Meet Our Companions

Christina has a strong understanding of the emotional toll of illness on family. She looked after both of her parents in their later years and saw how love, kindness and deep respect enhanced their lives. She also found it emotionally rewarding, which inspired her to join Comforting Companions and help others facing similar challenges. Now, Christina is providing that same level of care to families and their loved ones each day with compassionate, personalized support and a gentle presence.

“I saw the difference I could make in my parents’ lives just by being there for them. Knowing that I can help ease the loneliness of someone in a nursing home, and give some peace of mind to family members who cannot be there every day, that means the world to me.”

Holly has always found a way to brighten the day for people living in care and knows the challenges personally from seeing the emotional impact on her own family. As a former Recreational Programmer in long-term care, she planned activities to ensure everyone could get involved and experience a sense of belonging and happiness. A change in career made her realize just how much she valued the deep connections and fulfilling feeling of helping others, so she returned to her passion by joining Comforting Companions. Holly has a generous, giving heart and dedication to compassionate care that continues to make a difference in the lives of those she sees.

“There’s a feeling of pure joy you get when you see a smile on the face of someone you visit. Knowing that you are bringing them happiness, there’s really nothing like it, and it’s one of many reasons why I love what I do.”

Michele has always had a profound empathy for and understanding of age and illness, and all the challenges that come with it. But it is her unique ability to listen, calm, care for and connect with others that makes her an invaluable member of the Comforting Companions team. Part of that comes from her background as an artist, but it also comes from her passion to continually enhance the support she provides. Michele has completed the provincially recognized Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias Care Course to help ensure her support is as individualized as those she sees.

“I became a Companion to give my time to people who need someone to be there. Everyone wants someone who will listen to them, and when I hear their wisdom, their stories, they motivate me to provide the best care possible.”

One of Risa’s greatest treasures over a 30 year career in health and wellness has been the genuine heartfelt connections she has made. Attentive, kind and sensitive she understands that meeting the challenges and changes that accompany aging or illness require courage, creativity and heart. She has devoted many years to designing meaningful and enriching programs for people with varying abilities and those living with dementia. This allows her to continue to bring inspiration to those she sees and meet people where they are on their journey. Whether it’s offering creative, personalized activities or simply a quiet presence, her warm and welcoming nature brightens the days of those she sees. Supporting and offering her understanding to those in care and their families continues to fill her with rich rewards knowing that she makes a difference in the lives of others.

“Each person deserves to be valued and to be truly seen, especially at a time of life where they are facing incredible challenges.  As a companion, I enjoy sharing my time with those I visit in ways that honour and appreciate where they are, day by day.”

Nola’s deep value for and love of family genuinely shines throughout each personal visit she makes with people she cares for, knowing they are someone’s loved one. Her own experience arranging care for parents who do not live locally has helped her understand the quality of care and attention families seek for their own loved ones. It is what inspired her to become part of the Comforting Companions family.  Devoted, warm and kind-hearted, Nola sees clearly how regular visits from someone who wants to help, truly makes a difference in the lives of those she sees and for their families. She appreciates the peace of mind and heart families feel when someone they trust shares in caring for their loved one. Nola continues to educate herself on Alzheimer’s disease and other Dementias to support her in meeting the changing needs of those she visits.

“Living so far away from my own family, I know what a relief it is to have someone who cares visit my own family members regularly. As a companion, I love providing a sense of comfort and security for families by ensuring their loved one is well and happy when I visit.”

Growing up, Amy feels fortunate to have had her grandmother living with her family for twenty years. This has helped her appreciate the natural changes that take place when ‘family caregivers’ become those in need of the attentive and loving care of family. Amy’s perspective on care and aging has been profoundly influenced by the special relationship she witnessed between her mother and grandmother: a model for care through mutual respect and love. Warm and thoughtful, and attentive Amy’s approach honours the whole person, offering clients varied and rich experiences that respect personal choice and preferences. She enjoys discovering her client’s unique interests and sharing genuine, meaningful visits, always meeting her clients where they are, at any given time.

“My grandmother and mother have instilled in me that taking good care of each other and traveling with someone on their life journey, no matter the circumstance, is a privilege. As a Companion, I am grateful to experience clients through the eyes of love and friendship each day.”

As a volunteer in the mental health field, Marcie cherishes the close bonds she develops with clients and their families. When her great-grandmother moved to a full-time care facility because of Dementia, she witnessed her family struggle with the stress of balancing the responsibilities of everyday life with finding time for visits. Marcie understands that having a genuinely caring person share in regular, meaningful visits can help ease some of the worry when families cannot be there. Kind-hearted and considerate, Marcie thoroughly enjoys getting to know her clients and becoming a friend to each of them. As a Companion, she takes pride in providing families with personalized updates after each visit, offering families greater peace of mind and heart that someone who wants to help and provide friendship, has spent time with their loved one.

“I enjoy bringing my positive attitude, warm smile, and genuine heart to each visit. As a Companion, if I can help ease some of the stress for another family, while at the same time developing a meaningful new friendship, I can’t think of any other way I would rather spend my time.”

Linda treasures the time spent with her own mom and her mom’s friends over the years. She remains inspired by their love of life as they have aged and adapted to living with various illnesses. Through these relationships she has come to appreciate that one can age with dignity and grace, that social time is precious, that nothing can replace having a sense of humour, and that friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. These values, combined with her kind and caring nature and strong desire to support families with loved ones living in care, are what Linda offers through regular visits and her friendship with clients. Linda is pleased to provide families with the feeling of comfort that comes from knowing their loved one has a special friend who is aware of their needs and who will update them on changes she sees that take place in their loved one’s life.

“As a Companion, I am pleased to make a difference in the lives of those I visit. I see it in the smiles when I arrive, and when a client wants to share a special secret, or is eager to know when I will return. I feel it in the warm hugs and in the gentle squeezes of my hand.”

With a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology and many years of experience in recreation programming, Sara brings her passion and genuine interest in seniors to life through her role with Comforting Companions. She understands that families often have difficulty accepting the changes experienced by loved ones living in long-term care. Compassionate and gracious, Sara meets each client as they are, moment-to-moment and day-to-day; focusing her visits and kind attention on the whole person and their changing needs and interests.

“Seniors are often forgotten in society and to me they are the best part. It is important for everyone to have a source of companionship in life. It is especially beneficial for loved ones living in long-term care where dedicated, personalized attention is challenging for family members and staff. As a Companion, I make the most of my visits with clients, offering them the extra TLC they often need to brighten their days, which makes everyone feel better.”