Joan Vasquez, Wellness Team Lead

Parkland at the Gardens

Joan Vasquez began at Parkland at the Gardens in Halifax, N.S., 11 years ago as a Housekeeper and is now Wellness Team Lead. Being far from her family in the Philippines has shaped the way she cares for residents, making their smiles, laughter, and enjoyment of activities the most rewarding part of her work.

She treats each one like a member of her own family, which makes every hug and heartfelt “thank you” carry deep meaning. With a genuine heart for people, Joan lets compassion, patience, and kindness guide everything she does, and this helps create a warm and welcoming community for all.

Lenora Greer, Health Services Manager

Caritas Residence

For 30 years, Lenora Greer has grown alongside the communities she serves. She began her Shannex journey in 1996 as an LPN and later cared for many of the Sisters of Charity at Parkstone Enhanced Care.

Over the years, she has been a passionate advocate, educator, and leader, holding roles including Health Services Manager and Interim General Manager at Caritas Residence, Halifax, N.S. We’re grateful that, through decades of change, Lenora’s dedication to people has never wavered, and she continues to grow her career at Shannex.

Joseph White, General Manager

Bloomsbury

Joseph White started his journey at Parkland when he accepted an opportunity to work for the summer at the front desk and as a concierge. In 2020, he became Resident Experience Manager, supporting Parkland on Eglinton West and Parkland at the Lakes. He later served as interim General Manager at Parkland Antigonish before being named General Manager at Parkland at the Lakes 2.

During his time in each community, he has consistently delivered a high level of service excellence and worked tirelessly to ensure each resident and family feels at home. Joseph is now taking on a new role with the Bloomsbury team as General Manager, overseeing the operations of Bloomsbury Place and Allbright Life, a new Club and Residential concept located in Bedford South, N.S.

Christel Santisteban, RN | West Bedford Transitional Health

For Christel Santisteban, the power to transform health lives in the everyday moments she shares with patients. She began her career in long term care as a CCA before becoming a registered nurse.

Today, as a member of the West Bedford Transitional Health team, she is drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a pivotal point in a patient’s recovery. “Every day I aim to make an impactful difference,” Christel says. Supporting patients as they reach recovery milestones and helping determine the best next step after discharge brings her immense satisfaction.

Denise Smith, LPN | Cedarstone Enhanced Care

After 33 years at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro, N.S., LPN Denise Smith is retiring this summer. During her time as an LPN, Denise has touched countless lives with her compassion and dedication.

While she’ll be missed, her next chapter as a full-time grandparent and Puppy Mom promises new adventures. Thank you, Denise, for your extraordinary care and the lasting impact you’ve had on so many residents and team members.

Jessica Richardson, Resident Services Manager

Parkland at the Lakes

As Jessica Richardson spent more time in palliative care, her passion for end-of-life care grew stronger. She knew she wanted to do more, which led her to explore volunteering as a death doula. In this role, Jessica supports her community in a deeply meaningful way, offering non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical care to individuals and families before, during, and after death. Much like a birth doula welcomes new life; death doulas walk alongside people at the end of life, providing comfort, dignity, and understanding.

In this role, Jessica helps with advance care planning, vigil preparation, and meaningful rituals, while guiding families through the natural changes that occur near death. Her calm presence and ongoing support help loved ones feel informed, supported, and less alone. At Parkland at the Lakes in Dartmouth, N.S., she uses her palliative care knowledge to support the nursing team, families, and team members through end-of-life care and early grief.

This spring, she will share her expertise at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Conference, where she will speak on The Modern Death Movement: Bringing Death Home and Back into the Conversation.

KeithRing, Housekeeper

Faubourg du Mascaret

In addition to his role as a housekeeper at Faubourg du Mascaret, Moncton, N.B., Keith Ring is involved in giving back to his hometown of Bridgetown, N.S. With regular trips home, he coaches basketball at the school he once attended, mentoring youth. He also helps lead an annual community event that brings together former classmates, teachers, and families. Keith sees this as an opportunity for people to reconnect and for him to support the community that shaped him.

Keith also coaches trampoline basketball at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Moncton, N.B., teaching coordination and the thrill of reaching new milestones, such as touching the rim or landing a dunk. Many young athletes plan their visits around his schedule, eager for his encouragement. Over the years, Keith has seen countless Great Moments through this work, with kids achieving milestones they once believed were beyond their reach. His positivity, energy, and ability to “hype up” the kids provide a tremendous boost, showing how one person’s actions can uplift youth and strengthen the community.

Dafei Lian | Parkland at the Gardens

Dafei Lian, who grew up in Shanghai, China, moved to Nova Scotia a decade ago and quickly embraced its slower, welcoming way of life. In 2022, she began volunteering at Parkland at the Gardens, Halifax, N.S., to connect with others and give back to the community.

She’s now a familiar presence at the Saturday singalong sessions, serving drinks and ensuring residents feel comfortable and welcomed. For Dafei, Parkland at the Gardens is a special community, and she values every conversation and shared moment during her visits.

Bev Wiggins | Parkland Ajax

After losing her husband nine years ago, Bev Wiggins found renewed purpose through volunteering at WindReach Farm, a charitable organization that offers therapeutic programs in an accessible farm setting for people of all abilities. As part of the Wool Ladies group, she helps transform wool from sheep into handmade items for sale and teaches others through wool-art workshops.

Inspired by her work at WindReach, Bev now shares her knowledge in the community and at Parkland Ajax, Ont. Residents have used wool to create note cards for special occasions and felt poppies for a Remembrance Day wreath. Through their feedback, Bev has come to appreciate how meaningful giving to others can be. Volunteering at WindReach has helped her move forward with gratitude and has enriched her life in countless ways.

Marilyn Arseneau | Parkland Fredericton

Marilyn started a card group at Parkland Fredericton, N.B., for residents who prefer a relaxed pace, helping those who haven’t played in years feel confident and included.

A retired educator, she brings patience and guidance to every game. She also welcomes new residents and helps with birthday parties and happy hours, showing how small acts of kindness make a big impact.

All Shook Up at Parkstone

Parkland at the Gardens

Team members are always trying out new and unexpected ideas to enrich residents’ daily life, and the Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax, N.S., Tropical Parties are no exception. The team turned the space into a bright,

beach-themed setting and surprised everyone with a special guest: Elvis. Residents lit up as he walked in, performed a few favourites, and stayed for photos while the group enjoyed tropical-flavoured slushies. These celebrations reflect how our teams continue to introduce fresh ideas and engaging experiences that add energy and excitement to daily life.

Pajama Day at Ocean Hall

Station Yards

At Station Yards, Moncton, N.B., Recreation Coordinator Grace Johnston is known for creating moments of joy and connection. Recently, she brought the community together for a vibrant Pajama Day, encouraging residents and team members to participate. Thanks to Grace’s genuine care and connection with the residents, even those who normally don’t participate in activities were excited to be part of the celebration.

The team, wearing matching pajama sets, made the day extra special, bringing polished and festive energy to the event.

Grace’s leadership turned a simple idea into a meaningful experience, creating lasting memories and strengthening the sense of community at Ocean Hall.

Fostering Connection Through Activity

Northumberland Hall, Amherst, N.S.

Josie Mingo’s journey into recreation started long before she became a programmer. While volunteering at a nursing home, she saw firsthand how recreation could positively impact residents and knew it was the path she wanted to pursue.

Today, Josie continues to inspire others by designing activities that meet residents’ needs and staying connected through one-on-one moments that foster a sense of belonging.

Music That Brings Memories Alive

BissettCourt, Cole Harbour, N.S.

As a child, Kristyn Ball experienced the confidence and connection that sports brought, and now, as a recreation programmer, she shares those same feelings with residents. A Great Moment came during a musical performance when a resident recognized the band as former bandmates.

Invited on stage, the resident sang along as the crowd cheered, bringing tears of joy as they relived a moment they never thought they’d experience again.

Joy in the Small Moments

Pavillon Landry, Moncton, N.B.

Shawna Beaupré has always been passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, and every day she brings that passion to life through therapeutic recreation, creating programs tailored to residents’ abilities and interests.

For Shawna, the most rewarding moments are often the simplest, seeing a resident smile, laugh, or join in when they might usually sit back. Those small moments are what inspires her every day.

Year after year, volunteers like Lynne and Jack Smith bring creativity, energy, and thoughtful ideas that transform the daily lives of Ryan Hall, Bridgewater, N.S., residents. Together, this volunteer team brings big ideas and even bigger joy to residents.

When residents expressed interest in more activities during evenings and weekends, this dynamic duo, alongside fellow volunteers and Recreation Programmer Karen Coulstring, answered with imagination. An unused medication cart became the foundation for the playful CraftyCruiser.

Outfitted with delightful touches like push-button headlights, a working horn, and a custom FUN4ALL license plate, the Crafty Cruiser brings creativity right into the Village Square.

It’s stocked with simple craft kits, completed samples for inspiration, and a variety of sensory items, including puzzles, farm animal books, lace boards, magazines, and reading materials.

Lynne and Jack’s impact didn’t stop there. They also helped bring the first-ever Ryan Hall Community Snow Ball to life, welcoming residents and neighbours for an evening of music, connection, and celebration. At the heart of this magical event were Karen Coulstring and the dynamic duo, Lynn and Jack Smith, joined by Debbie McKean.

Every detail of the Snow Ball was designed to make the evening unforgettable. Perhaps the most meaningful touch was ensuring every resident could fully participate.

The team sourced donated gowns so residents could choose an outfit that made them feel truly special. It was a night filled with sparkle, music, and emotion, a lasting memory created through creativity, care, and the inspiring dedication of volunteers.

In April, the Shannex New Brunswick team joined Premier Susan Holt and Minister of Seniors Lyne Chantal Boudreau to mark the start of construction on four new nursing homes: two in Fredericton (120 beds total), one in Riverview (60 beds), and one in Quispamsis (60 beds).

Construction begins this spring, with each home designed to reflect the warm, resident-centered approach of our Enhanced Care communities. We look forward to welcoming our first residents between late 2027 and 2028.

Thank you to Parkland in the Valley, Embassy Hall, Neill Hall, Medley Hall, Parkland Riverview, and Monarch Hall for hosting these events. We’re proud to continue growing in New Brunswick and to support more older adults in receiving care close to home.

Jackie Jesso

Parkland at the Lakes

For 17 years, Jackie Jesso, a dedicated housekeeper, has brightened Parkland at the Lakes, Dartmouth, N.S., by keeping residents’ rooms spotless and comfortable. She takes the time to chat, listen, and share her friendly spirit, bringing care to residents’ daily lives.

James Cavanaugh

Vimy Court

James Cavanaugh, Maintenance Coordinator at Vimy Court, Bible Hill, N.S., lights up the room with his genuine enthusiasm, checking in with residents, joining activities, and supporting programs, often volunteering on his days off to help wherever needed. James consistently shows up, lifts others, and makes a difference just by being there.

Ricardo Callejas

Orchard Court

Ricardo Callejas, a Continuing Care Assistant at Orchard Court in Kentville, N.S., is this year’s Heart of Gold Award recipient. This annual recognition allows team members to nominate a co-worker who truly embodies kindness, compassion, and dedication. He meticulously manages the servery, supports residents during meals, and builds such strong connections that one resident even asked him to continue serving her.

John Anderson

Parkland at the Lakes

As a talented Activity Leader and member of a resident band, John Anderson’s energy fills the room at Parkland at the Lakes, Dartmouth, N.S., inspiring residents to sing and dance, creating moments that brighten the community every day.

Shinta Richard

Parkland Saint John

Shinta Richard, Wellness Coach, brings vibrant energy and creativity to her programs, making them a hit with residents. Whether introducing new ideas or revisiting favourites, Shinta ensures each session is engaging and enjoyable. Her positive attitude and dedication make her an invaluable member of the team.

Elevating Excellence, Together

Ontario Lifestyle Consultant Conference

Stories were shared, connections strengthened, and memories made at this year’s Lifestyle Consultant Conferences in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. This annual event is a time for Lifestyle Consultants to come together to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities for growth. The conference continues to be a meaningful way for team members across our Parkland locations to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other.

Lifestyle Consultant Spotlight: Laurie Meyer

ParklandAncaster

Laurie Meyer was part of Parkland Ancaster, Ancaster, Ont., before the community opened! She joined as a Concierge ahead of the October 2024 opening, welcoming residents to their new home every day and creating lasting first impressions. In May 2025, Laurie became a Lifestyle Consultant, continuing to build meaningful relationships with residents, prospects, and the broader Ancaster community. A longtime local, she brings grassroots connections to her work, having served on the boards of the Ancaster Tennis Club and Ancaster Ladies Volleyball League, and volunteering with the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. Laurie’s dedication, community ties, and warm approach help make Parkland Ancaster a true home for residents.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Parkland on the River

Individually, Kathy Norton, Concierge, and David Lebail, Maintenance Team Member, excel in their roles, but together, they form an exceptional partnership that keeps Parkland on the River, Miramichi, N.B., running smoothly each day. They work seamlessly as a team to support day-to-day operations and are often the first to respond when residents need assistance. Their strong teamwork ensures issues are handled promptly, kindly, and with great care. Kathy and David help make life easier for residents by coordinating transportation services and managing on-site logistics to keep daily operations running smoothly. As the first point of contact for many visitors and families, they make sure everyone feels welcomed and guided in the right direction, and Parkland on the River is better because of them.