I have more than 25 years experience in the nonprofit sector, most of which have been working with senior's organizations or on senior's issues. I have managed other seniors' centres, retirement residences, held positions in government relations and project coordination as it pertains to senior's housing. As a young woman I even taught a senior's fitness class at the YM/YWCA. Community Development is my forte and I prepared for that by taking the Community Leadership Program at Memorial University of Newfoundland and I learned first hand from my parents as they were activists and advocates for many causes. I am a trained facilitator in adult education, and have taken numerous courses at University of BC, BC Institute of Technology, Langara College, and Vancouver Community College. The nonprofit sector is where I belong as I understand how important it is to give back to my community. I have volunteered all my life and have served on several committees including Boards of Directors.

Hi everyone, my name is Carol and I am very delighted to join the Society as the LPN. I come from a relatively small city (of only about a million people) in the central part of China and I moved to Vancouver in the first year of the new millennium. I have enjoyed living in Canada very much, but my trip to China last month was also a nice change. I have been involved with the health care industry for almost half my life now. My credentials include working in a Chinese hospital as a neurologist and an assisted living for seniors in Vancouver as an LPN. I love helping and working with seniors. Seniors always remind me of my parents who are far away in China. So please come and talk to me anytime you need me.

Shannon is from Vernon, BC and has lived in the northern regions of British Columbia and all over Vancouver. She loves the variety of culture here and that there are so many interesting things to do. Shannon was instrumental in the development of an active full-time recreation program for all-aged members of a rural community. She also initiated a successful music therapy program for a hospice residence in Vernon. Shannon created and continues to promote a well-established music performance business and private music therapy practice. Shannon plays guitar and sings like a nightingale; we are blessed to hear her perform the arias from many well-known operas. She loves John Denver tunes and switches it up so we can sing along. Shannon has a passion for all kinds of music but especially likes to sing with or for the seniors. Shannon also enjoys mountain climbing, riding horses, cross country skiing and curling up with a really good book. She just started at Renfrew Collingwood a few months ago and loves being here. Meeting each person and learning about them expands her own view of the world and sharing a smile is a highlight of her day. Shannon looks forward to growing with the wonderful staff.

Chris came from Ottawa, Ontario to Vancouver 5½ years ago. He has two children - a boy 13 and a girl 4½. Chris is married to a Polish woman named Patrycja. After enjoying a 20 year career in the animation industry Chris is now transitioning in to Senior's Care - hoping to one day to be a counselor for the elderly. In September he will complete a counseling course at Vancouver College of Counselor Training and obtain his diploma. Chris also teaches art classes twice a week at the Visual College of Art and Design. He has taught animation, storyboarding and design, but is currently teaching life drawing exclusively. Recreationally, Chris enjoys sports and plays ice hockey a few times a month. Chris loves nature and when time allows he likes going for hikes or beach walks. He also enjoys participating in drum circles and often joins the Sunday night drum circle at Spanish Banks. So far Chris has really enjoyed his experience as casual activity worker at Renfrew Collingwood and is excited to continue working with seniors and learn from them. When asked what aspect of working with seniors he likes most Chris said, "I think it's really important to have inter-generational interaction between the seniors and younger folks, and it's crucial that the seniors know their community cares about them and appreciates all they have to offer. Facilities like Renfrew Collingwood offer that opportunity, and it's great to be a part of it. I love all the seniors - they're great!"

Hello everybody, my name is Olga, and I enjoy working at the Centre as an administrative assistant to the executive director and staff. I came to Canada two years ago after I graduated from the Russian Economic Academy in Moscow, Russia. Thanks to my educational background, I also do some accounting at the Centre.

Fiona was born and raised in Montreal. She moved to Vancouver in 1992 in hopes of seeing the Pacific Coast of Canada. Fiona comes to us with over 22 years of experience working with seniors in the health care field. Fiona's initial experience with the elderly began in 1984 when she volunteered for the Lakeshore General Hospital (Montreal) with the Women's Auxiliary. This opportunity had a lasting impression and she continued her service there for over 7 years. Fiona’s volunteer experience also includes work with school children, young offenders, individuals with mental challenges and animals at the S.P.C.A. Fiona graduated from Vanier College with a Diploma in Special Care Counseling, a three year career program devoted to the teaching of providing therapeutic services for all individuals in need. She is currently working part-time for the Royal Arch Masonic Home and has been employed there for over 14 years. Fiona is the proud mother of two boys, Aidan age 11 and Christian age 9. When she is not busy working or being a wife and mother, she enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle with such activities as running, swimming, figure skating, weight training and cycling. In the past year she has completed a Sprint Triathlon, as well as the UBC Fall classic half marathon and she is currently training for the BMO half marathon. Fiona is also passionate about giving back to the community and most recently raised over $3200 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer 2010 by riding her bicycle 250km from Vancouver to Seattle. Continuing studies is another important value to Fiona, she has recently completed a course in Volunteer Management and she has plans to take the advanced course in the fall. Fiona is thrilled to be working with such a dynamic team at Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society and is excited to play a role in continuing to provide outstanding services to the elders. She would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone for making her feel so welcomed.

Hi everyone! My name is Wai Yee. I am a new addition to the RCSS team. My hometown is Montreal, Quebec, although I am originally from Hong Kong. I was educated in Montreal and Vancouver. My studies were in special education and nursing. I am so happy to be here to share with all the wonderful people I have got to know these past few months. Thank You for including me into your happy and supportive circle.