Dr. Shea Colpitts, Optometrist  Optometry graduation was from the University of Waterloo, class of 1999.  Since then I have done some traveling and worked in a few places including a Centre for Contact Lens Research, Auckland University and an Eye Hospital in Stockholm.  All experiences have broadened my knowledge and provided a way to visit these wonderful places.      Recently I have enjoyed helping with the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in the capacity of Optometric Supervisor at the Athlete's Village Polyclinic.  I was kept busy there performing eye exams for the Olympic family as well as contact lens dispensing and managing the other Optometric volunteers.    Optometry is a motivating career as there continues to be new treatment options for eye disease and improvements to diagnostic equipment.  I find it fulfilling, especially the interaction which has allowed me to get to know so many new people.  The common attitude and zest for life that is shared here is refreshing.      My life has changed dramatically upon taking up residence in Whistler.  I have been fortunate in meeting my husband, John Colpitts who shares with me the enjoyment of our children, Ella (2005) and Portia (2007).     I continue to enjoy much of what Whistler has to offer.  In the summer months I look forward to sharing a cross-country or a downhill bike ride with a friend. Winter is spent in the pow on a board or on skis for the groomer days. Also, I take pride and pleasure in my profession in all that it has to offer.  Being here allows me to find a balance between all of these things, which although sometimes difficult to achieve is so important.
	Dr. Karen M. Smith, Optometrist The dream of living in the mountains brought Karen west upon graduation from University of Waterloo, in 1982. She moved to Whistler in 1984 and commuted to work in North Delta until opening her practice in 1988, in the original village, above the Pharmasave. Many of her original patients still remember when the office moved to the suite in her house in Alta Vista!  Marketplace was next and finally she is enjoying the new location on Main St.    On the home front, children Tori and Graham and husband, Dave Williamson, an environmental consultant, keep life interesting. The challenge is balancing work and family to fit in standard Whistler activities of biking and hiking in the summer, and skiing and boarding in the winter.      Professionally, her interest in contact lenses began early. Karen initiated the program of Canadian Optometry students working in Sydney, Australia at the Centre for Contact Lens Research, at the University of New South Wales. Her interest in improving early detection of vision problems in children led Dr. Smith to serve on the Ministry of Health’s Vision Advisory Committee for several years. She was also a counsellor for the BC Association of Optometrists.      At a community level, she currently serves on the Learning Task Force and the board of Whistler for Youth and Whistler Forum for Dialogue. She continues to be an involved parent and is on the executive of Whistler Secondary Parent Advisory Council. Whistler has grown a lot in the years since she moved here. To get back to the simple life Karen spends family time at the cabin, “the Wooden Tent” at Gun Lake, where besides relaxing she wakeboards and mountain bikes the Spruce Lake area.       The latest addition to the family is Ringo, a red heeler who loves to run.  He brings back memories of the surfing hiatus to Western Australia, as there must be some dingo in him.  Home is definitely here in the mountains.
	Gil Pinette, Optician    Gil started working at the Whistler Eye Clinic in November 1999 after successfully completing a two year Dispensing Optician program.    Gil had decided on an optical career as it would gave him the opportunity to work in the health field. Helping others with their needs has helped to create rewarding experiences for him. He enjoys advising on what will give the best results for individual's eyeglass prescriptions.      A good part of his life was spent growing up in the interior of British Columbia. There he came to enjoy fishing and camping and did a lot of back-roading in the Kamloops and Adams Lake areas. Some days he can still be found with a canoe straped to his truck heading out for some lake time.    Gil has enjoyed Whistler as it feels unique with a small town atmosphere and so much diversity.  He looks forward to the coming years where he plans to continue to assist many locals who he has grown to know. And of course, the visitors who pop in with situations that can be fixed which make their visit a more enjoyable one.