Our Stories

Michelle and Joe had not seen each other for 10 years, when, by chance, Joe saw Michelle walking in front of a parking meter on the other side of the street.

For Erin Malcolm, social interaction is an important part of both the resident and team member experience. She’s been working at Trillium Retirement and Care Community in Kingston for 17 years, and takes a special interest in residents with dementia.

What is it like to spend your days at Sienna? We asked our team that very question. This was their answer.

Have you heard of the story of the Three Sisters Soup? The First Nations legend says that three sisters, corn, beans and squash, worked together and applied their individual strengths to keep their community healthy and strong.

Twelve years ago, Lisa Kutlesa applied for an activation aide role at Spencer House in Orillia. The building was still under construction, and she felt that “the new building represented a new start” in her life. She felt excited to work with residents and family members, and has enjoyed implementing creative programming, collaborating with others in the sector, and spending time with residents.

As an opera singer and actress, Cleone Duncan performed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Over her years as a performer, she met Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, the Queen, and Prince Phillip. Her voice is absolutely beautiful.

Follow the inspiring PSWs at Fountain View Care Community in Toronto, ON, as they spread the warmth of human connection to everyone they interact with. Their dedication and passion will move you.

As she approaches 35 years with Sienna, Ruth Gauthier, RN BScN GNC©, Clinical Care Partner reflects, “I can’t believe I’m old enough to have worked somewhere for this long. It’s incredible to think about how the sector has evolved, for the better, with residents in mind.”

Gordon stood on the back of the plow, a team of horses pulling him slowly forwards, preparing the fields for planting.

Pierre, who is 98, and Veronique, who is 94, sit together, their fingers entwined. They’ve been married for 75 years, but they’re more in love now than ever before.

Golden nuggets made of caramel corn are passed around as the line dancers take to the stage. Some residents join in on the dance, excited to be part of the hoedown. Others prefer to watch, or chat with friends. It’s just another day at their retirement residence.

Amanda McCarthy started as a volunteer with Sienna in 2007, and quickly turned her passion for helping residents live fully every day into a career. She soon joined Lake Country Lodge Care Community as a part-time recreation assistant, while she simultaneously pursued her post-secondary education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In March 2010, with credentials in hand, Amanda was promoted to the position of full-time nurse.

Every December, Linda Gawlik plans a bus trip to Niagara for team members at Cedarvale Lodge Retirement and Care Community and their families. She is one of the many team members across Sienna who take part in the Quality Work Life Committee, which plans events throughout the year aimed at bringing team members together.