The Alberni Valley Hospice Society on Wednesday bid adieu to longtime executive director Lynn Turner and also welcomed her replacement, Erin Girling.
Girling will assume the dual position of executive director of the society and house manager of Ty Watson House hospice.
“I’m really excited to be part of such a fantastic organization,” Girling said in a press release.
“Lynn and the staff, alongside the board and the incredible team of dedicated volunteers, have done such an amazing job over the years to make the society what it is today. I’m looking forward to working with everyone to build on the great work that has already been done.”
After graduating with a BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, Girling worked as a disability manager and vocational counsellor for six years in the United States.
Her personal connection to hospice spans many years; she saw the comfort that hospice provided to her family members, and it made a lasting impression on her.
“Hospice, to me, is about celebrating life and living,” she said.
Having been born in Nanaimo and then raised on Gabriola Island and in Victoria, Girling decided to move back to Vancouver Island with her daughter and British husband, Richard, in 2009. Since moving to Port Alberni, the family has grown by one with the addition of Solomon, who recently celebrated his first birthday.
Girling is spending two weeks shadowing Turner. “It’s a daunting task to try and absorb all of Lynn’s wisdom in just two weeks, but I am very grateful for this chance to learn about all the great things that have been achieved,” Girling said.
“I’m also so pleased to be working with such a friendly and welcoming team. They have so much knowledge and experience and I am relishing the chance to work alongside them.”