International Women’s Day: Resident & Team Member Features
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March 10, 2025

On March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day, recognizing the remarkable women who inspire and uplift our communities. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” highlights the urgency of working together to advance gender equality. In honour of this important day, we proudly showcase several exceptional women from our communities.


Jasprit Sanghera, Resident Experience Coordinator – Parkland on the Glen

Jasprit Sanghera has been a dedicated Resident Experience Coordinator at Parkland on the Glen for the past three and a half years. 

With a background in hospitality and a degree in Travel and Tourism from Seneca College, she found her passion in retirement living. Drawn to Shannex’s culture of growth, she thrives in her role by supporting residents and listening to their incredible life stories. 

Jasprit’s biggest role model is her sister, a mechanical engineer whose hard work and resilience have shaped her outlook on life. She also draws inspiration from trailblazing women like Malala Yosafzai, a passionate advocate for female education, and Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. Jasprit admires their ability to lead with both strength and compassion.  

Her advice to young women: Be confident and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. 

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate inspiring women like Jasprit, who uplift others and lead with passion. 

Jasprit Sanghera

Caroline Giles McLaughin, Recreation Coordinator – Thomas Hall

Caroline Giles McLaughlin has been a Recreation Coordinator at Thomas Hall in Fredericton for 14 years.  

With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Saint Thomas University, she spent 25 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, connecting mentors with youth before bringing her passion for advocacy to Shannex. Caroline plays a vital role in assisting residents and families and her efforts have earned her a Shannex Excellence Award for Care Innovation in 2018 and a Service Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions in 2024. 

Inspired by her mother, Catherine Giles, she strives to embody her kindness and compassion in all she does. She deeply admires her mother’s empathy and warmth, and carries those values with her every day.

Her advice to young women is simple: Advocate for yourself and embrace growth. Your voice matters, and the work you do makes a real difference. 

This International Women’s Day, we are proud to honour women like Caroline, whose dedication, leadership, and compassion continue to inspire others. 

Catherine Giles & Caroline Giles McLaughin

Jamie Légère, Resident Experience Manager – Faubourg du Mascaret

Jamie is the new Resident Experience Manager at Faubourg du Mascaret. Although new to the role, Jamie has over 11 years’ experience on the Shannex team as a Recreation Coordinator at Parkland Riverview.  

For Jamie, compassion and empathy come naturally. Jamie always puts residents first, whether having a simple conversation, helping out, finding a solution or having to dress up when someone is missing from a show.

As the mother of two daughters, Jamie is always available and shows them the true values of life. Her efforts at work have also earned her a Shannex Award of Excellence for Customer Service in 2019.

Her advice to young women: Be kind to everyone in life because you never know what people are going through. 

This International Women’s Day, we proudly recognize women like Jamie, whose commitment, leadership, and kindness continue to motivate and uplift others. 

Jamie Légère

June Gravel, Resident – Parkland on the Glen

June Gravel is a dedicated resident of Parkland on the Glen whose lifelong passion for education has touched countless lives. 

With a remarkable 42-year career in education and a Master’s in Critical Literacy, June has impacted various learning environments. She began as a teacher in Northern Ontario before moving to Kitchener as an educational consultant with Dufferin-Peel. She later taught at York University, Western University and the University of Toronto.

June’s passion for working with children led her to become a librarian, a role she cherished. She and her husband worked with schools to create literacy rooms, making learning spaces more accessible for teachers and students. Additionally, June has volunteered extensively with ESL students, continuing to inspire and support young learners. 

June’s rich history and commitment to education is inspiring. She continues to support communities in need, proving that the impact of a passionate educator lasts a lifetime. 

June Gravel

Geneva Blunston, Resident – Thomas Hall

Geneva Bluntson, a beloved resident of Thomas Hall, is celebrated for her legacy of kindness and selflessness. Known for her warm demeanor, she drove school bus number 32 in Fredericton, NB, creating lasting memories for the children she transported, including Thomas Hall employees, Angela and Alicia. As the weather warmed up, Geneva would stop for ice cream with the children, a gesture that made her even more adored. 

Geneva raised seven children, four of whom were not biological but became her own. Her home was a place of love and care, and her children speak of her with deep affection. 

Now, Angela and Alicia, once the children Geneva nurtured, return the same love and support to her. Over the years, Geneva’s unwavering commitment to others has made her a constant source of comfort at Thomas Hall.  

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour her enduring legacy of care and compassion. 

Geneva Blunston & Team Members

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