Innovation and the quest for ongoing learning and education have always been at the heart of Schlegel Villages.
When Ron Schlegel University (RSU) was launched in 2024, the vision was to build upon a Village culture where learning happens every day through experience, curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to putting new knowledge into action.
This year, that vision took another meaningful step forward with the inaugural Ron Schlegel University Scholarship Program. Ten outstanding team members have each been awarded a $5,000 scholarship to support their educational journeys, helping them build new skills that will strengthen care for residents, support their fellow team members and shape the future of the Villages.
The recipients represent a wide range of roles and aspirations, but they all share one thing in common: a passion for lifelong learning.
For Rio Estrada, a Personal Support Worker at The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph, the scholarship represents a return to a profession she has always loved. Already a Registered Nurse in her home country, Rio’s path to Canada took her through the United States where she earned her nursing certification. Canada was her ultimate destination, however, and she is now completing the final education requirements needed to practise nursing in Ontario while working as a Personal Support Worker.
"Working as a PSW reignited my passion for nursing and reminded me that caring for others is truly where my heart belongs," Rio said. "Learning is most valuable when it is shared and used to help others grow."
In Windsor’s Village at St. Clair, Registered Practical Nurse Kimberly Mallais is pursuing a Master of Arts in Leadership with a specialization in Health Care at Royal Roads University. Her studies focus on relational leadership, collaboration and self-compassion – qualities she believes are essential to creating healthy workplaces where residents and team members can thrive.
"I believe learning should lead to meaningful action and positive change," Kimberly said. "When leaders and care providers feel supported, valued and connected to purpose, they are better able to show up compassionately and authentically for the people they serve."
For Manju Mathew, a Recreation team member at the Village of Winston Park in Kitchener, the scholarship is helping answer a deeply personal calling. Currently completing a Master of Theological Studies, Manju hopes to become a chaplain serving older adults in long-term care, supporting residents through worship, spiritual care and compassionate end-of-life care.
"I believe this education will give me the experience and skills to better serve the spiritual and religious needs of our residents," she said. "Those prayers and rituals that people have carried throughout their lives bring true comfort, peace and healing when they need them most."
These three stories reflect the diversity of this year's scholarship recipients, whose educational pursuits include nursing, leadership, infection prevention, recreation, theology and geriatric care.
Together, they embody the learning principles at the heart of Ron Schlegel University: integrating education with lived experience, embracing lifelong learning, turning knowledge into action, learning every day and everywhere, and recognizing that the greatest learning often happens together.
Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of the Ron Schlegel University Scholarship. We look forward to seeing how their learning will inspire others and continue strengthening the vibrant Villages that bring so much meaning to the lives of so many.
The 2026 RSU Scholarship Recipients
Vernelle Duntin, PSW
After nearly 20 years at Schlegel Villages, Vernelle is pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a Registered Practical Nurse through the PSW-RPN bridge program, inspired by a career devoted to compassionate care. "Caring for others is not only my career, but also my purpose and passion in life."
Hailey Wietersen, Rec
Hailey is completing a Geriatric Certificate Program to strengthen her knowledge of evidence-based senior care and enhance Recreation's role in recognizing and responding to residents' changing needs. "Working closely with residents allows us to notice the small changes that can make a big difference in someone's quality of life."
Manju Mathew, Rec
Manju is preparing for a future in spiritual care and chaplaincy, helping residents find comfort, meaning and peace through faith, prayer and compassionate end-of-life care. "Those prayers and rituals people have carried throughout their lives bring true comfort, peace and healing when they need them most."
Abeer Al-Obaidi, RPN
Abeer is advancing her expertise in Infection Prevention and Control, helping create safer care environments through evidence-based practice, education and leadership. "Compassionate, knowledgeable care can make all the difference during life's most challenging moments."
Rio Estrada, PSW
A Registered Nurse in her home country, Rio is completing Ontario's nursing requirements after rediscovering her passion for nursing while working as a PSW in Canada. "Working as a PSW reignited my passion for nursing and reminded me that caring for others is truly where my heart belongs."
Teshawna Walters, PSW
Inspired by her experiences as a PSW, Teshawna is pursuing Practical Nursing to build on her frontline knowledge and continue delivering exceptional resident-centred care. "I've always been an empathetic, compassionate person who wants to care for others in any way I can."
Namrata Datta, PSW Med Tech
Namrata is completing the Practical Nursing program, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience to strengthen advocacy, therapeutic communication and person-centred care. "Every resident interaction teaches me compassion, patience and the importance of truly listening to the people we care for."
Oluwatosin Dawodu, PSW
Oluwatosin is bridging to the Practical Nursing Program at our Tansley Woods Living Classroom, combining her practical experience with classroom and hands on learning. “I aspire to continuously improve my skills, remain open to learning, and contribute positively to the health care team”
Kimberly Mallais, RPN
Kimberly is completing a Master's in Leadership with a specialization in Health Care, focusing on relational leadership, self-compassion and building psychologically safe, collaborative workplaces. "When leaders and care providers feel supported, valued and connected to purpose, they are better able to show up compassionately for the people they serve."
Kemi Ogundipe, PSW
Kemi is working toward a Bachelor of Nursing with a focus on geriatric care, strengthening her ability to provide evidence-informed, compassionate care for older adults. "Quality care goes beyond managing health conditions—it means preserving dignity, independence and quality of life."
