BC Care Providers Association highlights another six nominees for the BC Care Provider of the Year Award | Long-Term Care. The following nominees have shown exemplary commitment to providing the best quality of care for seniors in long-term care. Winners will officially be announced in January 2025 and will be presented their awards at the BC Care Awards ceremony in Victoria, B.C. on February 25, 2026.
Gloria Larson – Health Care Aide at Mission Creek Landing
For over 43 years, Gloria Larson has dedicated her life to long-term care, shaping the lives of thousands of residents and inspiring generations of caregivers. Beginning her career at just 16, Gloria’s passion for person-centered care has influenced not only her colleagues but also her family, namely three sisters, two nieces, and her daughter have all followed in her footsteps.
Gloria’s excellence shines in the quiet, meaningful moments that define true caregiving. She goes beyond routine tasks, personally purchasing clothing and comfort items for residents without family support and transforming rooms into warm, inviting spaces that feel like home. Her advocacy for “thinking outside the box” has led to changes that improve residents’ quality of life, from adapting rules to meet individual needs to creating environments that normalize life in care.
Her unwavering commitment is rooted in empathy, generosity, and respect. Gloria’s career is a testament to doing what you love, bringing dignity, comfort, and joy to those who need it most. Through her leadership and compassion, she has set the standard for excellence in long-term care and continues to be a source of stability and inspiration for everyone around her.
“As the Administrative Assistant, I see every day how Gloria quietly transforms our care home through her compassion, reliability, and genuine love for the residents. She is the person families ask for by name, the mentor new staff depend on, and the steady presence who brings warmth to every corner of our home.” – Michelle Reed, Administrative Assistant
Preston Tsang – Health Care Aide at Fraserview Retirement Community
As an LPN, Preston Tsang consistently provides safe, compassionate, and person-centered care while ensuring that every resident feels valued and respected. His calm demeanor, clinical competence, and deeply empathetic approach make him a trusted and beloved caregiver among residents, families, and colleagues.
He demonstrates exceptional attention to detail in his assessments, medication administration, care documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination. His communication with residents and families is marked by clarity, patience, and compassion – creating an environment where individuals feel informed, heard, and reassured. Through his commitment to excellence, he elevates the quality of care across the entire unit.
Notably, Preston routinely exceeds the expectations of his LPN role, consistently stepping into leadership functions and offering support that enhances the overall operation of the unit. Because of his capability and judgment of a nurse leader, colleagues constantly rely on his clinical insight, organizational skill, and calm decision-making during complex or urgent situations.
“Preston stands out as an exceptional LPN whose dedication and professionalism are evident in everything he does. His attention to detail, organization, and accountability sets the standard for excellence at our site. He operates with the foresight and capability of a leader, taking initiative and ensuring that every aspect of resident care is meticulously managed.
“Families repeatedly express deep appreciation for his communication, dependability, and compassion. His presence provides reassurance and continuity that are invaluable in long-term care. Preston’s heart, skill, and leadership potential make him an extraordinary member of our team and an outstanding nominee for this award.” – Sylvia Warnke, Site Administrator
Garry Janzen – Life Enrichment Coordinator, Menno Hospital
For seven years, Garry has been a beacon of compassion, dedication, and excellence at Menno Place, continually redefining what resident-centred care looks and feels like. As Life Enrichment Coordinator, he has been pivotal in shaping service that places dignity, identity, and individuality at its heart.
As first point of contact for new residents and families, Garry guides them through the emotional and logistical challenges of transitioning into care. During move-in process, he supports the time needed for staff to build relationships with anxious families leaving loved ones in a new environment. He led the ‘All About Me’ initiative by meeting with families, gathering life stories, printing and placing posters in every resident room. More than creating a tool, Garry championed a culture. He introduced the posters during huddles, coached staff on meaningful use, and modeled how understanding a resident’s story transforms care.
His warm presence reassures families during difficult moments, and his consistent follow-through builds trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging. His actions reflect a genuine calling to serve, not just doing a job.
“Our huddles look different because of Garry. We no longer start with only clinical updates—we begin with something human about a resident. It sets a tone of respect and reminds us why we’re here.” — LPN, Menno Hospital
Debbie Kleu – Executive Director, AgeCare James Bay
Debbie embodies what it means to serve with heart, purpose, and unwavering dedication. She is a leader with a holistic mindset, understanding how different departments – clinical, hospitality, recreation, and maintenance – impact each other and the overall resident experience. Her proactive nature causes her to see things that others might overlook: a resident’s subtle change in mood, a piece of equipment that needs attention, a safety issue before it becomes a risk. Instead of delegating these issues, she personally attends to them and works alongside staff. Debbie’s goal when coaching her staff isn’t to instill fear, but to give them the confidence they need to preserve residents’ dignity and overall experience. Having each department informed, aligned, and well-equipped is her main priority to ensure that all staff can confidently support their residents’ well-being and safety.
Apart from her operational work, Debbie brings a level of compassion that is unmatched. Residents have stated that Debbie changes the atmosphere in any room she enters. This change in atmosphere also extends to their families. Compassion is her instinct – she knows that life transitions are difficult for families, and sometimes it’s hard to accept. From navigating challenges with dementia to end-of-life care, Debbie empowers each family she interacts with by guiding them through what they can expect or simply offering them comfort and reassurance.
Her blend of deep compassion and strong operational knowledge creates more than just efficiency: it creates comfort, trust, and peace of mind. Debbie is a leader who puts the well-being of residents first and recognizes that a well-supported team is a strong factor in ensuring that. This is reflected in the countless acts of integrity, empathy, and hands-on leadership she conducts. Her presence turns challenges into opportunities for growth and transforms AgeCare James Bay in a place of true comfort and trust.
“Whenever I see Debbie, I feel calmer. She has a way of making you feel like everything will be okay, even on the hardest days.”
Limesh Mohan – Executive Director, AgeCare – Cariboo Place
Limesh Mohan’s dedication is not something that appears only in big or dramatic situations—it is woven into the quiet, consistent ways he shows up for residents, families, and staff every single day. From the moment he steps through the doors, Limesh begins his rounds with intention: checking in on each unit, greeting residents by name, noticing who needs reassurance, and taking the time to listen. As Cariboo Place’s Executive Director, he is not a leader who stays behind a desk—he is a leader who is present, visible, and deeply connected to the heart of the home.
Limesh does not simply respond to challenges—he transforms them. He turns fear into reassurance, confusion into clarity, and conflict into connection. One particularly emotional experience demonstrated the depth of his compassion and leadership. A distraught family member—overwhelmed by grief, fear, and frustration—arrived unexpectedly at Cariboo Place demanding answers. Instead of reacting defensively or escalating the tension, Limesh welcomed them into a quiet space. He sat with them—steady, calm, and fully present—allowing them to express their worries without judgement. And he does so without raising his voice, without rushing, and without losing sight of the humanity of the people in front of him.
Because of his leadership, Cariboo Place is not just a care home; it is a community built on dignity, compassion, and unwavering heart.
“He turns challenges into opportunities. When morale is low, he lifts people up. When families are upset, he brings clarity and comfort. When residents need connection, he shows up.”
***
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
Click here to register for the 12th Annual BC Care Awards ceremony.
