Name:  Colleen Boyce

How long have you been a member of BIST?

2004

What is your volunteer role with BIST?

I am the founding Chair of BIST,  (2004 – 2005) and currently sit on 3 committees – BIAM, volunteers and communication.

What motivated you to become a volunteer with BIST?

I work in the brain injury field and since 1996 (I immigrated to Canada in 1995) I have volunteered within the brain injury community in a number of roles and capacities and strongly believe in giving back to the community I serve.

What is the best part of being a BIST volunteer?

Learning from the members who have sustained a brain injury. As professionals we may know theory but we have no idea what it is like to have sustained a brain injury. Our members are our best teachers.  Working with other professionals who have the same commitment to the BIST cause.

Why do you think it is important to volunteer?

The emotions that accompany volunteering are vast, such as:  accomplishment, giving back, commitment, learning, results, support, and team work, to name a few.

What would you say to potential volunteers?

It is so critical to give back in some capacity, no matter how big or small and all skill sets are needed to help charitable organizations such as BIST.

How do you balance work, life and volunteering?

It can be a challenge at times but the rewards of volunteering are immense and grounds me as a professional in the work I do.  I love my family time, run, play tennis, play bridge, read, study and work full time BUT have adult children and have a lot more free time than when they were younger.  The work / life balance is important and I thrive with all my activities.

What is your favourite book?

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. An incredible read.

What is your favourite movie?

The Kings Speech.

What other activities are of interest to you?

Running, tennis, bridge.

What is the most important thing you have learned through volunteering with BIST?

Learned empathy: learning from our members.