S+ patients welcomed with care provided by specialist RN, Cynthia Walshbarr

2019

• STEPS joins BC Association of Community Health Centres (BCACHC) and learned so much from other CHCs

• Interior Health helps STEPS by sharing respiratory therapist, dietician, and diabetic nurse educator resources.

2020

• COVID hits

• Orchards Walk Medical Clinic welcomes the TRFO team to allow pregnant moms and newborns a safe place to attend their appointments.

• STEPS recruits mental health team

2021

• STEPS operationalizes a new clinic downtown Kamloops called Trucare Health Centre

• STEPS launches Women’s and Sexual Health services with Dr. Justyne Morrow

• STEPS launches Urgent Care services under Dr. Benjamin Ip

2022

• STEPS reaches patient count of 20,000 individuals

• LGBTQ2S+ patients welcomed with care provided by specialist RN, Cynthia Walshbarr

2023

• STEPS announces partnership with Q’wemtsin Health Society (QHS) Dr. Selena Lawrie delivering primary care medical services. The partnership generates significant shared learning.

• Dr. Selena Lawrie and Dr. Justyne Morrow start visiting the (List Nation names) First Nation communities to provide women’s health services.

• STEPS acquires the Sun Peaks Health Centre and launches Urgent Care Services during bike and ski season.