BC Care Providers Association presents another five nominees for the 2025 BC Care Provider of the Year Award in the long-term care category.
Natasha Winn – Health Care Aide, AgeCare Monashee Mews
Natasha represents the very essence of quality care at AgeCare Monashee Mews. She’ll remember each resident’s preferences: who needs warm socks before bed, who needs extra time to process information, and who lights up when someone asks about their grandchildren. These small, thoughtful acts have built her a reputation as someone who makes residents feel valued, safe, and deeply cared for among her colleagues, residents, and families.
As the care home’s first Prevail Champion, Natasha strongly advocates for resident’s comfort and dignity. She ensures that the right products are selected based on each resident’s unique needs and inspires her colleagues to join the initiative by showing them how to provide accurate product feedback and information to the Director of Care.
Natasha’s care is a combination of compassion, warmth, and gentle curiosity. She is a grounding presence to residents in distress and creates an environment that welcomes vulnerability and joy. She is someone who will not only step in but step up when staff needs extra support. Unhurried, dignified support for residents is Natasha’s main priority, and she goes above and beyond to do so.
“Natasha has a way of making people feel safe just by being in the room. My mom lights up when Natasha walks in, and on days when Mom is confused or sad, Natasha is the only one who can calm her. She treats her with the same gentleness and respect you would give your own family.”
Gina Pablo – Health Care Aide, AgeCare Royal City Manor
For Gina, resident-centered care is not simply a role she performs – it’s the way she lives. For 27 years, she’s been committed to delivering high quality care that is rooted in stability and human connection to residents and their families. She has helped shape the culture of care at Royal City Manor and empowers her colleagues to do the same.
As a mentor and a leader, Gina guides new staff with patience and clarity. With nearly three decades of experience, she has become an informal mentor to countless new team members. She takes the time to thoroughly explain the “whys” of procedures and routines so team members can truly understand the work they do. Not only that, but she teaches them the heart of care: slowing down, listening, and treating every resident with dignity. When she identifies potential risks in the workplace, she addresses them immediately and helps her colleagues recognize these issues, so residents remain safe and comfortable.
Whether it is comforting a newcomer, supporting families through end-of-life care, or maintaining team morale during difficult times, Gina constantly exceeds expectations and effortlessly strengthens the community of Royal City Manor. Her longevity is a testament to her resilience and dedication, and the impact of her work speaks to the community and colleagues that praise her.
“Gina is the definition of grace under pressure. She mentors us with kindness, never judgement. When I was new, she taught me not just the tasks—but how to truly care.”
“Gina is the person my mother trusted most. Mom would always say, ‘If Gina is here, I know I’m okay.’ The level of comfort and safety she provided was beyond anything we could have hoped for. She cared with her whole heart.”
Anna Pratt – Residential Care Aid, Sun Pointe Village – Baptist Housing
Anna loves making a difference in the lives of others, and she does so effortlessly at Sun Pointe Village. She takes the time to understand residents’ personal histories, preferences, and cultural backgrounds of each resident to truly understand residents and maintain a high level of care. Her approach to care focuses on building trust first, rather than checking tasks off a list. Residents trust her greatly because of the eagerness she brings everyday to connect with them. Because of this approach, Anna is often a care aide that residents confide in during moments of vulnerability. Her initiative and insight allows her anticipate needs and collaborate with her colleagues to deliver quality care.
Beyond her direct care work, Anna is a foundational pillar for the team at Sun Pointe Village. Her excellent critical thinking skills allows her to support her team members when it comes to problem solving and contributing to the success of the entire neighbourhood. Her dedication and wisdom are invaluable to the Sun Pointe Village community and continually brings a positive impact to her peers and those she serves.
“Anna Pratt is one of the best. She is confident, flexible with workload changes and great team player. She is great advocate for the residents, goes above and beyond to give exceptional care and taking the time with their family members. Anna is great team peer & leader. She is an active participant of various committees at Sun Pointe Village” – Lovey Barring, RN, Sun Pointe Village
Debbie Schwab – Director of Care, Baptist Housing – Smith Creek Village
Debbie Schwab, RN, has been an integral part of Smith Creek Village since 1992, embodying quality, compassion, and excellence in every aspect of her work. For more than three decades, she has shown resilience in the face of challenges, from navigating complex resident needs to adapting to evolving health care standards. Each situation she takes on is approached with a collaborative and solution-oriented mindset. Debbie ensures that residents never go without support, and it can be seen in the way she cares for them.
Debbie is a trusted advisor to many families, and that is because of the way she builds trust and rapport. She creates a safe and reassuring environment where dignity and emotional well-being are at the forefront of her care Her care was truly tested when Smith Creek Village was subject to wildfire evacuations three times over the course of 3 years. She played an instrumental role in organizing the move and providing the team with next steps, all while ensuring the continuity of care for residents.
She represents the highest standards of nursing practice. Debbie’s perseverance, compassion, and dedication to excellence make her well loved within her community and an invaluable asset to those she works with.
“During the 33 years that she has been part of the team, we have accustomed to her excellence. She is the epitome of professionalism and grace in a profession that has been challenged by increasing resident acuity and global pandemic. Her positive energy and leadership lifts and encourages the team daily. I have nothing but admiration for Debbie, who started as a co- worker, but over the last 25 years, has become my close friend and confidant.” – Patti, RN, Village at Smith Creek
Freda Saban – Health Care Aide, The Hamlets at Penticton
Freda’s presence at The Hamlets at Penticton is defined by compassion, joy, and an unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of residents. She has a remarkable gift for building genuine, trusting relationships with both residents and their families, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and cared for. Her commitment to person-centered care shines through in the countless moments she spends offering comfort, laughter, and companionship.
What sets Freda apart is her ability to use every spare moment to connect meaningfully with residents. Whether sharing stories, listening with heartfelt interest, or simply being a reassuring presence, she consistently brightens their days. Her deep knowledge of each resident’s personality, routines, and preferences allows her to encourage participation in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, ensuring no one feels overlooked or excluded.
Freda gives opportunities for residents to truly engage in community life at The Hamlets. She regularly assists with portering residents to and from program and collaborates with the recreation team to guarantee safe and comfortable participation. Her actions embody the essence of true caregiving – going above and beyond to meet needs while fostering dignity, inclusion, and happiness.
“She is the most awesome care aide I have ever worked with since I started here. She goes above and beyond for residents. She is very attentive to their needs. She follows the resident care plan accordingly and communicates any concerns about residents.” – Coworker
Marjorie Benac – Recreation Assistant, Evergreen Campus of Care – Baptist Housing
Marjorie has been with Evergreen care for 22 years, serving in both care and recreation. However, her true talents emerge as a Recreation Assistant in the Special Care Community. Through her creative thinking and programming, Marjorie finds special ways to connect with residents and make them feel welcomed and included. Her joy radiates to those around her, and she can get the whole community to engage in singing and dancing – even those unlikely to participate.
The impact of her work goes beyond the people she serves. Marjorie always has a camera on hand to capture moments of joy in residents’ lives, whether that be during activities or in the mundane moments. These photos are proudly displayed within the community and shared with families, helping them feel connected and reassured that their loved one is engaged and well cared for.
Apart from being able to bring her community together, Marjorie realizes the importance of one-on-one connection. In her spare time, you can find her comforting residents, providing companionship, or tidying up so residents have a relaxing environment to be in. Occasionally, she adjusts the timing of her programs so she can assist residents during mealtimes and support the care team. The hard work she puts in is never done for recognition – they are done from the heart. Marjorie’s work ethic, coupled with her creative ways in connecting residents together, is the reason why she is a highly valued member of the Evergreen Care Team.
“Immediately upon meeting Marjorie, I knew she was an exceptional person and care professional. Her empathy, patience and understanding of the needs of the residents is obvious as she involves them in activities such as music, crafts, conversation and games. Marjorie’s creativity is exceptional as new and original decorative craft projects adorn the walls and windows resulting in a happy and festive atmosphere. I commend Marjorie for her hard work, positive attitude and her excellent rapport both with residents and family members. And in addition, Marjorie has a smile that lights up an entire room!” – Susan, wife of resident
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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.
