Celebrating Women in Leadership at Scandinave Spa Whistler

Scandinave Spa Whistler is a proud employer of many strong and inspiring women, across all departments. Our senior leadership team is comprised of nine managers and eight of those leadership positions are filled by women.

We asked each of these women in management what they love most about being leaders at Scandinave Spa Whistler, as well as their favourite season to use the spa!

Meet our team:

Simmone Lyons, Spa Director

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

We are so lucky to be one of the few businesses which are dominated by women in leadership positions. Eight of our nine senior managers are women and they are all so inspiring. We have such a career-driven team and I love seeing our leaders grow and develop into amazing role models for our front-line teams. Plus, who wouldn’t love Scandinave Spa Whistler as their office? Best office view ever I would argue.

Favourite season to spa and why?

Spring and fall! Summer and winter in Whistler tend to be so action-packed with adventure activities, we sometimes forget to look after our body and mind. I love dedicating some time in fall and spring to rejuvenate both muscles and relax the mind in preparation for the upcoming season.

Samantha Dark, Assistant Spa Director

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

I love that I have the opportunity to work with individuals, especially other women, who aspire to learn and grow together every day. This makes being a leader at the Scandinave Spa a very rewarding experience.

Favourite season to spa and why?

Winter! The spa is a magical place when covered in snow, like a scene from a snow globe.

Christina Whitley, Guest Services Manager

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

Scandinave Spa Whistler gives me the opportunity as a leader to thrive in a team environment with continued support and growth opportunities. I can be authentically myself in a professional environment. This allows me to be the best leader for my team and ensure they have a supportive environment to thrive in their roles.

Favourite season to spa and why?

My favourite season to spa is in the summer. Hammock haven is open! I love relaxing up there while taking in the views over the valley as the sunshine melts away any stress.

Emily Shields, Spa Experience and Housekeeping Manager

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

I get to work with a team of other strong, capable and experienced women, who inspire me every day to grow my own leadership skills. I enjoy being involved in hiring the right people that will help build a strong a cohesive team that works towards a common goal and work ethic.

Favourite season to spa and why?

Spring to summer. The days are getting longer and warmer. The birds start to come out and sing during the day and you get to sit outdoors more and be surrounded by nature. The hummingbirds, dragonflies and squirrels all love the surrounding gardens and it really adds to the relaxing experience of the spa.

Geneviève Coté, Massage Services Manager

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

The trust my team puts into my decision-making gives me the opportunity to learn and grow into the best version of myself, professionally and personally.

Favourite season to spa and why?

Definitely the winter after a good day on the mountain. I love challenging my mind and my body by staying in the cold water for as long as I can. Pushing myself and working on my breathing during the process brings me clarity and peace.

Michelle Leroux, Sales and Marketing Manager

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

The team at Scandinave is very diverse and dynamic. I joined the management team as an interim leader to cover a maternity leave in the midst of COVID-19 and while there have been many challenges to overcome, I love the way this team supports each other. Recognition is also highly valued from formalized monthly and yearly employee awards to less formal kudo treats like gift certificates to local eateries or a chocolate bar. Despite the fact we can’t have a seasonal party or company-wide gathering there are still lots of ways for Scandinave’s leadership to show their staff that they are valued and doing a great job.

Favourite season to spa and why?

I really love springtime spa as the spring bulbs come up a little early due to the heated paths so you can see the season’s first flowers and soak in that blissful sunshine. The days are getting longer and warmer but there is still enough chill to really enjoy the heat of the pools and saunas before relaxing outside.

Jacqui Lawrence, Controller

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

Scandinave Spa Whistler gives me the opportunity to work with an amazing and inspiring team of individuals. I am also encouraged to take time to mentor the other women on my team.

Favourite season to spa and why?

My favourite season to spa is winter when it’s snowing. I love the peace of
sitting in the hot pool with the snow falling gently around me.

Valerie Bergeron, HR Manager

What do you love the most about being a leader at Scandinave Spa Whistler?

I feel very encouraged and supported working for our Scandinave Spa locations. All our Spa Directors across our spas are strong and capable women, which have been carefully recruited by our President. This empowers me and my fellow women in management to continue to grow as leaders each and every day.

Favourite season to spa and why?

Fall is my favourite. It is quiet, the leaves change colour and the smell of autumn fills the cool, crisp air.