Meet the Team FEATURED STAFF

Nathan Wong lifeguard

What makes a great colleague? Someone who is helpful, reliable, and hardworking. Nathan embodies all these qualities; he always goes out of his way to support his co-workers. Lifeguard, Phoebe Cheng shares that “Nathan is always willing to lend a hand and is very generous with his time; he doesn’t mind cutting into his lunch breaks or staying a bit longer after his shift ends to help out.”

Nathan joined the Aquatics team in December 2021. Before becoming a lifeguard, he was a competitive swimmer at the Gators Swim Club. At 14, he was top 8 in Canada for the 100m breaststroke and top 12 for the 50m breaststroke.

Aquatics Manager, Sydney Benmore shares “Nathan steps up to lead whenever the opportunity presents itself.” Last year, Nathan was the recipient of the Unicorn Award, which is given to an Aquatics employee who went above and beyond at work.

Nathan is currently studying psychology at Simon Fraser University. In his free time, he enjoys working out and playing video games with his friends.

Selina Yeung

accounting manager and it liaison

Selina joined the Club as a Membership Accountant in June 2015. She is a keen problem solver and is passionate about helping others. Before working as a Membership Accountant, Selina volunteered at Burnaby General Hospital and has a decade of experience working in customer service.

Last summer, the Club made the move to an external IT company and Selina took on the new IT Liaison position. Her excellent aptitude for software programs made her the perfect candidate to take on this new IT role. Selina was also promoted to Accounting Manager. Mike Hamar, Controller, shares that he has “complete faith in Selina to always complete tasks correctly and efficiently.” Selina continues to excel in her new roles.

Selina always puts other people first. She would drop anything she’s working on to help members and staff with their problems. Kristy Davis, Director of Strategy & Communication and Assistant to the CEO shares, “Selina handles stress well, she is adaptable, a quick learner, and she shows increased confidence in her ability to lead others.

When Selina isn’t at work, she enjoys hiking and travelling, often combining the two. Her favourite hikes have been in Rio de Janeiro and Utah.

Performance reviews are a time for managers and employees to evaluate their work. This year in our performance reviews, we asked our employees if they had a peer who went above and beyond in their work. We received so much positive feedback from our employees. We wanted to highlight four employees who received multiple compliments from their peers and managers.

These employees are exemplary team players, who have been praised for their attitude, their work ethic, and their problem-solving skills. These Arbutus Club all stars are reliable and they embody the attitude “we work as a team, and not as individuals.”

Rachel Alojado banquet manager

Whether it be supporting her colleagues or her family and friends, Rachel is a compassionate leader who goes out of her way to help her community. Anyone who knows Rachel, knows that they can always count on her.

Before working in Catering, Rachel worked in the Tennis Department with Pat Macken. Catering Manager, Kim McBurney comments, “Rachel is by far the best co-worker that I have ever had.”

Mizuki Mori (Senior Sous Chef) adds that she respects the way Rachel deals with everyone. “Rachel always checks in with the kitchen and is considerate of our point of view.” Reynalyn Buslig (Banquet Server) adds, “she always boosts us up and I’m so grateful for her support.”

A few years ago, there was a volcanic eruption in the Philippines impacting loved ones. Rachel, Myla Dalisay (Banquet Server), and Tess Mendoza (Outlet Supervisor) set up a fundraiser to help those in need. This illustrates how important community is to Rachel.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her beautiful family and hiking to de-stress. Rachel’s favourite hike is Joffre Lakes.

Amy Auchstaetter

Dining Room And Lounge Server

Amy has been a part of the team since March 2005 and continues to wear her smile like a uniform. Amy’s knowledge, experience, and attitude are reasons she is often asked to train and mentor new employees.

Jack Li (Server) shares, “Amy helped me a lot when I first joined the Club. She is more than willing to give a hand whenever she is available.”

Amy is a very thoughtful employee who takes initiative and recognizes staff (in the front and back of house) who go above and beyond. This is one of the many reasons why all employees love working with her. David Bohan (Restaurant Manager) shares, “Amy is an integral part of the workforce in The Lounge, Fireside, and Rooftop.” Lian Zhang echoes this sentiment stating that “Amy offers superb service and is consistently reliable.”

Amy is a model employee, who develops great connections with anyone she works with or serves, she works hard and keeps work fun. She always brings great energy to anything that she is part of.

Outside of work, Amy likes to hit the trails and is an avid biker. ♦