The BC Care Provider of the Year Award celebrates the exemplary individuals who go above and beyond in delivering support and care for seniors.
Winners will officially be announced in January 2025 and will be presented their awards at the BC Care Awards ceremony at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C. on March 4, 2025.
Below we highlight six exceptional individuals in the long-term care category who were nominated for their commitment to quality, compassion, and excellence in care.
Mikyla Carlow – HCA/Medication Assistant, The Hamlets at Duncan an Optima Living Community
Mikyla has been a dedicated employee at the Hamlets at Duncan for many years, known for her dependable, positive attitude that creates a welcoming environment for both residents and staff. She excels in her role with a solid understanding of healthcare practices, always seeking opportunities to improve. Mikyla communicates effectively with residents, families, and staff, ensuring that everyone is informed and supported. She goes above and beyond, anticipating the needs of her team and residents without being prompted.
Mikyla takes the time to learn about each resident’s preferences, such as their favorite activities or music, and incorporates these details into their care to enhance comfort and mood. She also provides emotional support to residents and colleagues, offering companionship and reassurance during difficult times. Mikyla’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment shines through in her involvement with organizing social events and recreational activities for residents and staff alike.
“She emanates what a professional, skilled and compassionate healthcare team member should strive to be. She is a natural leader on the unit with her team, she is reliable, ethical and advocates for residents’ staff and families.” –Director of Care
Paul Traballo – Recreation Aide, The Hamlets at Penticton an Optima Living Community
Paul consistently demonstrates a commitment to quality care, compassion, and excellence by always being available to meet the needs of residents. With a positive attitude, he offers support to residents, families, and staff. Paul is a true team player, collaborating with colleagues and leaders to ensure the best care possible and proactively solving problems.
He communicates clearly and documents health concerns to nursing staff. Paul motivates residents to engage in activities, listens to their needs, and assists when units are short-staffed. He often contributes creative ideas to improve quality of life and steps in wherever needed. His sense of humor, respect for all staff, and positive influence make Paul a beloved team member, always contributing to a healthy workplace culture and creating an uplifting care environment.
“Residents and family members have both indicated that Paul is exceptional and has a contagious energy about him that motivates all the residents and team members.” – General Manager
“All departments love working with Paul because of his contagious smile and positive approach to situations.” – General Manager
Peggy Keay – Chef, Creekside Landing
Peggy has been a dedicated cook at Creekside Landing for 16 years, exemplifying compassion, excellence, and culinary skill. Her warm heart, along with a natural ability to spread joy and laughter, brings a positive and uplifting presence to residents every day. Peggy’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of residents is evident as she consistently goes above and beyond in her role. She approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude, while also ensuring new team members feel empowered to contribute to the kitchen’s success.
A particularly touching aspect of Peggy’s contributions is her dedication to making the holiday season extra special. Every year, she creates homemade Christmas treats that bring warmth and joy to residents, making the season brighter. Through thoughtful meal preparation and quality presentation, Peggy’s passion for enhancing residents’ lives shines, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the entire care community.
“Peggy has not only excelled in providing nutritious and delicious meals but has also cultivated an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and personalization that profoundly enhances the daily experience of our residents.” – Support Services Manager
“Peggy goes above and beyond to create meals that are tailored to the individual tastes and dietary needs of the residents. Whether it’s accommodating food allergies, preferences, or cultural traditions, she ensures that every resident’s meal is not only healthy but also a source of enjoyment.” – Support Services Manager
Penny Hinchberger – HCA, The Cascades Community & Retirement Living
Penny, a dedicated care aide with over ten years of experience, exemplifies compassion, excellence, and a commitment to quality care. She serves as a peer mentor, shop steward, and Relias education champion, supporting new staff with training and helping colleagues navigate education platforms. Penny played a vital role in the successful adoption of Point Click Care at our Assisted Living site, offering one-on-one guidance and helping her team overcome challenges. Her leadership extends to quality improvement projects like SOS Save Our Skin and WASA, driving meaningful change in resident care.
In her primary role on the bathing team, Penny creates a personalized experience for residents by decorating tub rooms and ensuring every resident feels valued and comfortable. Her passion for best practices in bathing reflects her dedication to person-centered care. Known for her can-do attitude, Penny fosters happiness and fun in the workplace, inspiring those around her.
“If I could sum her up in one word I would say ‘proactive.'” – Coworker, RN
“Penny is so kind and she knows what to do, she talks with you and is gentle… she is a 10 out of 10.” – Clinical Nurse Educator, LTC
Prima Osting – Registered Care Aide, Heritage Square Care Corp
Prima exemplifies commitment to quality, compassion, and excellence in delivering resident-centered care at Heritage Square. Reliable, consistent, and versatile, she is known for her calm, positive presence that creates a sense of safety and comfort for residents. Prima is always seen alongside residents, listening, supporting, and ensuring their voices are heard. Her confidence, respect, and grace leave a lasting impact on everyone around her. When something is missed or extra help is needed, Prima steps in without hesitation, filling gaps with precision and care.
She goes beyond her role by attending meetings, supporting staff events, and offering guidance during challenging times. Her communication with nurses, families, and leadership is clear and effective, ensuring seamless, high-quality care. A trusted trainer for new staff, Prima embodies the values of care, quality, and compassion, making her an admired role model within the home.
“The residents also mention her name frequently when they are expressing positive points about their experiences as well, or if they are expressing concerns; Prima’s name is always used in a way that made them feel better, safe and supported.” – Care Manager
“Prima is often communicating with leadership to advocate for the tenants as she is such a strong advocate for them and she establishes that strong connection with everyone she is near.” – Care Manager
Sheree Dodds – Laundry Aide, Osprey Court
As a dedicated laundry aide since 2008, Sheree exemplifies excellence, compassion, and respect in her daily work at Osprey. She is a steadfast advocate for resident dignity, ensuring that each resident’s belongings are handled with care and consideration for their personal preferences. Recognizing the importance of personalization, Sheree developed a system to label and organize resident clothing, drastically reducing lost items and improving resident satisfaction. Her exceptional organizational skills keep laundry operations running smoothly and on schedule, reflecting her strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Sheree goes beyond her role, fostering a spirit of teamwork and collaboration. She actively supports her colleagues, offering guidance and lending a hand whenever needed. Her commitment to continuous improvement raises the standard of care and service for both residents and staff. Through her dedication, professionalism, and compassionate nature, Sheree has become an invaluable part of the Osprey community.
“She developed and streamlined laundry and linen processes from the ground up, ensuring efficiency, organization, and high-quality service. Her hard work and attention to detail laid a strong foundation for the home’s operations, contributing significantly to the comfort and well-being of residents.” – Support Services Manager
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
