Nicole Ballance (Ripley), BA Psyc, MC, RCC
November 1, 2003
Nathan Hayward
November 2, 2003
Alison Ruks is an executive leader and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of business, mental health, and wellbeing. Her background spans consumer packaged goods, natural health, technology, agriculture, cannabis, and education, with a strong focus on executive leadership within the health, counselling, and wellness space.
Born and raised in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, Alison relocated to the Okanagan and made it her home in 2000. She has held senior leadership roles across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, most recently serving as Executive Director of Connect Counselling & Therapy Society, a large multidisciplinary charitable counselling and education organization delivering community-based mental health services.
Alison holds a business degree from the University of British Columbia with a specialization in Human Resources and workplace health and wellbeing. She is a Chartered Human Resources Professional and has served as an Executive in Residence with Accelerate Okanagan, mentoring founders and leadership teams.
She is also the author of the forthcoming book Healing Outside the System, informed by her personal experience in healing from an incurable neurological autoimmune disease, which continues to shape her grounded, compassionate leadership approach.
Alison welcomes conversations around strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, community collaboration, and initiatives that strengthen access to ethical, sustainable mental health care. She is also open to thoughtful media and speaking opportunities aligned with these values.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
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