People with experience, expertise and energy.

LISA LAFONTAINE
President

As a second generation member of the Founding family of Community Lifecare, Lisa has experience in many different areas of our organization. In addition to gaining an intimate understanding of the landscape of this company, this varied experience has given her a historical perspective of this industry. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University and a Diploma in Advertising, Public Relations from St. Lawrence College and various University level Executive Courses. After more than a decade working in a leadership role as the Director of Sales and Marketing, Lisa proudly accepted the role of President with a focus on stewarding the company with the family values that were passed on to her from the Founders.

GEORGE BURTON
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

George Burton completed his MBA in 1983, earned his designation as a Professional Engineer in 1980 and qualified as a Nursing Home Administrator in 1994. Prior to joining Community Lifecare in 2003 as Director of Operations, George had been a partner in the operation of a small chain of Retirement and Nursing Homes. He also operated a consulting practice for seven years with various clients in the Retirement Home and Long Term Care industries. His primary focus was operational audits, business planning and financing. He became Chief Operating Officer in 2006 and oversees all aspects of company operation.

NICOLE MCNEILL, CA, CPA
Vice President of Finance

Nicole McNeill is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant. Nicole has a diverse finance and business background, in a variety of industries, coupled with a degree in business administration. Prior to joining Community Lifecare, Nicole held senior leadership positions with two large national companies. Her previous experience includes; business valuation, financial litigation, and damage quantification. Nicole oversees the financial operations of our portfolio of Retirement Residences and Long-Term Care homes, in addition to the development of new business opportunities.

COLIN HILL
Vice President of Human Resources

Colin is a Certified Human Resources Professional, a Registered Organization Development Professional and has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Planning, Development & Management. Previously, he held senior human resources and labour relations roles in manufacturing, retail and service organizations spanning more than 20 years. Colin’s corporate accountabilities include HR strategy, employee/labour relations, negotiations, compensation, benefits, pension, health & safety, claims management, training & development, recruitment, legal and payroll. He provides a valuable focus on our people and the success of our organization.

GLADYS BRETT
Vice President of Operations

Gladys is a graduate of the Canadian Hospital Association's program in Long Term Care Organization and Management and is also a qualified Long-Term Care Administrator. She has a background as a registered nurse, nurse educator, with a focus on long-term care.
Gladys has a proven track record of over 25 years in both retirement and long-term care communities at a management level.
In addition, Gladys brings a broad perspective to the operation of the homes for which she is responsible, with a broad focus on fiscal and quality outcomes, customer service excellence and team building.

PIERRE RICARD
Director of Operations Retirement Residences

Pierre brings a wealth of experience to his position of Director of Operations. After receiving his Masters degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Indiana University in 1985, Pierre successfully developed and implemented a wide array of therapeutic recreation programs for geriatric patients in palliative & respite care as well as day programs for Alzheimer’s and chronic care patients. He also developed a quality of life program for a 1,500 bed chronic care hospital in St. Nazare, France where he was also instrumental in the development of a seniors village campus. In 1994, Pierre began working in marketing and activities in the retirement home sector, progressed to General Manager in 1998 and in 2002 was appointed to General Manager at Lynwood Park Lodge in Ottawa prior to assuming his present position. 

SUSAN FARMER
Director of Nursing

Susan graduated as a Registered Nurse and was employed in various acute care nursing roles, from direct care to Program Leader, before her transition to the long-term care sector in 1999.Through this experience, Susan has established a strong reputation for excellence in customer service and care.
Susan completed her undergraduate studies at York University where she obtained her BA in Liberal Arts – Health Studies. She then went on to complete her Masters of Health Science – Management. Her extensive background in both the public and private health care sectors is a great asset to all of the Nursing Departments we support and manage.

MARLENE McBRIDE
Director of Dietary Services

Marlene has extensive experience catering to both long-term care and retirement lifestyle clients. Her dietary expertise is complimented by performing all aspects of operations related to dietary services. Joining our management team as Director of Dietary Services, Marlene has been a member of the Community Lifecare family in our Dietary Department since 1976. Quality service is assured under the careful supervision of this seasoned Certified Food Service Manager.

KIM MITCHELL
Director of Activation

Kim has been a member of the Community Lifecare team since 1974. She has served in one of our Long-term Care homes as Activities Director for 22 years and as Administrator for 7 years. In 2005 she took on the challenge of corporate Director of Activation. Her enthusiasm and passion for this role is reflected in the awards she has received over the years - Activity Professionals of Ontario, Mentor of the Year (2004), Ontario Long Term Care Association, Long Term Care Achievement Award (1993) and Activity Professionals of Ontario, President (1994 to 1996).

PETER DECLERQ
Director of Environmental Services

Peter brings extensive management experience from the hospitality industry having served in several roles in both guest services and operations. Prior to joining Community Lifecare in 2005, he managed a portfolio of corporate housing units in the Toronto area. In his first position, as General Manager of Scarborough Retirement Centre, Peter oversaw a complete retrofitting and lease up of a major portion of the building. After a successful two years there, Peter was promoted to his current position at Corporate Office as Director of Environmental Services.

SUPPORT TEAM
In addition to the above, our team includes a group of experienced professionals who provide outstanding service and support in the following areas:

• project management
• general operations
• resident care services
• dietary services
• maintenance
• human resources
• risk management
• marketing
• administration
• accounting, payroll services
• environmental services