Amanda Smedley is the new Administrative Manager for the UBC Master of Physical Therapy - North and Master of Occupational Therapy – North cohort programs at UNBC. She joined the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) team this past January. 

A UNBC graduate, Amanda brings a background in nonprofit education and community engagement to her new role.

“I have always been drawn to 'helping' roles where I can provide support to others and see them succeed,” explains Amanda. “I grew up in northern B.C. and I understand the need we have to train and keep healthcare professionals in the north, especially in rural and remote locations. Joining the DMS seems like the perfect way to help effect the changes we need to make to support our northern communities and their populations.”

With a few months under her belt already, Amanda has been enjoying getting to know her fellow DMS team members as well as the environment of her new role. 

“The small and close-knit team of dedicated healthcare professionals here at UNBC has created a really positive work environment for me. I was welcomed with open arms by both staff and faculty and immediately felt at home; I think that is something special about the North. Add to that, having access to all of the brilliant PT and OT minds at UBC Point Grey and Fraser Valley, and we have the opportunity to bring so much knowledge and experience to northern students as well as students who feel drawn to the northern way of life.” 

After growing up in Houston, B.C., Amanda left her hometown and came to Prince George to attend UNBC, where she completed bachelor’s degrees in both biology and education. She has also completed Master of Public Administration coursework at the University of Victoria. 

Prior to joining the DMS, Amanda spent over a decade leading the community engagement team at The Exploration Place (Prince George) and, for her work there, was awarded the Canadian Association of Science Centre's Career Achievement Award in 2019. She then went on to work at Statistics Canada and UNBC’s Continuing Studies program.

In reflecting on her more recent career experience, Amanda notes, “When I moved on to federal public service at Statistics Canada, I led the Indigenous Census for Northern B.C. and developed a passion for inclusion and reconciliation that now informs so much of how I think about how best public institutions can serve Northern and Indigenous populations.”