Mark Rowe

10 Trudeau Truths with Program Manager Mark Rowe

Published/updated May 20, 2025

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 Mark Rowe, Program Manager with 13 years at Trudeau, whose career in human services began unexpectedly through a family connection! Mark finds joy in community outings with residents, from swimming to bowling and proudly shares how teamwork transformed a behavioral client’s life, giving them opportunities no one thought possible. When not making a difference at work, Mark loves hiking and fishing with his sons and two dogs, while also caring for a pet turtle. This self-described “open book with simple taste” dreams of visiting Alaska for its wildlife and scenery, enjoys watching LOST and John Carpenter’s The Thing, and can’t resist a good plate of chicken wings!

Read on to learn more about Mark in this edition of 10 Trudeau Truths!

10 Trudeau Truths with Mark Rowe

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?

I was between jobs and had a family friend working with Trudeau. This opportunity fell into my lap.  

2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Working with the residents. The best part of my job is going out into the community from swimming to bowling and everything in between. Having them enjoy themselves and get the most out of life is the most rewarding part of my job.

3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?

We had a behavioral client that bounced from house to house. He came to the house I was supervising and after months of teamwork from everyone from staff, clinical, and nursing we were able to decrease these behaviors, and he began to do things no one thought he would be able to do. Over time we slowly decreased his meds to the bare minimum. We were able to do this through teamwork. He now has the best quality of life that we can offer. Another would be in 13 years of employment I was able to grow here I went from a dsp to an assistant supervisor to a site supervisor to a program manager. I’m proud of the work I have put in to be in this position.

4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?

The amount of fun it is to work in this field. Just like every job you have bad days and struggles. At the end of the day, I know I can go home knowing I made a difference in someone’s life.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

Favorite way to spend my weekend is taking my sons and dogs hiking and fishing.

6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.

Favorite tv show is LOST, favorite movie is John Carpenter’s The Thing.

7. Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs Opie and Coco, as well as a turtle Bowser.

8. What’s your favorite food?

Chicken Wings

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Alaska. For the wildlife, fishing, and beautiful scenery.

10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’m an open book and a man of simple taste.