Compassionate Conversations Guests
Kumar is the owner and found of My Place Home Care Inc. After his mother developed many health issues, Kumar had to learn how to navigate the health care system on her behalf. He found it difficult and frustrating and resolved that no one else should have to feel this way. Thus, My Place Home Care was born.
Alison is a retirement and seniors wellness coach. She specializes in one-on-one coaching and her mission is to inspire her clients to explore new opportunities, leverage their unique strengths, and overcome any challenges they encounter. Allison is an End-of-Life doula. She provides compassionate guidance to individuals and their families during one of life’s most significant transitions.
Jacqueline is a mortgage agent and certified life coach. She helps entrepreneurs, single-parent families, and real estate investors find the mortgage strategies and money manifestos that work best for them. She is an author, education leader, wellness instructor, and a strong supporter of women in business.
Meg has had a passion for working with seniors since she was 12 years old. After studying psychology and gerontology at the University of Ottawa, she worked in recreation at a retirement residence. During her time there she saw an increasing need for senior’s fitness, so she started her company, AIM Fitness in 2013. She is a certified personal trainer, senior’s fitness instructor, and Aquafit instructor.
After working in the social services field with various populations, Catherine found her “OccuPASSION” when helping seniors age safely in place. She worked in home care for 10 years before joining BuildABLE, an accessible renovation and design company. Currently her roll includes educating participants on how thoughtful adaptions can empower individuals, enhance their quality of life, and support aging in place.
Samoon is a registered Psychotherapist who provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling, emphasizing on inclusive practices. He is a part-time professor at St. Paul’s University and Queens University and is the co-founder of Hosa Counselling and Research. Samoon focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, combatting Islamophobia, gender studies, and decolonial studies to help shape positive societal change.
Karen is a Dementia Consultant and educator with a profound passion for supporting older adults living with dementia and their families through all stages of the journey. She is the author of Cracking the Dementia Code: Creative Solutions to Cope with Changed Behaviours. Her book provides innovative, non-drug approaches for understanding and addressing behaviour changes in those living with symptoms of dementia. Karen was involved with the design of the first Canadian dementia village in Langley, BC. She is committed to providing ongoing education and support to frontline staff, families, and the public and to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by dementia.
Kerry is a nurse, educator, trainer, and medical consultant. During her time at the Ottawa Hospital, she started the Corneal Donation Program, which trained medical providers on how to retrieve eyes from cadavers, and she taught university students the anatomy and dissection of the eye. Kerry received the prestigious Premier’s Award of Ontario for this work as it was the first nursing program of its kind in Canada. Kerry has completed international courses of study in Dementia and Gerontology and is a certified Positive Approach to Care (PAC) trainer. Through her company, Dementia Training PLUS, she shares her passion for helping professionals learn about dementia and how to care for those living with the disease.
Compassionate Chats Guests
Annie is a registered nurse and yoga teacher. She studies Reiki and Chakra balancing. While caring for her mother she learned the importance of communicating and planning for back–up support. She is also a strong advocate for caregiver burnout awareness.
Becky has been working as a PSW for 14 years, she is also a trained Developmental Service Worker. She is a compassionate, reliable, honest, and caring individual. Becky has been with My Place Home Care for over 6 years.
Ruth is a certified aromatherapist, Reiki practitioner, holistic wellness coach, and a volunteer supervisor with A Friendly Voice. A Friendly Voice offers a compassionate ear and conversation to older adults who face isolation and loneliness throughout Ontario. She was the sole caregiver for her husband for 12 years, and later as a co-caregiver for her mother. Through these experiences, Ruth has learned that all too frequently caregivers give their all to their loved ones at the expense of their own mental and physical health, resulting in burnout and exhaustion. She encourages caregivers to care for themselves first while still providing love and support to the people they look after.