10 Trudeau Truths with Director of Talent Development Tim Oliver
You know them as the educators, caregivers and leaders who work to keep everything running smoothly so that our clients at the Trudeau Memorial Center can have the best experience possible. But what are they like when they’re off the clock?
Here’s a chance to get a more personal look at the people who make up the team at Trudeau… 10 questions at a time.
Meet Tim Oliver, Director of Talent Development at Trudeau! After moving from San Francisco to Rhode Island in 2023, Tim brings his passion for making a positive impact to our HR team. When he’s not helping fill critical roles or developing staff potential, you can find him exploring New England with his husband and their two rescue pups, Zeus and Audrey. A true animal lover and former pet boutique owner, Tim’s also a photography enthusiast who dreams of capturing the Arctic wilderness. Fun fact: He once appeared on the Travel Channel! This mac & cheese enthusiast and David Sedaris fan brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and compassion to the Trudeau family.
Read on to learn more about Tim in this edition of 10 Trudeau Truths!
10 Trudeau Truths with Tim Oliver
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?
I have always had a passion for finding ways to positively impact the lives of others, especially those who face unique challenges and have professionally gravitated towards roles in organizations that advocate for those who otherwise might be marginalized. I enjoy seeing firsthand the impact of our services and programs. Knowing I play a part in enabling this important work makes me happy.
2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Filling critical roles needed to execute on our Mission and helping others to reach their professional potential.
3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?
In August, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for the Popcorn Business Presentations at Pathways. This event allowed students to cultivate essential skills in customer service, inventory management, marketing, brand identity, and entrepreneurship. Each team showcased unique flavors, creative packaging, and distinct brand identities, supported by local small business owners who acted as advisors. I was truly impressed by the collaboration with the community that contributed to the event’s success, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate and judge such an inspiring initiative.
4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?
I wish more people understood about individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is that they are incredibly capable, resilient, and full of potential, just like anyone else. They have unique and meaningful perspectives and strength that can go unnoticed due to societal biases or misconceptions. Working around the individuals Trudeau supports is a constant reminder of the importance of viewing each person as an individual, not to be defined by their disability but by their skills, dreams and contributions they bring to their
communities. Creating spaces where their voices are heard and respected can lead to powerful, positive change both for them and those around them.
5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
A morning at the dog park with my husband, our two pups; Zeus and Audrey, and a cup of decaf coffee and spending the rest of the day exploring Rhode Island and greater New England. We moved from San Franciso, California in May of 2023 and there are lots of new things for us to see and experience and we love being outside in all seasons.
6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.
I enjoy books by David Sedaris and his sharp wit and candid reflections on everyday life. I especially enjoy how he can blend personal anecdotes with keen social observations and if you’ve not heard it before I encourage you to find and listen to Santaland Diaries, it has become a Christmas tradition for us to listen to on Christmas Eve. I recently saw Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice in the movie theatre and although it has received mixed reviews, I enjoyed it. We are currently watching The Great British Baking Show on Netflix, season 15 and the latest season of Only Murders in the Building.
7. Do you have any pets?
We have two dogs, both rescues – Zeus a senior Chihuahua, Rat Terrier and Yorkie mix and Audrey, an 16 month old Beagle, Boxer, Tree Walker Coonhound mix we adopted in August of last year (@DrZeusDog and @AudreyHound respectively on Instagram).
8. What’s your favorite food?
Anything Macaroni and Cheese. Yum!
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
A friend recently spent three weeks in a boat off the coast of Svalbard, a remote archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, situated roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The region is known for its unique Arctic ecosystem, polar bears, and the site of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preserves plant seeds from around the world. Svalbard’s landscape offers dramatic glaciers, fjords, and ice-covered terrain and from the stories and photos my friend shared, I would love to experience this extreme Arctic environment and take photos of it all as I am an avid photographer (@timoliver.photographer on Instagram). It is high up on my “I must go there” list.
10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
In 2015 my husband and I were on an episode of Time Traveling with Brian Unger on the Travel Channel. The show took viewers on a historical journey across America, uncovering little known backstories of iconic American landmarks. We auditioned for the show and were chosen to be on the episode filmed in San Francisco about the Golden Gate Bridge. We were on location for two days and paid to take part! Although the show has long since gone off the air, you can find the show on YouTube.
Photo Captions:
L: Tim with his husband and dogs
C: Tim Oliver
R: Tim and his husband
