BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is proud to celebrate the many exceptional individuals who provide the best quality of care to B.C. seniors in long-term care, assisted living and home health at the 12th Annual BC Care Awards.
With winners being announced in January 2026, BCCPA would like to celebrate all nominees throughout the next couple of weeks. Below are the first few nominees in the long-term care category. Read on to learn more about their inspiring journeys.
Gesela Domingo – Health Care Aide, Osprey Court
Gesela Domingo is an exceptional health care aide whose quiet strength and deeply compassionate nature make her a treasured presence in Osprey Court’s long-term care community. Her excellence is not expressed through fanfare, but through the steady, resident-centred care she provides each day. Her care brings comfort, dignity, and reassurance to all those she supports.
Families often share how much they appreciate Gesela’s patience and attentiveness. These qualities shine in the small but meaningful she has with residents. She intuitively senses when someone needs a moment of reassurance or a word of encouragement, responding with empathy and grace every time. Her thoughtful approach elevates the overall care experience, and her consistent professionalism sets a quiet yet powerful example for her team. A natural leader who inspires through her actions rather than attention, Gesela contributes daily to a culture of respect, teamwork, and high-quality care. Residents thrive under her gentle support, families trust her without hesitation, and coworkers look to her as a steady, reliable presence.
“As Managing Director, I have had the privilege of witnessing the exceptional contributions Gesela Domingo brings to Osprey Court. She is a quiet but powerful leader—someone who leads not with words, but through her consistent actions, reliability, and genuine compassion. Her calming presence has a noticeable positive impact on residents, families, and staff, creating an atmosphere of trust and comfort throughout our home.” – Aneeta Campbell, Managing Director
Luke Harrison – Health Care Aide at Kaigo Creekside Landing
Luke Harrison has a natural ability to connect with residents living with advanced dementia as a Health Care Aide. Working in Creekside Landing’s special care, he consistently demonstrates patience, compassion, and an intuitive understanding of each resident’s unique needs. Residents are drawn to his friendly, calming nature, and his presence alone often brings comfort and reassurance during moments of confusion or distress.
In particular, Luke possesses a rare and invaluable skill – the ability to communicate meaningfully with individuals who may no longer use words to express themselves. Through gentle gestures, humour, and genuine empathy, he creates moments of trust and connection that greatly enhance residents’ quality of life. His commitment to dignity, safety, and person-centered care is evident in every interaction and contributes significantly to the excellence of care delivered in our special care unit.
Whether spending extra time visiting one-on-one, offering soothing reassurance during challenging moments, or providing additional baths to enhance comfort and well-being, he approaches each task with compassion and dedication. His thoughtful and proactive approach contributes enormously to the health, happiness, and emotional stability of the residents in his care.
“Working with residents living with advanced dementia requires patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to person-centered care—qualities that Luke demonstrates every single day. His calm, friendly nature creates a sense of safety and comfort for residents who often face confusion or distress, and his ability to connect with them is truly special.” – Aneeta Campbell
Caroline Shires – Clincal Nurse Lead/RN, Luther Court Society
For more than 30 years, Caroline Shires has been a steady and guiding presence at Luther Court, shaping not only the clinical standards of care but the spirit of the community itself. From her early days as a new graduate to her current role as Clinical Nurse Lead, she has remained grounded in the values that define her practice: compassion, humility, and a genuine commitment to person-centred care.
Caroline’s leadership is one of quiet influence and unwavering dedication. She mentors RNs, LPNs, and HCAs with patience and generosity, sharing both her clinical expertise and the deeper values that make long-term care meaningful. Colleagues often describe her as the person who anchors the team: the one who steps forward during busy or difficult moments, rolls up her sleeves beside frontline staff, and ensures residents always receive thoughtful, dignified support.
What sets Caroline apart is the consistency of her commitment. She is known for adjusting her own schedule to support the needs of the unit, staying late, coming in early, and doing whatever is required to ensure residents are well cared for and staff feel supported. Her influence is felt in the everyday moments: a reassuring conversation with a family member, companionship at a resident’s bedside, or a timely word of encouragement to a new nurse finding their footing. Caroline has become an integral part of the fabric of Luther Court: a leader whose compassion, integrity, and steady presence continue to elevate the quality of care for everyone around her.
“Many of us have stayed in long-term care because of Caroline. Her leadership reminds us that this work is meaningful — and that we are valued.” — RN
“Caroline doesn’t seek recognition, but she has earned the respect of everyone here. She holds our values in everything she does and is a model for what compassionate, resident-centred care truly means.” — Executive Colleague
Justine Porter – Health Care Aide, Origin at Longwood
Justine Porter is a reliable and deeply compassionate Health Care Aide whose dedication shines through in every aspect of her work. Being able to take on last-minute shifts offers her colleagues reassurance during difficult moments, ensuring quality care is being delivered to residents. Her natural organizational talent creates a sense of order and ease throughout the day, allowing residents’ needs to be met smoothly and with genuine attention. New staff members orient themselves through her patient guidance, as she helps them feel confident and supported in their roles. Justine communicates effectively, listens attentively, and forms meaningful connections that make residents feel valued and secure. Her colleagues appreciate the respect and warmth she brings and her uplifting spirit strengthens the culture of the workplace.
Justine’s influence reaches far beyond her assigned tasks. Her commitment to excellence and her heartfelt compassion leaves a lasting impact on both residents and staff. She is a great source of encouragement, and is always ready to help, share insights and create a positive environment for her team and the residents at Origin at Longwood
“Justine consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every resident feels valued, heard, and cared for. Her presence lifts spirits, strengthens teamwork, and reminds us all of the heart and humanity at the core of caregiving. Justine’s heart is truly in her work. The compassion she shows to our residents is not just seen—it’s felt. Justine creates moments of comfort and love that families and our residents will remember forever.”
“Justine is an exceptional care aide whose compassion, patience, and dedication shine through in every interaction. Her bubbly, contagious laughter brings so much light to the residents and the team, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere even on the toughest days.”
Connie Bratberg – Health Care Aide, Trillium Communities – Woodgrove Manor
Connie’s journey at Woodgrove Manor is a testament to her commitment and remarkable versatility. Starting as a housekeeper in 2007, she steadily advanced through roles as an HCA, RCA, and even manager. She is always stepping in wherever she was needed. Whether filling shifts in scheduling, dietary, housekeeping, laundry, or direct care, Connie has consistently shown dedication to both her team and the residents she serves. Her hard work and deep compassion over the years have earned her the respect of staff, the admiration of families, and the heartfelt love of residents.
Beyond her skill and reliability, Connie’s kindness shines most in the personal moments she creates for others. From lovingly repairing a resident’s cherished sweater to ensuring another resident didn’t feel alone during his final hours, Connie embodies a level of empathy that can’t be taught. She brings warmth, dignity, and humanity to every interaction, reminding us that true caregiving is not just about tasks – it’s about heart. Connie’s story reflects not only her dedication, but the profound difference one committed person can make in the lives of many.
“You can see the passion Connie has for our residents and their care with her willingness to always jump in and help wherever she is needed. When she is here, she always gives 110%! I am very appreciative of Connie, and all the help she has given me.” – Peer
“She let the residents set pace, respectful of belongings, encourages residents to maintain safe independence.” – Peer
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Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
Click here to register for the 12th Annual BC Care Awards ceremony.
