Stories of Growth
The team members and leaders at the heart of Village life are the keepers of the Schlegel Villages culture; they live our values in the service of residents and they drive the organization’s mission forward every day.
“In every neighbourhood of every Village, we see these wonderful, committed team members giving the best of themselves to others,” says Christy Parsons, Vice President of People with Schlegel Villages. “To meet the challenges and demands of the present and the future in terms of staffing our Villages with the best people that align with our values and our culture, we need to nurture our leaders from within.”
Indra Persaud’s growth story is one of quiet determination, evolving from a Personal Support Worker into a confident and capable Neighborhood Coordinator. Along the way, she has developed not only her skills, but a strong sense of empathy, patience and purpose that guides her every day.
Her leadership is defined by action. Known for her “get it done” mindset, Indra approaches every challenge with positivity and persistence, inspiring those around her to do the same. Yet beyond her drive to achieve, it is her commitment to people that stands out. She leads with a servant’s heart, always supporting her team, encouraging their growth and creating an environment where others feel empowered to contribute.
“Indra puts her team first and wants them to succeed,” General Manager Zoie Mohammed reflects. “That’s what makes her leadership so impactful.”
For Indra, the most meaningful moments are often the simplest: a conversation, a gesture, a moment of presence. These daily interactions have shaped not only her professional journey, but her personal outlook as well. Her story is a reminder that growth is built through connection, consistency and care.
For Rabina Simovic, a 30-year journey has been shaped by dedication, resilience and a deep commitment to people. What began as a professional opportunity has become a lifelong pursuit of excellence, grounded not only in results, but in relationships and shared values.
With extensive clinical knowledge and a steady leadership presence, Rabina brings both confidence and compassion to her work. Those who know her best describe her as someone who sets a high standard, always striving to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents, families and team members alike. Yet it is her humanity – her understanding that care is rooted in dignity, respect and connection – that defines her impact.
“The greatest lesson that Rabina has provided me is that excellence and compassion are not opposites but actually work so well together,” says Assistant General Manager Luke Denommé. “You can be a highly skilled, decisive, results-driven person and do so in a kind, humane way that focuses on the person-centred care that we strive to achieve.”
Her daily presence in the neighbourhoods, connecting with teams and residents, reflects a hands-on approach that has earned deep trust over time. For Rabina, the greatest growth has come not only from change within the organization, but from the wisdom of those she serves, shaping both her career and who she has become.
Taylor Tantardini’s journey is a testament to growth through experience, adaptability and genuine connection. Starting at just 15-years-old as a dietary team member, she has embraced every opportunity along the way, shaping a career defined by versatility and purpose.
Today, as Assistant Director of Wellness in Retirement, her path reflects not only progression, but transformation.
Those who work alongside Taylor speak first of her relationships. Whether with residents, families or team members, her ability to connect is unmistakable, seen in the small, everyday moments that build trust and belonging. Her willingness to step into any role, at any time, has made her a steady and reliable presence across the Village.
“Taylor doesn’t just talk about teamwork – she lives it,” says General Manager Bryce McBain, pointing to her cross-functional mindset and readiness to support wherever needed. Wellness Coordinator Michelle Mayhew adds that Taylor’s energy is contagious, creating a sense of positivity that lifts those around her.
Through it all, Taylor has discovered a clear sense of purpose that continues to evolve into her nursing role. Her story is one of showing up fully, embracing change and finding meaning in every connection.
Curtis Ferry’s journey into leadership began with chance – a 50/50 decision that set him on a path he never could have predicted. Nearly two decades later, that path has led him to the role of General Manager, shaped by curiosity, reflection and a commitment to continuous growth.
A natural thinker, Curtis is known for his analytical approach, he’s always digging deep to understand challenges and uncover meaningful solutions. This pursuit of clarity has helped him build strong, capable teams, where individuals are supported to grow into their strengths.
“Curtis is always searching for the truth in a situation,” says Anneliese Krueger, who has worked alongside Curtis in several capacities. “That mindset translates into quality for residents and for the teams he leads.”
Despite his strategic mindset, Curtis is always hands-on, leading by example and stepping in wherever needed. His humility and willingness to serve have left a lasting impression on those around him.
For Curtis, growth comes from staying open and embracing unexpected opportunities and learning along the way. It’s a journey defined not by certainty, but by a willingness to try, to learn and to become something more than he once imagined.
Anneliese Krueger’s story of growth is rooted in a deep sense of connection, which she first discovered as a volunteer and nurtured over nearly two decades of service.
What began as a search for experience quickly became something more meaningful, as she found herself surrounded by the kind of relationships with elders she hadn’t known growing up. Today, those relationships remain at the heart of her leadership.
Her friends and fellow team members describe a leader who is both forward-thinking and deeply grounded in people. With a natural curiosity and commitment to learning, Anneliese is constantly evolving – never assuming she has all the answers, but instead drawing insight from those around her. Her ability to think years ahead while staying present with her team reflects a balance that shapes both culture and future direction.
“She doesn’t lead by title, but by purpose,” says Rose Lamb, Schlegel Villages Senior Vice-President of Operations, noting Anneliese’s influence across teams and sectors. “She creates clarity, builds confidence and helps others grow into who they aspire to be.”
For Anneliese, who has grown from a volunteer to a Director of Operations serving six Villages, the journey has been as surprising as it has been rewarding, fuelled by mentorship, opportunity and a strong belief in what Schlegel Villages stands for.
“Every day at Schlegel Villages, we make sure that
we give love, we give care, we give empathy ... and the family just seems to grow and grow,” Hilda says. “My team members are really my family; attaching my heart to being at work is what makes me happy.”
Ask anyone connected to Hilda Melbourne, and they’ll tell you her smile and her glowing positivity is infectious. It’s a gift she offers freely, and she doesn’t even know she’s doing it.
“The minute Hilda walks through a door, you can feel that excitement and that energy that she brings with her,” says Riverside Glen Assistant General Manager Lynn Lake, who first met Hilda when she worked at a different retirement home where Hilda often visited as a singer and entertainer.
“Hilda's passion and her heart, so full of love would touch the soul of every person she came in contact with,” Lynn says.
Hilda began in housekeeping when she joined Riverside Glen, and she says she embraced every opportunity that came her way, which led to personal and professional growth. She’s attended international conferences about the evolution of senior’s care, she’s become a trainer for other team members as a Connect the Dots Customer Experience facilitator, and she brightens residents’ days as an entertainer still.
“I always feel that they're rooting in the background that, you know, they see something in me that I haven't seen in myself,” she says of the Schlegel family and the wider organization. “They value me, they want to celebrate my successes, they want to be part of a village, they want to connect with me, you know, they just want to make me better.”
Trish Baird began her journey with Schlegel Villages in the Living Classroom at the Village of Riverside Glen, where she thrived with the hands-on experience. Before even graduating from nursing school, she was offered a casual position in long-term care and later a RAI backup position at Riverside Glen.
The Living Classroom, she says “was a unique, immersive experience where you learn skills and then have the opportunity to go right up to the neighborhoods and practice those skills on real people.”
It helped her become the nurse she is today, whose focus is always on the residents first, each with their unique needs and personalities.
Tricia's career took a significant turn when she became Wellness Coordinator at the newly-opened Village at University Gates, and eventually the Director of Wellness.
Assistant General Manager Ion Zdrenghea says Trish’s sense of positivity stands out in his mind when he considers her strengths. He remembers seeing that positivity during her first interview, and he recalls the flower she wore in her hair that day.
For Trish, being able to be her true authentic self in Village life is important, and she says she values the way in the Village values her.
“It surprises me how fast the last 16 years have gone,” Brad says, considering his journey with Schlegel Villages. “I've done so many great things, I've met so many great people . . . and you know people say the older you get the faster time flies – they're so right.”
When Brad Lawrence speaks about his story of growth, he comes at it from a different angle than most, for he has been the General Manager for some 16 years; he has grown within the position, as opposed to others who have grown into it.
His leadership style reflects servant leadership in its finest of forms, as he actively engages with his team, supporting them and truly focusing on personal connections. He speaks of the importance of knowing people’s stories, which fosters a sense of belonging, community engagement and inclusion.
Indeed, his journey of growth is on the path of inclusivity, particularly for the LGBTQ community, and over the years Brad has learned how to support an environment where people can be their authentic selves.
“I think of his experience of welcoming new leaders to the team and he takes such great efforts to get to know them as individuals and to make sure they have strong connections in the Village and are included on the team,” says Joanne Potts, who has worked alongside Brad for several years as Vice-President of Operations with Schlegel Villages. “This strength has shone in Brad's work on diversity and inclusion and the importance to him of making sure that every single person who is a part of the village team today . . . genuinely feels included.”
“I have been blessed to have great mentors along the way who guided me in the right direction and also showed me how to build meaningful relationship with who I serve, residents, team members, and leaders,” Sujeeva says. “Moreover, I have overcome many challenges along the way. Even though it was difficult at times, but I learned a lot from each role. I think all of these roles have prepared me for my next chapter.”
Over the course of 18 years, Sujeeva Muthulingam has transitioned through five different roles within Schlegel Villages. She began her career as an administrative assistant at the Village of Sandalwood Park before moving into an administrative coordinator role at the Village of Erin Meadows. When an opportunity for an interim neighborhood coordinator in long-term care emerged, she jumped at the chance, which marked her first leadership role. She continued to flourish in the role of neighborhood coordinator on the retirement side and later became a project manager with the Schlegel Villages Support Office. In her latest role, she serves as the Assistant General Manager in retirement at the Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke.
Throughout her career, Sujeeva has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and personal growth, consistently leveraging each opportunity to build her confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
“Sujeeva's greatest strength is learner,” says Humber Heights general manager Pauline Dell’Oso. “Years ago, Sujeeva came to Humber Heights to apply for a position and at the time, she wasn't the chosen candidate. But after the interview, we had a chance to chat and I gave her feedback from the team and from the interview and she really took that positively . . . and started to look for other opportunities to grow her capacity and learn.”
In her humble way, Sujeeva gives credit for her success to those she has learned from.
“For me, I'm very proud to work for an organization that really values people,” Chi says, “in terms of enhancing the quality of life for the residents and also promoting the diversity and inclusion in the villages; that kind of stands very close to my heart.”
Chi Awadh began her journey with Schlegel Villages in 2005 as a part-time recreation team member at The Village of Erin Meadows, and has since grown into the role of Resident Support Coordinator, which capitalizes on her training as a social service worker. Throughout her career at Schlegel Villages, she says she has always felt supported and recognized for her strengths.
"Chi's greatest strength is connectedness,” says Assistant General Manager Terence Paul. “She has honed the skill so well that has become second nature to her. She's level headed. and maintains a good positive outlook. These qualities, combined with her strong leadership skills, greatly benefits her in her daily life and the village life.”
Chi says she finds deep meaning in serving others and is passionate about working with seniors. Her leadership style is characterized by a genuine care for residents, consistent advocacy for their rights, and the ability to build deep, authentic relationships with residents and their loved ones.
The true intention of putting people first at Schlegel Villages resonates deeply with Chi, as well as the family culture.