Gwynneth Powell Sobejko
North Vancouver,BC
Summary
Accomplished across an expansive scope of compassion-based care fields, this dynamic team contributor embraces professional challenges and enhances clients' quality of life through tailored support, programming and innovative initiatives. A skilled communicator, committed to collaborative, client-centered care that supports emotional well-being, connection and resilience across diverse populations.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
General and Therapeutic Yoga Teacher
Thrivewell Yoga/ YMCA/ Senior Centre/ Om Prem Yoga
North And West Vancouver/ Burnaby/ Victoria, BC
06.1999 - Current
- Provide inclusive and adaptive yoga instruction to individuals of all ages and abilities, using a trauma-informed, consent-based approach that supports mental and physical well-being.
- Use props to safely support mobility, flexibility, and strength based on each individual’s physical capacity and personal goals.
- Create a respectful and supportive environment for beginners, experienced participants, and those recovering from injury, illness, or life challenges.
- Help clients rebuild physical confidence and body awareness after time away from movement.
- Teach progressive, structured movement to improve stability and function.
- Communicate clearly with step-by-step demonstrations and optional hands-on support.
- Support self-regulation and stress reduction through breathwork, gentle movement, and restorative techniques.
End-of-Life Doula/ Palliative Care/ Family Support
Thrivewell Being / Drake Medox Healthcare
North And West Vancouver/ Victoria, BC
07.1994 - 02.2024
- Delivered compassionate, attentive end of life care to enhance client and family well-being
- Created recreational activities to enrich quality of life during final months or years of life.
- Anticipated and addressed physical, emotional, and mental health needs, coordinating support during medical events.
- Scheduled and provided transportation to appointments and outings, ensuring comfort, timeliness, and enjoyment.
- Acted as liaison between client, family, and healthcare providers, advocating for optimal care.
- Supported families in directing compassionate end-of-life care, enabling a peaceful passing.
- Offered continuous palliative support in final weeks, days, and moments of life, fostering emotional connection for client and their spouses and children before, during and after death.
- Assisted with funeral planning, setup, and hosting to ensure meaningful closure and family comfort.
- Served as Funeral Celebrant, writing and delivering a personalized eulogy integrating stories from children and grandchildren.
- Provided ongoing emotional support to families through the first year after death.
Team Lead and Care Support Worker
Montreux Residential Facility for Eating Disorders
Victoria, B.C.
03.1994 - 06.2000
- Delivered consistent one-on-one support to clients over extended periods, fostering trust, emotional stability, and life skill development.
- Monitored and documented physical, emotional, and nutritional health, contributing to personalized care and recovery plans.
- Participated in interdisciplinary care teams, providing observations to guide client-centered approaches.
- Administered medication safely and supported daily routines, reinforcing structure and well-being.
- Engaged clients in meaningful conversation, social interaction, and activities to reduce isolation and support mental health.
- Identified and reported changes in client behavior or mood, ensuring timely interventions.
- Supported clients in meal planning, preparation, and healthy eating habits as part of holistic care.
- Maintained accurate, confidential records to support continuity of care and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
- Provided transportation to appointments and activities, promoting community engagement and continuity of care.
Interim Site Manager
Elder Spa Residential Rehabilitation
Hawi, Hawaii
07.1996 - 11.1996
- Achieved facility goals by executing strategic rehabilitation procedures for residents recovering from stroke or heart attack.
- Co-led a community exercise test project yielding exceptional mobility improvements in the town’s senior population.
- Maintained strong customer and team relationships by proactively addressing concerns and implementing effective solutions.
- Identified key operational needs in kitchen, physiotherapy, and recreation departments; collaborated with owner to strategize and implement impactful improvements.
- Recognized systemic gaps and introduced healthier daily schedules for residents, resulting in enhanced physical and emotional outcomes and surpassing client expectations.
Support Worker for People With Disabilities
Oshawa & District Assoc. for Community Living
Oshawa, Ontario
03.1988 - 06.1989
- Taught introductory sign language to non-verbal clients which afforded them increasing independence.
- Provided compassionate care to clients with physical and intellectual disabilities, enhancing their quality of life.
- Maintained detailed daily logs documenting care actions, behaviors, and incidents.
- Offered physical support including lifting, repositioning, feeding, and mobility assistance.
- Applied behavior management techniques when de-escalation was unsuccessful, ensuring safety for clients and staff.
- Administered medications under the supervision of healthcare professionals, ensuring adherence to treatment plans.
- Promoted social integration by coordinating community outings and supporting clients with communication in public settings.
Education
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Food Safe; CPR - Motorized Wheel Chairs; Lifts, ALS & HIV
First Aid, Universal Precautions
Victoria, BCFoundations of Yoga Therapy 300hr-Adaptive Theory - Restorative, Yin, Chair, Breathwork, Nidra, Health
Whole Body Paradigm
Vancouver, BC01-2025
E-RYT 500 - 3000 Hours Teaching
Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher
International01-2024
Maintained Iyengar Yoga Certification 2004-2024 - Inversions, Backbends, Wall Ropes, Restorative
Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada
Canada01-2004
Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training- 3 Years - Dynamic Yoga; Props; Specific Needs; Theory
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
Victoria, BC01-2003
Precision Metal Fabrication - Apprenticeship Foundations
Durham College of Applied Arts And Technology
Oshawa, ON01-1990
Grow, Harvest, Market Industry of 12 Kitchen Herbs - Crop Rotation, Seasonal Timing, Packing, Driving
Borean Culinary Herb Production And Farm Education
Gormley, ONSkills
- Compassionate Support
- Cultural Awareness
- Community & personal relationship building
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Documentation and reporting
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliable team player & collaboration
- Multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Adaptive, trauma-informed movement & pain management
Timeline
General and Therapeutic Yoga Teacher
Thrivewell Yoga/ YMCA/ Senior Centre/ Om Prem Yoga
06.1999 - Current
Interim Site Manager
Elder Spa Residential Rehabilitation
07.1996 - 11.1996
End-of-Life Doula/ Palliative Care/ Family Support
Thrivewell Being / Drake Medox Healthcare
07.1994 - 02.2024
Team Lead and Care Support Worker
Montreux Residential Facility for Eating Disorders
03.1994 - 06.2000
Support Worker for People With Disabilities
Oshawa & District Assoc. for Community Living
03.1988 - 06.1989
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention; Food Safe; CPR - Motorized Wheel Chairs; Lifts, ALS & HIV
First Aid, Universal Precautions
Foundations of Yoga Therapy 300hr-Adaptive Theory - Restorative, Yin, Chair, Breathwork, Nidra, Health
Whole Body Paradigm
E-RYT 500 - 3000 Hours Teaching
Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher
Maintained Iyengar Yoga Certification 2004-2024 - Inversions, Backbends, Wall Ropes, Restorative
Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada
Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training- 3 Years - Dynamic Yoga; Props; Specific Needs; Theory
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria
Precision Metal Fabrication - Apprenticeship Foundations
Durham College of Applied Arts And Technology
Grow, Harvest, Market Industry of 12 Kitchen Herbs - Crop Rotation, Seasonal Timing, Packing, Driving
Borean Culinary Herb Production And Farm Education