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. 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.

Chris came to Vancouver from Ottawa, Ontario. He has two children - a boy and a girl. 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. 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 an 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!"

Olga came to Canada in 2008 after she graduated from the Russian Economic Academy in Moscow, Russia. At the Centre, Olga is a Jane of all trades. She facilitates seniors activities, provides administrative support to the staff, and acts as an office manager looking after supplies and equipment. Thanks to her educational background in finance, Olga assists the Executive Director with bookkeping and payroll. Olga is very proud of her job at the Centre and loves every aspect of it.

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 worked for the Royal Arch Masonic Home for over 14 years. Fiona is the proud mother of two boys, Aidan age Christian. 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.

Hello everyone, my name is Amber and it is an absolute pleasure to be a part of the RCSS team. I was born in Northern British Columbia and have resided in the Lower Mainland for most of my life. In my early twenties I left Burnaby to live in The Okanagan where I worked on my career in hospitality and tourism. I returned to the Lower Mainland to assist my Grandmother after my Grandfather passed away. Shortly after this transition I was offered a position at RCSS. Being an Activity Worker allows me to utilize my background in art, my natural ability to connect with people and has given me a direction regarding education within the recreation field and seniors. My goal is to one day offer a home to foster kids. I believe that working at RCSS is the best gift that I could receive in helping me to assist children; experience, wisdom and love are lessons not found in textbooks, they have to be learned by heart.