Meet Our Team

Welcome to the staff page of Kootenai Moon, where you can learn more about the amazing team behind our brand. Our staff is comprised of talented individuals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our customers and creating a unique shopping experience. At Kootenai Moon, we believe that our success is attributed to the hard work and passion of our staff members. Each team member brings their own unique skills, experience, and personality to the table, making our brand what it is today. We are proud to introduce you to the individuals who make up our incredible team.

Valerie Semeniuk

Store Owner, True Colour Expert

What makes Valerie shine in her position: "I believe I am a good leader and a good communicator when it comes to sharing the many goals of the business. My most satisfying job is to motivate and empower people who I am in relationship with to find their own way to meet their goals. I apply this to my staff as well as a client. I love to help people love their home and I strongly believe everyone should have what they want."

Something that might surprise you about Valerie: "My number one love is dance! Any kind of dance and my number two love is animals. Well not so much Cedar bugs…"

 

 

Cindy Joveski

Sales Consultant

What makes Cindy shine in her position: "My greatest pleasure comes from helping customers find beautiful items for their homes. After 13 years working at Kootenai Moon with clients in and around our community, my knowledge and experience can be really useful to find exactly what you need. I love how each day brings something different and my goal every day is to share a bit of joy with everyone. "

Something that might surprise you about Cindy: "Although I don’t own any pets, I have a deep concern for the proper care of all animals and considered becoming a veterinarian at one point."

 

 

Mandy Kelly

Interior Stylist, Buyer and Sales Consultant

What makes Mandy shine in her position: "For me, building relationships and truly listening to the needs of my clientele is my number one goal. I like to make sure that the services I am providing are meeting the lifestyle requirements of the people I am consulting for and that the spaces I design are true to who they are. My ability to observe who my clients are and to translate those observations not only into a living space suited for them, but for one that provides both form and functionality, is something I love to do. I also love meeting new people and building rapport. My friendly and vibrant personality makes it easy to hold conversations. I specialize in colour and am flexible with my design styles. I have traveled all over the world and have an intense passion for architecture and have been following trends in the design world since I was a small child."

Something that might surprise you about Mandy: "I am a Nelson, BC local, born and raised. I also used to be an Early Childhood Educator before moving into Interior Design and am a mother of two teenage daughters."

 

 

Shauna Long

Visual Merchandiser/Buyer/Sales Consultant

What makes Shauna shine in her position: "After many years in the hospitality industry, where customer service, making connections, and building relationships were firmly instilled, I decided to retire and stumbled into the Visual Merchandising field. I have always had a love for all things design, creating beautiful spaces or venues where people can come to find joy, inspiration and that special something. This is very important to me and I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to create these spaces. I think we can all use a little more joy and beauty in our lives particularly with the recent life challenges. I strongly align with the feeling that “home is where the heart is."

Something that might surprise you about Shauna: "Some might find it surprising that I only moved to Nelson when I was 19. I grew up in the small Northern BC town of Dease Lake. It was there that I discovered my love of snowmobiling and racing them! Fun fact, the town was so small that it did not have grades 11 or 12 so I had to complete my high school education in Victoria, BC, where I had a family willing to host me."

 

 

Barbara "Barb" Kline

Sales Consultant

What makes Barbara shine in her position: "I am a self proclaimed “matchmaker”! If you are looking for something I will do whatever it takes to help you find it. Having worked in retail for close to 20yr and the past 6 at Kootenai Moon, I have developed expertise in matching you with your perfect bedding and linen desires! Nesting your home with the most exquisite linens to help you achieve optimum sleep is my goal. I enjoy meeting new people and am looking forward to working with you on your next visit to Kootenai Moon."

Something that might surprise you about Barbara: "I was raised in a small northern BC town, Cassiar. I went to the same school from Kindergarten to Graduation… 100 students in the entire school! I believe it is because of growing up in such a small community that I am always attempting to connect people. It seems that I know “a person” in almost every town."

 

 

Bettina Johnson

Sales Consultant

What makes Bettina shine in her position: "You will find me in the bed and bath section of the store. If you are looking for a new pillow or duvet I would love to help you choose the one that will give you the best sleep you can have. We also have many luxurious options for sheets and duvet covers that will add comfort and that special look that is all yours . Our towels come in many beautiful colors to enhance or change the look of your bathroom. Whether you would like fluffy or organic towels I’m happy to help you decide what works best for your space. I look forward to meeting you :) And I also became a Canadian Citizen last year. Hopefully I will putting my new passport to good use this year."

Something that might surprise you about Bettina: "Something you might not know about me is that I love to play tricks on my coworkers. It started with a “mouse” in the coffee maker and now we are all trying to get each other. So if you are shopping at Kootenai Moon and you hear a scream don’t be alarmed. Someone just found a “ mouse “. :) All joking aside everyone here is supportive, caring and understanding. This is the first job where I look forward to going to work."

 

 

Kenneth "That Guy" Zuk

Warehouse Shipper and Receiver

What makes Kenneth shine in his position: "I have a unique skill for observation and problem solving. I have an extraordinary work ethic, may it be independent or with a team. Self Driven with an attitude to be the best in what do. I'm approachable, respectful to everyone around me and will help with any thing that needs to be accomplished. If you need a Sofa moved or a stool built, I'm your guy."

Something that might surprise you about Kenneth: "I always look at the instruction manual so I don't mess up construction of things you might buy."