Holly Coles

I graduated with a Diploma in Human Relations (social & community services- three years) in 2001, which focused on public speaking, communicating in groups, project management etc. In 2002, I began working in Health Food Retail, (simply because it had been a lifelong personal interest) and eventually was managing the stores I worked in, and I simultaneously commenced studies in Holistic Medicine. By 2009, I had finished Holistic Med. studies (roughly six years) and became licensed to practice. I commenced private practice in Duncan, BC (Vancouver Island). I am originally from Port Dover, and returned in 2011 to start my family here. By the time of my licensing I had eight different certifications in Holistic Medicine, including Pre/Post Natal Nutrition and Sports Nutrition. In 2014 I secured financing for, and renovated, a spot on Main Street Port Dover and opened "The Wellness Post", a community wellness hub and health food store. It was the center for my private practice as well. It became the year-round drop off for all donations, in particular, I made connections with Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, and the women's shelter (all in Simcoe). I would sort, organize, and deliver the donations to their respective destinations. Every winter I ran a Free Coat Drive, that operated on the principle 'leave a coat if you have an extra, take a coat if you need one'. Each winter I also collected children's coats, hats and mittens etc., and delivered them to the two lowest income schools in Simcoe. By the end of 2021, Covid forced my hand and The Wellness Post had to close. In the years since, I've enjoyed a new branch of work and have learned a new set of skills. I've been working for a Clinical Trials lab, learning bio-tech and it's data analysis, and using Microsoft Teams, Excel and Dynamics 365 every single day. I enjoyed the work and the learning experience and I'm ready to move on to something more collaborative. I miss working with creative people and groups and the community. I'm ready for a position that will better utilize all of my skills.