Paula Wylie is continually learning, even after earning undergraduate and graduate degrees and having a successful career helping others.

"School doesn't stop at the highest level of university," she told the audience, adding she's taken several more specialized courses to improve her professional skills necessary for her job as a clinical supervisor at the Nechako Valley Community Services Society in Vanderhoof.

"Find something that you love to do and take extra training (to learn even more.)”

Wylie, who graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2007, was the featured Aboriginal Alumni Speaker Series guest today at UNBC. She is a member of the Nee Tahi Buhn Band, which is part of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation.

She grew up in Vanderhoof and began her post-secondary studies at the College of New Caledonia and later at UNBC where she soon discovered her love of psychology.

She reached out to the First Nations Centres at both schools and reconnected with her culture and First Nations traditions. She also discovered she loved working with people as a First Nations mentor.

Paula returned to Vanderhoof after she graduated from UNBC and worked as a prevention worker in Fort St. James, a child and youth counsellor and a mental health therapist in Vanderhoof prior to her position as a clinical supervisor.

While at UNBC, she had several mentors who encouraged her to get her master's degree, which she earned (Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology) in 2011 from Yorkville University.
During that time, she found a passion for working with children, youth, and their families.

Wylie balances her work life with a family life with her husband and their two children. She continues to be a strong role model for her children and the children and youth in and around her community.