Michelle Garbe

From Travelling the World to Assisting Military Families: Lessons in Resiliency from Michelle Garbe, Administrative Manager

Before Michelle Garbe started working with BC Mainland MFRC, she had no awareness of military culture. Now, seven years later and fuelled by a lifelong passion for non-profit work, she is so grateful to work with BC Mainland’s military families. She’s even developed an extensive knowledge bank of “military speak.”

As Administrative Manager, Michelle’s responsible for most of the internal communication that takes place in the Mainland BC MFRC office. Her duties involve HR/scheduling, staff communication, event coordination, and office management. She also coordinates the doctor network for military families.

Seeing the Effects

While Michelle primarily communicates internally, some of her work does place her in contact with military families. Her favourite part of her job is when she gets to follow up with military families, seeing the effects of the services the MFRC provides. Sometimes, in non-profit work, the connectors don’t always get to see what happens to those they serve, so when they do, Michelle says, it’s special.

Michelle shares a story about connecting a military spouse to a resume-building workshop that was facilitated by the MFRC. This particular person came to the workshop feeling nervous and a bit unsure of her skills. The workshop served to not only boost her resume, but it also increased her confidence and led to securing employment not long after it was held.

“It was almost a team effort—the way we were cheering her on, and then how she came to our office to share the news of her job, and we were able to celebrate with her. You really see how your work is affecting people’s lives.” 

“Discover Yourself”

It’s this personal connection and community vibe that Michelle thrives on, and while she loves meeting people, those who work with Michelle might be surprised to learn that she actually considers herself more of an introvert.

Outside the Mainland BC MFRC office, Michelle has many interests. From reading (non-fiction is her go-to) and watching documentaries to painting and makeup, Michelle embraces both her lifelong learner side and her creative self. She also loves being outside, a passion that extends to her love of travel. 

Michelle is an avid world traveller and seeks to explore. Topping her list of places she’d like to explore: Tokyo, Prague, Russia, Chile, and the Middle East.

“You discover yourself when you travel. You learn about yourself, especially when you’re in the situation where there is a culture shock. You’re forced to learn and think quick, and you discover how you figure things out. It builds confidence and exposes you to so much difference and also so much commonality. We’re all human beings, we all enjoy company and connection and amazing food, and while all these things may look different, at the base, it’s the same.”

There’s a lot of similarities in Michelle’s experience as a solo traveller and with her work with military families. Both situations require adaptability, patience, clear communication, increased awareness of others, and an established sense of self. 

In essence, both build resiliency.

MFRCS: Not Just for the Hard Times

When asked what she wishes more people knew about the services and resources MFRC provides, Michelle cited a desire to destigmatize a perception that exists equating accessing MFRC resources with struggling. 

“We want to break that ideology down. We’d like more people to realize that we’re not here just for when you’re in hard times—we are here for you then, too. But we also offer resources and services for families who aren’t struggling. It’s about coming together–forming connections and building resiliencies. We do fun things…we help expand skills…we can help find you find out community information. Everyone can benefit from those type of connections. That’s what we’re here for.”

Michelle firmly states that her world has been opened up through her work with the MFRC, and she works hard every day to show her respect for these families. Just as she learns new lessons with each new place she visits, so, too, does meeting new military families add to her personal and professional growth.

“I love giving back to people who give back. It’s why I do what I do.”